Posted on Apr 27, 2015
What's a tasteful military ball gown?
2.91M
5.07K
1.33K
215
197
18
You've been to military balls. Like me, you've seen a wide variety of ball gowns. What is an appropriate ball gown? What is not? Can you give or show example?
Military Ball
Etiquette
Respect
Regulation
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 631
27
27
0
CH (MAJ) William Beaver
Although I guess it really depends on each person's individual opinion, if someone has to wonder or decide if a dress is inappropriate or not, the default should be "yes".
A formal military event is no place for a spectacle and I think the command has every right to refuse admittance to anyone failing to meet proper standards of dress and that includes dresses that are too revealing.
I would have serious issues about the judgment of an officer or NCO who showed up with a date/spouse in an obviously inappropriate dress and would have no problem discussing it with him.
The officer in the picture included with the question would not have to worry about attending future events, if he was in my unit.
Although I guess it really depends on each person's individual opinion, if someone has to wonder or decide if a dress is inappropriate or not, the default should be "yes".
A formal military event is no place for a spectacle and I think the command has every right to refuse admittance to anyone failing to meet proper standards of dress and that includes dresses that are too revealing.
I would have serious issues about the judgment of an officer or NCO who showed up with a date/spouse in an obviously inappropriate dress and would have no problem discussing it with him.
The officer in the picture included with the question would not have to worry about attending future events, if he was in my unit.
(27)
(0)
26
26
0
Floor length gown, slit should not be higher than an inch (2 tops) above the knee. No side cut outs, and I wouldn't expect stomach cut outs either. Open back is ok, as long as it it not TOO low. Chest should not look like it's about to make you some money by falling out, but some cleavage is typically to be expected since we are all trying to look glam. Women are not expected to look like nuns, but also shouldn't look like they just got off work at the corner of Main and 5th St either.
Too many low ranks try to show off their gf to their friends and have them in club dresses that are one size fits all stretch with slits from top to bottom. Junior ranks need education, and well, in the case of the photo you posted, looks like so do some officers.
Too many low ranks try to show off their gf to their friends and have them in club dresses that are one size fits all stretch with slits from top to bottom. Junior ranks need education, and well, in the case of the photo you posted, looks like so do some officers.
(26)
(0)
CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar
A lot has to do with maturity I would guess. It seems this sort of conduct is mostly done by younger officers or NCO and/or their spouses.
(1)
(0)
PO2 Bonnie Fraley
Wow... I can't believe an officer would let his wife/ lady friend walk out the door looking like that!
(2)
(0)
PFC Pamala (Hall ) Foster
Perfectly stated-the Military Ball should be considered as if it is a Red Carpet event (and it is) and the attire should COMPLIMENT and not detract from your spouse/escorting SM or their unit's honor and respect.
(0)
(0)
25
25
0
Figured I would post some pics from 2004 (red dress) and 2012 (creme dress) with my lovely dates. Oh and yeah that's my bike in the background. Lol
(25)
(0)
PO1 (Join to see)
These were the few times the commands authorized us to wear black tie. All the others were dress uniform only for service members. I'll see if I can dig up one of those pictures as well.
(1)
(0)
SrA Jay Strauser
I love the motorcycle in the house. Safest place to keep it. Three of the motorcycles I have owned have been in my house.
(1)
(0)
PO1 (Join to see)
It was perfect, I had the big sliding glass doors so I could bring it in and out easily. Unfortunately, the apartment complex maintenance guys told the front office and they were less than enthused and I had to start parking it outside again.
(0)
(0)
24
24
0
That is NOT tasteful, sir. Leaves too little to the imagination. My goodness.
(24)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
Bahahaha. CW5 (Join to see), you didn't? At least it was at Ft. Hood back in my day, 2003 time frame. I always had mine off, just in case. LMAO
(3)
(0)
CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
CW5 Scott Montgomery, Mr Montgomery, you can bet that 'Jody' knows about porch lights!
(6)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) CW5 (Join to see)
-I had a Gal home but I left!
-You're right!
-I had a Gal home but I left!
-You're right!
-Jody was there when I left!
-You're Right!
-Jody was home when I left!
-You're Right!
-Soundoff!!
Duckworth Chant (Soundoff!)
-I had a Gal home but I left!
-You're right!
-I had a Gal home but I left!
-You're right!
-Jody was there when I left!
-You're Right!
-Jody was home when I left!
-You're Right!
-Soundoff!!
Duckworth Chant (Soundoff!)
(2)
(0)
Lt Col (Join to see)
I've heard the porch light thing, and also the orientation of the lawn flamingos.
(1)
(0)
16
16
0
20
16
4
MAJ (Join to see)
The dress in this picture is a good example of what is appropriate for a military function. Their actions are not.
(5)
(0)
Cpl Gerald Boswell
They teach you what is appropriate and inappropriate to do in uniform. Doesn't matter if he's young, he's a Marine. Act like it.
(6)
(0)
(2)
(0)
15
15
0
SrA (Join to see)
That's perfectly appropriate, and she looks very pretty. I do not understand why there's always these crazy get ups with gowns at the balls. Y'all look great, kudos.
(2)
(0)
15
15
0
An appropriate ball gown for a military function is one that doesn't bring shame upon the service you are representing, either through your spouse or yourself. It's not rocket science to dress with class, but I must say that half of the issue in the picture presented is the male. If he had higher standards for himself and the service he is supposed to be representing with honor, that woman would not be accompanying him...or at least would not be accompanying him looking like a tart. Shameful.
(15)
(0)
SGT Megan Gray
I love the corresponding tie, may not be in regs (not sure), but still complimentary to your dress. It shows how much of a team you are in service.
(1)
(0)
SrA Amber Shaw (Miller)
SGT Megan Gray - just now signing into my account all this time later, so sorry for the delay. My husband is an Army engineer so the tie is actually part of their dress uniform. Kind of odd I know.
(0)
(0)
SSG Jeffrey Landry
You are so very true. It starts with the self image and spreads. I would want you to look stunning but not trashy or trampish . Well said! From you profile picture I would say you would know how to dress absolutely stunning
(0)
(0)
15
15
0
14
14
0
That's why I love having a classy wife, I don't have to worry about mess like that. She won't even leave the house to walk to the mailbox without a bra on, lol.
(14)
(0)
A1C Bonnie Entringer
This man doesn't have to worry about his wife shaming him because she is a lady and dresses as a lady should.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google