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!!!
Yea you never know what you are going to get at those functions. When some of the younger soldiers dates look like they just got off a pole. Can't wait to wear my gown in November!
ReplyDeleteYou are very fortunate! I guess that would be one of the perks of marrying military. I never even went to prom and all my dress up occassions were for business...back in the day. I LOVE the red dress, that is beautiful and you look perfect in it!
ReplyDeleteIt will be fun to live vicariously through your blog. :)
Cute dresses! I was so nervous when I went to my first Navy ball earlier this year. I ended up wearing strapless AND short (it was end of April in SC, I had to stay cool). I was so worried about finding the perfect dress, but it ended up working out just fine and I didn't feel out of place at all.
ReplyDeleteYou can see my dress here (http://sweettea-lemonade.blogspot.com/2012/04/t-minus-14-days-until-submarine.html) and here (http://sweettea-lemonade.blogspot.com/2012/05/submarine-birthday-ball-and-kentucky.html). :)
It's like a fashion show of your military balls! Love it. You have pretty fab style!
ReplyDelete(even if I giggled at the title at first!)
I agree with what you had to say. I've been to 4 balls since we've been married, and I've worn, black, red, black & white, and one out of this WORLD exotic dress with multi colors. That one was probably the most complimented [General's wife loved it] and the 'wandering photographer' insisted on multiple photos of it. I love the classic black, but I'd rather wear something loud and classy as well.
ReplyDeleteI think I like the red one best! But they are all beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove all your choices. I am sort of bitter though... I've never been to one!
ReplyDeleteLove all the dresses!!
ReplyDeleteI always wear short (classy) dresses. I think it shows more style than what everyone else wears. And yes, EVERYONE wears black, dragging on the ground dresses. I understand your fear at first though!
ReplyDeleteI love love LOVE your dress choices and especially love the one that had the detailing on the straps (also in your sidebar). So pretty. Most of my military balls have been either right after a pregnancy or during. Blergh. I hate all of my dresses and all of my pictures. LOL
ReplyDeleteThey all look gorgeous! It must be fun to have an excuse to dress up!
ReplyDeleteI feel you on all accounts and think you are exactly right! As long as you are dressed appropriately, I think it's just fine! I hate being judged for being an officer's wife and having tattoos, but like you, I normally get compliments!
ReplyDeleteI love your selection. We've managed to miss St. Barb's the past two years thanks to deployment (my hubby is in 3-321). Looks like we're going this year!
ReplyDeleteI love the red one!!! I agree with the short dress part.. However, I think they should definitely at least around to the knee. I'm not trying to get a free show at the ball. LOL btw.. Have you seen: http://www.motifake.com/image/demotivational-poster/1007/elegance-formal-class-military-demotivational-poster-1278059154.jpg
ReplyDeleteThank you for the follow! Following back. Can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteI love the red one!! I've always wanted one like that.
ReplyDeleteThe red dress is absolutely stunning, but I have to say that the last one is actually my favorite. I will be attending an NCO Ball this fall with my Army SO and it will be my first military ball outside of the ROTC Dining Out that I attended while at university. I've been looking around for advice and ideas for dresses, and I've been told to shy away from short dresses for cool weather events, but that they're okay for warmer weather events. My SO has requested that I wear something pretty specific, so luckily I have 7 months to find the perfect dress! He says he wants to show me off and introduce me to everyone, so he wants a certain degree of "sexy" while at the same time looking demure, conservative, and sophisticated as a future NCO's wife should.
ReplyDeleteOh, and that demotivational poster is hilarious!
The last one is my favorite as well. :) You will find the perfect dress.
DeleteI have a question about Saint Barbara what to wear I never been to one. Its my first time going to this type a ball. I been to other balls. I wanted to wear a long dress but I not sure.
ReplyDeleteI would wear a long dress to Saint Barbara....that was the direction I was given. :)
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