https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-guidance-choosing-a-formal-gown-for-my-daughter%e2%80%99s-debutante-ball Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:19:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-guidance-choosing-a-formal-gown-for-my-daughter%e2%80%99s-debutante-ball#post-2410082 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:59:45 +0000 Sal 2410082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The shoes are lovely!!</p> <p>I think the key thing is to start looking, maybe it will be easy and you can find something to rent or second hand.&nbsp; Maybe you will end up buying new.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-guidance-choosing-a-formal-gown-for-my-daughter%e2%80%99s-debutante-ball#post-2410060 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:08:24 +0000 Jenni NZ 2410060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, the shoes you have ordered look gorgeous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-guidance-choosing-a-formal-gown-for-my-daughter%e2%80%99s-debutante-ball#post-2410059 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:07:35 +0000 Jenni NZ 2410059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your daughter looks so beautiful. I headed back to your 8-year old post about going to the UN ball, when you borrowed your friend’s dress. You looked amazing in some bright blue dresses you tried on. I’m not sure if your hair is coloured at present because that and whether you currently prefer gold or silver jewellery might make a difference.<br /> When I went to a ball in 2013 I bought my dress but I only wore it once. I don’t think renting was quite as easy then but I think now it might be easier and I would consider it. The worn-once dress still sits in my closet. I would also look in consignment and secondhand stores if you have time. In that old thread Ralph Lauren was a brand that came up a lot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-guidance-choosing-a-formal-gown-for-my-daughter%e2%80%99s-debutante-ball#post-2410054 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:32:47 +0000 Carol 2410054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Didn't read through the responses yet, but the first dress Carla picked is about exactly what I had in mind.</p> <p>I would do a really quality fabric in a simple cut, that is flattering to my shape. That muted blue is great, unless the feel of the party is sort of spring/summer, in which case I might lean towards a mint green, satiny silver...or even a jewel tone, like a muted vermillion or hunter green.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-guidance-choosing-a-formal-gown-for-my-daughter%e2%80%99s-debutante-ball#post-2410050 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:22:01 +0000 anchie 2410050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal - you look great in your dress and green shoes are such fun, fabulous contrast. Great idea to look for photos from previous years, here is one I found, people in photo are tiny and details are not visible. But I got general idea about venue too.<br /> Carla - those are nice examples, great starting point. Unfortunately, I don’t have appropriate shoes either, I mostly wear sneakers and loafers now. I was looking for something metallic but couldn’t find anything that was not too high heel. Just ordered this pair, hope they are appropriate? Neutral enough to work with any dress color. My daughter will also have high school graduation in May, so it will be best to find shoes that I can wear to both events. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-guidance-choosing-a-formal-gown-for-my-daughter%e2%80%99s-debutante-ball#post-2410048 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:55:28 +0000 Carla 2410048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Colour:&nbsp;</b>Navy blue seems to be an almost universally flattering colour for formal events in which the wearer wants to look her best, yet doesn’t want to be center stage. &nbsp;However, you need to be happy - so pick a colour you like, but avoid white (the debutants’ colour) and black.</p> <p><div><br /></div><div><b>Silouhette:&nbsp;</b>an A-line shape seems to flatter most bodies. &nbsp;Elbow or bracelet (3/4) length sleeves provides coverage, and possibly some warmth if it’s cool or there is A/C. &nbsp;Sleeveless works if you are comfortable with the style.</p> <p><b>Footwear:&nbsp;</b>metallic closed toe. &nbsp;Probably silver for your colouring. &nbsp;Might have some longevity in your closet - or you might already have something?</p> <p><b>Hair:&nbsp;</b>a French twist, coiled bun, or some other elegant up-do. &nbsp;</p> <p></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Accessories:&nbsp;</b>a metallic bag/clutch to co-ordinate with footwear. &nbsp;Depending on the neckline, and whether or not the dress is embellished, and how you style your hair - earrings, a necklace, and/or bracelets. &nbsp;(Not all three!) Possibly a topper of some sort to account for cool temps.</p> <p>Check out consignment, second hand, or rent. &nbsp;</p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-guidance-choosing-a-formal-gown-for-my-daughter%e2%80%99s-debutante-ball#post-2410047 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:40:02 +0000 Sal 2410047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How exciting Anchie! Your daughter looks stunning in these dresses!</p> <p>I haven’t been to a debutante ball but I love dressing up - this is what I would do.</p> <p>- see if there are photos from last years event or talk to someone to see what parents wore.<br /> - do you have shoes already and work upwards. Last year I bought a long dress but wanted to wear shoes I already had.<br /> - I like underwear that has some shaping but not too much so. For me shaping pants make a big difference in how formal pieces sit on my tummy area. But they are not extreme versions as I don’t want to be uncomfortable all.</p> <p>As to the other questions - I think it needs to feel like you and not be like the debutantes - so I would go for a straighter shape. I could see you in all the stunning blues or metallics or greens.</p> <p>Last year I had an award ceremony and had four days to pick a dress. I visited a trusted local boutique and came up with a dress and jacket and felt really happy with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-guidance-choosing-a-formal-gown-for-my-daughter%e2%80%99s-debutante-ball#post-2410038 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:57:08 +0000 anchie 2410038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello Fabbers , it has been a while since I last posted. I’m looking for practical advice on what to wear to my daughter’s debutante ball in the second half of May. Special occasion dressing is very rare for me, and I don’t have anything appropriate for an event at this formality level, so I’m starting completely from scratch.</p> <p>To give a sense of the dressiness and overall aesthetic, here are two photos of my daughter in the dresses she tried. She will also be wearing above‑the‑elbow white gloves and white shoes so the look is very classic and traditional.</p> <p> I would really appreciate guidance on what styles, silhouettes, colours, and fabrics are suitable for a mother at this type of event.</p> <p>What I know so far:</p> <p>• A long gown is required<br /> • It’s a very formal evening event at the Vienna Rathaus<br /> • I’m open to both buying and renting</p> <p>I would love advice on:</p> <p>• Flattering silhouettes for formal gowns<br /> • Appropriate colours that work well for me<br /> • Fabrics or details that look elegant without being overly flashy<br /> • Shoe styles that are comfortable enough for a long evening<br /> • Simple, polished hair ideas (I prefer low‑maintenance styles)<br /> • What level of accessories is typical for this kind of event<br /> • Supportive underwear or any other details I am forgetting </p> <p>Since I’m starting from zero, any guidance on what to look for, and what to avoid , would be very helpful.<br /> Thank you in advance! </p>