Stunning Masquerade Outfit Ideas: Best Masquerade Ball Dresses

December has finally arrived and the string of holiday parties just keeps getting longer as the days pass. If you and your loved ones are the type to not only have a good time but to dress up for the occasion, you may have a masquerade or two coming your way. In this article, we cover some of the best masquerade dress ideas and masks for women.

Masquerade Dress Ideas

Need a little inspiration for a masquerade dress to impress? Oh, do we have the lineup for you!  These looks help you get dressed to kill without breaking the bank. From casual masquerade outfits for females to cheap masquerade dress ideas that are still a worthwhile investment, this extensive list of head-turning ensembles will be your best friend for the festivities to come.

Timeless Venetian Goddess

Did you know that masquerade balls originate from Venice? These parties date back to the 15th century when Venetian royals would throw extravagant balls to commemorate their milestones, or just to blow off some steam. If you have a soft spot for the classics and want to pay homage to this event’s rich history, it’s only fitting to go as a Venetian goddess.

Key Elements:

• Floor-length dress made of velvet, silk, or similar fabric that feels luxurious.
• Opt for burgundy, emerald, sapphire, and similar jewel tones as the main colors.
• Accessorize with a golden mask, feathers, crystals, gloves, and other trinkets that exude sophistication.
• Lace and ruffle details with intricate design to top it all off.
• The recommended mask is the “Moretta”, which is oval-shaped and is considered an authentic Venetian look.

Mysterious Black Swan

A masquerade is all about flair but simplicity speaks volumes especially when you add a touch of tulle. With a little black dress, fitted bodice, and dramatic silhouette, you can pull off the mysterious black swan look with ease.

Key Elements:

• A tutu dress made of a fitted bodice and a layer of tulle as a skirt.
• Accessories could include a feathered mask, pointe shoes, and a tiara.
• This look goes perfectly well with black eyeshadow, wing-tip eyeliner, and false lashes.
• For other makeup details, we suggest a contoured cheekbone and deep red lips.

Dreamy Fairy Tale Princess

Masquerade balls were mainly for royalty and politicians back in the day. What better way to feel like you’re right where it all started than with a princess ensemble? 

Key Elements:

• Any pastel-colored gown with a corseted top and full-length skirt.
• Accessories could include anything that sparkles such as a necklace, earrings, and a tiara. 
• A delicate mask embellished with glitter, sequins, or small crystals.

Sensual Femme Fatale

One of the main things that set a masquerade ball apart from the rest of the themed parties is the level of mystery and sensual sophistication packed into the entire night. The uncertainty that comes with having masked guests greatly adds to the sensual ambiance that the theme brings together, which is why it is fitting to go as a sultry femme fatale.

Key Elements:

• Bold, form-fitting gown with a high slit and stiletto heels.
• A statement necklace or chandelier earrings, paired with a metallic manicure.
• Lace mask that matches the color of your lipstick.
• Having a hard time choosing a color? A sultry red gown paired with a deep red mask is a sure winner.

Celestial Angel

If you opt to counter the dark and mystifying ambiance of the party, think no further than dressing up as a celestial angel sent down from the heavens. With an all-white, draping ensemble that flows freely into the wind, this Grecian look adds the right touch of innocence to any event.

Key Elements:

• Free-flowing gown, preferably white or other light colors.
• Use makeup to liberally highlight your cheekbones, brownie, and collarbone for an ethereal glow.
• A headdress in the form of a halo.
• A feathered mask, preferably in the color of your gown. Finish it off with rhinestones or pearls and a silver ribbon.

Gothic Heroine

If angelic and light don’t cut it, go all into the dark side as a gothic heroine. This look ties perfectly well with the core allure of any masquerade ball. It is also highly versatile as you can opt for a Victorian-inspired corset, modern leather accents, or even brass motifs for a steampunk persona.

Key Elements:

• Black, lacy gown, preferably with a high collar and long sleeves.
• Your choice of accessories depends on the gothic theme you are going for.
• For makeup, you’ll want a smoky eye and dark lipstick with sharp contour.
• A metallic or leather mask with feather accents goes perfectly well.

Flamboyant Fowl

In any extravagant event, there is at least one person dressed to the nines with peacock-inspired elements. This is because it is the most flamboyant bird in all of nature, which is perfect for anyone with a show-stopping personality.

Key Elements:

• Opt for a short cocktail dress that drapes into a floor-length gown at the back.
• The best colors to play around with are deep teal, royal blue, emerald green, or rich purple, and always with a touch of gold.
• Accessorize with lots of feathers, jewels, and metallic elements.
• Top it off with an animal mask embellished with feather accents.

Golden Beauty

Think metallic, sequined gown, with a sweetheart neckline and matching crystals. In the words of Katy Perry, you just got to ignite the light and let it shine, just own the night like the Fourth of July.

Key Elements:

• Pair your gown with Hollywood waves or an Ariana Grande-inspired ponytail.
• Shine bright like your gown with gold eyeshadow and a lot of highlighter.
• Opt for a glittery mask and a few crystal embellishments.

Renaissance Maiden

As a true testament to the history of the masquerade ball, dress up as a Renaissance maiden with a fitted bodice, puff sleeves, and tapestry-like fabric for a full skirt.

Key Elements:

• A corset, or any fitted bodice that can mimic the hourglass silhouette.
• A chemise, which is a loose undershirt with puffy sleeves.
• A half mask with ornate details to double as a crown or headdress.

Futuristic Seductress

Going back in time is not everyone’s cup of tea. If you prefer to zoom into the future, a futuristic space seductress may be the perfect choice for you. This look is all about angular details, sleek metals, and avant-garde accessories.

