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Outfit Examples: What to Wear to a Ball | Dress for a Night

What to Wear to a Ball

Updated • April 18 • Dress for a Night • Designer Dress Hire


Dressing for a ball can be intimidating. The dress codes are unclear and you have no idea what to wear. Stress no more, as we run you through what is appropriate for your upcoming ball as well as different ball outfits that could be yours.


Dress Code for a Ball

Formal Ball Attire

Ball attire is formal or black tie. If you have no idea what either of those mean, click here for our in depth explanation of the black tie dress code.

Can You Wear a Short Dress to a Ball?

The dress code for a classic ball is typically formal or black tie. Full-length gowns were what was traditionally expected but times are changing and it is not as strict. Guests can now get away with mid-length dresses - anything below the knee, so save those mini dresses for a daytime event in the summer time!


Ball Dress Colours

Now you are probably thinking, what colour ball dress would suit me? Lets determine what colours suit certain skin tones best.

Cool Undertones

If you have cool undertones, meaning your skin has a blue hue, the most complimentary colours to wear would be darker colours such as grey, brown, greens, purples, navy and bold blues. Avoid pastels, bright colours and neutrals.

Warm Undertones

If you have warm undertones, meaning your skin has a golden hue, the most complimentary colours to wear would be neutrals such as beiges, whites, as well as bold colours. If you have a yellow undertone, avoid colours similar such as oranges and greens. If you have a red undertone, avoid colours such as pinks and reds.

Neutral Undertones

Those with neutral skin tones can opt for any colour except yellow as it will not create a great enough contrast against your skin.


Formal Ball Attire

Full-Length Ball Gowns

Lexi Samira Dress

The Lexi Samira Dress is a fan favourite style for all formal and black tie occasions, especially balls. A glamorous floor-length, one shoulder style made from a stretch satin. This style is extremely flattering and elegant, and makes the perfect ball outfit as it nails the black tie dress code.  

This style is available in burgundy, orion blue, black and white.


Nookie Veda Gown

The Nookie Veda Gown is a striking asymetrical gown made from a luxurious stretch sequin for ultimate comfort. Along with the figure hugging material that flatters the figure, the dress features a shoulder pad that gives an hourglass silhouette. You can never go wrong with adding a bit of sparkle to your ball outfit which is why we love this dress and we know it will have you looking and feeling glamorous for your next ball.

This style is available in navy, black and gold.


Nookie Vera Velvet Gown

The Nookie Vera Velvet Gown is a gorgeous velvet halter gown with wide supportive straps and a thigh high leg split. This dress is extremely flattering on the figure as the thick velvet material hugs the body. This full-length gown is a must for your next ball as it exudes elegance and class, perfectly suited for a black tie ball.

This ball gown is available in colours fuschia pink, wine red, teal blue and black.


Lia Stublla Eviana Gown

The Lia Stublla Eviana Gown is a beautiful strapless gown featuring an asymmetric neckline with a corset bodice. This dress gives a stunning hourglass silhouette, that will leave you feeling glamorous and is sure to turn heads. This dress is perfect for a ball especially if you want to make a statement.

This gorgeous gown is available in colours red, emerald and black.


Nookie Selena Long Sleeve Gown

The Nookie Selena Long Sleeve Gown is an all-time favourite because of its glistening striped sequin that never fails to catch the light. This long sleeve ball dress features flattering tucks and shoulder pads that accentuate the figure to give an hourglass silhouette. This formal gown is super comfortable and will keep you warmer on those cooler nights. We love this dress for more formal events because of its dazzling sequin effect. The perfect outfit for themes such as masquerade, hollywood and many more!

The Nookie Selena Long Sleeve Gown for rent is available in colours black, teal, navy and silver.


Pasduchas Composure Gown

The Pasduchas Composure Gown exudes sophistication and elegance. This dress features a draped neckline which is very comfortable and makes the dress a super modest piece.The dress gives an extremely flattering silhouette and will leave you feeling super confident! Add statement accessories such as bold jewellery to complement your ball look. Suitable for all ages, you cannot go wrong with this classic style.

The Composure Gown for rent is available in navy, wine, black and white.


