What to Wear to a Masquerade Party or Ball - Top Outfit Ideas!

Party season is drawing near. From Halloween to Christmas and especially New Year's Eve, everyone can expect back-to-back invites and a string of weekends filled with fun-filled social gatherings. Most celebrations usually revolve around a theme with Masquerade being one of the most popular options.

If you’ve already got an invite to a masquerade ball, or are looking to throw one yourself, here’s a detailed guide on choosing the perfect masquerade mask and how to dress for a masquerade in 2025!

What should I wear to a masquerade party?

The thing about masquerade parties is that they are thrilling and mysterious, and always give you something to look forward to at the end of the night. It’s a type of party where you can dress as elegantly and flamboyantly as you wish, all while keeping your identity under wraps. Below are quick tips when narrowing down your ensemble.

Choosing the perfect masquerade outfit

In deciding what to wear to a masquerade, first, consider if the host has any strict dress code to follow. This would often leave you with either a Venetian gown or a fantasy-inspired dress. When it comes to shoes, go for a mix of elegance and something you can still rock on the dance floor. You can expect to have a lot of movement throughout the night be it mingling with other guests or enjoying the multiple activity stations lined up.

Last, but not the least, the perfect masquerade outfit is never without a mask that perfectly compliments your gown or tuxedo’s color.

Formal or semi-formal attire for a masquerade party

Masquerade parties are far from your casual get-together. They are always either semi-formal or full-on serious glam. For those events that specify semi-formal, wear something you would don to a cocktail party. However, invitations that request formal attire mean going all out with a long gown and finishing it off with simple accessories, think more about something you would wear to an elegant wedding.

Accessorizing your masquerade party dress

Speaking of accessories, you will want simple elements that exude sophistication. You can choose from feathers, fascinator hats, delicate jewelry, gloves, or a clutch. However, keep in mind that less is more!

What accessories should I wear to a masquerade party?

Your gown and mask should be elaborate, which is why your additional accessories are meant only to enhance and not steal the show. Here are a few ways to accessorize correctly.

Choosing the right jewelry for your outfit

If your ensemble is intricate and attention-grabbing as is, pairing it with an elegant necklace or set of earrings and a bracelet is enough. However, if you opt for a gown that is simple in a sophisticated manner, you may don a statement piece to balance it out.

Stylish bags and clutches

From the get-go, your bag should only be a small clutch which is either held by hand or with a thin strap for convenience. When it comes to size, you don’t want your clutch to overpower your outfit but you also want it to be sizable enough to be of use. Lastly, match your clutch to your mask in color and embellishments.

Other accessories to enhance your masquerade look

With the right jewelry and clutch for the occasion, other accessories you can consider are fascinator hats or a feathered headdress, depending on how well this can balance out with the rest of your outfit.

How do I select a masquerade mask?

Your masquerade mask is one of the most important elements of the entire look. It can either make or break your outfit the night and must also adhere to the theme. Knowing the significance this piece holds, take a few tips from our guide on how to pick a mask for a masquerade.

Types of masquerade masks

Since its conception in the Venetian era, masquerade masks have evolved through the years. Despite the shift in modern trends, the styles have remained true to their roots, if not only with a few variations. To paint you a picture of all your options, below are the 7 main types of masquerade masks you can choose from:

#1 The Bauta

The Bauta is a mask designed for men known for its square-shaped jaw without an opening for the mouth. It covers the entire face and is often monochromatic.

#2 The Columbina

This mask for women covers only the upper half of the face and is either monochromatic, minimally colored, or splashed with an array of hues.

#3 The Medico Della Peste

While considered a little sinister and eccentric, this mask is known for its exceptionally long and hollow beak. The eyes are also cut out into perfect circles and painted as if the wearer had glasses on. it is usually only black and white and is best for Halloween or quirky party themes. 

#4 The Volto

This is a full-face mask that molds into all the details, featuring your nose, lips and chin. It is often decorated with gold around the eyes and embellished with diamonds. This is also the perfect type for a Dia de Muertos mask.

#5 The Pantalone

If you are looking for a conversation starter of a mask, The Pantalone may do the trick. It features a long nose that resembles a beak with slanted eyes. It is a half mask and is often decorated in bold colors.

#6 The Arlecchino

This mask goes all out! Most may be familiar with The Arlecchino but know it more as the jester or joker. This style features a short nose, arched brows, a sinister smile, and usually a collar + headpiece with bells dangling. If you are looking to get couples masquerade masks, the Arlecchino is a perfect pair to the Columbina!

#7 The Zanni

The Zanni is quite similar to the Medico Della Peste in the sense that it features an extra-long nose. However, it is a little less sinister and a little more fun-loving instead.

Matching your outfit and mask

Matching your outfit to your mask all boils down to the theme of the event. If it’s leaning towards a gothic gathering, a mask with lace, roses, and leather details may be suitable. For Carnival-like events, opting for shiny colors, eye-catching patterns, and even feathers is great. No matter the occasion, remember to always prioritize comfort as you’ll be wearing it all night!

DIY masquerade masks

Who says the fun starts at the party? By decorating your mask, you can put more meaning to your ensemble and make the entire experience even more memorable. Start with a base of either a half or full-face mask. Next, you’ll want to choose your decors such as paint colors, patterns, and additional elements such as feathers, rhinestones, lace, or even glitter. Once your materials are ready, let your imagination run wild!

What are the best dresses for a masquerade ball?

Dressing up for a masquerade gives you a whole lot of room for creativity and self-expression. Knowing what to wear to a masquerade starts by understanding the theme. First establish if the party is formal or semi-formal, and whether or not there are specific dress codes to abide by.

Cocktail dresses for a masquerade ball

Semi-formal masquerade parties call for cocktail dresses and fun or flirty ensembles. If the theme leans towards Carnival, a colorful and festive piece will work best. However, if the event is more on the gothic, mysterious, or sophisticated end, a little black dress should do that trick.

Elegant evening gowns

Elegant evening gowns are your go-to when wondering what to wear to a masquerade that is formal. Anything you would wear to a fancy wedding, you can rock it to this social as well.

Formal evening attire options

If gowns aren’t your thing. there are no hard or fast rules that you can’t think outside of the box, For instance, a tailored jumpsuit or evening suit with a feminine touch can work wonders for formal masquerades. 

Can I wear a tuxedo to a masquerade ball?

When thinking of formal wear, we can’t shake off the idea of a tux and yes this ensemble is perfect for a masquerade. In fact, this elegant choice is regarded as men’s traditional attire for a masquerade ball, honoring the gathering’s origin while keeping modern styles in check. Similarly, women can also put a feminine spin on the classic and don a woman’s tux! 

Complimenting your tuxedo with the right mask

Just as your tuxedo should be perfectly fit, your mask should also sit snugly on your face. Ensure that the color either creates an alluring contrast or subtly compliments the rest of your outfit. For instance, a rich red or royal purple tuxedo is great with a deep blue mask, while black tuxedos can be enhanced through a bold red mask. Lastly, metallic or shiny details found on your tuxedo would also work as great accessories on your mask.

Formal dress codes for men at a masquerade ball

If a tuxedo is not your style, a suit is always a safe bet. The main difference between the two is that a tuxedo is often worn with a bow tie and satin details while a suit is worn with a tie and without any trace of satin. The latter is more versatile and has many variations to match different themes.

For men who are more accustomed to how to dress for a masquerade, they know just how endless the choices are. From double and even triple-vested suits to Victorian ties and long-tail coats, a variety of fashion-forward ensembles can be spotted in these elegant gatherings.