It's almost November and most military wives know what that means. If you haven't already attended your guy's military birthday ball, you likely will be soon. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, a military ball is sort of like prom night. There is usually a ceremony and special guest speaker followed by dinner and dancing. At some point in the evening most couples make their way over to the photographer to get their picture taken. You can read more about my experiences with military balls HERE. I won't bother with etiquette tips because I'm assuming that everyone reading this knows that a military ball is basically dinner with your husband's bosses so you're not going to get drunk and slip a nip to the battalion commander, right? I didn't think so.
However, having been new to the military world at one time I understand that it can be daunting to think about what to wear to such a function. How fancy is it? What will everyone else be wearing?
With a few balls under my belt (intended,couldn't help it) I thought I'd offer a few suggestions for styles sure to make you look and feel smashing this year!
Knee/Below Length:
I am not a fan of special occasion dresses that go more than 2-3 inches above the knee. I've seen a couple women pull this look off at military functions but I've seen many more try and fail.
*This dress comes in a lot of different colors and since it is made to order can be custom sized!
*Buying vintage can be scary, especially since sizes generally run smaller in vintage clothing. Instead of buying based on size you should measure yourself and ask the seller for the dress' measurements as well if they're not already listed.
Gowns:
*I didn't want to like this one because I normally don't like rhinestone embellishments, but I just can't help it. I love the neckline and the shape and I think someone could pull it off beautifully with smokey makeup and minimal accessories.
Knocked up?
Take heart. There are more choices than ever when looking for a gorgeous maternity dress!
Good luck and good night from Japan!
Thanks for posting. There was very little help online when I was searching for my boyfriend's ROTC Military Ball in Spring of 2009. I just went with a long, plain red gown.
ReplyDeleteI never went to a military ball since Rob and I weren't married and we weren't in the same place (plus I don't think any of the infantry enlisted men he was friends with would've gone). At the time it bummed me out but now I think I'd probably pee my pants in anxiety over what to wear, what the BC thought about what I wore, and what all the Army wives were thinking, so I'd drink and get drunk and give a nip slip to the BC. I'd be that girl.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU for a beautifully written and informative post for young girlfriends and wives who might not know what to wear! I am so sick of the mud slinging wives who only insult the poor girls who show up looking like whores because they want to wear the sluttly prom dress they weren't allowed to in high school. This is a great post, Lady! Sharing, for sure!
ReplyDeleteAh yes, let's be careful not to insult the sluts that dress like whores. By the way, totally love that retro red dress from Etsy.
ReplyDeleteI love the two red dresses, sooo pretty. I like the somewhat inbetween length!
ReplyDeleteLoookve the lace one from Nordstrom!
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