The Blue Tie Ball is back for its 9th year with a Venetian Masquerade theme. It is destined to be a fabulous night for a worthy cause. At minimum, black tie dress and a mask is suggested attire. These can be purchased locally (Dillard’s and Macy’s for gowns, Jos A. Bank for menswear, and Junkees for masks), however I prefer the wider selection available online. The following are my tips to dressing for the night, as well as some links for shopping online. If you need help creating your perfect look, please feel free to contact me at help@vintagedancer.com
~ Debbie Sessions
The Mask
Venetian masks can range from the very simple eyemasks to elaborate handpainted designs made in Italy. Lace scroll, beads, feathers, and gems in themes like a queen, butterfly, peacock, and music are popular decorations for women. For men, the court jester mask, Greek warrior mask, phantom half mask, steampunk mask, and superhero mask are a mix of classic and new maquerade mask designs. Some masks come in matching his and her sets, making it easy to coordinate outfits. I suggest coordinating a mask to the ladies gown and gentlemen’s pocket square or tie. Scroll down for links to my favorite Venetian masks online.
The Gown for Ladies
Black tie attire usually suggests a long gown in a rich fabric like silk, taffeta, velvet (velvet is IN style right now) or a beaded material. For a traditional take on a Venetian Carnival costume, look for a corset top dress or a full-skirted ballgown. Any color will do, although black, white and silver, or blue would be fitting to UNR ‘s colors. Add elegant accessories such as long lace gloves, heels or flats you can dance in, a bib style necklace, and small earrings. Let your mask shine by keeping accessories minimal.
Compare and shop formal gowns online here.
Men’s Tuxedos
A gentleman’s tuxedo is the best option for black tie events. For a masquerade theme, a classic tuxedo or tailcoat would be fitting. You can rent to buy them at our local Jos A. Bank shop (Summit Mall) for the best selection. I recommend flat front tuxedo pants, a jacket of your choice, patent leather black shoes, and a vest/tie/pocket square with at least one of the three coordinating with your partner’s gown or your own mask. It’s with these three pieces that you can bring the personality of the masquerade into your look. For something bolder, considered a colored dinner jacket over traditional black.
Shop men’s formalwear (purchase only) online.
Shop Clothing
Debbie Sessions has been teaching fashion history and helping people dress for vintage themed events since 2009. She has turned a hobby into VintageDancer.com with hundreds of well researched articles and hand picked links to vintage inspired clothing online. She aims to make dressing accurately (or not) an affordable option for all. Oh, and she dances too.
