The Ballet Edit

A Guide to Dressing and Dining

There is nothing quite like going to the ballet. It’s not just a performance; it’s the atmosphere and the pleasure of preparing for it all. Let’s talk about what to wear, what to drink, and what to eat, because the event is not just for the eyes. It’s for every sense.

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What to wear:

I love the excuse to dress up, wear long dresses and heels, and feel elegant and well turned out. I loved admiring people at the ballet as a child in the 90s, and I like to live up to that memory. I tend to wear black as it feels right, not to distract from the ballet and dancers. Also, I just love black and any excuse to wear it.

I hold a clutch to keep my glasses and hide my phone during the show. It contains one lipstick and a credit card for drinks during the interval. You don’t need anything else. Think: ease meets elegance.

• THE ROW- To Go large leather-trimmed nubuck tote

• THE ROW- Bare Sandal in Leather

• Solid Sterling Silver Curb Link Necklace

• Silk-Satin Camisole

• Women's Black Kolann Silk Crepe De Chine Gown]

• ROUGE À LÈVRES LIPSTICK

• 1978 Cartier Tank Louis

• Lilac Suede Sandal with Feather Embellishment

• Bow - Spotted Elaphe-Printed Leather Sandal with Knot Detail

• THE ROW Park small textured-leather tote

• FERNANDO JORGE Circle Small Earrings

• OKTAAF - I HEART YOU NECKLACE IN CARNELIAN

..and if in doubt, you can’t go wrong with wearing good tailoring to the ballet!

I mostly work at 180 The Strand and so it is easy to pop over to the Royal Opera House at 7 pm for the night’s performance. I put on a smart pair of shoes and add a red lip to tidy up my outfit. This is also such a beautiful end to the day for me.

A recent highlight for me was watching Frankie Hayward dance Manon from the wings at the Royal Opera House; this was a truly wonderful experience. I have also been lucky enough to see Fumi Kaneko and Vadim Muntagirov in Onegin from the wings. Both were ballets of devastating stories, and I will remember the breathtaking performances for a lifetime

What to eat:

There are so many little places dotted all around the Royal Opera House that are perfect to pop in for a light dinner or snacks. Before the Show. Toklas or anywhere in 180 is perfect for an early dinner. Nearby places are The NoMad, Toklas and The Corner at 180.

Even smoked salmon sandwiches in the Crush Room at the ROH is a beautiful way to start your evening.

If you prefer to eat after the show, a late supper at home works just as well as being tucked into a velvet booth at one of the many beautiful restaurants nearby. Dining at the NoMad hotel is one of my favs to end the evening after watching a ballet.

AE x