Ball season is well underway and we’re always happy for the excuse to dress up. Whether it’s a school ball, winter formal or black-tie wedding, we’ve found twelve gorgeous ball dresses to inspire you.
Ruby Firebird Cowl dress $369 (left) & Matthew Eager dress from Modes $798 (right)
Ruby’s latest No Drama collection for spring has a few winsome dresses that are perfect for ball season but we’re particularly fond of the Firebird Cowl dress. It has a chic nineties feel with a cowl neckline and mid-length skirt in lovely navy silk. The beauty of this dress is it can be dressed up with sparkly accessories or kept simple as shown above and it will be stunning either way.
Modes is an amazing one-stop shop when it comes to ball dresses and their huge selection features a range of labels and styles that cater to many different tastes. We love the sublime Matthew Eager gown above which features intricate beading and has a tie at the waist to emphasise the silhouette. This dress is available in the rose hue pictured as well as in lilac and navy in store at Modes.
Natalie Chan Chanson Pour Moi dress $250 (left) & COOP Come on Gown dress $299 (right)
There is something special about wearing a red dress and Natalie Chan’s Chanson Pour Moi dress is a lovely choice if you fancy being a lady in red for the evening. The sweetheart neckline and semi-sheer straps that can also be worn as cap sleeves are pretty features, while the floor-grazing skirt makes this dress feel even more romantic.
We love the sweet textured roses on COOP’s Come on Gown dress which is available in coral as seen above or black. COOP have perfected party dresses that are made for enjoying the dancefloor and this charming dress could easily be accessorised for a ball too. The scooped hem and shorter lining keep this look fresh and fun.
Amber Whitecliffe BFF Maxi $279 (left) & Carlson Forever Young dress $589 (right)
Amber Whitecliffe’s BFF Maxi is a wonderful choice for those looking for something pretty in pink. The textured bodice and softly pleated skirt add interest to this charming look while the adjustable straps and side split add practicality. A perfect look for a school ball.
If you’re after a ball dress with a more bohemian feel, Carlson’s Forever Young dress is effortlessly elegant and flattering on many body shapes. The blouse-style bodice, bell sleeves and full skirt give it a beautiful shape which is enhanced by the tie at the waist to accentuate the silhouette. It would be impossible not to swan around like a seventies goddess while wearing this stunning dress.
Karen Walker Prudence dress $895 (left) & Ingrid Starnes Lilly Valley Wrap dress $475 (right)
Karen Walker’s Prudence dress from her latest collection “Magnetic” is a great choice for those looking for a fashion forward dress that is easy to wear. We love the vibrant violet and light blue hues of this dress and the striking print. The jagged hem detail and practical pockets add to the cool factor of this winning dress.
Ingrid Starnes excels at modern yet timeless collections that have a vintage feel and we’re loving the delicate prettiness of this Lilly Valley Wrap dress. The winsome embroidered floral lace winds its way up from the hem with a charming effect and the wrap nature of this dress means you can wear it as fitted or loose as feels right to you. Also available in black.
Kate Sylvester Kiki gown $365 (left) & Trelise Cooper Gina La Vida dress $799 (right)
Kate Sylvester has a knack for creating sublime dresses with many beautiful evening wear looks to her name over the years. We’re adoring the alluring semi-sheer lace of this Kiki gown with its grosgrain trim and elegant v-neckline. This dress is also available in a soft dusky rose colour as well.
We’re coveting this amazing floral Trelise Cooper Gina La Vida dress from her latest spring collection. The eye-catching print, fifties-style silhouette and full skirt make this a stunning ball dress choice and flattering for many shapes. The charming blue, lemon and mint tones make it a fresh and pretty look and we love the styling of this shot which perfectly complements the dress.
Celine Rita Pieta dress $300 (left) & Dancehall Metallic Swing Dress by Stop Staring from Rita Sue $195 (right)
We’re big fans of Céline Rita’s gorgeous dresses and for good reason, her designs are elegant, modern and easy to wear. Her Pieta dress is enchanting in silk and is also available in pink, peach and black. We love the high neckline at the front which scoops low at the back with perfectly placed straps creating a heavenly shape.
For those after a classic vintage-inspired ball dress we love Rita Sue’s collection of delightful dresses especially this Dancehall Swing dress by Stop Staring in metallic wine red. The fifties silhouette, sweet bow at the waist and spaghetti straps make it a wonderful choice for dancing the night away.
Images from each designers website. Note: As it’s currently sale season some of these dresses may have limited availability or sell out quickly.