Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (2023)

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Have you gotten invited to a masquerade ball? If so, this helpful guide on what to wear to a masquerade party for both female and male guests will show you exactly what to expect and how to dress.

Masquerade parties are a type of formal occasion where guests are encouraged to wear masks. They’re usually held at night, and most often the dress code is formal evening wear. Masquerade parties are popular themed events filled with dancing and entertainment, so it’s important to know how to dress to impress when attending.

Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (1)

What you wear at this type of masked ball will depend on the dress code, but there are some general guidelines that everyone should follow when it comes to choosing what to wear. You might be wondering why these events have such specific requirements for clothing. What’s so special about wearing masks?

This article will provide some insight into the history and traditions surrounding this dress code, as well as offer tips on how to choose an outfit for your next formal masquerade party!

The History Of Masquerade Balls

Masquerade balls can be traced back as early as the 15th century, and they were usually elaborate parties for upper-class families. A classic masquerade party was inspired by the Venetian Carnival and often had Venetian masks. Part of the original masquerade ball’s charm was for the guests to remain unidentifiable, with many people often choosing to dress up as characters from novels, plays, movies, or cartoons.

This would create a game in which other attendees try to figure out each other’s real identities, wchic added a comedic aspect to many masquerades and made for a more enjoyable ball experience altogether.

In addition to hiding one’s identity, masquerade masks had many other uses, including using different colors to express one’s freedom of speech and voice one’s emotions and opinions without judgment.

Now that we’ve covered the history of masquerade balls, let’s jump into different outfit ideas.

What To Wear At A Masquerade Party As A Female Guest

1. Follow The Dress Code

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Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (2)

Get this evening gown atHello Molly

The dress code for masquerade parties is usually black-tie attire or formal evening wear. What does this entail exactly? This means that anything from cocktail dresses to an elegant long gown in rich colors or a floor-length skirt would be appropriate.

If there’s no color theme specified in the invite, you can go for any color that you would like, including safe neutrals like white, black, cream, or grey. If the masquerade celebration calls for a Mardi Gras masquerade theme, go for rich colors like deep red, emerald green, navy blue, gold, or another similar color.

Complete the look with a pair of formal shoes like high heels and you’re good to go! Just make sure it’s not something you’d typically go out in during the day.

If dresses are not your thing, you can also opt for a formal jumpsuit. Just make sure it’s a jumpsuit that would fit the standards of a high-end masquerade ball.

Since men are expected to be fully dressed up as well, consider coordinating with your partner if he also has to follow the same guidelines for what to wear at a masquerade party. A simple way to match your dress to your man’s outfit is for him to wear a tie in the same color.

2. Don’t Forget The Mask!

Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (3)

(Video) Hairstyles for a Masquerade Ball : Tips for Styling Hair

Get this luxury masquerade mask onEtsy(Etsy is such a great place to get masks in any theme or color!)

As mentioned previously, masquerade masks are a staple of this type of masked party. Make sure not to forget it! The mask is typically worn over the face – you can choose to wear the mask hands-free, or go for stick masquerade masks.

As for the color of your mask, make sure it coordinates with your overall outfit. For extra shine and glamour, go for metallic colors like gold or silver. Black masquerade masks are also a great option if you want to go for a classic look.

Etsy has a lot of various masquerade masks that you can buy, and you also have the option to have them customized.

3. Accessorize

Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (4)

Get this satin clutch atNet-A-Porter

While wearing a masquerade ball gown can be stunning and elegant, consider adding extra flair with vintage-style jewelry that matches the rest of your ensemble! Also, bring a complementary clutch with you that will hold all of your essentials.

As for footwear, opt for comfortable heels since you will likely be standing and dancing the entire evening.

4. Hair & Makeup

This is a formal event; so don’t skip the hair and makeup! We don’t want you to go into the event bare-faced. Make sure to put on some long-wear makeup and set it with some makeup setting spray it won’t smudge while you’re wearing your mask. We want you to have a great time and to not worry if your eyeshadow’s getting messy!

