The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University

These dress guidelines are strongly enforced to ensure that everyone in the ensemble is dressed professionally for performances. If in doubt as to what to wear, you should stay as conservative as possible. Students who arrive for a concert improperly dressed will be sent home to change or, if this is not possible, will have their grade automatically lowered and may be pulled from the concert.

Men

• Black tuxedo
• Pressed white dress shirt
• Black socks and black dress shoes (No cowboy or combat boots)
• Black cummerbund or black tuxedo vest
• Suspenders are permitted, but must be either black or white
• Black bow tie

Women

• Plain, black, floor to mid-calf length gown with long or ¾ sleeves or
• Long or mid-calf black skirt (or black dress slacks) with a black top having long or ¾ sleeves. If you wear slacks, they must be wide, loose, and flowing (nothing tight and no jeans)
• Black or neutral hosiery and black dress shoes (No open-toed shoes or sandals)
• No excessive jewelry, sequins, or sparkles. Hair accessories must be black, silver, or gold.
• No plunging necklines, rising slits, low-cut backs, or displays of midriff. Dress and skirt slits must not exceed six inches in length. Wear a slip if the outfit requires it
• A basic rule to follow is that no one should be able to see your toes, knees, or elbows

For some opera performances, orchestra members (both men and women) may be asked to wear dressy black, i.e., nice black shoes and socks, black pants or skirt, and a black shirt or top. Black jeans and tee shirts are not acceptable.