ITALY Readers's Tips - Congratulations I've attended the opera in several locations, including two opera houses in Florence and the substitute operahouse tent in Venice while La Fenice was being rebuilt.The clothing seems to run the gamut, from casual to somewhat formal.I've generally worn black slacks, a blouse or sweater, pearls, sometimes a shawl/scarf, and black flats.My husband has, on occasion, worn a sport jacket with a dress shirt but he hasn't worn a suit and tie.rom my observations, you wouldn't feel out of place if you didn't wear a sport jacket. I haven't been to La Fenice, but I'm sure other readers have and can give you more specific information about what they've observed there.

You are visitors and as such you have license to wear whatever you can come up with that doesn't make you feel inadequate.ou will not be refused admittance if you show up in a shirt and cardigan under your winter overcoat, minus coat and tie.o need to pack a business suit and starched shirt and tie for this, really. Congratulations on scoring the tix If you have not already done so, you should read Death at La Fenice: A Novel of Suspense, by Donna Leon and The City of Falling Angels, by John Berendt (about the fire at La Fenice and the investigation and much much more about Venice. This is very helpful. Thank you both.

You mention that you have inexpensive tickets.In many European opera houses and theatres, holders of inexpensive tickets don't even get to walk in the front door and into the main lobby or use the bar areas where the expensive seats are located.Often holders of inexpensive tickets are sent around the corner to a stairwell where they walk up many flights to an uncomfortable seating area under the roof.Trust me, for this you don't need to pack any fancy clothes.ou need comfort. I haven't been to the rebuilt La Fenice yet, but I've been to the old one.This is how it is in Milan and many other Italian theatres.If La Fenice was rebuilt as it was, the inexpensive seating may be as I describe.

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