Making Your Masquerade Dress Decision!

If you are lucky enough to be invited to a masquerade ball, then the choice of masquerade dresses may be overwhelming. Masquerade balls are typically a high fashion gathering rather than an informal costume party. Most women wear fancy gowns and everyone is usually required to wear a mask that covers at least the eyes. Where every woman stands out is with her gown selection. Style is everything. Think early fashion. Full skirts, cinched waists, corset style tops. Or perhaps Victorian with a high collar and a bustle. Medieval or even Gothic are both acceptable looks as well.

If you are looking for elegance without spending a ton of money, there are many ways you can go about fashioning a ball gown. Begin with an old wedding dress or brides maid dress. These can easily be found in second hand shops for much less than something new would cost. If you are going for a seventeenth or eighteenth century fashion, try selecting a full, bell shaped gown in any sort of jewel tones. Add a mask decorated with feathers and jewels to complete your look.

Nobility dresses of the Medieval period can easily be made into a ball gown. Think along the lines of a queen dressed in her royal best. Inexpensive gowns may be found in costume stores, but try to stay away from the wench or serving maid costumes. This is meant to be a high class ball and a servant would not dare be seen at one. Inexpensive gowns may be found in costume stores

You can also choose the Gothic look. Heavy crimson, purple, silver or even black dresses and a mask adorned with deep red or black roses, deep toned jewels and silver, white or grey jewelry. With a black cape and a proper mask, you will look both mysterious and elegant at the same time.