Centennial Balls were an unusual sort of event: balls at which people in 1876 often dressed up in the style of 1776 to celebrate America’s Centennial. So there are quite a few costume options! We’ll have more detail and inspirational images coming to the site this spring, but here are some ideas to get you started. But, first, very important: please do not avoid this ball because you do not have the specific historical costume. We welcome EVERYONE! Scroll down for some modern options!
If you want to be particularly on-theme, consider:
- ball costume or daywear of around 1876: For gentlemen, this is white tie for evening, or, given, that it’s summer, a more casual light summer-white daytime suit, perhaps with a colorful waistcoat (vest). For ladies, evening dress is a snug-fitting bodice, low neckline (but not cleavage) and minimal sleeves, the whole thing fairly slim from the front but a party in back, with very big hair. Day dresses share the silhouette and big hair but cover up the arms and neckline. There are several good images (fashion plates and actual garments) here. Although trains are period, we strongly, strongly recommend that you do not wear a gown with a train, or that you have some way to securely pin the train completely off the floor, because otherwise it will get stepped on in the dancing.
- poudré (ladies): wear regular 1876 costume but with a white or gray wig in the style of the 1770s. (Or actually powder your hair, if you are that dedicated to the concept!)
- any costume (day, evening, military, civilian, upper-class, middle-class, frontier, ANYTHING) of around 1776. Think Colonial, Revolutionary War, George and Martha Washington, etc.
If you’re not up to making, buying, or renting any of the above, that’s okay! Some other options:
- your own modern military uniform or national formal dress are always acceptable
- just dress up a bit. No shorts, t-shirts, miniskirts, or jeans, but a modern gown of calf-length or longer (with straps or sleeves, please!) for ladies and a nice shirt and trousers with a tie for gentlemen are fine.
- REMEMBER: please do not avoid this ball because you do not have a specific costume. We welcome EVERYONE and want you to attend and enjoy yourself! Please contact us for help if you are worried about what to wear.
A few specific notes:
Please bring clean, indoor-only shoes to protect the dance floor. Flat or low-heeled with leather soles will be easiest for dancing.
For the safety of yourself and other dancers and the protection of the dance floor: no spike heels or stilettos!
Gloves for both ladies and gentlemen are helpful for dancing. Sweaty hands are no fun to touch! Plain white cotton wrist-length gloves like these are inexpensive and easy to find from many retailers. Ladies might wear gloves a little bit longer, as shown at left, but there are also fashion plates showing them in wrist-length ones for evening.
Changing space is extremely limited (bathrooms). Arriving already in costume will be the easiest!