Ball gowns are some of the most eye-catching and dramatic gown styles around, and these dresses are typically worn in formal settings. There are many places you can wear a ball gown, and it’s important to be sure that your ball gown matches the venue and formality of the event you are attending so you don’t look out of place. Our guide gives you more details on the ball gown style and where you might want to wear this type of dress.
What Is a Ball Gown?
A ball gown is a distinctive type of formal gown that features a tighter bodice, either with a corset style, zipper, or lace-up back, and skirts that start around the hip area. The skirts of a ball gown are typically very full, and these layers of fabric create an almost bell-shaped silhouette for the individual wearing the dress. Some ball gowns may be fuller and have thicker skirts than others, but all ball gowns will feature these larger and fluffier skirts with a form-fitting bodice.
Ball gowns are typically associated with balls and royalty, as they are a fixture in popular culture and in books as styles that princesses and similar figures where. These gowns often make an appearance in formal events, and many individuals love the chance to wear a ball gown and feel their most confident and beautiful selves.
Where Can I Wear a Ball Gown?
Ball gowns may be suitable in a variety of different situations. In most cases, you will need to attend a formal event to wear a ball gown, as these dresses are considered formal due to their style and length. Below, you can learn about the places where wearing a ball gown might be appropriate.
Formal Events
Formal events could be anything that requires a formal or black-tie dress code, and you will generally be able to see what dress code is required of you on the website of the venue you are attending or on an invitation. Examples of formal events include a friend’s formal birthday party or a celebration being thrown in your town to mark an important date or historical event.
Galas and Balls
Galas and balls are the prime places to wear a ball gown, and you may be able to find themed balls and galas that cater to individuals who wish to wear their ball gowns, masquerade masks, or go all out when it comes to creating royalty vibes. Make sure to double-check the theme requirements and dress code for the ball you wish to attend before selecting your ball gown to ensure your style is a perfect fit.
Prom
Prom is a formal event, and many individuals choose to wear a ball gown as they attend their prom. These dresses can be a memorable way to craft a prom look you will love for years to come, and you can reuse the ball gown you purchase for prom at other formal events requiring a ball gown.
Quinceañera
Quinceañera dresses are traditionally ball gown style, and these dresses are intended to let the girl celebrating her 15th birthday feel like royalty. At a quinceañera, wearing a ball gown as the person with the birthday can help you feel like a star, but if you are attending a quinceañera as a guest, you may want to choose something less noticeable to allow the birthday girl to have the spotlight on her special night.
Wedding
The only appropriate time to wear a ball gown at a wedding is if you are the bride – there are plenty of wedding dresses in this style, and a ball gown wedding dress is the perfect way to make yourself feel like a princess as you walk down the aisle.
Where Do I Buy a Ball Gown?
Ball gowns can be found in stores that specialize in formal dresses, prom dress shops, or online. These dresses are typically on the more expensive side due to the many layers of fabric used, though you can occasionally find second-hand ball gowns in thrift stores and other second-hand dress stores for a cheaper and more sustainable approach to formal gown shopping.
Embracing Royal Ball Gown Style
Ball gowns are notorious for their noticeable style complete with intricate layers of fabric, large skirts, and the royal style they evoke. If you are interested in a ball gown but not sure where to wear one, all you need to do is find out where a gala, ball, or other formal event is taking place near you. Once you have an event in mind, you can go shopping for your dream ball gown and embrace the feelings of royalty that this wondrous style gives.
