What to Wear to a Debutante Ball!

This weekend, one of my best friends had her Debutante Ball.  She looked beautiful and we had so much fun!!
Most people I know (especially people who are not originally from the south) are always perplexed by the event and have no idea what to wear to one, or even what to expect.

So, as this was my third "ball," I have now proclaimed myself as an authority on what to wear to such an event... not sure if I am allowed to do that, but I am doing it anyway.

For the night before party -- usually a dance of some kind or a rehersal dinner like before a wedding-- I wore an Alice and Olivia dress called the "Fern Novelty Slip Dress" that I found in NYC at a sample sale.  Here it is pictured on a beautiful model and on me:

This was a great dress for the occasion because it was dressy (cocktail attire) but still fun and good to dance in.

The ball itself is a bit more tricky to dress for. I don't have a personal collection of evening dresses on hand, and the only really nice long dresses I have are from my Junior and Senior proms. As much as I loved those dresses, they had their time. 

I knew I wanted to wear something that was appropriate for the winter season, and wanted to get a dress I can wear again for any kind of black tie/formal event. Therefore- I headed straight to my favorite color to wear- black. 

Adrianna Papell Nordstrom (Also available in White!)

I found this dress at Nordstrom and loved wearing it.  It is simple and so detailed at the same time. The skirt has tulle rosettes sewn into it and there is an awesome belt that goes around the smallest part of the waist that I find to be flattering on most everyone. There are even optional straps! 

If you don't like going sleeveless, all you need is a wrap and you're set!

Here are some major don'ts if you ever find yourself invited to a debutante ball:

1. Do not wear a short dress to the ball, it has to be long.

2. Do not wear white or beige because people will mistake you for being a debutante

3. Do not wear uncomfortable shoes if you plan on dancing 

That's all for now!

xo, 

Grace

PS: Does it HAVE to be Monday tomorrow??