11/12/2025
What is a Gentlemen to wear to the Ball
In advance of the November Ball, we thought it would be helpful to give some advice to the uninitiated about proper dress for our event. Gentlemen in particular are often left wondering what to wear. We encourage but do not require the wearing of Victorian formal dress or military uniforms. If it is your first time and are new to the concept of vintage fashion, we will make some suggestions below to help. However, if you are still uncertain or uncomfortable about your options, we recommend that you wear a modern suit and tie and have a look at what other people are wearing. Victorian costuming can be expensive, and we wouldn't want you to spend your money on something that, when you get to the Ball, you find to be inappropriate.
A Few FAQ’s
• What is the most authentic thing to wear? White tie and tails. You can rent them at your local tux shop or buy a vintage set on ebay or etsy. Make sure to pair it with a white dress vest and not a cummerbund.
• Can I wear a modern or vintage Tux? Yes, if you have ready access to one and prefer that. It is a more modern look but sets the right tone. You can pair it with a black vest rather than a cummerbund for a more vintage feel. See the offer from Fiar Tux for our event.
• I have nice Victorian formal day wear (frock coat or morning coat). Can I wear that? Yes. If you have options, dark colors are best.
• Can I wear a modern suit? Yes, particularly if this is your first time and you are uncomfortable with tails or a tux and/or don’t want to spend the money. A dark suit and tie with a white shirt is best.
• I am in the military. Can I wear my dress uniform? Yes.
• I want to wear a vintage uniform. How do I go about that? If you want a military look, the easiest route is to buy a reproduction uniform made for reenactments. We make no specific endorsements, but they can be easily obtained from any number of vendors. We welcome the uniforms of all nations. Ebay or etsy are good sources for actual vintage uniforms but they can be expensive and as with any vintage item on-line, many fakes abound. You should know what you are buying before spending a large sum on anything. See below about weapons!
What you should always plan to wear
• Good leather soled dress shoes. For men that means avoid synthetic soles. You should be able to slide (just a bit) on the dance floor.
• Dress Gloves. These should be white unless you are wearing a uniform that requires black. You can find them at tux rental shops or uniform stores.
• Always plan to wear a coat of some kind.
What we don't want you to wear
• Hats in the Ballroom. You may arrive with one but it should be taken off once you come inside. Gentlemen do NOT dance while wearing a hat.
• Hobnail boots, boots with heel plates or boots with spurs (they will damage the wood floor).
• Weapons of any kind (pistols, swords, daggers etc). Real or phony - they fall out of their holsters or sheathes and can snag on ladies gowns.
• Anything else that might snag, slap, stab, gouge, blind, bludgeon, tangle or trip your fellow dancers on a crowded floor.