5 More Outfit Ideas For Women

1.

Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (5)

Get this gown on Net-A-Porter

2.

Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (6)

Get this dress onHello Molly

(Video) What To Wear To a Party | How to Dress Up for a Party or Event | Alex Costa

3.

Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (7)

Get this jumpsuit onNet-A-Porter

4.

Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (8)

Get this dress onHello Molly

5.

Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (9)

Get this jumpsuit onNet-A-Porter

What To Wear At A Masquerade Party As A Male Guest

1. Suit & Tie

Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (10)

Get the blazer and the trousers at Mr.Porter

The dress code for men at masquerade parties is usually black tie. What does this entail? This means that you should wear a tuxedo with a bowtie or a classic style suit in a neutral shade like black or dark grey. But just to be really sure (and to not look out of place), a sleek and classic black suit is your very best bet.

2. Mask

Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (11)

Get this mask onEtsy

Like we said earlier, the mask is the real star of the show, which means you must never forget your masquerade mask. If you have a date or your partner with you, you can also coordinate with them.

3. Formal Dress Shoes

Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (12)

(Video) Masquerade Ball - 2016

Get these loafers onASOS

Black leather shoes or sleek loafers are the way to go at this formal affair. What you don’t want to do is wear sneakers or casual footwear like flip flops, as they will make your outfit look unprofessional and out of place at a masquerade party.

3 More Outfit Options For Men

1.

Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (13)

Get the blazer and the trousers on ASOS

2.

Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (14)

Get the blazer and the trousers on ASOS

3.

Dress To Impress: What To Wear At A Masquerade Party (15)

Get this onJ.Crew

We hope you found this style guide helpful! If you’re still looking for more fashion inspiration and tips, check the posts down below.

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FAQs

What outfit to wear for masquerade party? ›

opting for a floor-length gown or suit if possible, as this will give you a more formal look. avoiding anything too revealing, as this is a formal event, and you want to be respectful of the venue and other guests. choosing colors and fabrics that complement the masquerade theme, such as gold, silver, or black.

Can you wear jeans to a masquerade party? ›

Select Formal Attire for Your Masquerade Outfit

Choose your best formal black clothing to create your outfit for the masquerade party; black leggings, slacks, dress pants or jeans, and a black shirt that matches the weather and location of the party.

How do you wear a masquerade mask with glasses? ›

With almost any eye mask you can attach pieces of foam to its inside so it sits away from your face leaving room for your glasses. Once you get the foam in a comfortable position, you can attach the foam to the mask using a good strong glue (Bostik is good for this) or double-sided tape.

What does masquerade mean in fashion? ›

The noun masquerade refers to both your costume, which usually includes a mask, and the event where you will wear it. The fun is in hiding your real identity for the night. Definitions of masquerade. a party of guests wearing costumes and masks.

What are masquerade colors? ›

An all-white masquerade, black and white masquerade or black and gold masquerade are classic options. But you don't have to limit yourself to the classics. If you're throwing a 50th birthday party and the guest of honor's favorite colors are melon and chartreuse, make it a watermelon and chartreuse masquerade.

What is needed for a masquerade? ›

The idea behind a masquerade ball theme is to have everything exude sophistication alongside a strong theatrical presentation. It's common for masquerade parties to use an art deco style with chandeliers, string curtains, candelabras, feathers, lanterns, drapes, and to make use of masks in your props and decorations.

What is the dress code for masquerade? ›

The dress code for masquerade parties is usually black-tie attire or formal evening wear. What does this entail exactly? This means that anything from cocktail dresses to an elegant long gown in rich colors or a floor-length skirt would be appropriate.

