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Stage Inspiration: Fashion Inspired by Phantom of the Opera

Last Updated on January 31, 2019 by Chelsea - University of Oklahoma
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Fashion inspired by Phantom of the Opera

Hello again, friends. After many weeks of anticipation, we’ve finally gotten to the most requested musical of this series — thePhantom of the Opera!

I know, I know, this post is way over due — the truth is, it took a bit of thinking for me to translate Phantom’s gorgeous, elaborate costumes into something wearable in everyday life. I mean, I find hoop skirts and corsets to be a bit uncomfortable for trekking across campus or taking a midterm, but that’s just me. However, just because the silhouettes of Phantom costumes are a bit outlandish for everyday life doesn’t mean we can’t take other elements from everyone’s favorite musical–the rich ruby hues, gold jewelry, white lace, and heavy velvet featured in the film and stage productions left me totally inspired! 

Just in case you missed past posts in this series, check out the articles on fashion inspired by Rent, Wicked, and Les Miserables, plus a post on everything you need to know before attending a midnight showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Ready to get your inner Prima Donna on? Read on!

Angel of Music

In case you aren’t familiar with Phantom, here’s a brief summary:

Christina, the central character of this tale, becomes the object of infatuation for the Phantom, a disfigured musical genius who lurks in the darkness of a theater. The musical features elaborate costumes and special effects — notably the dungeon canal and giant chandelier. It was written by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1986, during a sort of Broadway Renaissance that popularized rock operas and epic plotlines on the Great White Way.

Let’s just get this little tidbit out there, too — this musical is freakin’ sexy. Andrew Lloyd Webber actually refers to Music of the Night as one of the most sensual songs he’s ever written. Pick up the film starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum if you don’t believe me — or catch David Cook or David Archuleta’s cover versions of songs from Phantom if you need further proof. Raoul’s pure, innocent love for Christine and the Phantom’s tragic, misunderstood persona will make your heart ache!

This story takes place at a theater in France in 1881, and the costumes reflect this. Much of Phantom of the Opera is an opera within a musical, so many of the costumes worn are well, meant to look like costumes. Elaborate embellishments like gold bangles and necklaces, feathers, velvet and lace tops and skirts, and jewel tones are seen in almost every costume. To capture the essence of Phantom‘s look, think the exact opposite of Rent and Les Miserables and dress for luxury instead!

Carlotta

Carlotta from Phantom of the Opera

Carlotta, the snooty Prima Donna soprano, annoys the cast with her diva-like commands and is eventually replaced by Christine. She is extremely dramatic, which is reflected both in her actions and the way she dresses.

To snag her look, pair rich fabrics with loads of jewelry and accessories — a gold scarf and a feathered turban will get you the aesthetic without making you look like you’re in costume. Be sure to finish with dramatic makeup and a lot of attitude!

Outfit inspired by the Phantom of the Opera

Dress, Turban, Bracelet, Shoes, Scarf

Chorus Girls

Phantom of the Opera chorus

Before taking over Carlotta’s spot as the leading soprano, Christine was just a lowly chorus girl. Their richly beaded and detailed costumes for the play-within-a-play are right on trend with what’s popular today!

An easy way to wear a cropped top is to pair it with a maxi skirt — the conservative look of the skirt will contrast nicely with the trendiness of the top. For the Phantom look, pair it with large gold jewelry and bedazzled sandals.

Outfit inspired by the chorus from Phantom of the Opera

Top, Skirt, Sandals, Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet

Christine

Christine from Phantom of the Opera

Christine, the heroine of the musical, is torn between her love for Raoul and her allegiance to – and fear of – the Phantom. She is seen wearing soft colors throughout the show, mostly ivory and pink tones with lots of ruffles and lace.

Steal her look by pairing a white lace dress with a gold statement necklace, tights, lace-up heels, ruby earrings, and a signature rose ring. Now work on your vocal scales because not only are Christine’s songs impossible not to sing along to, but they’re also crazy hard to execute — my renditions of Think Of Me are reserved solely for my shower. Bathroom acoustics are forgiving!

Outfit inspired by the Phantom of the Opera

Dress, Necklace, Earrings, Tights, Ring, Shoes

Phantom

The Phantom of the Opera played by Gerald Butler

The mysterious Phantom is both feared and revered in the musical. Played by the smokin’ hot Gerard Butler in the film adaptation, I’d let him whisk me off into his lair anytime he’d like! I’m out of control, I know.

The Phantom pretty much wears a classic tuxedo throughout the entire story. I think it’s so cool when girls wear tuxedos to formal events — think Angelina Jolie on the red carpet of the 2001 Oscars! Girl it up with a ruffled top, metallic shoes, and girly driving gloves.

