Dressing up for the theater is an age-old tradition that began with the origins of live audiences in ancient Greece. Fast-forward to modern times, an outing to a Cirque du Soleil production is a celebratory adventure, from the unique venues to the friends you bring into the scene.
With theater, arena, and Big Top shows worldwide, Cirque du Soleil attracts thousands of patrons daily, each with a distinct style, identity, and vibe expressed, in part, by what they choose to wear.
As such, you need an unforgettable outfit to make a statement and, of course, to leave photographic evidence. Pic, or it never happened, right?
This guide answers: What to wear to a Cirque du Soleil show? These are our suggestions, from thematic elegance to smart casual, for the attire that will help define your experience.
Dress Code Essentials for Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil shows are inclusive and welcoming to all types of characters, both onstage and in the audience. Be inspired and get creative, or come as you are. Whatever you wear should reflect your authentic self, and always be comfortable, happy, and confident.
While there is no expressed or defined dress code when seeing a Cirque du Soleil show, the fun starts with you and the energy you ultimately bring as an audience member.
When you ask yourself, "What do I wear to a Cirque du Soleil show?" First, we suggest dressing for comfort. You will be an attentive and happy audience member when you feel good in your clothes.
Smart Casual
Cirque du Soleil prides itself on its artistic diversity, which is the lens through which we look at humanity. How you dress is one of your freedoms of creative expression. Much like our characters wear their costumes, let every article of clothing tell your story.
Many attire styles can fall into one of these two categories: smart casual or smart elegant. But what do these terms mean regarding what to wear to a Cirque du Soleil show?
Smart casual is the safest and most versatile option for a Cirque du Soleil show. This style balances comfort and sophistication, and you won’t feel overdressed.
For Women: Choose a stylish blouse or a fitted top. Consider fabrics like silk or chiffon, which add a touch of elegance. Pair your top with tailored trousers, a knee-length skirt, or a chic jumpsuit. Whether you choose neutrals or vibrant colors, color can take it down a notch or amp it up.
A cotton or sweater dress, long or short, is a fantastic single-piece option. Opt for comfortable yet stylish shoes. While heels can elevate your look, consider a low heel, ballet flat, or sleek sneakers.
For Men: An untucked collared cotton shirt or a polo sets the tone. A blazer elevates the look. Dress trousers or dark jeans work well. Avoid overly casual options like cargo shorts. Leather shoes, loafers, or sleek sneakers are ideal. Ensure they’re comfortable enough for sitting and walking.
For everyone: Blazers, sports jackets, sweaters, trousers, khakis, button-down shirts, polos, dress shoes, boots, flats, scarves, and jewelry — tell us who you are without telling us who you are.
Smart Elegant
Smart Elegant is for those who want to immerse themselves in the evocative glamour of live entertainment and take pride in dressing up for a night in the town.
For women: A long dress can be stunning, especially if you attend a late show. Choose one that reflects your style, whether classic, modern, or bohemian. Statement jewelry, a stylish clutch, and a well-coordinated shawl or wrap can complete your look.
A polished hairstyle and makeup can elevate your outfit. Consider a bold lip or striking eye makeup to complement your ensemble.
For men: A well-fitted suit can make a striking statement. Consider colors like navy, charcoal, or classic black. Pair your suit with a crisp dress shirt and a tie or bowtie for a sophisticated touch. Ensure you’re well-groomed, as it complements a polished look.
For everyone: Focus on shape and ignore labels. Think about the silhouette you want to create on the top and bottom.
Play with texture and color that feels true to you — corduroy, vegan leather, satin, silk, ruffles, or fringe. Accessorize with meaningful items — this is the signature that makes your outfit a singular expression of you — necklaces, ties, earrings, belts, pins. Experiment with heels, platforms, and sleek-looking sneakers.
Dressing for the Environment
Our environments, including the Big Tops, are temperature-controlled no matter the time of year. Bring a light jacket or wrap if you are sensitive to the cold or air conditioning (but remember, we don’t have a coat check).
When attending our Las Vegas shows, the outside of the theater can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter. The air conditioning inside keeps you comfortable, but it can be intense depending on the time of year. Always bring a light jacket or sweater to keep your temperature gauge right.
The theater and Big Top floor can be uneven in many venues, and you might have to climb stairs to get to your seats. Opt for footwear that fits well and can go from dinner to the show and back. We’ve all seen people carrying their shoes by the night’s end—don’t let this be you. Be realistic when picking out the finishing touches.
Thematic Outfits Inspirations
High-Energy and Modern
At Mad Apple in Las Vegas, go for city chic with glamour, sophistication, and grit with an artist collaboration bag (Warhol or Basquiat) or a vintage band T-shirt. Denim or (vegan) leather reigns supreme when aligning your fashion mission with a concrete jungle safari. Bonus points if you find a T-shirt for a band with a residency on the Strip.
When going with this vibe, dig for a vintage Cirque du Soleil T-shirt or jacket from Nouvelle Experience, the original Vegas Cirque show. (They are out there!). And since the cocktails flow at this show, it doesn’t hurt to pay homage to one of the most fantastic New York City characters of all time, Carrie Bradshaw. Slip into a slip-dress and some mules and order a Cosmopolitan.
