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Art Deco Preservation Ball

Out of the closet

Please don't wait until the last minute to get dressed. A formal evening out is when we put a little effort into strutting our collective stuff. A lady should look forward to a night of glamour and romance, not an evening ironing, lint-rolling, and second guessing at the last moment.

Do I really have to dress-up?

Yes. It's a ball. The Art Deco Preservation Ball is not a vintage only event and the only true requirement is that you are dressed properly for a formal evening.

Will my bridesmaids dress work?

Probably not. The chances that a bridesmaids dress will hold up to a carefully selected vintage outfit is a million to one. Also the current trend in weddings/bridesmaids is strapless and that will not fly at all. Strapless, while "technically correct" doesn't really appear in force until the 1950s.

What does "technically correct" mean?

While strapless dresses began to appear in the 20s, but they have a very specific look and should not be tried by beginners. Another technically correct style is the one shoulder gown. They are very popular now but hard to get it just right.

Can I pick up something at a costume shop?

If you are going to a costume party sure. But this is a ball, not a costume party, so that really isn't the way to go.

Getting started

Throw open those closet doors and get to work. Pull anything with sparkle, beading, sequins; fabrics like chiffon, satin, and velvet (though the ball is held in May and velvet is for winter - we won't have any fabric police at the event). Don't forget separates, items like palazzo pants. Now put back anything that looks fake, mylar gold embellishment, florescent colors, or anything "aurora borealis".

Obvious knits are also out. While technically correct, knits by Made Gres and Schiaparelli were famous, but it's an advanced look and you really need to know your stuff to get it just right.

Now, do you have anything in a long dress? We've provided a list of dresses at Amazon to the left that would fit the bill so you can see what modern styles really can rock the vintage vibe with ease. A classic halter gown is great for 30s looks, make sure the neckline doesn't go too low (below the nipple) because then it's a 70s look.

No long dress? How about long skirt or palazzo pants? Pair a skirt with a sheer formal blouse (organdy) or a fitted evening jacket for 30s and 40s. You can match the palazzo pants with a tunic length beaded top for 20s.

Here are the Don'ts for a truly vintage look:

spaghetti straps
strapless
lycra
frayed edges
bridesmaids dresses (unless they look exactly like an image from the time)
tiered skirts
wrinkled fabric
lurex
ballet flats
fishnet stockings
stiletto heels

Whatever outfit you choose accessorize appropriately to the fashion era. A simple floor length black dress can turn into a delight if you have the right accessories. When deciding on an outfit, think if you have any jewelry or evening handbag that really nails it and build your outfit around that.

Can I wear a Tux?

Yes! Be sure that you give yourself an little time on this look though. The outfit should be meticulous in fit and condition or you might just look like you ran out of patience and threw on a suit. Evening dressing is about glamour and having a rumpled look isn't going to make it.

© Art Deco Society of California