You Shall Go To The Ball!!!

I have recently had some clients going to a ball for the first time, and as newbies to this tradition, they have asked me about dress codes… I referred them to good ole Google as I wasn’t sure of the answers to some of their questions myself, so I thought it would be a good idea to provide you all with some useful information on this subject!

Dress Codes
Unless the ball invitation specifies a particular theme or dress-code, deciding what to wear is likely to be entirely up to you. Personally, I use a Ball as a chance to get dressed up to the nines – I would rather be over-dressed than underdressed at such an occasion! If you are not used to dressing up, keep your dress simple and add little extra details like sparkly jewellery or a hairclip, a beaded bag and a coordinating stole. Make sure you choose well-fitting shoes, and if they are new then try to break them in before the big night as there is nothing worse than having to hobble through the function room to the loo, or even worse – not being able to dance! If you don’t normally wear make-up then a touch of mascara and some lip gloss will make a dramatic difference. The main thing though as always, is to be comfortable in whatever you choose, as if you are comfortable then you will be confident, and confidence makes you smile!

Most ball invitations will specify a dress-code, so it's crucial to understand what terms like 'black-tie', 'white-tie' and 'smart-casual' can mean. This guide on what to wear explains what will be expected of you when confronted with different dress-codes - so you won't feel lost when planning your outfit!

Moreover, if the ball you're attending is themed, ensure you check what exactly the theme is before deciding what to wear. And make sure you take into account seasonal differences too: after all, what you'll wear to a summer ball and what you'll wear to a winter ball are sure to differ greatly!

'Formal dress'
If this dress code is indicated on an invitation then follow the same rules as 'black-tie'. You can wear anything from a smart suit, elegant separates or a glamorous long dress.

Morning suit
Traditionally if this is for weddings that start before 3pm, however the morning suit, consisting of what is often referred to as a Penguin Suit, usually made up of a navy, black or grey tailcoats worn with contrasting trousers either plain or striped, teamed with a white wing-collar shirt, a coloured waistcoat and a cravat. Morning suits are a nice alternative to the Tuxedo for a summer ball particularly if the ball starts with an afternoon reception.

Black Tie
This is the most common dress code for a ball. For men, this means a tuxedo or a dinner suit teamed with a bow-tie.
For ladies, you have the flexibility to go very sexy and glam, in a dress of any length. The only rule is that you should look dressier than normal. i.e. a cotton ‘day’ dress would not suffice. Ideally you should look like you have made an effort. Remember – even the most simple dress can be dressed up with a pair of pretty shoes and some sparkling accessories.

White Tie
'White tie' does not mean that you wear all white, unless you are going to a ball at Elton Johns house!
In essence 'white tie' for men means that you opt for a tail-coat rather than a dinner suit. Shirts, waistcoats, ties and bow ties must be white and patterned or gimmicky ties are a definite no-no! For ladies, 'white tie' means a long, preferably floor length dress rather than a perky short one.Depending on the formality of the event, bare shoulders may or may not be acceptable. Shawls and long gloves are common accessories

Themed Balls
Themed balls are fun but can be a nightmare for finding an appropriate style to suit. Before you start looking for a dress make sure that you find out exactly what type of theme it is. For example, a hot pink dress is clearly not the right for a black and white theme, and similarly if you turn up to a masquerade ball without a mask you will feel rather silly. Equally, if you are not comfortable in an over the top costume then you could just choose something along the lines of the theme, for example, for a Bollywood themed ball you could select a dress with some beaded fringing on it, or wear a scarf in the style of a Sari with a simple dress.

Seasonal Balls
Spring and Summer balls are more flexible in terms of what you can wear, but with our Great British climate you should always be prepared for the weather! On the day it may start to drizzle and appear cooler in the morning, and equally the day may start out as a scorcher, but temperatures often dip after dark, so always take a shawl or wrap just in case.
For Christmas balls it can be harder to find a glamorous dress that will keep you warm in the cold winter chill but there are other options. Buy the dress you want and accessorise with a bolero jacket, stole or pashmina - These are a great way to keep bare shoulders cosy and warm and are available in a variety of fabrics and even fake furs and feathers!

Whatever you choose to wear - Have Fun!