{"id":265097,"date":"2026-02-09T15:36:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T23:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/?p=265097"},"modified":"2026-04-30T12:01:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T19:01:43","slug":"military-ball-gowns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/fashion\/military-ball-gowns\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to What to Wear to a Military Ball: Get Tips, Inspo, and Shop Formal Dresses"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_285085\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-285085\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-285085\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Look12_084.jpg\" alt=\"summer black tie optional dress\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1499\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-285085\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Shop the Look:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/products\/marlesa-royal-blue-cowl-back-maxi-dress\/2812631.html\">Marlesa Royal Blue Cowl Back Maxi Dress<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each year, members of America\u2019s armed forces enjoy attending <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesoldiersproject.org\/when-is-the-military-ball\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">military balls<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you\u2019re a service member or the guest of one, your first military ball may seem like a daunting affair&#8211;but even though they&#8217;re formal, they&#8217;re also a lot of fun. It\u2019s an honor to get to go to a military ball, and you might be wondering what to expect.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_285889\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-285889\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-285889\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2588451.jpg\" alt=\"red military ball gown\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2588451.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2588451-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2588451-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2588451-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2588451-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2588451-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-285889\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Shop the Look:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/products\/rawya-red-orange-strapless-maxi-dress-and-scarf-set\/2588451.html\">Rawya Red Orange Strapless Maxi Dress and Scarf Set<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Military balls have a stricter dress code than many other types of events. If you\u2019re 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_285935\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-285935\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-285935\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2072276.jpg\" alt=\"floral embroidered formal gown\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2072276.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2072276-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2072276-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2072276-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2072276-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2072276-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-285935\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Shop the Look:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/products\/thriving-poise-black-3d-floral-embroidered-tie-strap-maxi-dress\/2072276.html\">Thriving Poise Black 3D Floral Embroidered Tie-Strap Maxi Dress<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Military balls\u2019 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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.military.com\/spouse\/military-life\/military-ball-etiquette.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">traditionally considered inappropriate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for formal military ball gowns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Military Ball Etiquette<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_285754\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-285754\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-285754\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2814011.jpg\" alt=\"burnout strapless maxi dress\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2814011.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2814011-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2814011-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2814011-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2814011-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2814011-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-285754\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Shop the Look:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/products\/danalia-navy-floral-burnout-strapless-maxi-dress\/2814011.html\">Danalia Navy Floral Burnout Strapless Maxi Dress<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Military balls adhere closely to formal military customs and traditions, so there are several dos and don&#8217;ts you should be aware of when choosing what to wear to a military ball.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Do<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> wear dark, rich colors that go along with the formality of the event.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Don\u2019t<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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\u2019s ok.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Do<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> wear a long formal dress, unless you are attending a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/seasonedspouse.com\/enjoy-military-ball\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Navy Khaki ball<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is less formal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Don\u2019t <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wear hats indoors, unless it is part of your military uniform.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Do <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wear comfortable <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/categories\/179_8621\/formal-shoes.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shoes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; you will be on your feet dancing and mingling!<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Don\u2019t<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> wear anything distracting or too flashy; the attention should stay on the service member\u2019s military unit, not on any one particular guest.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Do <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Do<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> check with your service member about the ball\u2019s specific traditions and practices. As a Reddit user says, &#8220;in some places &#8220;the rules&#8221; are pretty ironclad. Something full length, slit no higher than the knee, shoulders covered (sleeveless is usually safe but it&#8217;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 &#8220;jiggle&#8221; (which could mean avoiding super-stretchy fabrics.).&#8221; Your service member should know all of the unit-specific traditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Official Military Colors<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_285914\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-285914\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-285914\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2841691.jpg\" alt=\"silver sequin military ball dress\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2841691.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2841691-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2841691-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2841691-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2841691-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2841691-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-285914\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Shop the Look:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/products\/wynter-silver-sequin-bustier-maxi-dress\/2841691.html?\">Wynter Silver Sequin Bustier Maxi Dress<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Army: Black and gold<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marine Corps: Scarlet and gold<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Navy: Blue and gold<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air Force: Ultramarine blue and silver<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coast Guard: Blue, white, and red<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, some guests like to dress to match their service member\u2019s dress uniform. This is frequently dark blue, although the Navy often wears their dress whites. Matching a color to your service member\u2019s insignia or unit patches is also a fun way to coordinate your outfits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>When Are Military Balls?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Military balls are held from June to November each year. They correspond with the creation date of each branch of the armed forces.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Army: June 14<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coast Guard: August 4<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air Force: September 18<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Navy: October 13<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marine Corps: November 10<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Military Ball Gown Picks<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for inspiration for your military ball outfit? Shop <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/categories\/13_16461\/military-ball-dresses.html?\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">our selection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for your star-spangled night.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Pleated Maxi Dress and Scarf Set<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_285905\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-285905\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-285905\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2812591.jpg\" alt=\"berry maxi dress and scarf set\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2812591.