What to Wear to the Nutcracker Ballet
My favorite holiday tradition is to see the Nutcracker ballet in person. I started going with my mom to the Ballet Idaho production many years ago. My favorite part of the ballet is when Mother Ginger comes out and her Polichinelles (the children under the skirt) run around! Ballet Idaho used to have the kids dress up as bumble bees, and it was the best. I also always picked out a new nutcracker to add to my growing nutcracker collection.
When I moved to Utah for grad school, I continued the tradition at the Ballet West shows. It was then that I realized every company did their own costumes and backdrops (for some reason I was under the impression that everything was the same everywhere!). I learned to love the differences, and a few years ago both Ballet West and Ballet Idaho updated their costumes and sets!
I’m planning to attend the Nutcracker in person again this year after the shows were cancelled last year (yay for vaccines!). If you’re also planning to attend the Nutcracker ballet, I rounded up 12 past outfits that would fit right in at the ballet; I included some dressier options with skirts and dresses as well as a few “dressy casual” options if you’re in a smaller city like Boise where dark jeans are acceptable at the ballet.
What to Wear to the Nutcracker Ballet
When it comes to putting together outfits to attend the Nutcracker ballet, think fancy but also think simple. Yes—pull out your gowns if you have them! I wish I had one, haha. I’d definitely wear it for all the Broadway shows! Seeing the Nutcracker is the best time to go all out. The holidays are an extra special time of year, and it’s fun to put together your fanciest looks for holiday events! (Make a date of it and enjoy a fancy dinner out before heading to the ballet!)
I personally love wearing dresses and skirts to the ballet. I don’t wear them that often in my everyday life, so it’s fun to pull them out for a fancy occasion. I never shy away from a great pair of dark skinny jeans or pants, though! They are great options (especially if you live in a smaller, more casual city). Textures will be your best friend. Mix faux fur with velvet or knitwear with patent leather. Grab some statement earrings or a statement necklace. And top it all off with a fabulous coat.
Wear whatever you own that fits and makes you feel fabulously dressed up!
Below, I rounded up 12 past outfits perfect for the Nutcracker ballet to serve as inspiration. Some of them I’ve worn to the Nutcracker in past years! (If you click on each photo you’ll be taken to the original post.)
Do you also see the Nutcracker during the holidays? What do you wear to the Nutcracker ballet?
READ NEXT: Easy 3-part Holiday Outfit Formula
Nutcracker Ballet Outfit Ideas
Textures: Faux Fur, Cashmere, Denim, Velvet
You really can’t go wrong with an outfit full of textures in my opinion! And my faux fur coat instantly elevates any outfit (it’s my go-to for ballets or Broadway shows as long as it’s not snowing or raining outside!). Style a faux fur coat with cozy cashmere, slim denim in a dark wash, and velvet ankle boots for a comfy and elevated casual outfit for the Nutcracker.
Shop the Looks
Holiday Sweater + Black Skirt + Heels
A pretty standard outfit for the ballet includes a dress or skirt! Now’s the time to dress up in your fancy fare. I’ve paired black dresses with cropped sweaters (left) and tucked sweaters into skirts (right) for a similar look. Add a pair of black shoes to keep the focus on your fun sweater—pick a color you love to wear during the holiday season! Burgundy/deep red is one of mine.
Shop the Looks
Contrasting Coat + Black Dress + Ankle Boots
Similar to the previous outfits, these two outfit feature a black base (black dresses, in this case) and a fun coat in a contrasting color. (I love wearing brown and black together when the colors are different enough!) Finish with a pair of ankle boots in a dark color, then add statement earrings! I wore the outfit on the left to the Nutcracker a couple of years ago and it’s one worth repeating as long as it’s not too chilly outside!
Shop the Looks
Statement Coat + Black
Here are two more similar outfits featuring a statement coat and simple base! When you live in a place that gets a real winter, a variety of coats is a must to keep things interesting…they end up being the focal point of any outfit, haha. I love pairing this burgundy coat with black. The outfit on the left also includes a cashmere sweater, and the one on the right is a fun plaid mini dress. Both outfits feature shiny black oxford shoes—the epitome of elevated casual!
Shop the Looks
Wool Coat + Skinny Jeans + Flats + Statement Necklace
Fun with coats continues!!! Haha. The Nutcracker is the perfect time to pull out your fancier wool coats (though I have been known to wear puffers if it’s really cold out!). This uniform of wool coat + sweater + skinny jeans/pants + flats + statement necklace is one I wear on any occasion during the cooler months, but it feels especially appropriate for the ballet. I would recommend simple outfit elements and jeans/pants with no rips or tears. Ponte pants are a great option!
Shop the Looks
Bodysuit + Paperbag Pants + Patent Pumps
Blazer + Velvet Tank + Skinny Jeans + Velvet Ankle Boots
These two outfits are the odd ducks of the bunch—they don’t go together, but I still wanted to include them here because they’re great options! Both of these make excellent workwear looks, and they’re also great for the ballet. Paperbag pants are easy to move in AND dress up, and a velvet peplum tank instantly elevates any outfit (especially if you add velvet ankle boots!). The ballet is also the time to pull out your fancy shoes; my Ferragamo pumps are perfect for the Nutcracker!