Albina Dyla Classica Gown

Albina Dyla Classica Gown is a glamorous formal dress which we know you will fall in love with. This ball dress features a low cut corset bodice which is complemented by glass gemstone couture detailing. In a soft stretch knit that forms to the body, this dress provides a flattering fit. This stunning formal gown is guaranteed to make a statement at your next ball. A classic black formal dress has never looked so good.

 


Sonya Moda Nour Dress

The Sonya Moda Nour Dress is a stunning one shoulder design made from a luxurious satin. This gorgeous dress features an asymmetrical neckline, adjustable tie at the waist, an exposed cutout at the waist that tapers for a figure-flattering fit, and a high split providing a sensual look. We love this sophisticated ball dress as it is perfect for any formal or black tie event.

 

This style is available in colours ocean pearl, yarden floral, scarlet red and fiori di sambuco.


Full Skirt Ball Gowns


Lia Stublla Macie Gown

The Lia Stublla Macie Gown will make any occasion special. It features a full-boned corset bodice, lace-up back, and voluminous full-circle ball gown skirt featuring a thigh-high leg split exude luxury and charm. A style that is perfect for those who want an A-line fit. This true princess style gown will have you feeling glamorous for your next formal event.

 


Aje Manifestation Gown

The Aje Manifestation Gown is an absolute show stopper. In a vibrant fuschia pink, this dress features a fitted bodice, gathering at v-neckline, a voluminous bubble skirt, short puff sleeves and a low scooped back. This stunning gown makes the perfect ball dress for a formal event. A statement gown that will have all eyes on you at your next event.

 


Tinaholly Lucille Gown

The Tinaholly Lucille Gown is a full skirt gown which makes you feel like a real princess! Although it is a strapless style it has a padded bust for extra support. This dress also features side pockets and a slit in the leg for ultimate comfort! We love this dress for black tie events especially charity balls as it exudes luxury and elegance!

This style is available in colours navy and red.

 


Aje Violette Bubble Hem Maxi Dress

The Aje Violette Bubble Hem Maxi Dress exudes dramatic elegance. This stunning drop waist design, features a flattering fitted bodice that flows into a high-low hemmed skirt. A unique gown that is guaranteed to make a statement at your next ball. Dress up this elegant formal gown with delicate jewellery and heels to tie the look together.

 

This style is available in colours black and magenta pink.

 


Mid-Length Ball Gowns


Aje Serendipity Reflection Midi Dress

The Aje Serendipity Reflection Midi Dress is a mid-length dress with a corset inspired waist, made from a glossy linen material. Made mostly from linen, it is extremely comfortable and in colours blush, champagne and navy. This style is perfect for those who want more coverage in a ball dress. This elegant dress can be dressed down with sandals for a more semi-formal look or dressed up to be suitable for a black tie dress code.


House Of CB Charmaine Corset Gown

The House of CB Charmaine Corset Gown is one we know you will recognise. Made from a lustrous silk satin, this dress features a beautifully draped cowl neckline with a corset bodice to cinch the figure. This dress is mid-full length, meaning it sits perfectly at the ankles, and will not touch the floor. This is the dress of the season, so why not wear this stunning number to your next ball?

This style is also available in chocolate and black.


House of CB Adrienne Corset Dress

The House of CB Adrienne Corset Dress is cut from a high quality satin that drapes across the body. The built in corset allows for a flattering hourglass silhouette. This dress is all about luxury which is why we think it makes the perfect ball outfit. You can never go wrong with a black dress, which is why we know you will love this dress as much as we do.

This style is available in black, red, sage and pink.


Pasduchas Composure Midi Dress

The House of CB Lulu Drape Corset Midi Dress is a beautiful one shoulder corset dress in a delicate sage tone. This dress is perfect for a ball if you are wanting a mid-length design. Corset dresses are also super trendy at the moment so why not jump on the trend while you have the chance! The thick satin adds a touch of luxury, especially with the exposed boning that brings the drama. An easy to wear style, that has you feeling elegant and classy. This midi dress is the perfect outfit for a formal ball event.

This style is available in pistaschio and white.


Finding Your Fit

Now that we have shown you different ball outfits that are appropriate for the ball dress code, it is time for you to accept that invitation and get shopping! All these beautiful dresses are available to hire for a fraction of the retail price because who wants to buy a dress for a ball that you will only wear once? With our super easy hiring system, you'll save money, wardrobe space and improve your environmental footprint.

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