If you are invited to a masquerade ball and are fussing over what to wear; then you are on the right page at the right hour.
In this post, we will discuss a few tips and tricks and suggest some beautiful and elegant outfit ideas that will be an elixir for your masked ball.
1. What to Wear to a Masquerade Party?: Evolution of Masquerade Balls
The history of masquerade dates back to the 15th-16th century with the upper-class elites hosting this elaborate formal party/event for acquaintanceship and entertainment of their folks.
They are associated with the classic Venetian Carnival and are often adorned with Venetian masks.
The beauty of masquerade parties lies in the secrecy of the unknown identities. You get one day to hide behind the masquerade masks and be whoever you desire.
People often dress up as their favorite characters from movies, dramas, novels, and many more.
Now that you finally have an overall idea about the past of masquerade parties, let’s jump into the ‘what to wear’ section right away.
2. What to Wear to a Masquerade Party?: Amazing Hacks for your Masquerade Ball
With the fun and excitement of the invitation looms the horror of perfect outfit selection. A dress that is beautiful and elegant but also has your personal style to it.
Here are some tips and tricks to make you and your fun night stand out.
2.1. Dress Code is a Must
While selecting your masquerade attire always keep in mind the event theme. For a formal masquerade party, the typically worn dress for men are tuxedo or suit mainly in neutral colors like dark grey or black, while women go for cocktail dresses or formal gowns.
Specific masquerade-theme parties, for example, Venetian Masquerade, might require you to dress up in a particular manner.
Therefore, make sure to go through the invitation’s guidelines or requirements previously.
2.2. Right Mask for Right Task
Masquerade parties are all about masks, secrecy, and unknown identities. Rightly said by Fernando Pessoa (Portuguese writer and poet) – “Masquerades disclose the reality of souls. As long as no one sees who we are, we can tell the most intimate details of our lives.”
Hence, not only a perfect outfit but also a perfect mask is necessary for an overall best look.
Masquerade masks vary in color, style, material, and length. A simple plain black or white mask is indeed always fancied but a decorative masquerade mask with all its jewels and feathers has its own charm.
Also, wear masks that are comfortable, secure, and breathable, so that you can dance and communicate all night long without hindrance.
Whether you wear half masks, full-face masks, ornamented eye masks, or a Domino mask, always keep in mind that the mask needs to be elegant and must complement your outfit or dress.
Also, masks not only give you the fun of secrecy but also an opportunity to express yourself creatively with color, pattern, and design. Therefore, choose wisely and choose creatively.
Below, we have elaborately listed the different types of masquerade masks available in the market. Check out and find your.
2.3. Choosing the Right Dress For the Night
Always in the back of your mind keep the theme or dress code of the masquerade party while choosing your outfit.
For a formal masquerade party go for formal evening wear, for example, a tuxedo or a suit with black tie attire for men and an elegant long gown or a cocktail dress for women.
Make sure the color and style of your dress match your mask because this is your chance to raise the creative artist inside you and pull some out-of-box dress ideas for the ball.
Just make sure the dress is not too heavy and flashy or uncomfortable, because in the end you will be wearing and dancing in that the entire evening.
2.4. Shoes and Accessories
Add a perfect pair of shoes and some accessories that complement your masquerade dress and mask for a complete look. Also, opt for comfortable shoes over other things.
Avoid high heels, wear some elegant flats, wedges, slingback heels, or formal shoes because they are both comfortable and classy in appearance.
Keep the theme in your mind while selecting the jewelry for the masquerade party. You can go for vintage-style jewelry as per your preference.
A statement necklace and a pair of chandelier earrings with the perfect color clutch or purse can highlight your style adding a bit of glamour to it.
2.5. Makeup and Hairdo
Just like the masquerade party itself the hairstyle and makeup need to be classy and sophisticated. Some loose curls or low buns are good-to-go styles.
Keep your hairdo stylish by applying hair ornaments and decorated clips. Also, remember not to overdo anything because your hair will support your mask and you don’t want things to get messier.
Finally, to highlight your eyes behind the beautiful mask wear dramatic eye makeup that either complements or contrasts with your masquerade attire.
For lips use bold lip colors, for example, red, maroon, or black. Always go for long wear makeup to keep makeup intact till the end.
In summary, it is important to keep the overall look in your mind or the look of the characters that you want to recreate.
Choose an elegant, chic, and sophisticated masquerade attire but make sure it is comfortable enough for the entire event.
