What Is a Masquerade Ball?
A masquerade ball is a party where guests wear masks, usually alongside formal or dressy clothes. Masked balls grew out of Carnival celebrations in Renaissance Italy, most famously in Venice, and later spread through the courts of Europe. The mask was part of the fun: hiding your identity let guests mingle, flirt and dance more freely.
Today, a masquerade can be anything from a black tie charity gala to a Halloween house party, a New Year's Eve celebration, a wedding reception or a school prom. Most still lean dressy, and the guests often wear something a little more dramatic than they would to a regular gala or formal event.
What Is the Dress Code for a Masquerade?
"Masquerade" tells you to bring a mask. It doesn't tell you how formal the event is. For that, read the rest of the invitation, which may name a dress code, a theme or a color palette. If it only says "masquerade," look at the venue and the time: an evening ball at a hotel or museum is formal, while a party at someone's home is usually cocktail or casual.
Black Tie or Formal Masquerade Ball
This is the classic masquerade ball. Women wear a floor-length evening gown, such as a ball gown, a fitted sequin gown or a sleek satin column. Men wear a tuxedo. The mask should be just as polished as the outfit: metal filigree, lace, or a mask decorated with crystals or feathers. If you are unsure what black tie means, our guide to black tie attire explains the rules in detail.
Semi-Formal or Cocktail Masquerade
A cocktail masquerade calls for a cocktail dress at or above the knee, a midi dress, a dressy jumpsuit or a two-piece set. Men wear a dark suit. This is the most common dress code for masquerade-themed birthday parties, holiday parties and New Year's Eve events.
Casual Masquerade Party
For a casual masquerade at home or at a bar, the mask does most of the work. A little black dress, a satin slip dress or a sparkly top with tailored trousers all look right with a mask. Men can wear a blazer with dark trousers or jeans. A simple, inexpensive mask suits this kind of party better than an elaborate one.
Themed Masquerades
Many masquerades have a theme, and the theme decides the colors and the mood:
- Venetian masquerade: rich colors, brocade, velvet and ornate gold or full-face masks.
- Black and white masquerade: black, white or both. Wear one and let the mask carry the other.
- Winter or holiday masquerade: silver, ice blue, emerald, burgundy and velvet, with long sleeves or a wrap for the cold.
- Halloween masquerade: darker colors, dramatic makeup and more freedom to blend costume pieces into your look.
- 1920s or "Great Gatsby" masquerade: fringe, beading and drop waists, with a sequined or feathered mask.
What Should Women Wear to a Masquerade Ball?
For a formal masquerade ball, wear a floor-length gown. A masquerade is one of the few events where more is genuinely welcome, so it's a good place to wear the dramatic dress you have been waiting for an excuse to buy. Some masquerade gown ideas:
- A full ball gown. A corset bodice and a full skirt are made for a ball. Style 58768 is a strapless ball gown with a corset bodice, a bow embellishment and a skirt slit, made in nineteen colors from black and navy to burgundy, chocolate and champagne.
- A fitted sequin or beaded gown. A sleek, sparkling silhouette catches the candlelight and looks modern with a metal mask.
- A gown with drama at the shoulders. Capes, scarves and draping add movement without competing with the mask.
- Brocade or velvet. Rich, textured fabrics suit Venetian and winter themes.
Whatever you choose, make sure you can walk, sit and dance in it. You will spend part of the night adjusting a mask, so the dress itself should not need constant fixing.
What Should You Wear to a Masquerade Party?
For a masquerade party with a cocktail or semi-formal dress code, a cocktail dress is the easy answer. Choose one with some texture or shine, such as beading, sequins, velvet, lace or satin, so it holds its own next to the mask. Style 58082, a halter cocktail dress in velvet beaded across the full surface, comes in burgundy and navy colorways that suit a fall or winter masquerade.
Other good options for a masquerade party:
- A simple black cocktail dress with a black lace or gold filigree mask, the easiest masquerade outfit there is.
- A fringe or beaded cocktail dress for a 1920s theme.
- A dressy jumpsuit or pantsuit if you prefer not to wear a dress.
- A two-piece set, which you can wear again separately.
What Colors Should You Wear to a Masquerade?
Unless the invitation names a palette, these colors always look right at a masquerade:
- Black. The classic masquerade color. It's mysterious, it works with every mask, and it suits every dress code.
- Jewel tones. Emerald, sapphire or royal blue, ruby red, burgundy and amethyst purple feel rich and theatrical, especially in velvet or satin.
- Metallics. Gold, silver, champagne and rose gold reflect the light and pair naturally with metal masks. Style 58860, a fitted sequin gown with side cuts and a skirt slit, comes in gold, silver and champagne as well as black and wine.
- Black with gold or silver. A black dress with a metal mask, or a metallic dress with a black mask, is a combination that is hard to get wrong.
Pastels and bright colors can work too, especially at a spring masquerade or a prom. Just choose a mask in a deeper shade or a metallic so the look still feels like a masquerade.
