Military Ball Fashion

Military ball is held at least once a year by each military branch, spouses can attend. A Military Ball is a glamorous event of ceremony, tradition, and decorated uniforms. Service members are in dress blues or Class A uniform and dates/spouses attend in formal finery.There is a social hour, receiving line, dinner, and recognition/award events. While at first glance, a military ball may seem like Prom or a formal wedding, there are some very specific fashion rules at the military ball.Pay attention. Stand and follow the flag when it comes in, put your hand over your heart for the National Anthem, stand and read correct responses for toasts and don’t talk while the program speakers are speaking. If you aren’t sure how to do some things, ask your service member or the people at your table.Before you head to the receiving line, be sure to leave all food, drink, extra garments and umbrellas in the check area. Women are permitted to bring their purses with them. When walking as a couple, women walk in front of the men in a single-file line, even if the woman is the service member.How should you dress for a military ball as a partner? Well,  military balls are white tie formal events, meaning that female guests should wear formal,floor length gowns. All dresses should be long enough to cover your ankles. Column dresses with back or thigh slit should not be higher than mid-thigh. DON’T show too much skin. Male guests typically wear dark suits with a bow tie or a tuxedo.A military ball is a great excuse to dress up and feel like a princess.Women are not expected to get their hair professionally done, but many sport fancy curls or elegant hairdos. Since spouses will be greeting people with handshakes, hands should be well groomed. If a woman chooses to wear gloves, proper glove protocol includes removing the right glove and holding it in the left hand while meeting other guests.Prom dresses often have cutouts, inappropriate color, too much flash and more that take away from a formal dress, so DON’T choose prom-style dresses as your military ball dresses. But You can experiment with colors like red, pink, bright purple, green, etc, not just dark or muted colored attire. Do not wear flip-flops or sneakers. Again, they take away from the formality. High heels are always acceptable, but be sure they are comfortable and you can walk in them. Do not wear flip-flops or sneakers. Again, they take away from the formality. High heels are always acceptable, but be sure they are comfortable and you can walk in them. Enjoy your time and seeing your service member dressed up in his/her finest. Take pictures, absorb the traditions of the evening, laugh and dance your heart out. Most importantly, remember to be yourself.