Masquerade ball images for girls. How to dress for a ball? Or reincarnation in Cinderella! General rules of conduct at the ball

The ball opened. circling, flying
The young couple after the couple;
Luxurious clothes shone
And faces - fresh beauty.

A.I. Odoevsky

Whirling couples in gallant suits and evening dresses seem to be a picture of a long-forgotten past. However, today's trend to revive the best cultural and historical traditions has brought back to life one of the most beautiful and romantic of them - the ball. Proving that this is not only entertainment for high-ranking persons, but also an opportunity for an ordinary person to spend time and relax in a completely new atmosphere for him.

The modern ball has its own differences from the classical one, held in Russia since the time of Peter the Great. It is more democratic, but still beautiful and elegant.

Modern balls

The modern ball, as before, is a secular dance event. Here you can have a great rest, dancing and talking with other participants. What to do if so far the person has no idea how everything is going on at the ball? It is necessary to prepare and delve into the general issues of its organization and conduct.

Point categories

For those who are going to take part in this event, it is important to find out what balls are.

Depending on which tradition the organizers would like to implement in a modern interpretation, dance events are divided into several categories.

Historical balls, the purpose of which is to create the atmosphere of a particular historical period. Here the features of its conduct are recreated, dances of a particular era are selected. Detailed dress code requirements are described for participants.
Role balls, allowing participants to become part of some kind of game atmosphere, taken, for example, from a book.
Stylistic arranged for a specific group of people. For example, the traditions of holding officer or student balls are now being actively revived.

If possible, attending the event by different people, they are open or public, and closed arranged for a certain category of people, a strictly limited circle or status.

Public balls may include:

charitable;
public city;
Christmas;
dedicated to a specific dance or dance style.

Closed ones include:

celebrity ball;
secular balls for high-ranking persons, big businessmen.

If almost anyone can get to an open event, then an invitation card is required to participate in a closed celebration.

How to dress for a ball

Before going to the ball, you need to find out which one is set for a particular event. This is most often written in an invitation sent to you, or an announcement.

Most often, participants are required to comply with a certain dress code, for example, close in severity to Black-Tie: strict tuxedos and bow ties for gentlemen, and floor-length evening dresses for ladies, gloves.

To participate in a historical ball, a special costume may be required, corresponding to the historical era being recreated.

General rules of conduct at the ball

The main person in the hall - host of the ball. He knows the whole program, organizes the actions of the participants. It is forbidden to argue with him or not to follow his orders. In addition to the manager, the dance festival may have hosts - those people who organized this event.

Basic rules of conduct at the ball, mandatory for each participant.

It is not customary to be late for a dance festival.
Entering the hall, you must first of all greet the hosts of the evening and the manager. Then you can greet familiar people with a handshake, or a slight bow with unfamiliar or unfamiliar participants.
It is not customary to run or move too fast around the hall.
It is not customary to speak loudly or laugh, behave defiantly, use foul language or speak rudely.
Any disputes must be resolved outside the dance hall.
It is not customary to smoke, chew gum, have a snack in the dance hall, because there is a buffet or a special table for this.

Since the ball is, first of all, dancing, each of its participants is obliged to dance.

Ladies can make a preliminary promise to gentlemen to dance no more than three dances with them.

Invitation to dance (engagement)

The modern ball adheres to the classical ballroom traditions, including in relation to the engagement - an invitation to dance.

When inviting a lady, the gentleman should approach her, and, bowing, give her his right hand. Do I need to say something about it? Not at all necessary. But if you wish, you can make a verbal offer: "Do not refuse the pleasure of inviting you ...", "Let me invite you ...". The lady, accepting, curtsies and gives the gentleman her left hand, after which the couple heads to the dance area.
If the lady whom the gentleman would like to invite came with a companion, you must ask the companion's permission to invite and apologize if the gentleman interrupted the conversation with his appearance.
It is not customary to dance with your companion or one gentleman for more than three dances in an evening. And no more than two dances in a row.
If the gentleman arrived with a lady, then he dances the first dance with her.
If your friend invited the lady, then you should invite his companion.

The most important mistake at the ball is the situation when the lady or gentleman forgot about the dance promised to one of the participants.

