2026’s theme: Emerald City

Click this link for a page of inspiration!!
The Revelry Ball Pinterest Board

Dress to Impress!

This is a ball, after all

Costumes are an important part of a ball and so all of our attendees will be asked to step out of their comfort zones and dress in a manner befitting a party. In the full spirit of the ball, some form of costume is required.

The general vibes here are “historical and fantastical ball attire.” Think 1750’s Rococo to 1900’s Edwardian - but feel free to mix in some spectacle, some fantasy, and some attitude. Some people might choose to go all out and wear a full, hand-beaded ball gown or a suit with ascot and tails. Others might go simpler and wear a suit and fancy bowler hat or a nice dress with a flower crown. Some might go regal and wear silks and beads - while others will go more avant-garde and wear fairy wings or “Cabaret” makeup (remember, court jesters attended royal balls, too). We tend to say “At the very least, pretend you’re going to a nice wedding.” Each guest will be asked to put some effort into stepping out of their ordinary world for one evening. Everyone has more fun when everyone participates! Check out our FAQs page for much more information regarding costumes as well as what will not be allowed.

For an insider’s look at the fashions of this year, check out Lady Marguerite’s Trends below.

Lady Marguerite’s Trends

Fashion gossip about the latest trends

Dear reader,

As always, I, Lady Marguerite, am here to discuss the latest trends from around our fair city. What you do with this information is completely up to you. You can incorporate it into your wardrobe to be as fashionable and ‘on trend’ as I am - or you can ignore my sage advice and show up in whatever costume suits your heart’s desire. You won’t be denied entry for going your own way here. I am just trying to help. That is my way. You’re welcome.

As you probably noticed from the header of this page … 2026’s theme will be “Emerald City”. Inspired by the runaway hit (and Oscar-winning costume design of) Wicked, this year’s ball will be overrun with verdant shades, mossy hues, and leafy motifs. Greens, greens, greens!! But don’t forget, most Emerald City residents also wear accents of gold, cyan, & even an occasional pop of pink.

Yours eternally,
~Lady Marguerite

Gender Play and Expression

Come as you are … or not.

All costume balls have one thing in common … they ask their attendees to come as someone or something other than they are. At The Revelry Ball, we are happy to support our guests’ desires to play around with the ideas and ideals of gender. It’s not a ‘drag ball’ … but it’s not not a ‘drag ball,’ either. This will be a safe space for expression and all should feel welcome to dress as they wish.

What not to Wear?

Creativity … with some boundaries.

Racism & Appropriation: Anyone donning a costume depicting a reductive or stereotypical image of a race or culture will be asked to leave the event. If you are unsure whether your costume will fall under this heading, please feel free to reach out to us on the Contact Page and we will be happy to discuss it with you.

Nudity & Sex: Standard “in public” guidelines exist at this ball (no exposed nipples (on anyone), genitalia, rear-ends, etc.), however, we recognize that historically ‘saucy’ outfits can be fun. Our ball is inspired by many of the outlandish burlesque and cabaret balls of the past - but they were often based on the idea of titillations and tease and not on overt sex. So consider this when planning your look.

Inanimate Objects & Inflatables: This isn’t a “Halloween”-style costume ball. So coming dressed as a bottle of ketchup will likely not be “on brand.” That said, if you become inspired by “Beauty & the Beast’s Enchanted Ballroom” and want to come dressed as an anthropomorphic clock … have at it! As long as it's whimsical. As for inflatable costumes (for example, the giant T-rexes), similar to the ketchup bottles, these costumes are not appropriate for the event we are creating. They are also large and unwieldy and can impede other guests’ ability to move freely around the space. Therefore, please refrain from attending in any of these types of costumes.

Giant Costumes: This is where discretion must be used. A large hoop skirt and petticoats are very historical and on-brand with a ball of this style. As would be a costume featuring fairy wings. Just bear in mind that you will be in a space with other guests who would like to move around freely and dance. If you think your costume will impede movement (yours or others’), be a hazard (sharp, pointed wings poking people in the eye, for example), or just generally be a nuisance, think about ways you can pare down the look to still achieve the same vibe while keeping the other guests safe and happy.

Casual Attire: As should be clear by now - jeans, shorts, tee shirts, etc. will not be allowed at the ball. The ‘bare minimum’ for this event is to dress as if you’re going to a nice wedding. A simple dress with a fun flower crown or slacks, dress shirt, and suspenders is enough for entry.