Key Elements:

• Tight-fitting leather dress.
• Platform boots.
• Space-inspired mask, designed with geometric shapes and metallic colors.
• Optional: add a touch of unusual textures like plastic, vinyl, and foil.

Life Of The Tropical Party

While a burst of tropical colors may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a masquerade, it definitely still works! 

Key Elements:

• The dress must absolutely be vibrant, whether we are talking about one color or multiple colors. Lean towards hues like yellow, pink, turquoise, lime green, or even orange (or all of the above.)
• A feather headdress or flower crown brings an even liver touch.
• Long, feather earrings not only match the energy but can also enhance motion.
• Finally, the mask has to be multicolored as well, and don’t hold back on it - if you want gold trimmings, sequins, and a glittery finish, by all means, have some fun with it!

Glacial Queen

All this look really needs is a dress made of sheen fabric, a light blue or silver half mask, and faux snowflakes in the form of sequins, beads, or any other intricate type you may easily find at the crafts store.

Key Elements:

• A sheen dress with a flowing shape to mimic snow falling.
• Cool-toned makeup, and a dust of glitter.
• Plain colored mask with minute details that add a shimmer.

Steampunk Daredevil

Earlier we mentioned the choice between a Victorian goth or a steampunk goth. This time, let’s combine the best of both worlds by adding a touch of an industrial edge to Victorian pieces.

Key Elements:

• Victorian corseted dress made of leather.
• Half mask with a metallic finish and cogs as details.
• Goggles and a pocket watch as optional accessories.

Aquatic Royal

Channel your inner mermaid with an ocean-inspired ensemble fit for any of Poseidon’s daughters.

Key Elements:

• A dress in shades of blue, green, or teal, with a fitted bodice and a flare trim.
• Sequins, beads, and tulle as details on your gown could symbolize fish scales.
• Deep blue mask embellished with shells and pearls.

Phantom-Inspired

What good would a masquerade dress idea list be without a Phantom-inspired look in the lineup? This ensemble is made up only of black and white elements with lace accents. If you have a soft spot for theatrics, this is the look for you.

Key Elements:

• A black and white dress, either fitter or flowing can work!
• Full-face black and white mask with minimal design.
• Lace overlay and accessories
• A single red rose is the recommended prop.

Honorable Mentions

While the 15 masquerade dress ideas above offer both classic and modern inspirations for your next party, some of our oldies but goodies when it comes to masquerade outfits and masks include:

• Dia De Los Muertos
• Mythical Creature
• Mardi Gras
• Demonic Mistress

Choosing the Perfect Masquerade Dress

In the early days, people strictly wore elaborate gowns and masks. While modern masquerade balls still lean towards extravagance, there is definitely more variety in terms of dress code than they did in the past. While it can be an overwhelming choice to make, revisiting the basics can help you narrow things down.

Understanding the Dress Code for Masquerade Parties

Masquerade parties either have a more specific theme to follow, or settle for the classics. When it comes to the latter, women are expected to wear formal evening gowns while men don their best suits. Each guest is also required to bring a masquerade mask, which can either be full or half-faced, to keep the level of mystery and intrigue high throughout the night.

If the masquerade ball has a specific theme, guests are often encouraged to explore outside the box and not stick to their traditional evening wear.

What Are the Best Styles for Masquerade Dresses?

There are a variety of styles to choose from as themes get more and more creative through the years. Below are some of the top picks that can cover all your bases at any given masquerade.

Elegant Gown Options for a Masquerade

If you’re going for the classic look, a long elegant gown made of rich fabrics such as satin, velvet, lace, or silk is perfect. We suggest going for plain deep hues that allow your accessories, embellishments, and mask to stand out.

Chic Cocktail Dresses for a Masquerade Party

A short dress is perfect for some themed masquerade parties. Styles that symbolize nature or the animal kingdom are particularly popular, such as peacock-inspired dresses, an Amazon goddess ensemble, or a feminine feline that goes perfectly well with a therian mask.

Ball Gown Styles to Impress

If the sky’s the limit at your next party, take the opportunity to have a little more fun with your ball gown by going in a mermaid-inspired look, a steampunk outfit, or even as a mythical creature right out of a fairy tale book.

How to Accessorize Your Masquerade Outfit?

The accessories you choose are just as important as the gown itself. Bias aside, a masquerade mask is a critical element to any outfit as it is the sole factor adding mystery and intrigue to your look.

Choosing the Right Masquerade Masks

When choosing the right masquerade mask, consider the following:

• Theme: Choose a mask that fits well into the theme in terms of style, color, and embellishments.
• Patterns: Masks can be as minimal or as intricate as you please. The patterns you choose can be used to evoke emotions, such as femininity in florals, discipline in geometrics, or luxury in simplicity.
• Color: The color of your mask should compliment the rest of your look.
• Details: Adding feathers, sequins, beads, and other details to your mask can help bring the entire outfit together.

Complementing Your Dress with Accessories

While masks are a masquerade staple, other accessories such as a headdress, floral crown, tiara, cape, jewelry, glasses, or a clutch are also great additions. Because these parties thrive on extravagance and glamour, it can be easy to go a little overboard. Keep in mind that for as long as each element doesn’t outshine the other, but instead enhances each other’s presence, you shouldn’t worry too much about the limits and make sure to have fun with it!

You’re All Set!

While these masquerade dress ideas highlight women’s masks, let your creativity soar, and use these concepts for your couple’s masquerade masks by incorporating men’s pieces, too! Discover more on what you can wear to a masquerade party at Masquerade Store.