Under what circumstances can a lady to refuse the offer to dance:

She had already promised this dance to another partner.
The number of dances with this gentleman is already three.
The lady would like to rest.
The gentleman inviting the lady did not put on gloves.

Rules of conduct during the dance

At the time of passage through the hall and during the dance, the lady should always be on the left hand of the partner.
The lady puts her hand to the man just below the shoulder. A man, on the other hand, cannot hold a lady by the shoulders or back if her outfit is a dress with a neckline.
If during the dance the couple collided with other dancers, then the man apologizes.
Both dancers should not look down at their feet to see if they are doing the steps correctly.
The distance between partners should not be too far or too close.
During the dance, it is not customary to talk a lot, but the exchange of short remarks is quite possible, but only if they are not related to other dancers.
Each dance has its own pattern and order of figures. It is advisable to focus on the first couple in the dance. If the couple loses the rhythm, then it should move closer to the middle of the circle, allowing more experienced dancers to continue to move according to the accepted dance pattern.
After the end of the dance, it is necessary to escort the lady to her place. Before leaving the lady, the gentleman performs a bow in gratitude for the accepted invitation.

What is danced at modern balls

Each dance event has its own program, which you can find out in advance. At the same time, historical balls use dances of the chosen era: minuet, mazurka, polonaise or French quadrille.

If a modern ball is dedicated to a certain dance stylist, for example, a waltz or Latin American dances, then the participants will be offered an appropriate dance program.

What should I do at the ball?
I'm at the wall.
I don't like to perform
I'm shy to dance.

And a little strange to me
this laughter is friendly.
And I stand aside
no one needs.

To not be like the hero of the poem Mark Weizmann, it is desirable to prepare at least a little.

For those who do not know how to dance, the organizers may offer to take preliminary master classes to obtain dance skills according to the program provided for the event.

Often, especially at public balls, training takes place directly in the dance hall during the event itself. The facilitator or "teacher" of the dance teaches the participants the basic steps. Then they are invited to perform the dance on their own.

If the participant is a beginner, then it is worth choosing the right place for dancing. In the absence of good skills, you can dance in those parts of the hall where there are few participants. In this case, the couple will enjoy the dance without disturbing the rest of the dancers.

A ball is a beautiful event in the life of any of its participants. It allows you to take a different look at leisure activities in general, and learn the rules of etiquette that allow you to demonstrate beautiful manners, respect for the interlocutor and tact in everyday life.

Ballroom fashion of the 19th century is a real treasure trove of exquisite styles, fabrics and accessories. In Russia, high society, and even more so the capital, unquestioningly followed the French and English fashions, often ordering outfits from Paris or London. In the provinces, the nobles also kept up with the nobility of the capital and sewed analogues of foreign outfits from local dressmakers.

Appearance at high-society balls was indicated by etiquette. During the 19th century, women's ball gowns featured deep cleavages, preferably baring the shoulders. Such outfits implied the presence of jewelry on the neck, because the ball was not only a place for dancing, but also an occasion to show oneself and one's wealth. At the very beginning of the 19th century, it was fashionable to decorate dresses with natural or artificial flowers. If the lady was not married, she should wear an outfit of light colors and not be zealous with complex hairstyles. Married women could afford more puffy outfits in bright colors and massive expensive jewelry. Shoes were usually worn without heels, comfortable and soft, so that you could easily endure many hours of the ball.

Dresses made of flowing fabrics should be supplemented with light stoles, which would give even more airiness to the lady whirling in the dance. As an option, heavy shawls made of cashmere were also acceptable. The ability to elegantly wear a shawl on his shoulders was a matter of pride. To do this, many ladies spent many hours at the mirror to hone their skills.

Men's ballroom fashion did not differ in variety. Cavaliers were supposed to appear at the ball in tailcoats, waistcoats and ties. In the first half of the century, preference was given to white ties, and in the second - black. Tailcoats were exclusively black, although some variations were allowed at the very beginning of the 19th century. If a man was a military servant, then the ball for him was an occasion to put on his ceremonial uniform, adjusted for ball shoes.

Gloves were an important accessory of the ball costume. They were supposed to be not just white, but snow-white. Ladies preferred glove models ending above the elbow. Gloves were not removed throughout the ball, except for dinner. Bare hands at the ball were considered bad manners. In the event that the gloves were suddenly torn, and there were no spare ones, the ladies preferred to remain in torn ones.

