Masquerade ball - black tie. Where to start?

[EllenRose]

So I think that means long dress although some other attendees still seem to be considering cocktail length?

A lot of places only seem to do short evening dresses these days, any ideas on best places to start? Wanted something a bit different as we don't dress up like this on a regular basis so don't mind spending a bit for the whole ensemble.

Not been to one before so not sure how much people usually go to town on the masks etc?

Anyone any experience?

Posh Cocktail frocks are fine however it's lovely to wear an evening gown.
I would try John Lewis or Harvey nics myself, monsoon and coast.
I got fab masks on eBay, search for Venetian maks/ masquerade etc.
Take extra ribbon too as mine snapped and I just looped ribbon thru eye holes.

TK Maxx online and instore but probably more online for long dresses.

Posh Cocktail frocks are fine however it's lovely to wear an evening gown.
I would try John Lewis or Harvey nics myself, monsoon and coast.
I got fab masks on eBay, search for Venetian maks/ masquerade etc.
Take extra ribbon too as mine snapped and I just looped ribbon thru eye holes.

Sorry bloody iPad !

Go for a long dress if you are not sure.

I would say cocktail length for black tie dinner, floor length for black tie ball.

Ebay is your friend if you are on a budget.

Velvet mask with feathers

Frasers usually have lots of choice for dresses.

I'd say longer rather than cocktail dress- more in keeping with the whole masquerade thing x

Yes, would love long ideally. It is a ball so it seems more appropriate. I am wondering whether more will come out closer to party season but I don't want to leave it too late.

Debenhams do long dresses, i get mine from ebay myself. What style are you looking for, mermaid, a line, straps or strapless?

Not sure I could do mermaid. Strapless would be lovely although it would need to be quite structured as my chest lacks the required oomph
Quite fancy something in maybe green or purple (colours recommended for my skin tone) but there are tons of black.
Vintage would be fab . . .