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News > Beaux Arts Ball > Your Guide to Beaux Arts Ball Fashion

Your Guide to Beaux Arts Ball Fashion

Gilded Age Mood Board
Gilded Age Mood Board

Love to dress up? Then you’ve got to join us for the return of the Beaux Arts Ball. This event is more than your typical fundraiser. It’s also a celebration of design in Philadelphia and fashion through the eras of Lynnewood Hall: The Gilded Age, The Edwardian Era, and The Roaring 20s. Get ready for an evening of creative design and delight!

If you need help nailing your aesthetic—we’ve got you covered! We’re taking you on a quick tour of fashion history below. Plus! We’re partnering with Exquisite Costumes to host a trunk show on Sunday, October 20. Try on stunning outfits, get expert styling, and walk away with your completed look. After the ball, just ship it back with a prepaid label. 

The Gilded Age (1870s-1900s): Extravagance and Elegance
The Gilded Age was a time of immense wealth and opulence, with fashion reflecting the grandeur of high society. Lavish gowns made of luxurious fabrics, such as silk and velvet, were adorned with intricate lace and elaborate beadwork. Corsets created hourglass silhouettes, while accessories like feathered hats and long gloves completed the look. Gentlemen dressed in finely tailored suits with waistcoats, pocket watches, and top hats, exuding sophistication.

The Edwardian Era (1900s-1910s): Grace and Refinement
As the new century began, fashion took on a more refined elegance. The Edwardian Era introduced lighter, flowing fabrics and the S-bend silhouette, where corsets shaped the body into a pronounced curve. Ladies wore elaborate hats trimmed with feathers, ribbons, and lace, while tea gowns and walking dresses became popular for afternoon socials. Men's fashion also evolved, with morning suits, starched collars, and bowler hats becoming staples of the time.

The Roaring 1920s: Flappers, Jazz, and Daring Style
The 1920s brought a dramatic shift in style, with fashion reflecting the decade’s spirit of liberation and excitement. Flapper dresses, characterized by dropped waists, fringe, and beading, allowed for freedom of movement on the dance floor. Short bobbed hairstyles and embellished headbands became fashionable, while men embraced looser fits, jazz suits, and fedoras. This era was all about breaking the rules and redefining elegance.

Don’t forget to purchase your tickets today and join us for an unforgettable evening!

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