Photos courtesy Irene Urban
For more information about Victorian fancy dress and for costume ideas
and illustrations, please see Historical Fancy Dress.
This is a formal evening event in the style of a fancy dress (costume)
ball of the 1880s. Fancy dress in this sense is similar to a
masquerade ball, though masks were not required or particularly
encouraged. Fancy dress or Victorian costume is not required, but we
encourage everyone to take advantage of the theme! Costumes can range
from those of earlier eras (“A Lady of the Napoleonic Era,” “A
Nobleman of the 14th Century”) to the abstract (“Queen of Mirth,”
“Winter”), the literary (“Romeo and Juliet”) and the ethnic (“Swiss
Peasant Girl,” “Persian Princess”). While “steampunk” is not a period
term, ladies and gentlemen of that persuasion might attend as “Airship
Pilot of the Next Century” or similar. The more imaginative might
dress as a flower, a butterfly, a Japanese lantern, a deck of cards,
or the postal service. Any of these might be worn by ladies --
hilariously -- over the corset-and-bustle silhouette
of the era.
(Photos from the 2011 ball: top left: a Lady of the Next Century,
Britannia with the Lion of England, a Colonial Lady; bottom left:
Queen of Night; top right: Ladies and Gentleman of the 18th Century;
bottom right: a Noblewoman of the 15th Century, worn over an 1880s
corset and bustle!)
Gentlemen of the era were fond of historical and literary
costume, especially those that included tights, though the more
conservative might simply wear a regular evening wear with a simple
boutonniere to symbolize a flower costume.
Suggestions for fast and easy fancy dress costume ideas may be found at
Historical Fancy Dress.
Please keep in mind that costumes should be suitable for
couple dancing -- generally fit to the body, with no long trains or
parts that shed or stick out. A display area will be available for
props to be left during dancing. Changing space is available at the
hall starting at 6:30 pm.
Simple evening dress of the era (white tie for gentlemen, bustled
evening gowns for ladies), modern or historical military uniform,
Victorian daywear, or modern formal wear (best available -- business
suit or cocktail attire minimum) are also completely acceptable. We
encourage people to be creative in their costuming, but Victorian
costume is not required.
Please bring indoor-only or freshly-cleaned shoes to avoid damaging
the beautiful dance floor surface in Pratt Hall. Gentlemen: hobnailed
shoes, boots, and spurs are not permitted in the ballroom. Ladies,
spike-heeled shoes are not permitted in the ballroom.
Photos courtesy Kimberly Griffin