The Ultimate Guide to What to Wear to a Military Ball: Get Tips, Inspo, and Shop Formal Dresses

Each year, members of America’s armed forces enjoy attending military balls. If you’re a service member or the guest of one, your first military ball may seem like a daunting affair–but even though they’re formal, they’re also a lot of fun. It’s an honor to get to go to a military ball, and you might be wondering what to expect.

Military balls have a stricter dress code than many other types of events. If you’re attending the ball as a military member, you will be expected to wear your dress uniform. Guests of a military member are expected to wear formal dresses.

Military balls’ dress code is usually black-tie or white-tie formal attire. This means that male guests will wear a tuxedo or formal suit. For women, this means full-length dresses. Dresses above the knee are traditionally considered inappropriate for formal military ball gowns. 

Military Ball Etiquette

Military balls adhere closely to formal military customs and traditions, so there are several dos and don’ts you should be aware of when choosing what to wear to a military ball.

• Do wear dark, rich colors that go along with the formality of the event.
• Don’t wear white, unless you are in the military or are directly related to a service member. Even if you are related, check with your service member to make sure it’s ok.
• Do wear a long formal dress, unless you are attending a Navy Khaki ball, which is less formal.
• Don’t wear hats indoors, unless it is part of your military uniform.
• Do wear comfortable shoes; you will be on your feet dancing and mingling!
• Don’t wear anything distracting or too flashy; the attention should stay on the service member’s military unit, not on any one particular guest.
• Do be prepared to stay through the whole event, including the featured speaker and receiving lines. You may want to bring a shawl or pashmina in case the venue is cold.
• Do check with your service member about the ball’s specific traditions and practices. As a Reddit user says, “in some places “the rules” are pretty ironclad. Something full length, slit no higher than the knee, shoulders covered (sleeveless is usually safe but it’s always a good idea to bring a wrap), not too much cleavage, cut no deeper than the waist in back, appropriate undergarments (the less coverage a dress has in back, the more uncomfortable/ expensive this will be) and no “jiggle” (which could mean avoiding super-stretchy fabrics.).” Your service member should know all of the unit-specific traditions.

Official Military Colors

While neutral colors, dark colors, and jewel tones are the most appropriate colors for military balls, each branch of the military has its own colors. 

• Army: Black and gold
• Marine Corps: Scarlet and gold
• Navy: Blue and gold
• Air Force: Ultramarine blue and silver
• Coast Guard: Blue, white, and red

Additionally, some guests like to dress to match their service member’s dress uniform. This is frequently dark blue, although the Navy often wears their dress whites. Matching a color to your service member’s insignia or unit patches is also a fun way to coordinate your outfits.

When Are Military Balls?

Military balls are held from June to November each year. They correspond with the creation date of each branch of the armed forces. 

• Army: June 14
• Coast Guard: August 4
• Air Force: September 18
• Navy: October 13
• Marine Corps: November 10

You definitely want to consider the weather when choosing your outfit for each of these dates. For example, Army ball dresses may use lighter fabrics or include cut-outs, while a Marine Corps outfit may include long sleeves or an extra top layer. 

Military Ball Gown Picks

Looking for inspiration for your military ball outfit? Shop our selection for your star-spangled night. 

Pleated Maxi Dress and Scarf Set

Romantic and refined, this pleated berry‑pink maxi dress with its matching scarf detail brings graceful drama to a military ball.  The soft draping and flowing silhouette feel elegant and formal, while the scarf adds a vintage‑inspired touch that stands out beautifully on the dance floor.

Taffeta Strapless Bow Gown

Make a statement without saying a word—this black strapless gown, with its dramatic row of contrast bows, is all about bold elegance. Perfect for a military ball, it’s a striking mix of drama and sophistication that stands out in all the right ways.

Mesh Ruched Column Maxi Dress

Elegant, understated, and endlessly flattering—this dark green mesh column gown is the definition of quiet luxury. With strategic ruching and a sleek silhouette, it’s the kind of military ball dress that turns heads without trying too hard.

Halter Sash Maxi Dress

A mermaid silhouette and trailing sashes bring the drama, while a sleek fit and rich navy hue keep this dress classic. Style it with metallic heels, a soft updo, and minimal jewelry for a polished look that feels ball–ready without the couture price tag.

Taffeta One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Bold, classic, and ultra elegant—this red taffeta maxi is a showstopper for any military ball. The gathered bodice and voluminous skirt bring vintage glamour with a modern twist.

Floral Jacquard Strapless Maxi Dress

This lovely teal floral print dress is perfect for a summer or even early fall ball, like the Army Ball or the Air Force Ball.

Strapless Mixed Media Maxi Dress

Glossy satin creates a beautiful flowing skirt, while an elegant crepe bodice keeps you comfortable in this floor-length formal gown. 

Shopping formal dresses for a military ball? Show us what you’re wearing on Instagram @Lulus! For even more inspiration, check out our Military Ball Dresses Shop here. Military members will receive a 20% discount in the month of May! 

This post was originally published in May 2023.