How to wear a ballgown like a red carpet regular

In theory, wearing a ballgown is the most glamorous thing in the world. In practice, however, things could be a little more problematic. Throw out the ease of a T-shirt, say goodbye to the laid-back louche of a tracksuit and do not even think it will be anything like wearing an easy-breezy party dress out to play. Things get a little more complicated when hemlines increase and fullness of skirt maximised—but it will be fab-u-lous!

For most of us, the first time wearing a floor-length frock will be for our prom or leaver’s balls—unless you’re, you know, an Oscar nominee at 11 or something. The nights that call for black tie, or even white tie, often come with months, if not years, of anticipation leading up to them. How many times during your study leave have you thought of the fun and frolics once all the exams are over? Often no doubt. So, it would seem like a shame to have the realities of the dress of your dreams get in the way of the spectacle.

As with most things, the trick is all in the preparation. The more extra the dress, the more frills, the longer train—the more practice and patience you will need when it comes to perfecting your walk, pose and understanding the intricacies that will come with wearing the gown.

Before you step out to the flashing cameras set out on your parents’ lawn or post the inspired photograph to Instagram, consider these five starting points of advice...

1) Shoes, shoes, shoes

Think from the floor up when it comes to plotting what you’ll team with your ballgown. If you’re going for a frothy hemline, stay well away from shoes that come bedazzled in rhinestones. After no more than three steps they’ll catch the frou-frou and have you on the floor with a damaged ego and gown. Instead, chose a smooth fabric like satin or velvet and block heels that you can, crucially, walk in. Or just wear trainers, because RiRi does...

2) Practice makes perfect

Ahead of the big event, trying on the dress and moving about in it is essential. Beyond getting the measurements and all-important hemline length correct, you’re also going to want to understand what strides you’ll need to take and how the skirt moves. And then there is the all-important pose. Stand in the mirror, work your angles and understand how you’ll need the skirt arranged for that shot. Be careful as you do try on—slow, steady and nowhere near buttery toast, freshly moisturised skin or any younger siblings armed with a Sharpie.

3) Plan your loo visits

Let us be frank here: going to the loo when wearing a ballgown needs planning, preparation and pals. The easiest way to go about it is to sit the opposite way to how you usually would and straddle that toilet. The whole process may take twice as long so factor this in with timings, so nobody is getting caught short. Friends here can be enlisted as both security and modesty shields as sometimes a really huge skirt is too much for a single cubicle to handle deeming an open door a necessity. Or have them help you lift up the skirt as you sit down.

4) It isn’t only standing that needs to be considered

Before the dancing commences, you’ll have the dinner component to get through so make sure you understand how the gown works when you sit. If you’re choosing to corset up-top, ensure that it doesn’t dig into your torso uncomfortably and if you’re choosing a slight fabric like silk or taffeta that is prone to creasing, consider this too and smooth and sit. You know the action we mean. You’ll soon understand why Met Gala attendees get a bus to stand upright in en route.

5) Make things easy for yourself by having alterations

Wearing a ballgown can be made a whole lot easier by investing in the help of a really great tailor. What they can offer for you is adjustments like a bustle button or a wrist loop that will aid your dancing and movement throughout the night. Have hemlines reworked, waists altered, and straps secured for an added ease that calls for less faff on the fashion and more of a focus on the fun.

This article originally appeared on Vogue.co.uk

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