I'm right now packing for my trip to Italy next week and need to know how nice I'll need to dress up for this event. I'm trying to pack light, and I don't want to drag a nice dress all over Italy that I will wear just the one time if I can help it!
So, can anyone who has experienced the opera in Verona clue me in on what is expected? Can I show up in blue jeans and a nice blouse, or do I need to bring along the one evening dress I actually own. I'd prefer to avoid shopping if I can.
I don’t imagine going to the opera in Verona is much different than when we went to La Scala in Milan. Some people will be very dressy and others will be idressed in neat travel clothes. I believe I wore a skirt that I used for travel and a regular blouse. My husband did not dress up especially. Neither one of us felt out of place.
Only the people down front in the expensive seats were wearing serious see-&-be-seen when we were there. Us upper-rows peons were in jeans & skirts, even shorts: Verona was HOT, 24/7. Be comfortable. And enjoy the fashion show! And the opera! Turandot was amazing. Bring or rent something soft to sit on if you're in the cheap seats. Ancient stone does not a sofa make.
Totally agree with Stewart and Vicki, unless you're down front in the expensive seats just wear what you'd be comfortable in sitting on stone steps for 3 hours. Rented pads help. It's an amazing, casual experience from the actual amphitheater seating.
I am told that the zone where the sun shines most of the day acts like a heat accumulator, so that people run for the shadow zone when doors are opened. If you are confined to the sunny sector, be careful not to overdress. But the final decision will be on the night, according to weather forecasts.
Absolutely no need to dress up. I wore a sundress (which I do when traveling in the heat) and brought a sweater for when it cooled off. Lots of people in jeans, travel pants, shorts, etc.
I think I wore my usual black slacks and top, and a colorful pashmina type scarf. That has been my typical opera outfit almost everywhere, including La Scala and the Vienna opera. And it will probably be what I bring for the Verdi Festival in Parma this October. I did wear a summer dress to La Fenice since it was so hot when I was there, but not something terribly dressy. I probably wouldn't wear jeans, but I'm sure some folks will. No need for an evening dress at all. The good part about the black slacks and top is that you can use it for other evenings at nice restaurants--or just during the day, so not something that has a one-time use. Enjoy the performance!
I"ve been twice, mid-summer, and opted for the "reserved" seats in the bleachers, so I had an actual seat, but was not down on the "floor" where the see-and-be-seen crowd gathers. Both times, the sundress that I wore seemed quite appropriate, and I was glad to have brought a sweater. There were plenty of people, men and women, in slacks and blue jeans around me. By 11:00 pm - midnight it can get quite cool and breezy, even after a hot summer day. And DO rent a seat cushion as you enter!
