I know a lot of people will give you the do's and don't of attending a military ball. I don't agree with the ones that say: short dresses are inappropriate. For some reason that BUGS me to no end, I have been to 6 military balls since Kyle and I got married 4 1/2 years ago and I can tell you that even Generals wives wear short dresses. Now I'm sure it isn't the best idea to wear a poofy prom type dress, but to each their own and who am I to judge. For me, being an Officer's wife I am always going to be held to a higher standard when it comes to Military Formals, I don't think I have done anything too crazy.
I have worn everything from long, short, strapless, classic black, red and bright yellow. Every time I have gotten compliments on my choices. Here are pictures of what I have worn:
This was my first ball in May 2009. I was scared out of my mind and had no idea what to expect so I went with classic black and it has been one of my favorite dresses ever since.
This dress was from the Year of the NCO Ball in July 2009. Going to this ball was not planned and very last minute, thankfully I had this beautiful short yellow dress handy and it was perfect for the warm weather.
This is from the St. Barbara's Day Ball December 2009 (talk about overwhelming 3 Military Balls in 1 year). I was very frustrated with my weight at this point and wanted something flowy. I found it at David's Bridal and it was extremely comfortable. The detail and beading under the bust was my favorite part.
This dress I wore to the Black Falcon Battalion Ball in February 2010. I LOVE this dress, the three dresses I wore before this I donated but I could not part with this dress. I actually owned it for a year before I wore it, the detail on top was amazing!!
St. Barbara's Day Ball 2010, I wore black to the first one and I wanted something fun and bright. I found this amazing red dress on vacation in Vegas and I knew it was perfect for a Field Artillery Ball. It was flattering and extremely comfortable.
Black Falcon Battalion Ball May 2012. I knew the instant I tried on this dress that it was perfect. I felt amazing in it and thought it was classy and beautiful.
Over the last 4 years I learned that you can't make everyone happy with what you choose to wear to a ball. Just make sure that you are comfortable!! I remember there was one person who told me when I first married Kyle that I should never show my tattoos at a military function. I learned that that was crappy advice when I had the division commander's wife tell me that my tattoo (my tulips on my back) was beautiful. There will always be someone who wants to give you their opinion, do what you want.
Happy Monday!!!
