2024 Black & White Ball Dress Code

Please note: The dress code will be strictly enforced – we will be denying entry to individuals wearing inappropriate attire. Individuals who repeatedly disobey the dress code after entry will be asked to leave the event.

The dress code for the Black and White Ball is formal.

Cosplay, lolita, and traditional formalwear from all cultures are allowed, as long as the attire fits within the guidelines listed below.

Black & White Ball Mask Policy:
During all Black & White Ball lessons and events, we will have the following guidelines in place:

  • Inside the ballroom: Mask required.
    • At a minimum, a medical procedure/3-ply mask is required. N95/KF94/KN95 masks are recommended and can be provided while supplies last.
  • Lobby: Mask optional.
  • For special accommodation requests, please contact Black & White Ball staff

Please note: There will be a coat check available outside of the ballroom. Please store your valuables (large bags, props, etc.) in a safe location before coming to the Black & White Ball. See Fan Storage for more information.

Please note: Be aware of how your outfit of choice moves when dancing, spinning, or turning to decide what is safest and most comfortable for you!

Tops

Allowed:

  • Button-up long-sleeve shirts
  • Button-up short-sleeve shirts
  • Blouses
  • Dress jackets, evening jackets, suit jackets
  • Formal vests

Not Allowed:

  • T-shirts
  • Tank tops
  • Muscle shirts
  • Tube tops
  • Ripped shirts
  • Not wearing a shirt

Bottoms

Allowed:

  • Dress pants
  • Slacks
  • Khakis, chinos
  • Leggings
  • Lolita ouji-style formal shorts

Not Allowed:

  • Jeans/denim of any kind
  • Casual shorts and cutoffs
  • Ripped pants
  • Athletic pants
  • Sweatpants
  • Athletic pants, leggings, and shorts

Dresses/Skirts

Allowed:

  • Evening Gowns
  • Dresses/skirts that are above the knee cap in length must have an opaque (not see-through) layer underneath, such as leggings, bike shorts, opaque tights, dance/cheer shorts, etc.
  • Dresses/skirts with a sheer (see-through) layer must have an opaque (not see-through) layer underneath, such as leggings, bike shorts, opaque tights, dance/cheer shorts, etc.
  • Note regarding dresses/skirts: Please be aware of how your dress/skirt moves when spinning or turning to choose which opaque under-layer works best for you

Not Allowed:

  • Dresses/skirts that are higher than the top of the knee cap without an opaque (not see-through) layer underneath, such as leggings, bike shorts, opaque tights, etc.
  • Dresses/skirts with a sheer (see-through) layer that does not have an opaque (not see-through) layer underneath, such as leggings, bike shorts, opaque tights, etc.

Accessories

Allowed:

  • Ties
  • Gloves
  • Jewelry
  • Formal hats
  • Masks

Not Allowed:

  • Weapon props
  • Accessories with excessive dangling objects

Shoes

Allowed:

  • Dress shoes
  • Ballroom-dance shoes
  • Dress boots
  • Flats
  • Clean shoes with no visible logos
  • Character shoes (Musical theater shoes that have either short, wide heels or are similar to Oxford-style dance shoes)
  • Formal sandals with straps to secure the heel
  • Dance sneakers
  • Jazz shoes, ballet shoes
  • Cosplay shoes that meet the shoe guidelines
  • If your shoes have heels/platforms of any kind, they must be…
    • Heels that are 4” or lower (including platforms).
    • Heels that are the size of/larger than a nickel in diameter at the tip.
    • Note: Stiletto/narrow heels with heel caps that make the heel tip the size of/larger than a nickel in diameter are allowed. Heels must still be 4” or lower.

Not Allowed:

  • Shoes with large, visible logos (ie. Nike “swoosh”)
  • Athletic sneakers/tennis shoes
  • Birkenstocks
  • Uggs
  • Crocs/Clogs
  • Flip-flops
  • Bare feet
  • Slipper-type shoes
  • Tap shoes
  • Shoes with cleats or spikes (soccer, golf, hobnail boots, etc)
  • If your shoes have heels/platforms of any kind, they cannot be…
    • Heels over 4” (including platforms).
    • Stiletto heels (narrow-tipped heels that are less than a nickel in diameter at the tip).

If you have any medical issues that may affect your ability to follow the dress code, please contact the Black & White Ball staff.

Don’t have something that fits within the dress code? Can’t find anything to wear?
Want to donate old formal wear to help out a good cause?
Head on over to Idris’ Closet to find whatever you may need at an affordable price!
All proceeds will go to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the dress code, please email us at bwball@fanime.com.