The Proms, or The BBC Proms as they are officially known, are a world-renowned eight-week summer season of daily orchestral classical music concerts held across various venues in London, England. With multiple concerts happening every day, the Proms attracts thousands of visitors who come to experience the magical atmosphere and enjoy some of the best classical music performances. As a popular event on the British cultural calendar that is broadcasted globally, there are questions around whether there is a formal dress code for attending. This article will provide a definitive guide on the Proms dress code, outlining the history behind it, what most people wear, the broad guidelines to follow, and tips for dressing stylishly yet comfortably for the concerts.
History of the Proms dress code
The Proms have been a British institution since 1895, making it one of the world’s longest-running classical music festivals. It was founded by impresario Robert Newman with conductor Henry Wood, and originally held at the Queen’s Hall in London. Back then, evening dress was expected – men wore white tie and tails, while women wore formal gowns and gloves. This formal attire was common across many events and theatres in the late 19th and early 20th century. However over time, particularly post-WW2, cultural norms relaxed with less strict dress codes. The Proms adapted to become more accessible and affordable to the public.
While the Proms today has no official dress code, the festival still upholds certain traditions that lend to its special atmosphere. For example, Last Night of the Proms retains an air of old-fashioned formality. Many attendees wear patriotic Union Jack-inspired outfits, waving flags and singing along to classics like Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory. Beyond the final concert, the general mood is more casual, though you may spot concert-goers dressed smartly in appreciation of the event.
What most people wear to the Proms
The atmosphere of the Proms is relaxed, friendly and welcoming to all. Most patrons dress smart casual for the concerts. For men, pairing trousers with a collared shirt or polo shirt is perfectly suitable. A sport coat or blazer can smarten up the look. For women, elegant dresses, skirts, blouses and trousers are common choices. Though heels are optional for comfort. Here are some popular Proms outfits:
Men:
- Chinos or slacks with a button-up shirt or polo shirt
- Dress pants, dress shirt and tie with a sport coat or blazer
- Dark jeans with a collared shirt
- Suit pants with a crisp shirt
Women:
- Sundress, day dress or skirt with a smart blouse
- Dressy separates – cigarette pants, tailored shorts or skirt with a nice top
- Dressy jumpsuit
- Trouser suit
As a general rule, it’s better to err on the smart casual side. But the most important thing is to be comfortable, so you can sit back and fully enjoy the music.
Dress code guidelines
While there are no strict rules, here are some broad Proms dress code guidelines to follow:
- Aim for smart casual attire – it’s a classical music event so dress respectfully.
- Avoid overly casual clothes like ripped jeans, shorts, sports jerseys, mini skirts.
- Formal gowns or tuxedos are not required.
- Last Night of the Proms has a more formal vibe – Union Jacks, party hats and novelty attire welcomed.
- Comfortable shoes are essential for moving between concert venues.
- British weather is unpredictable – bring layers, an umbrella or raincoat.
As long as your outfit ticks the boxes for smart and comfortable, you’ll fit right in with the crowd at the Proms.
Dressing stylishly yet comfortably
The Proms is a musical marathon, with up to 4 concerts per day. So dressing comfortably is key to fully enjoying the experience:
Footwear
Prioritize comfort to handle all the walking and standing. Stylish yet comfy shoes include:
- Flats, loafers or booties for women
- Leather sneakers or slip-on shoes for men
- Sandals in summer
- Avoid high heels that may hurt over time
Fabrics
Choose light, breathable fabrics that will keep you cool in warm concert halls:
- Linen or cotton for tops, dresses and trousers
- Lightweight chinos or skirts
- Avoid heavy fabrics like tweed
Layers
British weather is unpredictable – pack layers to handle AC concert halls or rainy spells:
- Cardigans, cropped jackets, or pashminas for women
- Light sweaters, blazers or sport coats for men
- A compact umbrella that can be stowed under seats
Bags
A roomy day bag is useful for carrying:
- Concert tickets
- Phone, keys and wallet
- Water bottle
- Extra layers
- Small binoculars
By following the above tips, you can assemble chic yet practical Proms outfits. Focus on timeless pieces in muted colors and fabrics that you find comfortable. Then accessorize with scarves, jewelry or other personal touches to reflect your style.
Standard Proms concert dress code
For standard Proms concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and Cadogan Hall, the average dress code is:
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Last Night of the Proms dress code
For the iconic Last Night concert at the Royal Albert Hall, the dress code steps up a notch in formality:
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Patriotic Union Jack inspired outfits and novelty attire like party hats are highly encouraged too.
Proms in the Park dress code
Proms in the Park are outdoor concerts held in Hyde Park, London. The dress code here is more relaxed:
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Pack an outfit you don’t mind sitting on the grass in, along with layers for unpredictable weather.
Conclusion
The Proms do not enforce a formal dress code, but most patrons upholds its heritage by dressing smart casual. While comfort is key, steer clear of overly casual clothes.Aim for timeless outfits in breathable fabrics and comfy shoes to fully enjoy the concerts. Use the handy guides above to plan your Proms attire. Concentrate on the music, and let your inner artist shine!