Costuming the Faelight Ball

While this is considered a formal-dress event, consider the wearing of specific costumes an invitation, not a requirement.

Guests are encouraged to explore Victorian elegance, fae enchantment, or a blend of the two. And whether your look is elaborate or understated, modern or fantastical, what matters most is that you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to enjoy the evening.

Many guests choose to build their attire from pieces they already own, adding a few thoughtful accessories or textures to catch the lantern light: a pair of gloves, a hint of lace, a touch of shimmer, or a crown of leaves. Others delight in crafting something entirely new. Both approaches are welcome, and both belong in the world of the Ball.

The Faelight Ball celebrates imagination over perfection, elegance over excess, and ease alongside beauty.

Let this guide serve as inspiration rather than instruction: a place to gather ideas, spark creativity, and find your own way into the night.

Three Style Paths

While there is no single way to dress for the Faelight Ball, most guests find their look by following one of these paths — or by blending elements from more than one.

Victorian Elegance

Refined. Romantic. Grounded in another age.

This path draws inspiration from late Victorian and Edwardian formalwear: structured silhouettes, rich fabrics, and thoughtful details. It is ideal for guests who love historical aesthetics, classic tailoring, or timeless glamour — whether interpreted faithfully, or with a modern touch.

You might choose this path if you enjoy:

• traditional eveningwear

• period-inspired silhouettes

• understated drama and polish

Examples & ideas:

• Bustle or layered skirts, high collars, lace bodices

• Tailcoats, frock coats, waistcoats, cravats

• Velvet, satin, silk, brocade, lace overlays

• Opera gloves, pocket watches, parasols (kept closed for safety), canes

• Ornate brooches, cameo jewelry, hair combs

• Masks in lace, filigree, or antique metallic finishes

Modern formalwear with Victorian accessories fits beautifully here.

Fae Court & Fantasy

Ethereal. Expressive. Otherworldly.

At the Faelight Ball, the term fae is used broadly to describe many kinds of magical beings. It is not limited to a single tradition or mythology, but instead embraces a wide range of fantastical interpretations.

Fae attire may draw inspiration from:

• Fair folk; with shimmering wings or luminous details

• Elves; graceful and human-like, often marked by pointed ears or refined ornament

• Fauns or satyrs; featuring horns, hooves, or pastoral motifs

• Sprites, spirits, or elemental beings; whose costume reflects a natural force or feature — fire, forest, water, or stone

Guests are encouraged to interpret “fae” in whatever way feels most resonant. Some choose subtle suggestion; others embrace bold transformation. Both approaches are welcome.

This style path leans into the magic of the fae: fluid silhouettes, organic textures, and hints of enchantment — whether quiet or dramatic. It is well suited to those drawn to fantasy aesthetics, natural motifs, or dreamlike details that feel as though they stepped out of a story.

You might enjoy this path if you are drawn to:

• fantasy or mythic styling

• flowing fabrics and organic forms

• expressive accessories and symbolic adornment

Examples & Ideas

• Gowns or suits with petal-like layers, drape, or asymmetry

• Embroidery inspired by leaves, vines, moths, stars, or runes

• Iridescent, sheer, or softly shimmering fabrics

• Cloaks, capes, winged accents, or floral crowns

• Antlers, circlets, crystal jewelry, or botanical motifs

• Subtle face shimmer, gold accents, or ethereal makeup

Fae looks may be delicate or dramatic, refined or untamed. All belong.

Between Worlds (Blended & In-Between)

Intentional. Playful. Perfectly personal.

This path blends elements of Victorian elegance and fae fantasy; or pairs modern formalwear with one or two inspired details. It’s especially popular with first-time guests, minimalists, or anyone who enjoys creative mixing rather than committing fully to one aesthetic.

You might choose this path if you enjoy:

• combining styles

• modern silhouettes with historic or fantasy accents

• subtle storytelling through details

Examples & ideas:

• A modern evening gown with lace gloves and fae jewelry

• A tailored suit with embroidered details or botanical pins

• Simple silhouettes elevated by masks, belts, or cloaks

• Vintage accessories paired with contemporary garments

• Neutral or jewel-toned outfits with one standout accent

This path proves that a single detail can transform an entire look.

A Gentle Reminder

These paths are offered as inspiration, not instruction. You are welcome to follow one closely, blend them freely, or simply borrow an idea or two that feels right to you.

If your outfit feels elegant, imaginative, and comfortable, it already belongs at the Faelight Ball.

Follow the links below for more information on crafting your look.