What to Wear to See Hamilton: 15 Dramatic Looks

By Shelby Bonner Dec 08, 2023

Hamilton took the world by storm, with its complex story told in a unique and highly entertaining way. It follows the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton in a string of Hip Hop and R&B songs that will make you laugh, cry, and think.

Going to see this award-winning musical is truly a monumental experience and a way to make fantastic memories with your friends and family. Seeing Hamilton is not your usual ordinary night out. It is a cultural event that requires a certain level of appreciation and respect.

Knowing what to wear to such an event can be tricky. You want to take into consideration practical elements like the weather, the tight seating, and getting to and from. You also want to look stylish and blend in with the crowd.

You may see people in jeans and T-shirts on one side and people in full suits on the other side. When in doubt, it is recommended to wear fancy casual wear or business attire to the show.

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Avoid Anything Too Casual or Revealing

Even though there is no official dress code, avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops. Also, avoid wearing anything that is too revealing or shows off too much skin as there will be a variety of different people attending the show.

Avoid wearing any clothes with offensive or inappropriate language and graphics or anything that is culturally insensitive.

Save these casual clothes for after the show.

Button-Up and Slacks

For men and women, a classic pair of slacks with a button-up top is an eloquent, well-dressed look that is easy to attain. There are also a variety of different fits, styles, and colors for you to choose from to create a look that reflects your personality and taste.

Check out these button-up shirts.

Comfort is Key

Even if you are dressing up formally, staying comfortable is important. You will be traveling to and from the theater, and sitting there for several hours. Choose clothes that you can move in and that are breathable.

Also, consider bringing layers that you can easily remove or put on so you don’t get too hot or too cold during the show.

Find more comfortable outfits here.

Skirt and Blouse

A skirt and blouse is a feminine, eloquent look that looks great for a matinee and an evening performance. Make sure your skirt is long enough and loose enough for you to sit in it comfortably.

A long-sleeved blouse can be worn on its own, or a shorter-sleeved blouse can be worn under a cardigan for a practical yet stylish look.

Save these skirts.

Maxi Dress

A long dress works great for matinees and evening performances. Long dresses include casual summer ones and more formal ball gowns, depending on how formal you want to look. Make sure both are slim-cut enough that they aren’t pouring over into your neighbor’s seat.

Check out these maxi dresses.

Comfortable Shoes

Regardless if you are wearing dress shoes or more casual shoes, making sure they are comfortable is a must. There are plenty of stairs at the theater and you may have to walk to get to and from the theater. Flats, sneakers, and loafers are great choices that look good and feel good.

If you want to wear heeled shoes, consider a lower wider heel that is more supportive for boots, pumps, and sandals.

Discover these dress suits.

Suit

A suit is always a great option if you want to dress up for the show and feel as dressed up as the actors performing. Utilize a tie or bow tie to add a touch of color or a fun pattern.

Check out these suits.

Accessories

When it comes to accessories, less is more. Avoid large bags or pieces that might get in the way of others or be too distracting. Instead, choose subtle pieces that show off your personality. This could be a watch and cuff link or earrings and a matching necklace.

Wear these hair accessories.

Light Scarf

For women and men, bringing and wearing a light scarf is a smart idea in case you get cold in the chilly theater. A scarf is easy to bring with you without being too bulky or distracting and is a great way to accessorize your look.

Find more scarves here.

Elegant Hair and Makeup

If you want to take a note from the actors, wear your hair up in a classic updo like a bun or ponytail. The actors also wear minimal makeup, so consider going for a more natural look. If you want a touch of sparkle, add it to your eyeshadow or lipgloss.

Learn how to dress like a makeup artist here.

Polo and Khakis

Another classy look that isn’t as formal as a suit is a pair of khakis and a polo shirt. Khakis and polos come in a variety of colors and are slightly more casual than dress pants and a dress shirt. They can also easily be paired with sneakers or dress shoes depending on the look you are trying to achieve.

Check out these khakis.

Jeans and a Blazer

Jeans are more than okay to wear to Hamilton, and you will likely see many others wearing them. To elevate your jeans, wear them with a blazer. A blazer will add a touch of eloquence whether it is over a t-shirt or dress shirt when paired with your jeans, as well as adding a layer of warmth.

Discover these blazers.

Cocktail Dress

If you are looking to go more formal, a cocktail dress is a suitable choice that is dressy while still being practical. Choose a classic black cocktail dress and have fun adding accessories and jewelry. Or, choose one with a lot of shine or in a bright color to stand out in the crowd.

Try out these cocktail dresses.

Dressy Coat

If the weather is cold or rainy, consider wearing a dressier coat to elevate or match your outfit while also staying dry and warm.

Find more coats here.

Rompers

Rompers can be as formal as cocktail dresses nowadays. Pair a dark-colored romper with a pair of heels or boots and a clutch for a timeless, eloquent look that you can wear from day to night.

Check out these rompers.

Dress Vintage

If you want to fit in with the theme of the show and get into it, consider wearing vintage to resemble the fashion of the late 1700s. Wear suspender belts and shirts with puffy sleeves. A tea dress with t-bar heels is also another idea.

Save these vintage stores.

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About the Author: Shelby Bonner

Shelby Bonner is a freelance graphic designer and writer who is passionate about fashion, and ethical, environmentally friendly fashion. She enjoys finding new brands, and following the latest styles each season.