The Pretty Woman musical, based on the beloved 1990 romantic comedy film, has a glamorous and exciting atmosphere that makes the audience feel like they have stepped into Hollywood high society. While there is no formal dress code for attending the musical, most patrons opt for stylish and elegant outfits that fit the tone of the show. This article will provide an overview of suggested attire for the Pretty Woman musical and tips for dressing fashionably for a night out at the theater seeing this hit Broadway production.
Is there an official dress code for Pretty Woman on Broadway?
There is no official dress code enforced by the theater for Pretty Woman on Broadway. The August Wilson Theatre where the show is performed does not mandate any particular style of dress. However, given the upscale, aspirational setting of the musical which takes place in glitzy Beverly Hills and Hollywood, many attendees use it as an opportunity to dress to impress in cocktail attire or formalwear. The atmosphere tends to be more elevated and glamorous than the average Broadway show.
What do most audience members wear to the Pretty Woman musical?
While full black tie or ball gowns are not required, many attendees embrace the spirit of the show by wearing dresses, skirts, blazers, suit jackets, and heels for women, and dress shirts, slacks, sports jackets and leather shoes for men. Cocktail dresses and dark wash designer jeans paired with heels and nice blouses are also popular choices. Since the story revolves around upscale hotels and Beverly Hills high society, much of the audience aims for a sophisticated, fashionable aesthetic when dressing for the show.
Here is a breakdown of common outfits seen at the Pretty Woman musical:
For Women
- Cocktail dresses
- Evening gowns
- Dressy skirts with elegant blouses
- Designert jeans with heels and nice top
- Pantsuits
- Blazers or suit jackets with dressy camisole
- Dressy jumpsuits
- Heels or dressy flats
For Men
- Suit jacket with collared shirt and slacks
- Sports jacket or blazer with dress shirt and trousers
- Dress pants with button-down shirt
- Designer jeans with sports coat and dress shoes
- Leather dress shoes (loafers, Oxfords, etc)
While not strictly formalwear, most patrons aim for business casual to cocktail attire. The theater does suggest avoiding ripped jeans, graphic t-shirts, shorts, and flip flops.
What are some tips for dressing up for Pretty Woman?
Here are some tips for looking fashionable and put together for a night out at Pretty Woman:
- Opt for dark, solid colors like black, navy, deep purple, forest green or dark red.
- Bring out the glamour with sequins, velvet, lace, or silky fabrics.
- Try a bold red dress or lipstick as an ode to Vivian’s iconic red opera gown.
- Invest in a designer handbag, stilettos, or statement jewelry to emulate the luxury of Beverly Hills.
- Keep makeup elegant – a smoky eye and bold lip combo pairs nicely.
- For men, a well-cut blazer or suit jacket instantly dresses up any outfit.
- Coordinate a stylish tie with a pressed dress shirt and trousers.
- Opt for leather over canvas shoes in black, brown or oxblood hues.
Dressing with glamour and style sets the mood for the story of Vivian’s fairy tale transformation and rags-to-riches romance. Play up the aspirational aesthetic with sleek, elegant choices.
What should you avoid wearing to the Pretty Woman musical?
To match the ambience of the show’s Beverly Hills setting, there are some styles that are best avoided when dressing for Pretty Woman:
- Jeans with rips, frays, embellishments or casual washes
- Graphic t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts
- Shorts
- Flips flops or casual sandals
- Ballcaps or hats
- Athletic sneakers
- Mini skirts
The theater aims to maintain an upscale environment, so dressing too casually can seem out of place. Opt for dark denim or trousers over light wash or ripped jeans. Skip the graphic tees and opt for a blazer and collared shirt instead. Stick to closed-toe dress shoes vs sneakers or flip flops. Ultimately, cocktail attire or business professional is the ideal aesthetic.
Is dressing up required or can you dress casually?
Dressing elegantly is not an absolute requirement, but does complement the luxurious atmosphere of the musical. Patrons who prefer to dress down in jeans, t-shirts and casual footwear will not be turned away or barred from entry. However, being surrounded by so much cocktail attire may make extremely casual clothing seem mismatched. At minimum, dark jeans with dressier tops and shoes help bridge the gap if you do not want to wear formalwear. The overall environment skews more elevated and glamorous for this production.
Do people really dress up or is it casual?
Based on attendee photos and reviews, the majority of audiences choose cocktail, business professional or formalwear for Pretty Woman. While not mandatory, most patrons make an effort to complement the upscale aesthetic with their attire. For many, the musical provides the perfect opportunity to get dressed up in their best evening wear and designer outfits. The crowd certainly looks more formal than at a typical Broadway show. However, if you prefer to keep it casual, you will see some dark denim and less formal outfits mixed in.
Here are some examples of actual outfits worn to see the show:
Women’s Outfits
- Sequined cocktail dress and strappy heels
- Leopard print wrap dress with black stilettos
- Red sleeveless skater dress and nude pumps
- Black jumpsuit with blazer and gold earrings
- Emerald green pantsuit with black heels
Men’s Outfits
- Navy suit and tie with black Oxfords
- Grey check blazer, white button down, jeans and brown boots
- Black trousers, blue dress shirt, black leather shoes
- Burgundy sweater, dark jeans, Chelsea boots
As you can see, while formalwear is not obligatory, most patrons choose stylish dressy outfits.
What is the atmosphere and environment like at the theater?
The August Wilson Theatre where Pretty Woman performs has a beautiful interior with plush red seating, sparkling chandeliers, and gilded detailing that evokes an elegant, old Hollywood feel. The environment is luxurious, romantic and aspirational, well-suited to the Cinderella-esque rags to riches story.
Patrons tend to be well-dressed and courteous, lending a sophisticated ambience – this is not a rowdy crowd. The glamorous setting coupled with the electrifying musical numbers and touching love story make for an utterly transportive theatrical experience. For many, it feels like an enchanting evening of romance, escapism and glamour.
Do people dress up more for evening vs matinee shows?
Yes, generally audiences tend to dress up a bit more for evening performances of Pretty Woman versus matinee shows. Often patrons will come straight from work or dinner in cocktail attire or formalwear for a 8 pm evening show.
At weekend matinees, you still see plenty of dresses, skirts and designer denim, but mixed in are more casual daytime looks too. Patrons flying in from out of town for a Broadway weekend may wear comfortable travel outfits for a 2 pm Saturday show before changing for a glamorous evening. Ultimately matinees allow for slightly more flexibility, though most still aim for business casual attire at minimum.
What about children – do they have to dress up too?
For children attending the show, dressing up is still encouraged but not an absolute requirement. While tailored shorts, button downs, dresses and dress shoes are ideal, parents need not force tiny toddlers into formalwear they will just ruin or complain about. For kids focused on experiencing the magic and wonder of Broadway, comfort trumps style.
However, teens often enjoy dressing up for this exciting NYC experience. Young ladies frequently wear cocktail dresses or jumpsuits, heels and makeup like a mini adult’s night out. Boys may sport blazers, collared shirts and dress pants or designer sneakers with a sportcoat. Dressing the part adds to the escapism for young people enthralled by this fairy tale story.
Conclusion
While the Pretty Woman musical does not mandate formal attire, elegant cocktail dresses, tailored separates, designer denim, and dress shoes complement the upscale ambience. Glamorous eveningwear helps audiences escape into the luxury and romance of Vivian and Edward’s Hollywood fairy tale. Dressing with style captures the mood of this aspirational story in a way casual attire may not. For a magical night out on Broadway, your best “pretty woman” outfit allows you to feel part of the excitement, glamour and passion of this beloved romantic musical.