Getting ready for the ball was no easy task. In order to get together, it was not enough to acquire only one dress. It was necessary to make a complete set, which included: a corset, a thin shirt mostly made of batiste, which was worn under it, starched pantaloons and a silk underskirt.

Long preparatory events created a sense of celebration, and it is not for nothing that balls of the 19th century are the subject of interest to this day.

Recently, balls have come back into fashion. These are special evenings associated with the fairy tale about Cinderella, where exquisite outfits and accessories reign, hair is styled in high hairstyles, satin gloves fit women's hands, and elegant handbags hide powder and powder. But since such events are not held every day in real life, when receiving an invitation, a quite reasonable question may arise: how to dress for a ball so that the created image ideally matches the solemn atmosphere?

First of all, you should ask in advance what type of dress code is expected for the participants of the event. This is a very important question, because your choice of dress, accessories and other components of a ball gown directly depends on the answer to it. And now for the details.

Opera ball - a world of luxury and sophistication

The constant companion of such an evening is the strictest of all formal dress codes, the so-called white tie. According to his requirements, the lady should be in a floor-length dress made of expensive and high-quality fabric. It can be satin, multi-layered crepe de chine or natural silk.

For ease of movement during the dance, the skirt should be wide enough. The style of the dress is allowed low-cut, with bare shoulders or with a high waist under the chest, like Natasha Rostova. The neckline depends on the age and status of the lady: for unmarried and young ladies, it has a modest depth, and married women can more boldly boast of their charms. But the main thing is not to overdo it.

Dresses are monophonic. Light shades of white, milky, vanilla are preferred. The color of the decor matches the tone of the main outfit. Prints and drawings are completely excluded, you should limit yourself to decorations.

It is important to remember that the outfit should give the impression of sophistication and luxury, but at the same time be quite restrained, without frills. Trying to outshine rivals is inappropriate here.

Costume ball - a journey into the past with a taste of elegance

For such an event, you should choose an outfit that matches the declared theme of the evening, as well as the image of a historical figure or a titled and noble person that you have conceived. In no case should you stop at formal clothes.

The styles of dresses can be chosen from those that were fashionable in a certain historical era. Most often, they prefer the 19th century, which corresponds to: translucent puffed sleeves, light drapery, dress length to the middle of the ankle. You can also choose long evening or ballroom skirts with fluffy skirts.

The colors of the ladies' attire are allowed saturated, in shades of noble burgundy, dark blue, emerald, sky blue. Drawings and ornaments are possible.

How to dress for a masquerade ball?

Such an event is a kind of costume ball, but has some differences from it. So, the outfits strictly correspond to the theme announced by the organizers: vampires, fairy-tale heroes or the New Year. The costume is distinguished by the presence of notes of comedy and eccentricity, brighter colors and a variety of styles, the presence of drawings and ornaments. A mandatory component is a mask.

Separately, it should be noted the masquerade ball in the Venetian style. This is a spectacular show where the main characters are not people at all, but comedy characters. It is for them that luxurious costumes are selected: Harlequin, Pantalone, Columbine ... Choose anyone! Masks for such a ball are distinguished by chic and incredible originality. Each of them is individual. The main and striking difference between the costumes for the Venetian masquerade is the abundance of fluffy skirts, lace, multi-colored feathers, flowers from luxurious brocade, the presence of decor from gold braid, precious stones and ceramics.

Clothing for masquerade celebrations is selected for the specific image of the hero, and its color must be fully consistent with the character and appearance of this character. It is important that the whole outfit creates the impression of a single whole, and not a single detail is knocked out either in style or in shade.

Ball at the reception: characteristic differences

For such an event, you should choose more strict evening dresses, but corresponding to the latter. Excesses and excessive boldness in outfits are out of place here. Actual dresses are long, as well as to the middle of the knee, with asymmetry, high waist and cutout on the back, cuts on the skirt and neckline are possible, but within the limits of decency.

The color of the outfit should not be too bright and colorful, because this is a secular celebration. Monochromatic dresses or a combination of two colors are preferred. Classic combinations of white or red with or gray are suitable.