How Do You Match a Masquerade Mask to Your Dress?
The mask is part of your outfit, not an afterthought. Choose the dress first, then find a mask that works with it.
Choose a Mask Style
- Half mask (Colombina): covers the eyes and upper cheeks and ties with ribbon. It's the most popular choice because you can still talk, eat and drink.
- Metal filigree mask: lightweight laser-cut metal in gold, silver or black. It looks elegant with formal gowns.
- Lace mask: soft and flattering, and comfortable to wear for hours.
- Feathered or jeweled mask: the most dramatic option, best with a simpler dress.
- Mask on a stick: held in your hand instead of tied on, so it won't disturb your hair or makeup.
- Full-face mask: traditional for a Venetian theme, but hard to eat, drink and talk in, so most guests only wear one briefly.
Match the Color and Metal
Pick up one color from your dress, or match the metal in its beading or embellishment. A dress with silver beading looks best with a silver mask, and gold beading with gold. Style 58872, a strapless sequin beaded gown with a Queen Anne neckline, comes in black with emerald and royal and in gold with aqua, so you could wear an emerald or gold mask with either. If your dress is a single solid color, a black, gold or silver mask is always safe.
Balance the Mask With Your Neckline
- Strapless, sweetheart and off-the-shoulder necklines leave plenty of open space around the face and shoulders, so they can carry a bigger mask with feathers, height or side details.
- High necklines, halters and heavily beaded bodices already draw the eye upward. A slim eye mask in the same metal keeps the look from feeling crowded.
- Deep V and plunging necklines look best with a sleek mask and minimal jewelry, so the line of the neckline stays clean.
- Long sleeves and lace pair well with a lace or filigree mask that echoes the texture of the dress.
Not sure what to call your neckline? Our neckline style guide explains each one.
How Should You Wear Your Hair With a Masquerade Mask?
Most masks tie at the back of the head, so plan your hair around the ribbon.
- Updos and low buns keep ribbons secure and show off the mask. Tie the mask on before the final pins go in so the ribbon sits flat.
- Loose waves work best with a mask on a stick or a mask with a thin elastic hidden under the hair.
- Heavy bangs can push a mask forward. Sweep them to the side or pin them back.
- Hair accessories such as combs, jeweled pins or a headband should match the metal of the mask.
For makeup, remember that the mask covers your eyes and upper cheeks. A defined lip shows below the mask, so it does more of the work. Set your makeup so it does not transfer onto the inside of the mask, and try the mask on with your makeup before the event.
What Accessories Go With a Masquerade Outfit?
- Jewelry: if your mask has side decorations or feathers, choose studs or small drops instead of statement earrings. A plain mask leaves room for a bold necklace or earrings.
- Gloves: elbow-length or opera gloves suit a black tie masquerade ball.
- Clutch: a small evening bag in a matching metal holds your phone, lipstick and a few spare bobby pins for the mask.
- Shoes: choose a pair you can dance in, and break them in before the night.
- Wrap or cape: useful for a winter masquerade or an outdoor venue.
Masquerade Prom: Dress Ideas for a Masquerade Theme
Masquerade is a popular prom theme, and it is a great excuse to go dramatic. Long gowns in black, gold, silver or a jewel tone fit the theme best, and sequins, beading and fringe look especially good under party lights. Style 58938, a sequin beaded gown with a deep V neckline and fringe from the Spring 2027 runway, comes in fifteen colors including black with gold, gold, silver, red and purple.
A few tips for a masquerade prom:
- Check your school's dress code first. It still applies on a themed night.
- Coordinate with your date: match their mask, tie or pocket square to your dress or your mask.
- Choose a mask you can wear comfortably for photos and dancing, or a mask on a stick you can put down.
See all Sherri Hill prom dresses for more ideas.
What Do Men Wear to a Masquerade?
Men follow the same dress code rules, plus a mask:
- Black tie masquerade: a black tuxedo, a white dress shirt, a black bow tie and black dress shoes. A velvet dinner jacket in black, burgundy or midnight blue suits a winter or Venetian theme.
- Cocktail or semi-formal masquerade: a well-fitted dark suit in black, navy or charcoal, with a tie. A tie or pocket square that matches a date's dress is a nice touch.
- Casual masquerade party: a blazer with dark trousers, or smart jeans if the party is relaxed.
- Mask: a simple black, gold or silver half mask works with almost everything. Men who wear glasses should try the mask on with them, or choose a mask on a stick.
Where Can You Find a Sherri Hill Dress for a Masquerade?
Sherri Hill gowns and cocktail dresses are sold in the US through authorized retailers. Browse styles on sherrihill.com, then use Find A Store to see the retailers near you; a seller that is not listed there is not an authorized Sherri Hill retailer. Sherri Hill dresses are made in sizes 000 to 26, though not every style comes in every size, so ask your retailer whether the style you love is available to order in your color and size.
Hosting or attending a masquerade on New Year's Eve? See New Year's Eve outfit ideas.