Also, pair it up with perfect accessories and jewelry to take your masquerade celebration to the next level.
3. What to Wear to a Masquerade Party?: 7 Outfit Ideas to Impress
Masquerade parties have a secret touch to them. Despite being an age-old celebration it still has its charm in the present times.
Furthermore, whether it’s a simple get-together or a business gathering a masquerade-themed party is always a creative and fun approach.
3.1. Formal Masquerade Dress
A formal masquerade ball has a formal dress code, in which a black tuxedo or formal shirt is for men and formal evening wear is for women, for example, a floor-length skirt, an elegant long gown, or a ball gown and pairing it with some formal shoes.
Men can also go for classic-style suits or black-tie attire and women can wear a formal jumpsuit as well, depending on their style and comfort.
3.2. Casual Masquerade Dress
A casual masquerade party is mostly a backyard party with a small family or friends gathering or can also be a bachelor’s party in a masquerade-themed way.
For these occasions, men can opt for more casual wear like a creative black tie and women can opt for body-shaped cocktail dresses or a simple flowing gown/long dress. Also, women can also go for a formal jumpsuit.
3.3. Masquerade-themed Dress
Masquerade-theme parties are mostly inspired by the 15th-century Venetian Masquerade celebration with typically worn Venetian masks.
Getting glimpses of the scenes from the movie Casanova (2005) because that’s exactly where we are heading.
Elaborate and elegant long gowns with a Victorian touch are the one for these parties. Emerald green color vintage jewelry looks great with the outfit, as it gives out a regal flair.
3.4. What to wear to a Masquerade Party?: Velvet Masquerade Dress
If your masquerade is in the fall or winter then a velvet dress is the one for you. With a bit of shimmer and warmth, this is a perfect dress code for winter or fall masquerades.
Furthermore, this outfit is not only perfect for masquerades but also for Christmas parties or any other party.
3.5. Silk Masquerade Dress
Up for some luxurious and exquisite masquerade then nothing beats silk. A satin or silk dress with metallic colors can add some shine and glamour to the party.
Formal occasions mostly have this kind of dress code.
It is a classy attire that is simple yet glamorous. Therefore, if you don’t like elaborate long gowns then this might be your savior for the night.
3.6. What to Wear to a Masquerade Party?: Halloween Masquerade Party
Two amazing fun celebrations clubbed together, what else does one need?
A Halloween masquerade is a perfect place to let your creative juices flow. Be any movie, novel, or TV series character, and then add your charm to the masquerades.
3.7. Classy Black
If you have nothing, then go for black. Not only it will make you appear taller, fitter, and bolder but also serve as a last-minute savior when you have nothing on your platter.
Also, pair your black dress with some formal dress shoes like black slings or black flats and you are ready for the day.
Choose some fancy black masquerade masks or a gold mask, unless there is a theme-based mask.
4. What to Wear to a Masquerade Party?: Different Masks for Different Tasks
The mask is the key element of the masquerades which can make or break your appearance and identity. Hence, make sure your mask is as beautiful and elegant as your outfit.
Choose a mask that complements your dress code and best suits your personality.
4.1. Half Mask
Typically covers your eyes and half of your face, also called a demi mask. This serves as a balance between visibility and invisibility or masked.
4.2. Full Face Mask
It is a complete mask or face-shaping mask. It gives a complete sense of mystery and secrecy to your looks.
4.3. Venetian Mask
Venice is the origin of masquerade balls and the elaborate and fancy masquerade mask. This masquerade mask will give your looks an authentic touch.
4.4. Simple Eye Mask
These are the most common masks available out there. They merely cover the eye region and are adaptable to all kinds of outfits.
5. What to Wear to a Masquerade Party?: Conclusion
Masquerade balls are a perfect combination of creativity, culture, and tradition. Since the 15th century, they have had a mystical charm and have beautifully evolved into the present world parties.
As we come to the end of our masquerade journey we hope that your ‘what to wear’ question is finally answered and the insightful tips are useful. Happy Masquerades!
Shweta with a BA in English has a passion for writing and exploration. An avid reader with a zeal for writing content that blends her literary and storytelling skills to craft informative and engaging content. With an eagerness to learn and a keen eye for detail, she ensures her content is not only informative but also enriching.
I must say that the article is amazing. From masks to following are proper dress code, every aspect is covered simply. The dress ideas are awesome. Every piece of information is very helpful if you throw a themed party.