It’s hard to find clothes because I’m so petite. In my twenties, I’d put on my tight Herve Leger dress and heels, and it looked like I was going to the bar. Concert goers think, Classical music – it’s really serious. There are lots of rules, and the dress code, which I broke, was one of them. It’s irrelevant to what we’re doing. It’s just a piece of cloth, but once it’s on my body, it boosts my confidence, and that translates to the music.
Yuja Wang, concert pianist.
There is a dress code for classical music performers – black. I have seen all versions of black on performers from very elegant dresses in lace to bland slacks and sweaters.
Fashionista Ms. Wang is tossing all that aside and donning what she pleases, often very short, very tight, and in color. I hate to see the black tradition disappear, however, it seems from what I read about Wang, that a little fashion spice suits her personality and passion for playing.
Having said that, I do think Wang pushes the envelope a little too far when she chooses dresses like the one on the photo above. Come on! It’s no longer about the music with those slits. The shoes are what I call Stripper Shoes, which are fine for clubbing but not for weddings, christenings, elegant affairs of any kind including classical music concerts.
I suspect that the all black policy is intended to place the music first even above the performer. It’s true that colorful clothing really does stand out and may be distracting. There’s nothing wrong with a little sex appeal on stage but actually, I think passion for the music takes care of that.
OverDressed for Life 
I’ve always thought the all-black dress code was for orchestra members, and that soloists are allowed — or even encouraged — to do something different. As an audience member, I’ve always found a bit of visual relief in the bit of color that a soloist might wear. I’ve seen other photos of Ms Wang, and while I was startled at first, I think her short or slit skirts are not inappropriate — she needs freedom of leg movement after all. (Personally though, I would find it impossible to manage the pedals with those huge platform shoes!)