Can you wear a short dress for a masquerade party? ›

If you are going to a high end masquerade ball or a classic masquerade party, it is a good idea to wear a floor length, vintage-style dress. If you are attending a masquerade party, then you may run with a knee high dress, or even a corset and a skirt. Make sure that the dress you choose isn't too short.

What shoes do you wear to a masquerade ball? ›

For a masquerade party, men should wear formal shoes and women should wear either high-heels or formal flat shoes. Make sure that whatever shoes you choose compliment your outfit. Shoes in neutral shades, such as black, brown and beige will all compliment any type of outfit well.

Can you wear glasses with a full face mask? ›

Wearing glasses under a full face respirator is uncomfortable at best, and can lead to improper fitting around the face which can lead to leaks and contamination. Call us for assistance in finding the right Rx insert for your branded respirator mask – including SCBA Rx inserts for 3M, MSA, North and Scott respirators.

How can I look friendly while wearing a mask? ›

Further Reading
  1. Avoid Clear Masks Unless Necessary. ...
  2. Practice Your “Mask Voice” ...
  3. Practice Active Listening. ...
  4. Use Gestures and Body Language. ...
  5. Mirror Your Counterpart. ...
  6. Keep the Two T's Aligned. ...
  7. Smile with Your Eyes. ...
  8. Know When to Zoom.
Sep 28, 2020

What's the point of a masquerade party? ›

Masquerades include lots of music and dancing. They are used for entertainment purposes, as well as for celebrating rituals, rites of passage, and speaking to the dead, as in the African tradition and cultural heritage. These big, lavish parties always took place in the evening and the environment was that of gaiety.

What do people do at a masquerade? ›

A masquerade ball (or bal masqué) is an event in which many participants attend in costume wearing a mask. (Compare the word "masque"—a formal written and sung court pageant.) Less formal "costume parties" may be a descendant of this tradition. A masquerade ball usually encompasses music and dancing.

What do you do at a masquerade party? ›

Music, dancing and food are the essential elements to any successful masquerade-themed night, but the main event is when the clock turns midnight and guests remove their masks, revealing their identities! Up until this point, keep guests entertained with music!

What is traditional masquerade? ›

A masquerade ceremony (or masked rite, festival, procession or dance) is a cultural or religious event involving the wearing of masks. In the Dogon religion, the traditional beliefs of the Dogon people of Mali, there are several mask dances, some of which include the Sigi festival.

What does a black masquerade mask mean? ›

Black Masquerade Masks can symbolize many personality traits including elegance, authority, dignity, sophistication, mystery, and seduction.

What are the masks called at a masquerade? ›

Domino masks are worn during Carnival, e.g. at the Venetian Carnival, where it was the part of the more extensive black (though occasionally white and blue) domino costume worn by both male and female participants, which accomplished the requirement of the masquerade that participants be masked or otherwise disguised, ...

What are the types of masquerade? ›

There are two basic types of masquerades, visible and invisible.

What music do you play at a masquerade party? ›

So what do you play at a masquerade ball? Well, if you've attended several of the kind over the last few years, you'll notice that a lot of them have used DJs to play R&B, Hip Hop, and Techno. And they're all totally good choices if you're going for the modern masquerade.

Do you wear a mask to a masquerade ball? ›

After this, masquerade balls became more popular and were simply held as part of public festivities. All guests attending must wear a mask that covers their face and conceals their identity, often accompanied with a renaissance style or modern trendy outfit.

What should men wear to a masquerade? ›

Boys, for the most part, you'll want to wear a suit. A black tie is the most common stipulation for one very good reason – it looks the best. Modern blue and grey suits can be quite difficult to pair with a mask, so we would recommend a classic black suit. This way the mask can speak for itself.