Hairstyles and accessories

Since the ball belongs to the ceremonial events, high or fashionable evening hairstyles are preferred. Letting your hair down is not recommended. The only exception is the official reception and some of the characters of the costume ball.

Since the outfit in most cases obeys strict rules and does not tolerate pretentiousness, finishing touches and bright accents in it will help to arrange well-chosen accessories. In this case, it is worth wearing jewelry made of precious metals or jewelry that imitates them. According to a long-established rule of secular celebrations, carefully selected earrings, necklace, bracelet and ring are preferred, which are perfectly combined with each other, but are not a single set. Note that for a costume ball and masquerade, accessories are relevant that are associated with the chosen historical era or complete the chosen image.

The color of the shoes should be in harmony with one of the shades present in the clothes. The same applies to the handbag and. The exception is a masquerade, where all accessories are matched to the character.

If the ball is held in the cool season, then you should take care of a stylish blouse made of fine wool or an elegant bolero with sleeves. But the most optimal solution that complements any of the outfits will be a color-matched fur coat or cape.

December 3, 2015

What exactly do you associate a masquerade ball with? With something mysterious and romantic or mysterious and ancient?

Unsolved mysteries of masks and silhouettes in the twilight, stunning images and songs that penetrate right into the heart - all this is a masquerade ball for adults! Only here every guest can feel like an aristocrat of the Middle Ages, feel the full depth of colorful flowers and costumes in the style of MardiGras, an exquisite carnival in Venice, a ball of nobility in the palace of Louis XIV or a Victorian operetta.

All these ideas can be brought to life at a birthday party, corporate party, prom, New Year's Eve, Halloween, wedding or just a meeting of good old friends. A masquerade ball is a holiday where old traditions and modernity are harmoniously combined.

The essence of the masquerade ball

Masquerades originate from ancient Greece, where noisy holidays were held with dressing up and processions in masks to music, singing and incendiary dances in honor of the god Dionysus. In medieval Europe, masquerades became very popular in aristocratic circles starting from the 14th century. Dressing in a different suit or putting on a mask, a person went beyond the limits of the norm, and was transferred to a world of prohibitions, harmony, and otherworldly power. Feeling like someone else for at least one evening, people rested from the daily bustle and were distracted from the harsh reality of the world. Soon the mask began to symbolize equality between different segments of the population; it did not separate people according to their religion or status.

The masquerade was the perfect event for weaving intrigue, gossip, unrestrained fun, and, of course, forbidden love. Everyone who was wearing a mask could pretend to be a different person for the evening, show themselves from the other side, which had a positive effect on the fight against their own complexes. The true "I" of each person was lost at the ball, in the twilight of the masquerade a new personality was born, with its own mystical history ...

What kind of story you write depends on the proper organization of the party.

Definition of subject matter

A masquerade ball can be of different themes, and depends on the preferences and imagination of the organizers, as well as the general vision of the holiday. Consider the brightest topics for the event:

MardiGras is a holiday for lovers of rich colors, unusual images and unrestrained fun.
The Phantom of the Opera is a Victorian party accompanied by classical music.
An aristocratic party in the spirit of France of the 18th century is a celebration of luxury, pompous outfits, expensive jewelry and gourmet food.
Old Hollywood is an event dedicated to glamor and social life, all guests of the event coquettishly hide their faces behind exquisite masks.
Movie-cartoon masquerade is a celebration of the heroes of your favorite cartoons and movies, suitable for both children's and adult holidays.

Important factors in determining the theme of the party is the allocated budget and the venue of the holiday. Some masquerade balls are relatively economical, such as the Old Hollywood style party, while MardiGras requires you to shell out a good deal for the ballroom and costumes.

Masquerade ball invitations

After determining the theme of the masquerade, it is necessary to organize invitations for guests. The main symbol of such celebrations is the mask, so it is not surprising that invitations are most often made in her style. The front side can be decorated as a Venetian boudoir, that is, sheathed with elegant fabric, painted with gold colors and sparkles.

You can make simpler options, for example, cut a mask out of cardboard, paint it with glitter glue, paints, markers or confetti.

