Ideas for Masquerade Ball Dresses

Masquerade balls, parties attended by men and women in formal dress costumes wearing masks, first became a popular form of entertainment around the 15th century in Italy. While their popularity waned a bit throughout the 20th century, they enjoyed resurgence in the 1990's and today remain a stylish theme for many Mardi Gras celebrations and sweet 16 parties. While you can often rent these types of gowns, you can also purchase an inexpensive prom or bridesmaid dress and transform it into a formal masquerade ball dress by adding a mask and a few simple accessories or adornments.

17th and 18th Century Ball Gowns

Masquerade balls came from Italy to England and the American colonies during this time period; making ball gowns from the 17th-18th century enormously popular at many contemporary balls. Women usually wear large, full bell-shaped jewel-colored gowns and ornate masks. Purchase a long prom or bridesmaid dress and add extra layers to the skirt using crinolines or a pettiskirt for added fullness. Add an ornate mask, embellished with feathers or encrusted with jewels; these types of masks can be found at numerous party or costume stores.

Victorian

During the Victorian period, ladies began to favor an emblematic or allegorical costume at fancy dress balls. For example, you could purchase a black prom dress and add a black veil to your hair or a cape and become "Night." Or don a pink dress with a crown of roses and call yourself "Last Rose of Summer." An aqua or dark blue dress topped with a crown of seashells could transform you into a sea nymph or "Lady Aphrodite." If you don't like the allegorical idea, try to find a prom or bridesmaid dress with traditional Victorian elements, such as a high collar or a small bustle. Tie the color and design of your mask into that of the theme of your costume.

Medieval

Dresses that imitate those worn by the nobility during the Medieval or Renaissance time period can be an easy masquerade dress theme. Since masquerade balls often go hand in hand with Mardi Gras parties, many women (and men) dress as Kings and Queens with crowns and royal finery. You can find inexpensive medieval attire at numerous party stores; look for queen and princess costumes rather than peasant or serving wench dresses. Add a crown (if desired) and a gold mask for a regal masquerade ball costume.

Gothic

For this theme, envision the costumes and characters in the musical "Phantom of the Opera." Choose a long formal dress in dark blue, black, crimson or deep purple. Accent your attire with silver, white, or gray jewelry and accessories. Pin a garland of black roses into your hair or a single black rose brooch onto your gown. Add a black cape and black/white masks for a truly mysterious look.

References

• Masquerade Impresarios and Their History
• Fancy Dress in the Victorian Era
• Short History of Venetian Costume Masks