What to Wear to a Masquerade: 9 Easy Ideas

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A masquerade invitation sounds glamorous right up until you have to decide what to wear. Is it black tie? A costume? Both?

Usually it’s formalwear with a mask, and sometimes the host wants full costumes. These nine looks cover both, from the classic Venetian look to darker, more theatrical options, and every one of them works for a prom, gala, wedding or New Year’s Eve party.

1. Classic Venetian Glamour

Illustration of a masquerade costume: a woman in an emerald silk ball gown with long black gloves, a gold filigree Venetian half mask with black feathers and jewels, drop earrings and a black lace fan.

The look everyone pictures. A ball gown and a gold filigree half mask is the most elegant masquerade outfit there is.

How to do it: Jewel-tone or black gown, long gloves, statement earrings, hair swept up with a feather, and a gold or silver Colombina mask. Carry a lace fan.

Worth buying: a gold filigree Venetian mask.

2. Black Tie and a Mask (Men)

The easiest masquerade look for guys. A tux or dark suit plus a simple mask always looks sharp.

How to do it: Black tux or dark suit, a crisp shirt, and a black, silver or gold half mask that matches your tie or pocket square. A velvet jacket if you want more drama.

Worth buying: a men’s masquerade mask.

3. Vampire Elegance

Illustration of a classic vampire costume: a man in a black tailcoat and dark vest, white ruffled high-collar shirt, a black cape with red lining and a tall stiff stand-up collar, a medallion at the throat, slicked-back hair, pale skin, small fangs.

For a darker party. A vampire in formalwear fits a masquerade perfectly.

How to do it: Black or deep red gown or suit, a high-collar cape, a black lace mask, dark red lips and pale skin. Skip the plastic fangs at a formal event.

Worth buying: a black lace mask.

4. Angel

Illustration of a angel costume: a woman in a flowing white gown with a gold belt, large white feathered wings, a floating gold halo, gold sandals, a serene pose.

Soft, glowing and very photogenic. An angel in white and gold reads instantly, even with a mask.

How to do it: White or ivory gown, small feather wings, a gold halo headband and a white or gold feather mask.

Worth buying: a white feather mask.

5. Devil

Illustration of a devil costume: a woman in a red dress with small red horns on a headband, a pointed red tail, holding a pitchfork, red lips and sharp winged eyeliner, a mischievous pose.

The other half of a great couples look. A glamorous devil in red is bold without being silly.

How to do it: Red gown or black suit with red accents, small horns tucked into the hair, and a red or black jeweled mask.

Worth buying: a red jeweled mask.

6. Greek Goddess

Illustration of a Greek goddess costume: a woman in an ivory draped one-shoulder gown pinned at the shoulder, a gold rope belt, a gold leaf crown, a gold arm cuff, strappy gold sandals.

Flowing and elegant. A Greek goddess works if your party leans costume, and it’s comfortable all night.

How to do it: Draped white or gold gown, gold leaf headband, gold arm cuffs and a gold mask. Sandals or strappy heels.

Worth buying: a gold leaf headband.

7. Queen of Hearts

Illustration of an original Queen of Hearts costume from Alice in Wonderland: a regal woman in a full-skirted red and black gown with a pattern of small black hearts, a tall stiff red stand-up collar framing the back of her head, a small gold crown topped with a heart, holding a gold scepter with a red heart on top, a haughty expression.

Dramatic red and black with a regal collar. The Queen of Hearts makes a statement at any masked ball.

How to do it: Red and black gown, a stand-up collar, a small crown and a red mask with heart details. Pair with a partner dressed as the King or a playing card.

Worth buying: a heart crown and scepter.

8. Snow Queen

Illustration of an original Snow Queen costume from the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale: a regal woman with sleek loose platinum hair in a long shimmering ice-blue satin gown, a sheer white floor-length cape, a white faux fur stole at the shoulders, a tall spiky silver crown of ice crystals and snowflakes, icy silver eye makeup, a cool stare.

Perfect for winter galas and New Year’s Eve. The Snow Queen is icy and elegant.

How to do it: Pale blue or silver gown, a sheer cape, a white fur stole, a silver crown and a silver or crystal mask.

Worth buying: a silver crystal mask.

9. Pierrot (Classic Mime)

Illustration of a mime costume: a woman with white face paint, arched black brows, a teardrop and red lips, a black beret, a striped shirt, suspenders, black trousers and white gloves, pressing against an invisible wall.

A nod to masquerade history. The white-faced Pierrot comes from the same Italian comedy tradition as the Venetian masks, and the mime is its modern version.

How to do it: Black and white striped top or a white ruffled collar, black trousers, white gloves, and a white Volto full mask (or white face paint).

Worth buying: a white Volto full mask.

How to Choose a Masquerade Mask

Colombina (half mask) is the easiest to wear all night. You can eat, drink and talk without taking it off. It’s the right choice for most parties.

Volto (full white face) and Bauta (full face with a jutting chin) look dramatic in photos but get warm. Save them for short events or costume-forward parties.

Stick-held masks look elegant but tie up a hand all night. Headband or elastic styles are far more practical. Match the metal of your mask (gold or silver) to your jewelry.

See every costume in our Masquerade collection, or browse the full costume encyclopedia from A to Z.

Masquerade FAQ

What’s the dress code for a masquerade?

Usually formal or black tie plus a mask. If the invitation says “costume,” themed looks like vampires or angels are welcome too.

What should a man wear to a masquerade?

A tux or dark suit and a simple black, silver or gold half mask that matches the tie or pocket square.

What colors are best for a masquerade?

Black, gold, silver, deep red, emerald and sapphire all look rich in candlelight and photos.

What’s a good masquerade couples costume?

An angel and a devil, a vampire pair, or the Queen of Hearts with a King of Hearts.

What to Wear to a Masquerade: 9 Looks for Women, Men and Couples