The Official Black and White Ball Attire Questions Thread

Started by le_momo, February 22, 2013, 09:38:29 PM

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le_momo

The Black and White Ball is returning better than ever! The dance floor will be huge, the playlist will be extensive, and the night will be one to remember!

Every year, there seems to be a lot of questions surrounding the attire allowed into the Black and White Ball. As of right now, the attire for the event is formal. However, we are trying something a little bit different this year. Our dress code, unlike previous years, is now gender neutral! This means that anything that fits within the formal theme and adheres to the dress code will be allowed.


Acceptable clothing examples are:
Tops:
Button-up long-sleeve shirts/blouses, dress jackets, evening jackets, suit jackets, formal cosplay, evening gowns, dresses that do not go higher than the top of the kneecap at its highest point (including slits/asymmetrical hemming)
Bottoms:
Dress pants, slacks, khakis, pants that are part of a formal cosplay, skirts that do not go higher than the top of the kneecap at its highest point (including slits/asymmetrical hemming)
Accessories:
Ties, gloves, jewelry, formal hats
Shoes:
Dress shoes, ballroom-dance shoes, dress boots, flats, heels that are 4" or lower (including platform), clean, solid black TOMS/VANS


Unacceptable clothing examples are:
Tops:
Button-up short-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, tank tops, muscle shirts, tube tops, ripped shirts, not wearing a shirt
Bottoms:
Jeans, shorts, cutoffs, dresses or skirts that go higher than the top of the kneecap (including slits/asymmetrical hemming)
Accessories:
Weapon props
Shoes:
Sneakers, shoes with stiletto heels (narrow-tipped heels that are less than a nickel in diameter), heels over 4" (including platform), sandals, Birkenstocks, flip-flops, dance sneakers, bare feet


Cosplay is welcome as long as it stays within the dress code guidelines and sticks with the formal theme. This means no miniskirts, tube tops, tank tops, jeans, shorts, cutoffs, sneakers, etc. The dress code will be strictly enforced – we will be denying entry to individuals wearing inappropriate attire.

This event was wonderful last year and we are expecting a great turn out this year as well. We hope that everyone will enjoy the ball and have a great time, so that is why this thread is being posted. If you have any questions or concerns over your outfit for the Ball, post them here. You can even post a picture of your outfit/cosplay here and we will let you know if it will be acceptable for the Black and White Ball. If you would like your outfit to be a surprise until FanimeCon, you may also send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you with an answer as soon as we are able to.

Hope to see everyone at the Black and White Ball!

- Rebecca
Black and White Ball head
2017-2024 Extravaganzas Head
2013-2024 Black & White Ball Head
2010-2012 Black & White Ball Instructor/Staff/Second
FanimeCon attendee since 2005

Nina Star 9

I'm so glad for the new gender-neutral rules!

I do have a couple of questions, though.
1. There was talk after last year of allowing heels that are less than a nickel in diameter as long as plastic heel caps were worn. Since there is no mention of it in the rules, was that idea discarded? I am quite happy at the return of non-cosplay boots, though.
2. Dresses and skirts can't be above the knee at the highest point, so this includes slits, as well? It wouldn't be at all difficult to tack together the slit in my skirt just for this event and remove the stitches afterwards, I'm just curious if this would be needed.
Here's my outfit, for reference. The rest of it should be fine (I would think? It will be paired with long gloves, if that makes a difference, and I always make sure that my tops are secure, so no worries there), I'm just wondering if I'll have to sew the slit together for this event, as it does reach the top of my thigh. (Also, I think this is the first year that I'm actually planning on wearing black and white! I know it's not a requirement, but I've gone every year and don't think I've worn either of those colors before...this is also my first year in cosplay, so thankfully my wig is short so I won't overheat)

Thank you!

le_momo

Nina Star 9,

The heel cap would have to make the tip of the heel the size of a nickel in diameter to be permitted. There were several discussions about the heel caps, but it could cause confusion to those who don't know how they work, so we did not include it in the dress code. If you happen to have heels that, with a heel cap, are the appropriate width, there should be no problem when it comes to the check at the door. :)

You are correct; the highest point of a skirt would include slits as well as asymmetrical hemming. We had to update this rule due to many.. rising hemlines throughout the night last year. If you tack together the slit on the skirt to reach your knee, you should be good to go!

- Rebecca
2017-2024 Extravaganzas Head
2013-2024 Black & White Ball Head
2010-2012 Black & White Ball Instructor/Staff/Second
FanimeCon attendee since 2005

Okach

Just to clarify further, the heel height and nickel width rule applies to ALL shoes, including latin/salsa dance heels.  We prefer reducing the wear and tear on the floor and people who get accidentally stepped on.
Staff Instructor since 2010. 
Staff Marketing Lead since 2018
Staff Marketing Second

https://www.facebook.com/FanimeConBWBall/
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Nina Star 9


DangerHeart

Its not in the dress code but are peep toe heels acceptable? Or are they just not suggested because of accidental toe smashing? Also, spaghetti straps on dresses?

le_momo

Peep-toe heels, as long as they fit within the other guidelines, should be fine! Spaghetti straps are also fine on dresses as long as they fit within the dress code. :)

