How to go about getting an outfit for a ball?

[shagirl]

Am really excited to be going to my 1st ball next month but am stressing about how & where to get a frock from! Not got shed loads of money so don't really know where to start. What does one wear to a ball? Is it full blown ball gown or some thing a bit more 'formal dress' like? Am bit put off ebay as would really need to try before buying. Any help would be great!!
Thanks

Ball sounds formal and usually is - black tie, women in long dresses. If you want a cheap dress try charity shops or borrow - if not Monsoon, Debenhams should have lots. Evening dress should be ok if you don't fancy a proper ballgown, I think.

i would hire something if you are unlikely to wear a posh ball frock again

tk maxx

(plenty of places hire them out - you'd find them on yell.com)

but dont go as a bridemaid

Thanks you guy's, defo don't want to look like a bridesmaid!! Does TKmaxx have a website?

Depending on the type of ball, but usually any sort of fancy dress will do from above the knee to long and straght. Very few wear full puffball princess style.

If it is a very fancy do it might be better to go for a longer dress rather than funky cocktail dress.

how much are you looking to spend?

My sister has a gown that is stunning. she bought it for a work ball, wore it for an hour nad then her BF fell ill and they came home. its not been out of the bag since.

it cost her £350. but im sure she would be willing to take offers.

its black, full length and has a full skirt although not at all bridesmaidy. it's sleeveless and has beautifull sequin detailing on teh bodice.

its a size 10.
if your interested i will get a picture

Thanks mamazon, that's really kind! Unfortunately am more of a size 14 then 10 (wish I was though!!). x

i got a fab dress from Debenhams - strapless although had straps that you could attach - 3/4 length. Really resaonably priced.

It does rather depend on the formality of the ball - traditionally for white tie you want something sleeveless, silk or velvet, and reasonably full in the skirt, although not the complete puffball, (it is making a comeback, though!) but with long gloves and flowers at the cleavage or wrist (don't have to be real although it always looks nicer even if they won't last the whole night) but I recommend that if you go for real flowers to just buy two or three blooms and some wire and do it yourself - florists will charge up to £25 for something that looks like you've picked out of your neighbour's garden.
For black tie, straps are fine and no gloves or flowers are necessary but go for quite a plain 3/4 or full length dress, not so full in the skirt, and dress it up with jewellery.
Doesn't matter, though, as at every ball the rules are always broken by someone, so don't worry - far better to just find something you are comfortable in and can enjoy accessorising shoes with!
Am passing on knowledge gleaned through dressmaker friend - so hope that is helpful and not too "Trinny & Susannah"!.

Debenhams and Monsoon are usually good though can be expensive. I am going to a ball this Saturday and I got my dress from ebay! It is brand new but reasonably priced. In fact it is the second formal dress that I have bought off ebay for such an occasion. My best friend got her dress from Debenhams.

good god, who gets invited to white tie things these days?

Most department stores have an eveningwear section now. Try House of Fraser and John Lewis too.

If you're not going to wear it again, I would definitely look into hiring something as you will get something different to what's in the shops. I once went to a ball in a beautiful Monsoon dress to find another woman (at least 25 years older than me) in the same dress

Indeed, MrsBadger, the only white tie event I have ever been to was a college ball - and that only because the dress shops in the town were sponsoring the event! Since our beloved Chancellor rather kiboshed any white tie events in London after his appearance at the Lord Mayor's do a few years ago, I guess only black tie applies now - such a shame.

If you're on a budget, would definitely try TKMaxx if you want new, borrow from a friend if you can, or charity shops or dress agencies if you're happy with second hand. i know people who turn their noses up at second hand (because someone else has worn them) but will happily hire at 3 x the price (like, no-one has worn the hired dress before!)
I was at a do at the London Hilton recently, got a fab black dress from a charity shop for £3.50 then spent the money on accessories and didn't look out of place (in fact, some people had clearly spent an awful lot of money on outfits without looking in the mirror to see how they looked in them...)
Most important is that you feel comfortable, spend only what you can afford, and focus on really enjoying yourself - that'll make you stand out from the stuffed shirts who have spent a fortune but won't have as good a night as you! Good luck, and let us know what you get in the end....