Masquerade Costume
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Masks have been part of the Carnival of Venice for centuries, and by the 1700s Venetians wore them for months of the year to parties, the theater and gambling halls. Today the masquerade is the go-to theme for proms, galas, weddings, New Year’s Eve and milestone birthdays. The good news is that it’s mostly formalwear plus one great mask.
What Makes It Work
The mask is everything. The Colombina is the classic half mask that covers the eyes and upper cheeks, often gold or silver with filigree, feathers or jewels. The Volto is a full white face mask, and the Bauta is the dramatic one with a jutting chin, made so wearers could eat and drink without taking it off.
For women, pair the mask with a ball gown, a cocktail dress or a sleek jumpsuit in a jewel tone, black or gold. Long gloves, statement earrings and a feather or two in the hair finish it.
For men, black tie or a dark suit works perfectly. Match the mask to your tie or pocket square, and add a cape or velvet jacket if the invitation leans costume rather than formal.
What People Get Wrong
A cheap mask on a nice outfit. People notice the mask first, so spend there. The other mistake is a mask that won’t stay put; ribbon ties slip, so look for a stick-free headband style or add elastic.
Buy It or Build It?
Venetian masks run $10 to $40 for decent resin or metal ones, and handmade Italian masks start around $60. Since most of the outfit is formalwear you may already own, the mask is the only thing worth spending on.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Costume kits, wigs and accessories | Shop on Amazon |
FAQ
What do you wear to a masquerade ball?
Formalwear plus a mask. Women usually wear a gown or cocktail dress, men a tux or dark suit, and everyone wears a Venetian-style mask.
What kind of mask is best for a masquerade?
A Colombina half mask is easiest to wear all night, since you can eat, drink and talk in it. Choose metal filigree or lightweight resin.
Do men wear masks at a masquerade?
Yes. Simple black, silver or gold half masks look sharp with a suit or tux.
Can I wear a costume to a masquerade?
Check the invitation. Some are black tie with masks only; others welcome costumes like vampires, angels or a Queen of Hearts.
Next up: Medieval Knight Costume
See Also
Free: The Last-Minute Costume Cheat Sheet
Ten costumes you can make tonight, mostly from your own closet. One page, printable, plus a short email before each costume season. No spam.