There are several online places for singer's wear, musician's wear........there was a posting here at ChoralNet about the "black clothing" website a while back I think---what's the name of it, can't find it amongst my bookmarks.

 

The men have it easy---and don't know it, either--a tux or evening jacket and they're done.  Women--not so much!  I have so many pairs of black pants, black skirts and a collection of black tops for any weather.  I just bought a very nice, very formal wear-ish black vest I plan to wear with black pants and a feminine tux shirt for my November concert.  I got it at the local, expensive boutique on sale and couldn't pass it up.  I am not sure if it will move enough to conduct in, but it looks great.

 

Many women conductors struggle with what to wear and....I don't think there is really a standard "look".

 

Hope others have good ideas--I'm always looking for something "perfect" and haven't found it yet!

 

Marie

Valerie:  This might not matter for women, but for men I would hesitate to order on line.  Many mass produced tuxes and tailcoats are not cut with sufficient freedom in the upper arms and shoulders, very necessary for a conductor.  That's also true for many rental jackets, too.

 

John

I've always thought that when I retire, I would create a line of conducting wear for women of all sizes.  It's been a dream that I hope I can pursue someday.  I have several mid-thigh suit jackets that I pair with black slacks and a number of black or white tops.  I always told my conducting students to cover their hips, no matter what size they were.  The audience should not be focused on our backsides.  Also to make sure you don't wear anything sparkly.  The concert is about the choir not the conductor.  Anything that would detract from the choir should not be worn.  I recently purchased a long black sleeveless formal dress (a) Dillards and also found a flowing jacket that looks like it was made for the dress.  I am excited about trying it out this fall.  It's difficult to find appropriate wear for women.  If I had time, I would sew my own.  Good luck in your pursuit.

 

Linda

Valerie,

 

Don't forget that when piecing together an outfit, the blacks need to match. I was really not aware as a young conductor that black could come in so many differnet shades! Under stage lighting, you can see all the different variations and it can be jarring. If I am putting together separates onstage, I usually like to go with two different textures of fabric so that the differnt shades of black are not so apparent. At the Texas Choral Directors' annual summer convention several years ago, a humorous workshop called "What Not to Wear for the Female Choral Director" was presented and we are all still laughing about it. Oh, if only the MALE conductors had to worry about all the things we do! :-)

 

Mary Jane Phillips