Finding the Perfect Ball Gown with DressFirst {#sponsored}

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As teenagers, many of us looked forward to high school dances for the chance to dress up in fancy dresses and look like a princess for the night. I know I certainly did! For most, those days end with high school, but when you marry into the Marine Corps, each November once again brings the opportunity to be Cinderella for the night with the Birthday Ball.

But before that night, you must first find the perfect dress! For many first time ball attendees, that can be confusing. What is appropriate? How long/how short? What colors? Styles? And most importantly, where do I even begin looking? For that, DressFirst has you covered with their wide selection of formal, evening and special occasion dresses! Today, I am going to share with you a few of my personal tips, as well as some favorite selections that I believe would be perfect for the ball from DressFirst.com!

Tip #1: Keep it classy.

This is NOT a night to see how much skin you can get away with showing, this is a classy event. A little cleavage or a little leg is fine, of course, but just remember that's not at all what the night is about. You have every other night for club wear, for the ball I think simple, classic elegance is the way to go!

A-Line/Princess V-neck Floor-Length Chiffon Charmeuse Evening Dress With Ruffle Lace Beading- This is perhaps one of my favorites from DressFirst! So stunning and classy...it definitely reminds me of a grown-up princess dress!

Mermaid One-Shoulder Floor-Length Tulle Evening Dress With Lace- Perfection!

A-Line/Princess Scoop Neck Floor-Length Tulle Evening Dress With Lace Beading- Another favorite of mine...also great for the cooler November weather than the typical strapless gowns!

Tip #2: Knee length or longer is best.

This is where many wives will disagree...some say dresses must be long, some say length doesn't matter at all...talk about confusing for a first timer! Normally, I am of the opinion that long dresses are the way to go as well, but last year I fell absolutely, positively in love with a just below knee length dress and was completely torn...it was much more elegant than many longer dresses I'd seen, but was it okay to wear a short dress still? I googled until I was blue in the face and after reading through many, many debates found that the official word seemed to be that knee length or below was fine. When in doubt, remember tip #1!

Sheath V-neck Knee-Length Chiffon Lace Cocktail Dress With Ruffle- This is a great example of a shorter dress that still remains very classy. I adore this dress!

Sheath Scoop Neck Knee-Length Chiffon Cocktail Dress With Ruffle Beading- Another wonderful example, I love this high neckline, and this color would look stunning with Marine Corps Blues as well.

Tip #3: Consider how your dress will look with your man's Blues.

If you're like me, your ball photos will be on display around your home for...well, forever so while you don't have to be 100% matchy-matchy with your man- at least consider how the style will look standing next to your man. For me personally, I tend to find myself leaning towards surefire classics that I know coordinate nicely- golds, reds, black, some blues. Of course, you can go with any color your heart desires- but given the choice, I think a nice classic would look much better than a trendy neon.

Mermaid Scoop Neck Floor-Length Tulle Evening Dress With Lace- You may think that red if overdone, but there's a good reason- it looks fantastic!! 

A-Line/Princess Strapless Floor-Length Chiffon Evening Dress With Ruffle Beading- Blues can be a little trickier because you don't want it to be too matchy, or to clash with the uniform, but I think this royal blue would be absolutely perfect!

Tip #4: Be comfortable.

Or as comfortable as you can be anyway! From the dress to the shoes, remember this could be a long night and you don't want to be dreading your choices halfway through. For me personally, I tend to not be very comfortable in strapless dresses, so I prefer something that I'm not in constant fear of losing throughout the night. There is also a LOT of sitting during the ceremony, so don't pick something too tight (or too poofy) that makes doing so a hassle.

A-Line/Princess Scoop Neck Sweep Train Chiffon Charmeuse Evening Dress With Ruffle

A-Line/Princess One-Shoulder Floor-Length Chiffon Evening Dress With Ruffle Beading 

Tip #5: When in doubt, ask your Marine.

If you're not sure if something is right for the ball, don't hesitate to ask your man. Some units may have more specific guidelines, and no one will know better about what to expect than him!

I must say again, these are just my personal opinions and by no means official ball wear rules. Chances are, you're going to see a lot of super classy dresses along these guidelines, and a lot of dresses that make you wonder what on earth the wearer was thinking. Ultimately, it's up to you and your Marine what you wear, so do what makes you happy and comfortable!

All dresses featured above are from DressFirst. Not only do they offer many great selections of cheap evening dresses that are ball-worthy, they have all your other dress needs covered too- from weddings to prom...even your holiday parties, you can find something for all dress wearing occasions. And with so many options to choose from, you are sure to find something that matches your style. I will certainly be turning to them for my formal wear in the future! You can view everything they have to offer at the links below:

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Disclosure: This post was sponsored by DressFirst.com. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.