Civil War Ball Dress Code
To keep the 1800's atmosphere, we ask that everyone be in period clothing to attend the ball. Our desire is for all in attendance to have a great time and don't wish the need for 'special' outfits to be a burden. Below are some ideas and resources for easy, frugal ways to accomplish these looks without breaking the budget. (Costs that even Ebenezer Scrooge would approve of :)
To keep the 1800's atmosphere, we ask that everyone be in period clothing to attend the ball. Our desire is for all in attendance to have a great time and don't wish the need for 'special' outfits to be a burden. Below are some ideas and resources for easy, frugal ways to accomplish these looks without breaking the budget. (Costs that even Ebenezer Scrooge would approve of :)
Men/Boys
Men Should wear slacks and a collared dress shirt. It is customary for gentlemen to also wear white gloves to avoid soiling the ladies' ball gowns (you can buy these for just a few dollars at Mardel). Historically, a hat, vest, and cravat (as shown below) would have been worn as well, but these items are, of course, not a requirement.
You can also view our pictures from past balls to get an idea of what to wear.
You can also view our pictures from past balls to get an idea of what to wear.
Women/Girls
Hoops are the most accurate for the Civil War Era. However, crinolines will work as well.
Here are a couple of links for purchasing hoops:
This one is a 4-bone hoop
This link has a child size, as well as an adult
Another option you have for getting a hoop skirt for an affordable price, is checking out bridal and prom shops. I know personally, we have been able to purchase the ones that they used for renting out.
Something else to keep in mind: If you've never danced in a hoop skirt before, you may not think about the fact that sometimes when dancing, the hoop tends to tilt up. With that being said, please wear leggings or some type of modest under clothing underneath your hoop. If you want to go with a more historically accurate approach, pantaloons would have been worn (pictured below). You can either purchase these, or make them for a very affordable cost. I do know that Simplicity sells a pattern for them
If you do not own a ball gown, and are looking for a cheaper alternative, you could make a skirt like the one shown below.
Take around 3-4 yards of fabric (cotton, homespun, silk, or any fabric of your choice). I know it sounds like a lot of fabric, but it will allow for room for your hoop underneath. If you are wearing a crinoline, you won't need as much fabric.
Use the width of the fabric as your length. Put in a drawstring waist at the top and hem to your height you need. Wear a cotton collared shirt underneath, add a ribbon for a sash, and you have a very affordable ball outfit.
Here are a couple of links for purchasing hoops:
This one is a 4-bone hoop
This link has a child size, as well as an adult
Another option you have for getting a hoop skirt for an affordable price, is checking out bridal and prom shops. I know personally, we have been able to purchase the ones that they used for renting out.
Something else to keep in mind: If you've never danced in a hoop skirt before, you may not think about the fact that sometimes when dancing, the hoop tends to tilt up. With that being said, please wear leggings or some type of modest under clothing underneath your hoop. If you want to go with a more historically accurate approach, pantaloons would have been worn (pictured below). You can either purchase these, or make them for a very affordable cost. I do know that Simplicity sells a pattern for them
If you do not own a ball gown, and are looking for a cheaper alternative, you could make a skirt like the one shown below.
Take around 3-4 yards of fabric (cotton, homespun, silk, or any fabric of your choice). I know it sounds like a lot of fabric, but it will allow for room for your hoop underneath. If you are wearing a crinoline, you won't need as much fabric.
Use the width of the fabric as your length. Put in a drawstring waist at the top and hem to your height you need. Wear a cotton collared shirt underneath, add a ribbon for a sash, and you have a very affordable ball outfit.
*Modesty Note*
We realize that families may differ in their definition of modesty and our goal is not to be legalistic in the application. Rather, our desire is to keep The Civil War Ball as pure as possible for all in attendance.
This is an event for the entire family. Therefore, to attend the ball, there are a few modesty requirements.
Please make sure all dresses are modest and floor length. Low cut necklines, strapless, spaghetti straps, and off-the-shoulder dresses/shirts are prohibited. (No cleavage exposed). All areas where your undergarments would naturally go need to be covered. We know you join us in wanting to make sure we are honoring Christ with all our actions, including the manner in which we are dressing. We greatly appreciate your understanding.
Below are some links to help with purchasing period costumes:
Below are some links to help with purchasing period costumes:
Hair: Below are some links to some sites that might give you some ideas for hairs styles:
If you are ambitious and would like to make your own costumes, companies such as Simplicity and Butterick have many different patterns available.
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