The text of the invitation may be different, but it is important to indicate the date, location of the event, theme, dress code. Each guest can come up with a name for himself in accordance with the theme of the holiday. For example, if the party is in the style of the French aristocracy of the 18th century, then the guests can become Josephine, Constance, Jacques, Louis, etc. It will be interesting and spicy at the same time.

Costumes for a masquerade

Attire is very important for a themed party, and it's bad if some guests ignore the line that warns about the theme of the evening. To avoid embarrassment, you need to introduce a few rules:

Invitations are given to the guests of the event at least 2 weeks before the Masquerade.
A dress code is discussed with each guest without fail.
You need to have a few extra masks for those who are still poorly prepared for the holiday.

A costume for a masquerade ball should be thought out to the smallest detail and extraordinarily luxurious, with notes of sexuality and humor. He must show all the mystery of the image.

In cities, there are many places where costumes, wigs and necessary accessories are rented, you just need to give the phone to guests. Also, the costume can be sewn to order or manually, if you have seamstress skills.

Girls for the holiday can dress up as a queen, lady, movie diva of the 20s or Princess Elsa from the Frozen cartoon. Suits in the style of a count, baron, Zorro or even the image of Marlon Brando are perfect for men - a black tailcoat with a bow tie will always be in place.

party masks

Separately, it is worth mentioning the masquerade mask as a symbol of this holiday. Even an ordinary tailcoat or a little black dress, along with an elegant mask, will look harmonious at the ball. The perfect plaster mask can be easily prepared at home. You will need some tools and skills of an artist-decorator. For cooking you need:

20 tapes of medical plaster based on gauze, measuring 2.5 cm by 4 cm.
Cream.

The face is smeared with cream, plaster strips soaked in water are applied to it. After drying on the face, an impression is taken and it is given the desired shape with a sharp knife. Then everything depends solely on the will and imagination. The mask can be painted, decorated in different styles, decorated with different materials, stones, threads, sequins, etc.

It is much easier to make a fabric eyeglass mask at home. Pearls, guipure, sequins - this is a small fraction of what can bring a hint of mystery and perfection into the eyes of a woman in a mask.

The most affordable accessory for a party will be a blindfold mask. Its presence will make a woman's look full of charisma, expression and mystery.

Room decoration

The atmosphere at a holiday of this type simply has to be mysterious and unusual for all guests, otherwise the whole meaning will be lost.

If a large-scale party is planned, then you can order the services of special agencies for the design of banquet halls. If the masquerade will take place in an apartment or a private house, then the organizers themselves should take care of decorating the rooms.

The main decor elements for the festive room will be beads, feathers, candles, mirrors. Well, masks, they should be everywhere. On the walls you can hang themed posters depicting Venice, balls in France from the period of the 18th century, paintings by famous artists of that time, tapestries and candelabra.

An interesting and practical idea would be to decorate the room in one color scheme. This will significantly reduce the problems of choosing matching colors, and save money.

The walls of the room can be draped with burgundy, green and blue fabrics. Garlands will perfectly complement the decor of the hall, it can be pendants of flowers and butterflies.

If the party is planned in a fun and modern movie-cartoon style, then you can decorate the walls with posters of your favorite cartoon and movie characters, install some funny tantamares (decorations with holes for faces for photographing), scatter confetti and streamers around the rooms. Gold, silver, yellow, red, blue balloons and electric garlands are also used as decorations for a masquerade ball.

Musical arrangement

If the party is organized in the style of a masquerade ball of the Middle Ages, then the best music will be the classics: Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and other masterpiece creations. Eternal music like no other will fill the evening with a pleasant atmosphere, encourage the images of guests, and invite you to talk on important topics or just have a good time with friends.

If the party is organized in a cartoon style, then modern hits, songs that remind friends of a fun pastime in their youth, or any other fun music can be the musical accompaniment.

Entertainment at the ball

Undoubtedly, the main form of entertainment at the ball is dancing: classical, Latin or modern.

At the masquerade ball of the time of Louis XIV, dance cards were in circulation, each lady was awarded a certain gentleman, with whom she was obliged to dance the whole evening. A similar practice can be offered to single guests at your masquerade. The ladies themselves will draw a card with the name of the gentleman, and maybe by the end of the evening a few more strong couples will be organized among your friends.

