In most cities, the opportunity to wear a full-length ball gown is rare. But here, an entire wardrobe of options is practically a necessity to get through Carnival season. What I love about a full-length gown is the chance to embrace a bit of drama. It’s not just something cute or fun, but a full transformation into your alter ego, a chance to channel your inner screen siren of a bygone era or Park Avenue heiress. A Mardi Gras ball is, at its core, a tribute to the grandeur of the Gilded Age, so why not dress the part? The more drama, the better. After all, you can’t possibly out-poof or out-ruffle an entire cadre of debutantes.
This year, one shoulder gowns along with dramatic bows and flouncy skirts are on trend and easy to find at spots like Chatta Box, Ballin’s and SoSusu. It’s also perennially chic to pair a long skirt with a crisp or silky button down. Our friends at Peony say they have just the thing! For the most part, long gowns are universally flattering; tightly containing imperfections where necessary, so your choice can be dictated by the way the dress makes you feel rather than how it fits. And that’s dramatically liberating!
Jacquard Gown, Saks Fifth Avenue
Column Gown, Saks Fifth Avenue
Glitter Gown, SoSusu
Vya Gown, SoSuSu
Metallic One Shoulder Gown, Ballin’s
Memphis Gown, Febe
Burnout Gown, Ballin’s
Drape Front Gown, Dillard’s
Sale & Event Picks:
Ongoing: Winter Sale, Pilot/Powell
March 21-22: March Estates Auction, Crescent City Auction (online now)
News: **Alo and Mango to open at Lakeside Mall summer 2025**