As humans and animals collide in the epic journey of ECHO, mixing natural materials with traditional going-out attire is a fashion-forward win. The human side demands classic outfits, such as jeans and suit separates pieced together with elevated accessories. To represent the animalistic side, opt for vegan leather and faux fur (or even both!) to show off primal elements.
Don’t be afraid to zhuzh up accessories with pieces made of ceramic, glass, or glimmering stones. ECHO sets itself apart from other Cirque du Soleil shows by its modern and airy design choices, so an all-white outfit is also in the cards for this one — provided it’s after Labor Day!
Romantic and Enchanting
In contrast, an outfit for Corteo calls for excessiveness and drama to complement the emotional aspects of the show. Choose classy patterns or richly textured fabrics paired with deep secondary colors, like oranges and purples, to create a bold vision that will stun showgoers alike.
Anything reflective, from cool-toned makeup to sharp silver accessories, creates a duochromatic finish nobody will soon forget. Rooted in art and creativity, now is the time to experiment with unconventional footwear, from spiked stilettos to boots with funky heels or sneakers with dramatic decals.
When suiting up for KÀ, be guided by a yin-yang spirit, boho with a military edge, or luxury textures in monochromatic white and black. Most closely resembling a comic book fable, KÀ represents the best place to unleash your inner (zen) warrior in fashion — a classic military-style jacket with adornments and brocading slips over a bodysuit and jeans or wide-leg pants.
Conversely, the military look can also mean neutral colors and utilitarian details on trench coats, blazers, shoulder-padded tops, camouflage prints, and combat boots. Pair with chunky belts and aviator sunglasses to exude effortless strength.
The black-and-white symbol of yin and yang inspires how to dress for KÀ, a power play between the forces. These colors create a striking balance when they come together.
Mystical and Magical Themes
KURIOS knows how to bring a celestial story to life, and the creatures of another world would encourage an outfit that does the same. Tap into the steampunk aesthetic by marrying metallic fabrics to traditional silhouettes, such as a full skirt, bomber jacket, or jewel-toned suit separates.
Fun pleats or fabric folds that challenge the eye, like a bright pocket square or shimmering accordion skirt, can match the mechanical element of Nico, the handyperson, and the KURIOS characters.
Conversely, muted colors like browns and blacks nod to the industrial nature of select characters and offer solace to the Seeker.
Mystère encourages you to come as you are and enjoy the fun — this is a standing ovation to individuality. Boldly patterned suits, adornments of feathers and plumes to mimic the wild side of the show, and bright hues from head to toe, there’s no way you can go wrong when dressing for Mystère if you listen to your wild side. It’s ok, this time let them win!
Seasonal Attire Recommendations
We especially love two holidays: Christmas and Halloween. Check each Cirque du Soleil show page for inspiration on how to build a Cirque character Halloween costume that will blow everyone’s minds with its creativity.
One of our favorites is the king of pop himself. Channel pure ’80s pop stardom at Michael Jackson ONE — irreverent, cool, and confident.
The glove, red leather jacket, and pencil-thin black denim are all hallmarks of influential '80s fashion motifs created by the king of pop. Bold colors, big hair, and experimental styles blur the punk aesthetic with the pop look. The '80s meant having fun with makeup and hair in a big, bold way and not shying away from color.
Oversized jackets, suits, and sweaters encapsulate this style. Pair with acid-washed jeans and neon leggings. Think wild futuristic sunglasses, small watches, and kitten-heel booties. Dance like nobody's watching, but dress like everyone is.
While the shows do not change throughout the seasons, many people love to dress for the holidays when visiting a Cirque du Soleil show like “‘Twas the Night Before...” Let your imagination run wild here as the famous poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas” comes alive.
Make yourself up like a present under the tree and bring out those fun and whimsical Christmas sweaters, bold hues of red and green, blue and silver, tinsel, bows, and so much more.
No matter how far you get into character, always remember that makeup is a plus, but character masks covering the face are a no-go in most environments, especially Las Vegas.
What Not to Wear
In that vein, now comes the all-important “what not to wear.” As we shared, masks are a no-go unless worn as a precautionary health measure. Props or large objects that could injure you or other audience members are off the table. Big hats block the view of the action on stage.
A general rule of thumb is to leave pool attire outside, even at “O.” Bathing suits and coverups belong at the beach. Large bags are cumbersome and slow you down when you pass through security.
As much as you might want to shine, this is also a show other guests wish to attend and enjoy fully; leave out any elements or accessories that could annoy your seat neighbors and distract from the main act.
Final Outfit Check: Dressing Up For Cirque du Soleil
Before you leave for the show, there’s always one last fit check, right? Look in that full-length mirror, and remember, you are a one-of-a-kind, just like your sense of style. Have fun, express yourself, align your look to your night out, and get ready to see, feel, and experience things you might not have before.
Whether the outing demands a flashy look or a cleverly matched ensemble, dressing for Cirque du Soleil is a unique experience.
Take note of the performance theme and its details to create a look that wows while considering comfort, weather, and environment in mind. Make it fun, and avoid the drama — Cirque has that covered.
As a bonus, last-minute fashion elements can be curated straight from our racks. Visit the merch area for a thoughtful wardrobe addition or themed accessory.
After the curtains close, this is your souvenir, which might inspire a future visit to another performance. However, the most significant takeaway is your memories of the magic on stage and the wonderment these special shows bring to every audience member.