Your definitive guide on knowing what to wear to a black tie ball

1 September 2018
By Fashion Quarterly

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As we get ready to celebrate Simply You‘s Spring Ball held at Pah Homestead in Auckland, we share our favourite ball looks.

A pumpkin as her ride and mice for a chauffeur, Cinderella didn’t let anything stop her from going to the event of a lifetime. Here, Simply You decodes the latest spring looks for a black tie event, whether you wish to shine in a new-season showstopping gown, or keep it classic in a modern black ensemble. You will go to the ball!


Belle of the Ball

The most gorgeous gowns this ball season have a babydoll shape, pulled in under the bust with flowing fabric thereafter. While jewel tones have been trending of late, subtle, saccharine hues of peach and rose gold are more modern. Striking black accessories, down to the heels, are a sophisticated way to style this look. For makeup, natural, dewy skin, with a little bit of colour on the lip, is a fresh take on night-time glamour. Pulling your hair back into a ponytail will help you look younger – the style instantly lifts and enhances cheekbones.

Right: Dress, $990, by Hailwood. Earrings, $89, from Homage Online. Necklace, $53, from Le Forge. Heels, $299, by Miss Wilson. Left: Dress, $965, by Athena Procopiou. Mulberry heels, $890, from Scarpa.

Serious sparkle

The invite may say “black tie” but a colourful gown will brighten things up for an evening of fanciful festivities. Be as polished as a Paco Rabanne muse in the ’60s with a plethora of silver sequins, or choose a rainbow number for a seriously show-stopping ensemble. Sleek hair, tucked behind the ears, is both high-fashion and low- maintenance and will ensure your statement earrings get noticed without looking over-the-top. A bold lip colour and highlighter on your cheekbones will glow-up your get-up.

 

Left: Dress, $1580, by Galvan. Earrings, $999, by Stewart Dawsons. Right: Dress, $699, by World. Earrings, $80, by Four Corners. Heels, $210, by Merchant 1948.

Timeless elegance

The new way to look refined, but a little racy, is to wear a jumpsuit. A black number will elongate the figure while being the perfect base for layering metallic accessories and jewellery. Of course, you’d be remiss if you didn’t take this opportunity to show off a statement ring on the hand that holds your drink.

Left: Pantsuit, $960, by Camilla and Marc. Earrings, $4560, and rings, (bigger) $10,900 and $6075, by Partridge Jewellers. Bag, $169, from Le Forge. Heels, $240, by Mi Piaci. Right: Jumpsuit, $329, by Storm. Ring, $249, by Cathy Pope.

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Find out more about the Spring Ball here.
Styling: Louise Hilsz
Photography: Mike Rooke
Hair and makeup: Melle van Sambeek
Model: Annaliese @ 62 Models
Location: Cordis Auckland

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