What to Wear?

April 30, 2012 at 12:59 AM · First off, make sure you're comfy! Most evening dresses don't allow for that, so make sure you go hunting. Or if you know someone who can sew, then ask them to make you one.

If you're a mover, then make sure you don't wear something too restrictive around the legs. Same with shoulders. I generally dislike sleeves, and I keep my decolletage bare most of the time. Shoes are important too. Something you can bow in - I once nearly fell over wearing heels - and something that you can stand for the duration of the performance+clapping+possible encores.

You should definitely wear something with colour. Audience seems to respond better to a performance with a full-length evening gown than say, a black dress shirt and skirt. No need to go overboard, but it's your way of saying "thank you for coming and listening to me". If you're over 16, I won't recommend wearing cocktail dresses. Showing legs on stage seem stop after debutant ball.

April 30, 2012 at 01:09 AM · I suppose I'm as expressive as your average violinist. However I tend to move more when I get tired, and I tend to get tired easily so I see your point. I'm 20 years old so I'm sure a evening gown would be more ideal. I'm usually not that elaborate when it comes to dresses, but I feel most soloists (at lease female soloists) wear pretty fancy outfits.

April 30, 2012 at 01:09 AM · The big thing to focus on is a good pare of shoes. If you practice bare-footed like I do, go for flats.

Other than that, go check out bridal boutiques and see what they have in the way of bridesmaid dresses. Make sure there is nothing frilly on top, keep it loose and comfy then choose a color that looks best on you, but not too bright.

April 30, 2012 at 01:15 AM ·

April 30, 2012 at 12:47 PM · I'd go with a solid color, not too flashy. Modest is good, though "dowdy" isn't necessary. Be sure it's roomy enough to play. Tea length or floor length (with room to walk w/o stepping on anything.) Take your violin to shops with you, or be prepared to buy a couple of dresses and return what doesn't work. Practice walking, reaching and bowing while wearing the dress. Cap sleeves could be nice if you have any extra flesh at your upper arms. Is it likely to be either quite warm or seriously air-conditioned on stage? That would make a difference in fabric choice. Make sure you have undergarments that are comfortable, won't ride up or down, move with you, don't stick out anywhere. Worry about all that stuff now, then go have FUN on stage. Sue

April 30, 2012 at 01:53 PM · Nude? Works better if you are a cellist as it covers a multitude of sins ...

April 30, 2012 at 02:28 PM · I agree - it should be comfortable and fit your body well. It shouldn't be too 'revealing' though...you want people to listen to you play, not wonder if you're going to have a wardrobe malfunction.

I'm also a fan of having a little shrug or something similar available that goes with the dress...then if the venue is too cold, you can cover up and still look the part...and if it's warm, you're still good to go...

And don't wear shoes you haven't practiced in...for the full time of the event...at home first...

April 30, 2012 at 03:16 PM · You need a proper "diva dress!" Even if you are otherwise never seen in anything but jeans and tees, this is the time to dress up. Long is good. Color is good, especially dark and rich rather than chartreuse, of course. A bit of shine or sparkle is ok. Find something that makes you feel gorgeous and confident, and not like you're wearing your grandmother's curtains.

Do you know whether the concert is daytime or evening? Will the orchestra be in tails, or just black shirts and pants? That will give you some idea of how formal you want to go.

April 30, 2012 at 04:41 PM · This was ten years ago almost, but I found a great, simple, elegant dress for my sr. college recital with 1" straps. Formal sleeves can be hard, and sleeveless freaks me out (plus doesn't look good on me) but that was the perfect amount of security/freedom. If I had to play formal again, I would look for something like that...too bad there is no way I would now fit in that dress again... :)

Shrugs are also great but make sure you are secure in them. I once played in a shrug with long, flowy sleeves and it totally distracted me, seeing them move every time I bowed!

April 30, 2012 at 06:55 PM · All women ever talk about is clothes!! Men prefer women au natural ...

April 30, 2012 at 07:29 PM · I'm not sure how the auditorium will be air-conditioned because I've never been there before so I agree some type of layer like a shawl would be ideal. The performance is in the evening and the concert dress for the orchestra I believe is standard tux for men and all black for women. So the the occasion is relatively formal.

Oh and Peter-- although I love your idea of wearing something nude and "au natural" the color would not blend in with my skin tone, in fact it would completely contrast my skin which would make it anything but natural. A dress that's flashy yet comfortable, what a task!

May 1, 2012 at 02:34 AM · All black looks fine on guys. Women seem to do better with some color. Not sure why. Maybe b/c guys would rather just not think about it so hard.

May 5, 2012 at 09:18 AM · I've only performed once at a friend's wedding, (I'm a beginner) but I got a floor length sleeveless dress with wide straps and a slight cowl neckline and stretchy fabric. it was really comfortable. I had to really hunt for it. it was a little bedazzled on the straps but I cut off the decorations so they wouldn't interfere. I would recommend to stay away from spaghetti straps. I once watched a quartet and one of the violinists had a strap that kept falling off her bow-arm shoulder. And when the straps fall off your shoulder it restricts your arm movement. Spaghetti straps dont stay up. So yeah, bring it home, play in it, jump up and down in it. Oh yeah and if it's too long you can have it hemmed, but that can be a bit spendy. Have fun!