Outfit inspired by the Phantom of the Opera

Jacket, Top, Pants, Gloves, Shoes

Let Your Fantasies Unwind!

Have you seen Phantom? Do you prefer the film or the stage production? What are your favorite songs? What other musicals would you like to see CF cover? How do you seek inspiration from dated costumes? Leave us a comment and tell us what you think!

Tags : Movies, Musicals, Stage Inspiration

15 Comments
Originally published on October 20, 2011
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Next Fashion Inspiration: Disney’s The Muppets

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Comments

  1. CJ says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    LOVE! YES! THANK YOU! ! ! ! ! ! !
    I usually don’t wear outfits like the ones posted above, (ok, the Christine and Phantom ensembles would be awesome for certain work environments) but I LOVE the outfits you put together and I LOVE your inspiration! Keep it up! :o)

    PS: My classes were canceled today, so I think I just might have to make a date with a cup o’ tea and Mr. Oh-So-Gorgeous Phantom. Haha! ! ! ! ;p

    Reply
  2. Cortney says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    I love Phantom of the Opera and I’m so glad you made this post!

    I especially love the Phantom’s and Chorus Girls’ outfits. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Camilla says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:23 pm

    I LOVE this musical and know it by heart! Thank you for posting this, I was looking forward to it the moment you started the musical inspired series.

    Reply
  4. Nikky says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    Though it’s one of my most fave movies, I’ll agree that the book from Gaston Leroux was really interesting, plus you knew another way to call the Phantom except “Phantom” and “Ghost” (Eric) 😉

    I adore the outfit inspired by the Chorus Girls and Christine! Especially the Girls outfit is something I’d love to try out! 😀

    PS: “The Point Of No Return” and “Maskarade” are the best songs!

    Reply
  5. Eve says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    YESS! THANK YOU SOO MUCH FOR THIS POST!!! I adore phantom-i saw it for the first time a month ago this sunday and i fell in love. after that i saw it again the next saturday (my aunt was stage managing it at a community college in my area) 🙂 loved it!!!! these outfits were amazinggg and i especially loved christines dres 😀 keep up the good work!!!!!!

    Reply
  6. Peyton says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    What great modern interpretations! I would definitely buy some of this stuff for my closet.
    What I would REALLY adore to see is a Sweeney Todd Stage-inspired. That would make my year. With the to-die for gothic-esque costumes, beautiful art direction, and amazing makeup, I bet you could convert it really great to the modern day.

    Reply
  7. C says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    So Awsome!

    Reply
  8. cate says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:23 pm

    Favorite post ever.

    Reply
  9. Estella says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    totally loved this movie and of course the inspired outfits!!

    Reply
  10. Lyndsay says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:23 pm

    Great job! I was hoping you’d do this one haha. Gerard is a very attractive phantom ;]. Unfortunately, I have yet to see the stage play.

    Reply
  11. Julia says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    As a huge Phan, I was eagerly awaiting a Phantom of the Opera post, and I just have to say thank you! I love the modern interpretations, and the Christine look is definitely my style, sans the purple tights. I especially love the red earrings as a throwback to the peek of the decadent “Think of Me” costume through the dressing gown in the stage version, as well as the red rose ring! I think the way you channeled Erik was very clever, and though my style is much more classic-feminine for night, I could see myself wearing something like the androgynous tuxedo look.
    Overall: brava, brava, bravissima! 😉

    Reply
  12. Eponine Kim Elphaba Daae says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    Please excuse me while I go run off to buy the Phantom, Christine, and chorus-girl looks… and mega-props for not mentioning Raoul. Just wondering… in the movie, Emmy Rossum’s ‘Past the Point of No Return’ and ‘All I Ask of You’ dresses were amazing… do you think you could try translating those over as well? (I loved the musical, but i kind of liked the movie’s costumes better.)

    (and speaking of Phantom. Who here knows who Ramin Karimloo and Hadley Fraser are???)

    *A Little Fall of Rain*

    Reply
  13. defyallgravity says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:36 pm

    OMG thank you! I love the phantom of the opera!! I can’t wait to wear a christine inspired outfit….. as soon as I can find a lace dress!

    Reply
  14. Kellan says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:07 am

    This is my favorite musical ever! thank you so much for this post! I love the phantom outfit 🙂

    Reply
  15. Samantha says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:07 am

    I love that you promote wearing turbans in public.
    I would not advise, however, that anyone listen to David Archuleta. D:

    Reply

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