Although the traditional design of the ball gown included a full skirt which was blown out and extended in a large radius from the body using support from soft wires or hard layered fabrics, there are new modern designs which are less bulky.

One of the main features that remained constant with ball gowns over the years was the length of the full skirt which is supposed to extend to the ankles but in some cases, has been shortened. Ball gowns which alter the length of the skirt usually compensate by sticking to other features such as having a voluminous skirt or a beaded bodice with great attention to detail.

To get the most out of your ball gown, you need to consider a few things before purchasing it:

• Get yourself fitted – This will ensure you do not have to go altering or adjusting the gown later which may cause irreversible damage. If you must make any changes, get the advice of a professional tailor. However, it is always best to buy a gown that fits you and doesn’t need any changes before you can wear it out.
• Check for stains and any tears – This is especially important when buying second hand or vintage gowns. You do not want to purchase a gown for hundreds of dollars only to find damage on it later and have to go through the trouble of repairing or returning it. Better safe than sorry.
• Determine what type of gown you want based on the intended use – If you are shopping for a wedding gown, you will probably buy something different from what you would have gotten for an inaugural ceremony. Identifying your needs is the key to getting the correct gown as it will narrow down your search and give you focus.
• Decide how much you are willing to spend – Once you look at your budget, you can decide how much you are willing to spend on a gown and this will be important in helping you determine where to start shopping. If shopping on a budget, cheap gowns can be bought from second hand shops, charity organizations, thrift shops etc If you are looking to splurge and spare no expense, designer stores and large retailers will probably be more your cup of tea.

All this preparation saves time and helps you keep things in perspective so you can begin shopping for the right gown and get a satisfactory purchase.

1. One Shoulder Beaded Ball Gown

This amazingly sewn and designed ball gown is made of lace and satin and features a one shoulder strap which is embellished with crystal beads and a deep red satin waist band for added definition. Its design features layers of tulle and a satin lining which all makes for a very refined and elegant gown.

The subtle colours of the outer layer overlapping the inner fabric which play against each other to give an alluring jade finish create a soft feminine look. You can wear this gown to a variety of events such as prom, a wedding, an evening party or a formal gathering and you will look like a beautiful belle.

Cinderella prices this special ball gown at $179.00

2. Prom Party Ball Gown

When shopping on a budget, this femininely coloured ball gown is one of the great bargains you could consider. It comes priced at $92.99 from US Fairytailes which is a discounted rate from the original $279.99

This is one of those gowns which have a simplicity to them which is coupled with understated beauty.

The straps are decorated with small detailed ruffles and come down to the chest to in one clean sweep to form a pretty and feminine u-neck. A satin waistband adds sheen to the dress and defines your waist and then drops down to a long A-line skirt which skims over your curves tastefully.

You definitely get a winner with this versatile dress in your wardrobe because you will find that its simplicity allows you to wear it over and over again to different gatherings.

3. Chiffon One-Shoulder Ball Gown

You will look like a princess on your prom night or your wedding day in this striking ball gown made from chiffon. It has two tones with delicate lines used to bring out your bust and waist line and emphasise the ruffled shoulder design.

Its heart shaped neckline is accented with a thin black colour to clearly show off your bust while the think contrasting satin waistband enhances you waist line and adds definition to your shape. Its elegant chiffon skirt is designed at the waist in a style of sewing which is known as shirring whereby the material is gathered together to create a puffy finish.

You are guaranteed to be the belle of the ball in this absolutely radiant ball gown which comes from Jovani at $440

4. Gold Satin Strapless Floor Length Ball Gown

If you are attending a formal ball like an inauguration ceremony or such, you need to look your best. This gold satin gown is the elegant yet feminine ball gown which is appropriate for just these type of gatherings.

Although this ball gown features a bright shiny coloured fabric, it doesn’t come off as gaudy or cheap but rather, luxurious and sophisticated. It has been specially designed to emphasise your bust with a wrapped, heart shaped neckline which is shirred to the hip area so that it flatters your figure.

The strapless design has a hidden zipper at the back for fastening while it shows off your neck, shoulders and back. Its bust has been boned to ensure it has firm support and offers a proper fit for you.

Show off your feminine side at any formal gathering with this ball gown fit for a goddess from Ceci at $169.99

5. Long Party Gown – Turquoise

This vividly coloured ball gown comes in two varieties of colours to fit your taste, turquoise and lime. A mesh of the traditional and modern design of ball gowns gives this particular piece a very modern and classic finish.

It features two straps and a waist band which have been designed with a shiny fabric that has accents of different shades of pink and blue to give off a contrast to the main turquoise colour of the full A-line skirt and bust.

Again, this is another dress which doesn’t just confine the wearer to a certain type of party or ball. Unlike most ball gowns, its length is just right such that you can even wear it to an after party at a club without worrying about it getting damaged when you step on it.

Look girly and show off your bust in its heart shaped neckline for $164.99 from US Fairytailes

TIP

To ensure your ball gown stays in good condition over time, follow these basic instructions:

-          Always read the product label in cleaning instructions to ensure you do not damage the delicate fabrics with detergents, high or low temperatures or general wrong handling during the laundering process.

-          Always ensure you hang up your ball gown to avoid wrinkling or creasing it and ensure you also find the right kind of hanger which won’t leave marks or tears on the fabric after prolonged hanging.

-          Cover your ball gown in a clothes bag after you use a hanger to protect it from lint, dust and insects which may all leave marks on the fabric.

-          Unless you are a professional tailor, do not attempt to make alterations or adjustments to your ball gown yourself as this may permanently damage its design rendering it useless after you have spent your hard earned money purchasing it.