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2812591-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2812591-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2812591-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2812591-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2812591-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-285905\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Shop the Look:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/products\/nellie-berry-pink-pleated-maxi-dress-and-scarf-set\/2812591.html\">Nellie Berry Pink Pleated Maxi Dress and Scarf Set<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Romantic and refined, this pleated berry\u2011pink maxi dress with its matching scarf detail brings graceful drama to a military ball.\u00a0 The soft draping and flowing silhouette feel elegant and formal, while the scarf adds a vintage\u2011inspired touch that stands out beautifully on the dance floor.<\/p>\n<h3>Taffeta Strapless Bow Gown<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_285900\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-285900\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-285900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2841871.jpg\" alt=\"taffeta strapless bow gown\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2841871.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2841871-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2841871-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2841871-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2841871-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2841871-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-285900\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Shop the Look:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/products\/eris-black-taffeta-strapless-bow-gown\/2841871.html\">Eris Black Taffeta Strapless Bow Gown<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Make a statement without saying a word\u2014this black strapless gown, with its dramatic row of contrast bows, is all about bold elegance. Perfect for a military ball, it\u2019s a striking mix of drama and sophistication that stands out in all the right ways.<\/p>\n<h3>Mesh Ruched Column Maxi Dress<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_277574\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-277574\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/11743021_2473791.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-277574\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/11743021_2473791.jpg\" alt=\"green mesh ruched column dress\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/11743021_2473791.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/11743021_2473791-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/11743021_2473791-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/11743021_2473791-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/11743021_2473791-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/11743021_2473791-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-277574\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Shop the Look:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/products\/amazing-presence-dark-green-mesh-ruched-column-maxi-dress\/2473791.html?src=lulus&amp;ref=categoryrv_rr\">Amazing Presence Dark Green Mesh Ruched Column Maxi Dress<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Elegant, understated, and endlessly flattering\u2014this dark green mesh column gown is the definition of quiet luxury. With strategic ruching and a sleek silhouette, it\u2019s the kind of military ball dress that turns heads without trying too hard.<\/p>\n<h3>Halter Sash Maxi Dress<\/h3>\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_285910\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-285910\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-285910\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840171.jpg\" alt=\"navy halter sash maxi dress\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840171.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840171-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840171-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840171-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840171-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840171-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-285910\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Shop the Look: <\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/products\/delphina-navy-jersey-knit-halter-sash-maxi-dress\/2840171.html?\">Delphina Navy Jersey Knit Halter Sash Maxi Dress<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>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\u2013ready without the couture price tag.<\/p>\n<h3>Taffeta One-Shoulder Maxi Dress<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_285894\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-285894\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-285894\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840351.jpg\" alt=\"red military ball dress\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840351.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840351-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840351-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840351-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840351-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840351-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-285894\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Shop the Look: <\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/lulus.com\/products\/coco-red-taffeta-one-shoulder-maxi-dress\/2840351.html?\">Coco Red Taffeta One-Shoulder Maxi Dress<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Bold, classic, and ultra elegant\u2014this red taffeta maxi is a showstopper for any military ball. The gathered bodice and voluminous skirt bring vintage glamour with a modern twist.<\/p>\n<h3>Floral Jacquard Strapless Maxi Dress<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_285899\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-285899\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-285899\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840211.jpg\" alt=\"floral jacquard ball gown\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840211.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840211-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840211-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840211-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840211-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2840211-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-285899\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><b>Shop the Look<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <a href=\"http:\/\/lulus.com\/products\/elsa-light-pink-floral-jacquard-strapless-maxi-dress\/2840211.html?\">Elsa Light Pink Floral Jacquard Strapless Maxi Dress<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Strapless Mixed Media Maxi Dress<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_277570\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-277570\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2596611-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-277570\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2596611-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"royal blue maxi dress\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2596611-scaled.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2596611-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2596611-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2596611-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2596611-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2596611-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2596611-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2596611-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-277570\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><b>Shop the Look<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/products\/compelling-style-royal-blue-strapless-a-line-maxi-dress\/2596611.html\">Compelling Style Royal Blue Strapless A-Line Maxi Dress<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glossy satin creates a beautiful flowing skirt, while an elegant crepe bodice <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">keeps you comfortable in this floor-length formal gown.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Shopping formal dresses for a military ball? Show us what you&#8217;re wearing on <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lulus\/\"><b>Instagram<\/b><\/a><b> @Lulus! For even more inspiration, check out our <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/categories\/13_16461\/military-ball-dresses.html?\"><b>Military Ball Dresses Shop<\/b><\/a><b> here. Military members will receive a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/military-discount\">20% discount<\/a> in the month of May!\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><em>This post was originally published in May 2023.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Each year, members of America\u2019s armed forces enjoy attending military balls. If you\u2019re a service member or the guest of one, your first military ball may seem like a daunting affair&#8211;but even though they&#8217;re formal, they&#8217;re also a lot of fun. It\u2019s an honor to get to go to a military ball, and you might&#8230;  <a class=\"excerpt-read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/fashion\/military-ball-gowns\/\" title=\"Read The Ultimate Guide to What to Wear to a Military Ball: Get Tips, Inspo, and Shop Formal Dresses\">Read more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":209,"featured_media":285085,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-265097","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fashion"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What To Wear To A Military Ball: A 2026 Guide - Lulus.com Fashion Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Get tips on what to wear to a military ball, whether you&#039;re a spouse, significant other, or attending as a guest, then shop formal dresses!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/fashion\/military-ball-gowns\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What To Wear To A Military Ball: A 2026 Guide - 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