A couple of weeks ago, my husband informed me that we were invited to a Chaplain Banquet and Ball. So, I panicked a little, but I was really excited. The highest ranking Chaplain, a 2 Star General was going to be attending. It would be an honor to be present at such an event. So, I started planning for the 237th Anniversary Regimental Army Chaplain Military Ball. Did I mention that I have never been to such an event before?
My first dilemma was, of course, what to wear.
Did I need to wear a dress like Cinderella? It is a Ball, after-all.
In actuality, the modern Army Dress Uniform is similiar to the Prince from Cinderella's uniform, except for the color. There is a lovely gold stripe on the blue pants.
Personally, as far as Cinderella goes, I prefer Ever After. Drew Barrymore's character is one I identify with. Stubborn, outspoken, opinionated, and her dress was awesome. But, this one didn't seem right for the event. The wings were a little much.
I asked friends who have attended such events, and read military wives' blogs regarding proper etiquette and dress for military balls. I became terrified! And I am not one to really care if caddy women look down on my style, but still. According to some of these blogs, there are always a gaggle of awful women at these events that look for any excuse to look down at you. And according to these blogs, you must wear full legnth gowns and not show any cleavage. Since I didn't have much time, finding the perfect dress was going to be a problem, I looked in a number of stores, but didn't see anything that I would want to wear, even if it was appropriate. I don't care for sequins, or strapless styles, or rhinestones, or hot pink. I wanted a simple brown, or black dress that was classic, but with definite style.
My husband, who loves my style and was not worried that I would embarass him in the least, initially told me that I should go with a Lauren Bacall look. He says I look like her, which is a huge compliment.
So I decided to go for the gloves. Opera Length, and I didn't really care if they are what's in style right now. Because they should be. They are awesome, and instantly give a girl glamour and style and sophistication.
So the above look was what I was going for, and I happened to have a singer-songwriter-actress friend who has a wardrobe of awesome dresses. I borrowed one of her black dresses, and I am so glad I did, because after going to several consignment shops and other stores, I found NOTHING I liked half as much.
So, this is what I ended up wearing.
It was a lot of fun, and the dress was so comfortable.
My thoughts on our first Military Ball the day after...
1. Nobody really cared what I wore, except for my husband ;), everyone was too concerned about themselves to care what a lowly First Lieutenant's wife wore! So I basically stressed over nothing, I was going to wear this outfit from day one, and only considered doing something else because of all of that silly online advice.
2. The food was awesome, and during dinner was an excellent live JAZZ band! I was so ready to get up and dance but dancing wasn't until AFTER the formal events (the schedule is pretty serious). Unfortunately, the dance music afterwards was a modern dj with the electric slide, and hiphop music. I didn't have enough to drink for THAT kind of dancing! I was a little disappointed.
3. I now know what to expect. Every range of formality in dress was present, from mother of the bride formal to prom dresses, to fancy church dresses. I don't think any kind of dress would have stuck out.
4. I LOVE my husbands dress uniform. Call me silly, but it is so classy, and I felt like he was my Prince Charming ;) Which is true, anyway.
5. It truly was an honor meeting the 2 Star General. He had such a strong, gentle, humble air about him. A true hero.
6. I hope someone finds this blog, who is worried about their first military formal and is able to relax about the event and enjoy it!
THREE AND 1/2 weeks until we leave for Fort Hood, Texas! So excited about our new military life!
My first dilemma was, of course, what to wear.
Did I need to wear a dress like Cinderella? It is a Ball, after-all.
In actuality, the modern Army Dress Uniform is similiar to the Prince from Cinderella's uniform, except for the color. There is a lovely gold stripe on the blue pants.
My husband, who loves my style and was not worried that I would embarass him in the least, initially told me that I should go with a Lauren Bacall look. He says I look like her, which is a huge compliment.
So, this is what I ended up wearing.
It was a lot of fun, and the dress was so comfortable.
My thoughts on our first Military Ball the day after...
1. Nobody really cared what I wore, except for my husband ;), everyone was too concerned about themselves to care what a lowly First Lieutenant's wife wore! So I basically stressed over nothing, I was going to wear this outfit from day one, and only considered doing something else because of all of that silly online advice.
2. The food was awesome, and during dinner was an excellent live JAZZ band! I was so ready to get up and dance but dancing wasn't until AFTER the formal events (the schedule is pretty serious). Unfortunately, the dance music afterwards was a modern dj with the electric slide, and hiphop music. I didn't have enough to drink for THAT kind of dancing! I was a little disappointed.
3. I now know what to expect. Every range of formality in dress was present, from mother of the bride formal to prom dresses, to fancy church dresses. I don't think any kind of dress would have stuck out.
4. I LOVE my husbands dress uniform. Call me silly, but it is so classy, and I felt like he was my Prince Charming ;) Which is true, anyway.
5. It truly was an honor meeting the 2 Star General. He had such a strong, gentle, humble air about him. A true hero.
6. I hope someone finds this blog, who is worried about their first military formal and is able to relax about the event and enjoy it!
THREE AND 1/2 weeks until we leave for Fort Hood, Texas! So excited about our new military life!
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