At such a thematic holiday, you can spend the following entertainment.

"Theatre"

The guests are divided into two groups. One makes up an interesting and funny script, and the other person embodies it on an impromptu stage under the clear guidance of the “director” from the first group. The script for the team can be a parody of everyone's favorite movie, theatrical performance or a fairy tale.

"Competition for the best image"

A traditional competition at almost all events. It is important that the participants carefully prepare for its holding and think over their image to the smallest detail. The winner is the participant who received the most applause for his costume.

"Queen of the Masquerade Ball"

Girls are simply thrilled by various beauty contests. The most beautiful, mysterious, sophisticated, sexy and at the same time interesting lady becomes the queen of the masquerade ball. The winner will wear a crown all evening and be surrounded by all sorts of honors.

"Auction"

Holding an auction is an aristocratic occupation. You can use an unusual handmade mask, a bottle of rare wine, a shoe of the queen of the evening, etc. as lots. An important feature of this game is the host's sense of humor, able to conduct an auction in a positive and cheerful atmosphere.

At the very beginning, the minimum bid per lot is set, it can be a coin of a designated denomination or a small denomination.

"Thematic photo session"

Who doesn't want to get a photo for memory, and even in such a chic way. Therefore, an interesting and positive photo session of the guests of the holiday will give everyone present a great mood.

"Dress Contest"

In the company of best friends, you can be a little frivolous and, for example, take and change into a costume of the opposite sex. Ladies will become gentlemen and vice versa. After a fun dressing up and applying make-up on the newly made "ladies", you can hold a contest where participants will compete for the title of "Mrs Gentleman" and "Mr Lady".

"Spacious petticoat"

Such a competition is only suitable for an 18th century European style party, as it requires ladies in dresses with puffy skirts. The essence of the competition: two girls in dresses and a team of guys choose, the more gentlemen fit under each skirt, she wins. You need to hide under a magnificent dress completely, no peeking arms and legs. Fun for all guests of the holiday is guaranteed.

Another version of this competition: one of the girls has a gentleman hiding under her skirt. Guests must guess which of them is hiding the lucky one.

Gifts and prizes

As gifts and prizes at a masquerade ball, beautiful masks, hair accessories, pendants with keys, butterflies under an elegant tailcoat, or comic prizes can be used. For example, a bandage on a leg, a mustache on a stick, a mask with a nose or a funny shape.

Treats and table setting

The idea of a classic masquerade ball does not provide for a standard feast. Party guests are treated from a buffet table. Ideally, hire waiters, but if this is not possible, then you can simply organize the distribution of snacks and drinks yourself.

Treats of the evening might include beef medallions, mussel or shrimp salad, rosemary chicken, French bread, sesame buns, and more. From drinks cognac, red or white dry wines, champagne are perfect.

Dessert can consist of “mask” cookies, strawberries, grapes, cakes decorated with lacy chocolate patterns, and, of course, a cake decorated with a holiday theme.
A masquerade ball is a fun and original event, the relevance of which has not been lost for centuries. Each guest of the evening can feel like an aristocrat of the 19th century, an actor of the 20s or partners of Bonnie and Clyde, trying on the appropriate image. The main thing is to be fun, interesting and unusual.

A masquerade is a place where time epochs intersect, the past becomes the present, so that a beautiful and bright future can take place.

Bal When the first stage subsides - enthusiastic squeals, the next one comes - panic: “What should I wear ?!” You're heading in the right direction, dear: the flawless ball gown is a woman's armor, literally a couture Kevlar vest. When you are sure that you are dressed impeccably, you feel bulletproof from all life's adversities.

Ball fashion 1940-60s; “Don’t say yes and no, don’t wear black and white” - this legendary children's counting rhyme answers the main questions about the ballroom dress code. White is the color of young debutantes, and if you are not one of them, it is better to choose an outfit of a different color. Black, despite all the fashion trends, is a mourning color for a women's ball gown. You are left with a choice from the rest of the rainbow spectrum, but for now I will talk about the canonical style of the dress for the ball.

Jean Harlow Immediately cross off the list of trousers and even the most elegant trouser suits. At the ball, you can only wear a floor-length dress or a set of something elegant on top and a floor-length skirt.

