Appropriate Masquerade Costumes for a Ball

Congratulations on your invitation to a masquerade ball! Typically, the first question that pops into ones head is “what do I wear?” These balls can be extremely exciting and creative occasions. Knowing what dress code is acceptable will help you feel more comfortable.

Masquerade balls have a different theme than the familiar costume party. Usually a costume party focuses on a full costume; at a masquerade event, however, the most important item is the mask.  Sometimes matching masquerade costumes are also welcome, but balls are generally too formal to get creative beyond the mask. The intent of wearing a mask is to hide your identity, creation a fun level of anonymity to the party.

There are a lot of retailers on the internet and in stores that sell pre-made masks.  But it can also be fun to buy one and decorate it on your own.  Most masquerade masks are colorful and decorated with glitter, feathers, and other small details.  Make sure to understand the theme before you choose your design.  Themes can range from time periods to colors to just about anything.

Consult your invitation to see if any special requests are made by the host before choosing your masquerade costumes.  Many balls are formal or semi-formal, but if the invitation doesn’t say then you should assume the formal route.

If the event is semi-formal you can be much more creative with your costume.  You can add on a cape or just stick to exciting colored accessories.  For men, this can be a fun colored shirt or tie (usually one that matches your mask design).

Before I make you look like a fool, semi-formal for men usually means wearing a suit.  For women, semi-formal means a casual dress.  Jeans are never acceptable.

If the event is formal, men are usually required to wear tuxedos.  For women, this usually means wearing traditional ball gowns as masquerade dresses.

The most important aspect is to have fun.  Even if you’re slightly misdressed, just accept it or attempt to play it off as joke.