What to Wear to a Masquerade Party: The Ultimate Guide
Do you want to know what to wear to a masquerade party?
If you’ve been invited to a masquerade ball, this guide will help you be the best-dressed guest at the party for both female and male guests. A masked ball, also known as a masquerade, is a formal event where all the guests wear masks.
Masquerade parties are a unique event where you can dress up and show off your personal style with flair. At a party with a masquerade theme, it’s common to see women in ball gowns or evening gowns and men in black tuxedos.
What Is a Masquerade Party?
Masquerade parties or masquerade balls are typically formal occasions where guests are encouraged to wear black tie eveningwear and accessorize with a decorative mask.
The history of masquerades dates back to Italy in the 15th century. During the Carnival season, elaborate masked processions were commonplace among the nobility.
During the 16th century, masquerade balls extended to the public, and they were social gatherings that were mainly enjoyed by members of the upper class. These events involved dancing, ostentatious costumes, and decorative masks.
Masquerade parties were especially popular in Venice, where they became part of the Carnival tradition, and they quickly spread in popularity throughout Europe.
Even today, you can see the signature Carnival costumes and opulent masks in Venice. Masquerade parties have experienced a resurgence in popularity, and chances are you’ve found yourself on the receiving end of a masquerade ball invite if you’re reading this guide.
In the United States, masquerade costumes are popular during Mardi Gras, or as the theme for an event such as a New Year’s Eve gala or a birthday party.
What to Wear to a Masquerade Party
So what should you actually wear to a masquerade party?
Now that we’ve covered the history of masquerade parties, let’s get into what you should wear to one.
The first thing to consider is the dress code of the masquerade party that you were invited to.
Oftentimes, masquerade parties are formal events with a black tie dress code, and this will be noted on the invitation. But that’s not always the case, and you may have been invited to attend a masquerade with a less formal dress code. Or there may even be a specific theme. If in doubt, ask the host!
For masquerade parties with a formal dress code, women can wear floor-length ballgowns and men can wear a suit and tie.
If the party has a less formal dress code, women can wear a party dress and men can wear a nice coat and pants.
You may also want to consider the theme of the party: is it a traditional elegant Venetian masquerade? Or a brightly colored Mardi Gras masquerade? Or maybe a dark and mysterious Gothic masquerade?
Regardless of the dress code, you do want to make sure that you’re wearing something comfortable. You’ll be doing plenty of dancing at a masquerade ball, so you want to make sure that you’re wearing an outfit that you feel comfortable in and that you can move around in.
When it comes to colors, black, navy, purple, dark green, dark red, and metallic colors are all good ideas. Sequins, sparkles, and ruffles add even more flair to masquerade ball gowns and will make your outfit stand out.
And of course, you can’t forget the mask itself!
Ornate masks are one of the most common themes for a masquerade ball, and you can’t show up to a masquerade party without one!
When it comes to the type of mask, a decorative Venetian mask is a great idea. A half mask that just covers your eyes and the upper part of your nose is the perfect addition to any masquerade costume.
Here are some of the best ideas for what to wear to a masquerade party:
Women‘s Formal Masquerade Party Attire
For a formal masquerade party with a black tie dress code, you’ll want to wear an elegant evening gown. Masquerade parties are a chance to go all out with your dress because traditional costumes for masquerades were elaborate and eye-catching.
These are some of the best gowns to wear to a formal masquerade ball:
Belle House Evening Gown
This Belle House evening gown is a vintage-style dress with beaded applique. It has a back zipper closure, comes in a variety of colors up to size 26 plus, and is a fantastic choice for a masquerade ball.
Scoop Neck Sheer Sleeve Evening Gown
This gown is absolutely stunning. It features sheer sleeves with a long scoop neck, lace appliques, and a long trumpet length. It comes in 8 colors up to size 22 plus.
Beaded Formal Evening Gown
You can never go wrong with a strapless beaded gown. This style is form-fitting with a drawstring closure, sweetheart neckline, and fishbone in the bodice to accentuate the waist. It’s flattering, comes in 11 colors, and in sizes up to 24.
One Shoulder Sparkly Sequin Gown
Prefer a neutral color? This one-shoulder gown is a perfect choice and is sure to turn heads. With a one-shoulder design and a thigh-high slit, you’ll certainly stand out in this little number. It comes in 40 colors up to size 26 plus.
Men’s Formal Masquerade Party Attire
If you were invited to a black tie masquerade party, the dress code for men would be a suit and tie. You can go with a classic black tuxedo, or choose a suit with some flair, like a velvet jacket.
Here are some ideas for what men can wear to a formal party with a masquerade theme:
Men’s 3-Piece Slim Fit Suit Set
This 3-piece set is a best-seller and has everything you need including the jacket, vest, pants, and tie. All you need to do is throw on your favorite pair of shoes and you’re good to go.
Kenneth Cole Modern Fit Suit
This modern style suit is great because you choose your size for each piece. So if you need a large top and medium bottoms you can make those selections with no problem. You can also add a creaset, hem, and/or matching vest, and it comes in 3 color options.
Classic Fit Suit Separates
Prefer suit separates? You’ll love this set. These pieces combined create a classic, clean fit perfect for anyone.
