Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party
Have you gotten invited to a masquerade ball? If so, this helpful guide on what to wear to a masquerade party for both female and male guests will show you exactly what to expect and how to dress.
Masquerade parties are a type of formal occasion where guests are encouraged to wear masks. They’re usually held at night, and most often the dress code is formal evening wear. Masquerade parties are popular themed events filled with dancing and entertainment, so it’s important to know how to dress to impress when attending.
What you wear at this type of masked ball will depend on the dress code, but there are some general guidelines that everyone should follow when it comes to choosing what to wear. You might be wondering why these events have such specific requirements for clothing. What’s so special about wearing masks?
This article will provide some insight into the history and traditions surrounding this dress code, as well as offer tips on how to choose an outfit for your next formal masquerade party!
The History Of Masquerade Balls
Masquerade balls can be traced back as early as the 15th century, and they were usually elaborate parties for upper-class families. A classic masquerade party was inspired by the Venetian Carnival and often had Venetian masks. Part of the original masquerade ball’s charm was for the guests to remain unidentifiable, with many people often choosing to dress up as characters from novels, plays, movies, or cartoons.
This would create a game in which other attendees try to figure out each other’s real identities, wchic added a comedic aspect to many masquerades and made for a more enjoyable ball experience altogether.
In addition to hiding one’s identity, masquerade masks had many other uses, including using different colors to express one’s freedom of speech and voice one’s emotions and opinions without judgment.
Now that we’ve covered the history of masquerade balls, let’s jump into different outfit ideas.
What To Wear At A Masquerade Party As A Female Guest
1. Follow The Dress Code
Get this evening gown at Hello Molly
The dress code for masquerade parties is usually black-tie attire or formal evening wear. What does this entail exactly? This means that anything from cocktail dresses to an elegant long gown in rich colors or a floor-length skirt would be appropriate.
If there’s no color theme specified in the invite, you can go for any color that you would like, including safe neutrals like white, black, cream, or grey. If the masquerade celebration calls for a Mardi Gras masquerade theme, go for rich colors like deep red, emerald green, navy blue, gold, or another similar color.
Complete the look with a pair of formal shoes like high heels and you’re good to go! Just make sure it’s not something you’d typically go out in during the day.
If dresses are not your thing, you can also opt for a formal jumpsuit. Just make sure it’s a jumpsuit that would fit the standards of a high-end masquerade ball.
Since men are expected to be fully dressed up as well, consider coordinating with your partner if he also has to follow the same guidelines for what to wear at a masquerade party. A simple way to match your dress to your man’s outfit is for him to wear a tie in the same color.
2. Don’t Forget The Mask!
Get this luxury masquerade mask on Etsy (Etsy is such a great place to get masks in any theme or color!)
As mentioned previously, masquerade masks are a staple of this type of masked party. Make sure not to forget it! The mask is typically worn over the face – you can choose to wear the mask hands-free, or go for stick masquerade masks.
As for the color of your mask, make sure it coordinates with your overall outfit. For extra shine and glamour, go for metallic colors like gold or silver. Black masquerade masks are also a great option if you want to go for a classic look.
Etsy has a lot of various masquerade masks that you can buy, and you also have the option to have them customized.
3. Accessorize
Get this satin clutch at Net-A-Porter
While wearing a masquerade ball gown can be stunning and elegant, consider adding extra flair with vintage-style jewelry that matches the rest of your ensemble! Also, bring a complementary clutch with you that will hold all of your essentials.
As for footwear, opt for comfortable heels since you will likely be standing and dancing the entire evening.
4. Hair & Makeup
This is a formal event; so don’t skip the hair and makeup! We don’t want you to go into the event bare-faced. Make sure to put on some long-wear makeup and set it with some makeup setting spray it won’t smudge while you’re wearing your mask. We want you to have a great time and to not worry if your eyeshadow’s getting messy!
5 More Outfit Ideas For Women
1.
Get this gown on Net-A-Porter
2.
Get this dress on Hello Molly
3.
Get this jumpsuit on Net-A-Porter
4.
Get this dress on Hello Molly
5.
Get this jumpsuit on Net-A-Porter
What To Wear At A Masquerade Party As A Male Guest
1. Suit & Tie
Get the blazer and the trousers at Mr.Porter
The dress code for men at masquerade parties is usually black tie. What does this entail? This means that you should wear a tuxedo with a bowtie or a classic style suit in a neutral shade like black or dark grey. But just to be really sure (and to not look out of place), a sleek and classic black suit is your very best bet.
2. Mask
Get this mask on Etsy
Like we said earlier, the mask is the real star of the show, which means you must never forget your masquerade mask. If you have a date or your partner with you, you can also coordinate with them.
3. Formal Dress Shoes
Get these loafers on ASOS
Black leather shoes or sleek loafers are the way to go at this formal affair. What you don’t want to do is wear sneakers or casual footwear like flip flops, as they will make your outfit look unprofessional and out of place at a masquerade party.
3 More Outfit Options For Men
1.
Get the blazer and the trousers on ASOS
2.
Get the blazer and the trousers on ASOS
3.
Get this on J.Crew
