What to Wear to the Theatre

You might feel fancy. Or not. Both are fine

Theatre season has begun in Stratford, and with it comes a string of gala openings, each one a blend of tradition and spectacle. And thanks to a fun gig I got reviewing Stratford's 2025 playbill for the community news site Stratford Today, I recently had the pleasure of attending six galas in six days. (Scroll down for links to all six reviews.)

It was so much fun! I even ran into Dayna Manning at the Anne of Green Gables gala matinee. I dressed down that day, but I was inspired by her smocked-bodice dress. It was a gentle nod to the early 20th-century world of Green Gables.

Next time I see this new adaptation of the classic Canadian novel, I think I'll dress a bit more theme-y. And I will see it again. It's such a fun show, fashion-wise. Bows and braids, yes, but overly puffed shoulders in the theatre? Maybe not. Think of the small person who might be sitting behind you.

Click for more info about Dayna's Indi & Cold Ruched Bodice Dress.

While Stratford's gala events aren’t Hollywood-style red carpets, they do glow with a particular kind of Canadian glamour. On opening nights, some members of the Stratford company — those not performing that evening — arrive in fancy dress.

They pose for photos with their fellow cast members and family members at the miniature red carpet near the main entrance of the Festival Theatre. It's fun to watch their excitement.

Some theatre-goers go all-out with the gowns and glamour, too. And selfie backdrops in the lobby allow audience members to create digital souvenirs of the day.

Stratford style is low-key but stylish 

But dressing way up is not the rule at Stratford. The vast majority of women I saw at the galas were wearing flat shoes. There were a few tuxes here and there, but most men were not wearing suits. You don't have to be Instagram-ready if fashion isn't fun for you. Especially for matinee performances, your style can be quite casual and you'll fit in just fine.

Still, for some, dressing up can be part of the Stratford ritual. I lingered in the theatre's lobby, noticing how people were having fun with their wardrobes in unique ways. 

If there ever was a rulebook for theatre dressing, it’s been tossed aside, collaged with cosplay, or reimagined entirely. You don’t have to dress up, but you might want to dress well. Bold colours and striking silhouettes are fun to see, but comfort matters just as much, especially when you’re settled in for a soliloquy or waiting in line for drinks.

What I wore

My mantra for the week was more fun, less fuss. I didn't want to take myself too seriously.

Click for more info about this necklace, dress, and sandals.

For the gala opening of As You Like It, I wore a black tiered Brochu Walker dress, black sandals and a multi-strand Hailey Gerrits necklace. The play was unsettling and dark in parts, so a black dress felt appropriate as I exited the theatre. My arms were chilly at times during the play, and I wished I'd had a shawl or light jacket.

Click for more info about this blouse, blazer, jeans, or sneakers.

For Annie, I wore a brightly coloured checked blazer over a printed blouse and dark jeans. People smiled at my jacket, and I felt playful, like I was ready for an animated conversation at intermission. My most cheerful piece of clothing suited the positive energy of this play.

Click for more info about this jacket, pants, knit top, or loafers.

To see Macbeth at the Avon Theatre, I leaned into monochromatic dressing, but with a touch of sparkle. I paired sequinned pyjama-style pants with a knit tank and a summer puffer. This cute jacket helped me stay warm on the way to and from the theatre, but it wasn't bulky over my shoulders or across my lap while I watched the play. In May, dressy outfits must have an optional jacket.

I realized once I got there that the ideal jacket for seeing Lepage's Macbeth is a leather one. His version of this classic story about the downfall of a king is set in the world of Montreal biker gangs in the '90s. There were some cool leather pieces on audience members in the Avon Theatre lobby.