- Rebecca
2017-2024 Extravaganzas Head
2013-2024 Black & White Ball Head
2010-2012 Black & White Ball Instructor/Staff/Second
FanimeCon attendee since 2005


princesskitty18

Quote from: renzokuken004 on March 17, 2013, 03:33:05 PM
Would a dress be considered appropriate if it had a long sheer overlay but the underskirt was higher than 2 inches above the knee? For example: http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v1/598429954_1/FREE-SHIPPING-PD089-font-b-sheer-b-font-black-lace-font-b-overlay-b-font-evening.jpg

or

http://www.topwedding.com/media/catalog/product/wedding/Party%20Dresses/LF12030673/Tiered-Ruffle-One-Shoulder-Two-Tone-Prom-Dress-with-Sheer-Overlay.jpg

off the top of my head, i would say that it might NOT work but the higher-ups should have a more definitive answer
but in the meantime, try and start looking for something else would be my best advice to you
Fanime attendee since 2006
2012 Black & White Ball volunteer
2013-now Black & White Ball Staff

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Nina Star 9

I'm not staff and this isn't official, but in previous years, that hasn't been allowed, since people would then be able to wear a very short skirt and just throw a sheer overlay on top of it (and then possibly remove that overlay once they got inside).

I've suggested to people to wear a longer slip under the sheer part, so that the original dress would be intact, the original design would be mostly there, and it would cover enough to be allowed in. Since the sheer part is opaque enough to cover up that it is a separate slip and not part of the dress, it shouldn't change the effect too much.

Again, I'm not staff, so I can't give an official answer, but that's what's been allowed before, and since they are being stricter with skirt length this year, I can imagine that the answer would remain the same.

le_momo

Quote from: renzokuken004 on March 17, 2013, 03:33:05 PM
Would a dress be considered appropriate if it had a long sheer overlay but the underskirt was higher than 2 inches above the knee? For example: http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v1/598429954_1/FREE-SHIPPING-PD089-font-b-sheer-b-font-black-lace-font-b-overlay-b-font-evening.jpg

or

http://www.topwedding.com/media/catalog/product/wedding/Party%20Dresses/LF12030673/Tiered-Ruffle-One-Shoulder-Two-Tone-Prom-Dress-with-Sheer-Overlay.jpg


What princesskitty18 and Nina Star 9 said is correct; that type of skirt will not be allowed entry into the Black and White Ball. If the under-layer of the skirt reached the top of the knee, however, then it would be fine.

The longer slip idea is a clever, cheap way to alter it without actually altering it, though!

- Rebecca
2017-2024 Extravaganzas Head
2013-2024 Black & White Ball Head
2010-2012 Black & White Ball Instructor/Staff/Second
FanimeCon attendee since 2005

Belfry

I did not see kimonos included in either the acceptable or unacceptable clothing examples; could you please clarify if they will be allowed?

Also, the examples stated that both sandals and flip-flops are not allowed. Am I correct in assuming this means that geta will not be allowed as well?

Thanks!

le_momo

Kimonos can be considered either cosplay or a form of dress, depending on the style. If it adheres to the dress code, they will be allowed.

You are correct, geta will not be allowed. This is because any sandals, no matter the style, are a safety issue when it comes to actually moving on a dance floor. The likelihood for them to slip off is great as is the risk of injuring yourself or those around you. If you, however, have a pair of shoes that are allowed in the dress code, you can always wear your geta to the ball and change shoes once you get inside. :)

- Rebecca
2017-2024 Extravaganzas Head
2013-2024 Black & White Ball Head
2010-2012 Black & White Ball Instructor/Staff/Second
FanimeCon attendee since 2005

Okach

If you are planning to do what le_momo says, be sure to show your legal shoes at the door and change into them before you get on the floor.  There will be rovers looking for dress code compliance during the Ball.
Staff Instructor since 2010. 
Staff Marketing Lead since 2018
Staff Marketing Second

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Romano_WKYBSHIUC

My boyfriend wants to wear a black sweater vest and I wanted to be sure that was allowed.
Romano will kill you, but Spain has it under control.

Okach

Is he wearing the vest over something, or only the vest? 
Staff Instructor since 2010. 
Staff Marketing Lead since 2018
Staff Marketing Second

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Romano_WKYBSHIUC

Quote from: Okach on April 08, 2013, 12:38:58 PM
Is he wearing the vest over something, or only the vest?
He is wearing the vest over a long sleeve button up shirt.
Romano will kill you, but Spain has it under control.

Okach

Staff Instructor since 2010. 
Staff Marketing Lead since 2018
Staff Marketing Second

https://www.facebook.com/FanimeConBWBall/
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Okach

The dress code is officially released!  Check it out here:

http://www.fanime.com/events-and-exhibits/events/black-white-ball/

Please make an effort to comply with the dress code - there IS an emphasis on enforcement this year.  If you have any questions please post them here to this thread and a staffer will try to get an answer for you.
Staff Instructor since 2010. 
Staff Marketing Lead since 2018
Staff Marketing Second

https://www.facebook.com/FanimeConBWBall/
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dancing_kitty

will a short dress be accepted even if i wear black tights and spandex?