Recital Style

Recital season is upon us, and thus begins the agonizing of what to wear. I thought I would do a couple different blog posts on both casual and formal recital style, and I'll see if I can rope in a guy to do a guest blog on recital wear for men.

This is an outfit that I wear for afternoon recitals - it's dressy but not formal, and more importantly, it's something that I can play comfortably in.

Top: Nordstrom Rack                    Pants: Talbots     

For my go-to recital outfit this season, I've chosen skinny black dress pants from Talbots that are balanced by a gorgeous top from Nordstrom Rack. The top is actually a shimmery tank with a sheer overshirt that has dots on it that add texture and interest. It flows beautifully, allows me to move freely, and doesn't have any bows or bling around the neckline that would make my instrument buzz or make holding the instrument uncomfortable.

Musicians frequently resort to black as our default wear because that's what fills our closets - however, for me, that makes it all the more exciting when I get to wear color! Blue is one of my favorite colors, and I pick bright colors that will show up well on stage and be seen from a distance.

It's important to dress up for recitals. Even for more casual, daytime concerts I never wear jeans or tennis shoes.

I shop at outlets and rely on sales a lot, because rehairing my bow and putting new strings on my violin takes most of my budget. Nordstrom Rack, the Talbots outlet, Goodwill, and designer consignment stores are my go-to places for recital clothes.

Shoes: Comfort One

Shoes are critical for recitals. Violinists stand up to play, which means that you can't wear those gorgeous heels that look great but feel terrible. Playing violin in public is hard enough, and it's important that you feel steady on your feet and grounded. Investing in a good pair of dress shoes that you can stand comfortably in is crucial. I love these black shoes that I got at Comfort One a few years ago. There's a low heel, a cute strap, and some gorgeous details that keep it from being an ordinary black pump. I should say that I rely on Christmas and birthday presents from my wonderful mother for my shoes, since they can be pricey. I love Comfort One and The Walking Company for shoes. 

Another note - if you're used to practicing barefoot or in slippers like me, it's important to practice in your dress shoes in the week before a performance to get used to the feel. You should do your dress rehearsal wearing your shoes the entire time. You might be the type of person who can wear stilettos and run a marathon - but if so, make sure you practice violin in those shoes first!

Earrings: Handmade by my cousin Sarah

Ring: The Fairy Shop (Boston, MA)

Jewelry is something else to carefully consider. Make sure that any earrings you wear won't touch your violin and make a rattling noise (studs or very short dangles work best). My wonderful cousin Sarah made the earrings I'm wearing in this picture. Many musicians choose to wear their wedding and engagement bands or other rings on their right hand rather than their left so the added weight doesn't affect their fingering. I'm not married, but the ring I wear is one with great sentimental value. The inscription reads "to thine own self be true."

Necklaces are also something to watch out for - I wear a thin chain with a small charm on it. As a violinist, I avoid big necklaces because they can make your instrument buzz.

Finally, hair. I didn't do a great job of pulling my hair back here, but I recommend ensuring that your hair will stay tucked behind your ears, clipping it back, or pulling it up for a recital. You can see that in this picture my bangs were in that awkward stage of growing out, and I generally twist and pin them back. Never let your hair hang loose and hide your face. Yes, it's your music that's important, but you want to be able to engage with the audience too - and that means letting them see your face.

Happy recital season, everyone!