How should you sit with a short dress? ›

Right way to wear a short dress:
  1. 1 The right posture: Cross your legs carefully when you sit if you are sporting a short dress. ...
  2. 2 When you bend: If you want to bend down, make sure that you always bend through your knees, so that you can avoid any kind of embarrassing accidents.
Jul 9, 2012

Is cocktail attire a short dress? ›

Cocktail Wedding Attire for Women

It traditionally skews on the formal side—but that doesn't mean you need to wear a floor-length evening gown. While you might want to leave the mini skirt at home, it's perfectly appropriate to wear a midi cocktail dress or something that hits just above the knee.

Can you wear a full face mask at a masquerade? ›

Carrying more mystery and elegance than their half face counterparts, a full face masquerade mask is a great party piece for a formal ball, masquerade themed party or corporate occasion. They can also work for Halloween thanks to their spooky appearance and air of mystery.

What is the dress code for 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!

Do people still hold masquerade balls? ›

Today, masquerades are most commonly seen around Halloween, Mardis Gras, and Carnival in Brazil. Some of the largest masquerade balls still take place in cities like Venice and New Orleans. Though formal dances are no longer part of our culture, men and women still dress in formal attire to these balls.

What is the best dust mask to wear with glasses? ›

Believe it or not, silk may be one of the best mask materials for those who wear glasses, as it may repel condensation better than other materials. A study published in PLoS One found that "silk face coverings repelled droplets in spray tests as well as disposable single-use surgical masks," according to researchers.

Do glasses work underwater? ›

If you wear contacts or glasses, you might be wondering if you are still able to scuba dive. The answer is yes. Scuba diving is not an activity that requires perfect vision and there are a variety of options available to help divers with impaired vision see the beautiful underwater world.

How do people with glasses snorkel? ›

Try on the mask with the glasses and make sure it sits comfortably in your nose. Depending on how well it adjusts, you may need to super glue your glasses to the mask. Alternatively, if the frame of your glasses doesn't fit your mask, you can pop the lenses off the frame and super glue them to your snorkel mask.

How to read people's faces? ›

The ability to understand facial expressions is an important part of nonverbal communication.
...
Mouth
  1. A dropped jaw (which signals surprise)
  2. Open mouth (showing fear)
  3. One side of the mouth raised (which could indicate hate or contempt)
  4. Raised corners (meaning happiness)
  5. Corners that are drawn down (conveying sadness)
Mar 30, 2021

Is it a good idea to wear a mask in public? ›

Everyone, including those who've been vaccinated, should wear a mask when in a public indoor space. If you're at higher risk of severe illness, you should consider wearing a N95, KN95 or KF94 mask for better protection.

Should I wear my mask in public? ›

People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a high-quality mask or respirator when indoors in public.

Which state has the best masquerade? ›

Ijele is a special masquerade in Anambra and Enugu State, Nigeria. It is the King of all Masquerades and as such has 45 different other masquerades perform on top of it in the olden days.

What is another name for masquerade? ›

Synonyms of masquerade
  • pretense.
  • facade.
  • guise.
  • show.
  • act.
  • disguise.
  • charade.
  • pose.

What do guys wear to a masquerade party? ›

Boys, for the most part, you'll want to wear a suit. A black tie is the most common stipulation for one very good reason – it looks the best. Modern blue and grey suits can be quite difficult to pair with a mask, so we would recommend a classic black suit.

What shoes to wear for a masquerade ball? ›

For a masquerade party, men should wear formal shoes and women should wear either high-heels or formal flat shoes. Make sure that whatever shoes you choose compliment your outfit. Shoes in neutral shades, such as black, brown and beige will all compliment any type of outfit well.

What is a traditional masquerade? ›

Masquerades are traditional events, involving masked dancers that embody different spirits. They happen during festivals, ceremonies, or rituals and can involve songs, dances, drama, and poetry.

Can you wear a suit to a masquerade party? ›

Outfit: Men should wear suits and ties to masquerade balls and parties. If you are going to a masquerade ball or a formal masquerade party, then you may want to wear a pocket square as well. Make sure that you choose a classic style suit, which is in a neutral shade, such as grey or black.

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