Where (and How) to Find a Dress for the Air Force Ball
The Air Force Ball is an event that happens every September as a way to celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the United States Air Force, and is held at almost every Air Force base around the world. It’s an opportunity for everyone who attends to wear a formal gown, tuxedo, or their formal uniform. There’s music of course, and usually a guest speaker and dinner.
Once the tickets are purchased and the babysitter is booked, figuring out what to wear is the next step- but that can be a challenge for many reasons. So how can you find a dress for the Ball regardless of where you live?
If you’re lucky enough to be stationed in an area where shopping in person is convenient to you, try looking at department stores like Dillard’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, or Belk for a dress. Discount stores like Nordstrom Rack and Ross often have formal dresses as well, though finding the right size is more hit and miss at places like that. When you shop, be sure to take any foundation garments you plan on wearing (or might wear) under your dress, like a strapless bra or shapewear, as well as your shoes. You want to make sure your dress is the right length for the height of heels you’ll be wearing, or know if you need to get the dressed hemmed before the Ball (Nordstrom offers in-house alterations). I also recommend having water and a little snack- maybe a protein bar or beef stick, and a piece of chocolate- with you when shopping. It can be a tiring and sometimes frustrating process, and taking a break when you feel overwhelmed can help.
2018 Travis AFB Air Force Ball
Sometimes they have a special theme for the AF Ball. This one happened to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the base, so the theme was the 1940’s. I wore this dress (purchased on Amazon) with my grandmother’s clutch, which she carried to events as an Air Force wife in the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s.
Many military bases aren’t in locations with department or even discount stores nearby, but they are within driving distance. In that case, you could get a group of friends together and make a day of shopping for dresses. Having a second (and even third) opinion is usually super helpful, not to mention having someone help with zippers and such. Keep those shopping tips I mentioned above in mind, and maybe even have a cooler of snacks in the car for the drive home. As always when shopping, have a budget in mind before you leave the house. It makes the process much easier and less stressful!
There are a couple options for finding a dress if you aren’t in driving distance to a store that sells formals. You can host a dress swap with friends and neighbors at your base. Whether people are lending and borrowing dresses (and maybe even costume jewelry or other accessories), or they’re ready to part with their items forever in exchange for something different, this is a great way to save money and change things up.
Another way to find a new dress while making it a fun, social experience is to get a group of friends together to try on dresses you’ve each ordered online. Whether you order dresses from Amazon (they have so many dresses, from name brand to discount options), a department store, or directly from a designer, you can meet at one house and create a fun environment for trying on dresses just like you would in store. You can have fun music, some drinks and snacks, and make sure you have a couple full-length mirrors. Be mindful of shipping and return times and expenses. Nordstrom has the most generous return policy of any store I know, and offers free shipping, too.
Whether you shop in-person, order online, or do a dress swap, there are many ways to find a dress to wear to the Air Force Ball. You’ll want to wear a formal dress or ball gown (tuxedo for civilian men) that is floor length. Keep in mind that even though this is an evening event, you will still be socializing with people your spouse or date works with, so be mindful of how much cleavage and other skin you show. Make sure you do your makeup and hair, if not how you’ll have it for the Ball, at least how you’d wear it for brunch with friends or on a date night. We always feel better, and are kinder, about ourselves when we like how we look. More than anything, enjoy this opportunity to get. dressed up and enjoy a night of tradition and celebration.