Men’s Slim Fit Dinner Jacket
Already have a shirt and pants you prefer to wear? Polish off the look with this slim-fit jacket. It features a one-button closure, two front faux pockets, 3 interior pockets, and it comes in 7 colors.
Women’s Semi-Formal Masquerade Party Attire
If you’ve been invited to a more casual masquerade party, you will still want to dress up but you don’t have to wear a full evening gown. A cocktail dress, little black dress, or other party dress is appropriate, and you will want to stick to colors like black and jewel tones.
These are some dresses you can wear to a semi-formal masquerade party:
Sequin Cocktail Dress
A simple cocktail dress in a sequin design is the perfect choice for a semi-formal masquerade party. It’s dressy, but not overly formal, and you can style it with almost any shoes and masquerade mask of your choice.
One Shoulder Ruched Bodycon Dress
For a slightly sexier option go for a one-shoulder dress with ruching. Not only does the bare shoulder exude sexiness but ruching around the midsection is incredibly flattering.
The dress comes in 32 colors and is not only great for a masquerade ball but would also work well for a cocktail party, bar mitzvah, etc.
Velvet Wrap Dress
A velvet wrap dress is a great option for the code months. Although it’s still sexy, the material and longer sleeves offer slightly more coverage.
This dress is available in 5 colors.
Men’s Semi-Formal Masquerade Party Attire
For men at a semi-formal masquerade event, you don’t have to wear a full tuxedo, but likewise, you’ll still want to dress nicely.
Here are some ideas for what to wear to a masquerade party with a semi-formal dress code for men:
Sport Coat
A sport coat is the perfect middle ground between formal and casual. It’s polished yet slightly more laid back than a suit jacket yet it’s more refined than a casual blazer.
This jacket is available in 32 colors up to size 3XL.
Suit Vest And Button Up Shirt
Sold as a set with 19 colors to choose from, this vest and shirt combination is another great choice for a semi-formal masquerade ball. It exudes confidence and sexiness yet isn’t over the top.
Modern Fit Dress Pants
Now that you’ve got the top it’s time to get pants to go with it. These modern fit pants come in 4 colors and have a finished hem so you can avoid any additional cost for alterations. They feature belt loops, a flat front, and traditional pockets.
The Best Masquerade Party Masks
No masquerade party outfit is complete without the mask.
In addition to elaborate costumes, historic masquerade balls during the Rennaissance time period in Italy were marked by ornate masks in rich colors with decorative touches like feathers, lace, and sequins.
When it comes to the color of your mask, you can choose a black mask or something more bold, like red, purple, or gold. However, if you’re unsure of which style to choose you can’t go wrong with one of the classic black masquerade masks.
If you want to make a really grand entrance at a masquerade ball, you could get a Venetian full face mask like those worn during Carnival.
Black Rhinestone Half Mask
This Black Rhinestone Half Mask is unique in both style and design. It’s bendable so you can adjust it to your face and it features shiny rhinestones that give it a distinct look.
Delicate Gold Rhinestone Half Mask
While this is also a half-mask style, it features a slightly more intricate design. The elegant and eye-catching details. of the mask will surely stand out from the rest.
Feathered Venetian Half Mask
If you really want to make a statement opt for a mask with a feather. Not only can you wear this mask for a masquerade ball but you can also reuse it for a cosplay or mardi gras party.
Full Face Venetian Carnival Mask
If you really want to go all out a full face black and gold mask is the way to go. This style comes in several colors and features a bell and faux pearl at each tip.
Couples Matching Masquerade Masks
If you are going to the event with your significant other you can even wear matching masks.
There are so many different styles of masks available. The perfect mask is the one that best fits your face shape and matches your outfit as a whole.
How to Accessorize for a Masquerade Party
To keep with the theme of the event, it’s important to consider how you accessorize for a masquerade party.
A pair of elbow-length white gloves will add an elegant touch to a long gown and really pulls together a masquerade outfit.
Elbow Length Gloves
Elbow-length gloves are a common accessory for masquerade parties and come in many lengths and colors. This pair is simple and stretchy with a glitter design.
Rhinestone Pointed Toe Pumps
For formal dress shoes, high heels are the norm for women (although you may want to bring a pair of flats to change into or prepare to take off your shoes to dance!)
A pair of sparkly, pointy pumps is the perfect way to complete your overall look.
Pumps not your style? No sweat. A pair of strappy heels work just as well. Check out these sparkly open-toe pumps that come in several colors and offer a bit more support.
Faux Patent Leather Tuxedo Dress Shoes
For men, a nice pair of black patent leather dress shoes or black velvet loafers are the best footwear for a masquerade ball.
When it comes to handbags, women may want to bring a small clutch or evening bag. Here are a couple of ideas for bags to bring to a masquerade ball:
Rhinestone Clutch Purse
This rhinestone purse is a stunning and classic option with plenty of storage. The squared and simple design makes it versatile enough to pair with just about any dress of you choose.
Glittery Evening Bag
This glittery bag is a small yet functional design that features an optional shoulder strap. It has enough space for your phone, wallet, keys, and other important items, and it will add a touch of sparkle to your masquerade ball ensemble.
Final Thoughts
This guide showed you exactly what to wear to a masquerade party.
Masquerade balls are extravagant themed parties where it’s all about dressing up and having fun. It’s a chance to express a different side of yourself (after all, wearing a mask is all about “hiding” your true identity) and showing off your own personal style.