For such cases, it is worth getting an evening version of the classic women's costume - fitted jacket combined with a long straight skirt. Perhaps it looks boring, but if you do not plan to dance the mazurka all evening, and your figure is far from model standards, then such an outfit will make your image appropriate.

Princess Grace of Monaco The main thing in such a suit is to choose the right material. I recommend dense, well-shaped chesuchi and brocade of dense noble shades - burgundy, emerald green, golden bronze, sapphire blue. The best decor for such an outfit is first-class fur, for example, sable cuffs and collar. A mink stole would work too.

Jacqueline Kennedy and designer Oleg Cassini If your build and age allow you to choose something lighter and more airy, be careful with puffy skirts and a frilly neckline, choose a dress of the simplest style and a minimum of cutouts in the front. Bare shoulders or back - that's the choice of mature and self-confident women! Also, remember: at any formal event, the more conservative you are dressed, the better you look. This is a commandment that has been tested for centuries.

King of Egypt Farukh and Queen Farida with their family at the palace ball Well, as for the unintelligent girls who got an invitation to the ball, they have every right to go all out and realize children's fantasies about the Beautiful Princess - numerous petticoats, corset, frills and white gloves to the elbow.

Sophia Loren; Norma Shearer dressed as Marie Antoinette But that's all nice words, and now I'm moving on to harsh reality. The ability to wear a ball gown is an art. To walk, dance, sit beautifully, not to mention how to go down the stairs in a long skirt without lifting it up to your ears, you need experience. If you think that I look at life too pessimistically, then take a walk on Saturday to any registry office, and Yes, you will laugh! .. In other words, when dressing up for a ball, soberly assess your capabilities. To begin with, at least shorten the skirt - to the ankles - this will allow you not to step on the hem every second, but in the saddest prospect - to trip over it and collapse in front of the astonished ballroom audience.

Princess Grace of Monaco at a masquerade ball But even a dress is the tenth thing. Of course, it's good if you have a couture or vintage ball gown hanging in your closet, but, as a last resort, visiting a large shopping center, a long evening dress can be bought quite quickly. But what exactly gives a lot of trouble and at the same time creates a full-fledged ballroom look is accessories. Shoes, handbag, fur tippet or boa and, of course, jewelry.

I think you will somehow guess for yourself that it is unsuitable to come to the ball with an office bag, and fashionable shoes with ten-centimeter stilettos will not allow you to dance until the morning. I'll tell you a little about jewelry, which is an important part of the ballroom dress code.

Mona Williams, Ben Ali Haggin and Cecil Beaton at the ball; Heiress Doris Duke with an escort Gold and diamonds will tell you everything about you even more clearly than expensive clothes. A pair of small, dainty pieces of jewelry that only hint at their presence by a glint hasn't hurt anyone yet. If the appearance and means allow you to wear precious stones, then do not waste time: buy the most worthy ones - without defects, with a first-class cut and in an elegant setting.

But what if you got an invitation not to a classic ball, but to a masquerade ball? Correct answer: "Find out the dress code and who is invited."

Masquerade at the Cotton Club in New York Masquerade can be themed - this is when guests have to dress up in the same style, for example, like the heroes of a movie or characters from a certain historical period. Classic masquerade - when each guest chooses a historical, cinematic or mythical outfit according to their own taste. In any case, there is only one way for you - to the theatrical costume store.

Princess Grace of Monaco at a masquerade But before you figure out how much the image of Marie Antoinette will cost you, get a list of those invited to this masquerade ball. If most of the guests are widely known for not bothering with the selection of a costume, at best they only put on masks, then you should not fuss so as not to look like a dressed-up white crow in their company. A bright evening dress and a shiny half mask are more than enough.

Sophia Loren; Norma Shearer as Marie Antoinette

And in conclusion: the eternal female headache associated with choosing an outfit for a ball, in our time, has only been intensified by concern for the appearance of a companion. Today, gentlemen and those who pretend to be them can put on the most fantastic attire, and without even warning their companion about such a “surprise”. Therefore, directly ask the man who intends to accompany you to the ball (and especially to the masquerade ball) what exactly he is going to wear (and in detail!). This does not mean that you should dress the same. The main thing is not to be like people who accidentally ran into each other on the street a couple of minutes ago.