Polaris Ball Dress Code

The idea behind gentlemen's attire is to be barely distinguishable from one another at a distance. While we don't want to look identical, we are encouraged to look uniform, and to aid in such the following requirements for the ball are in place

Slacks

Slacks must be black and not have any patterning (e.g. pinstripe). They must not touch the floor but come within an inch of touching your shoes

Shirt

The shirt must be a white, button down long-sleeved dress shirt with collar. Shirt may be pleated, French cuffs (with cufflinks) are not required but warmly accepted. Shirt should be clean and pressed.

Jacket

The jacket must be black, without any colorful patterning (e.g. Pinstripe), though woven patterns are acceptable. it must be well fitting, and may either have one button, multiple buttons OR be a tailcoat. Buttoned jackets may either be single or double breasted,

Waistcoat (AKA Suit Vest) or Cummerbund

The waistcoat must be of a single color, either black, grey, white, or navy blue. Cummerbunds are accepted, but must sit at your true waist and have the pleats facing upward. Cummerbunds may NOT be worn with a waistcoat.

Socks

Socks should be of a solid dark color, either black, navy blue, or dark grey. White or garish socks are not allowed.

Shoes

Shoes should be of black leather or varnished plastic and must be laced with black laces, and should be comfortable to dance in for an extended period of time. We discourage shoes have notable tread, preferring flat-soled shoes.

Tie

Tie may either be bow tie or a long tie and should either be a solid neutral color or have very light patterning of the same color of the tie. Garish or loud colors and patterns are not allowed. Multicolored ties, such as plaid, are not allowed.

Belts/Suspenders

Suspenders are preferred, but belts are acceptable. Suspenders must be buttoned into the pants waist. Belts must be leather, solid black in color, and the buckle should be silver and traditional or otherwise unobtrusive.

For Gentlemen

Additional Stylings

Hair

Hair must be well groomed. Long hair must be tied back in a low ponytail. Facial hair must be neat and trimmed or appropriately styled. Hats are not allowed

Cufflinks

Cufflinks are optional (unless wearing French Cuffed shirts, in which case they are necessary). Any designs are allowed so long as they are tasteful

Jewlery

Long ties may have either a tie tack or a tie bar. A single ring of the following type may be worn: a wedding ring, a class ring , or a signet ring.

Watches

Either a pocket watch or a wristwatch may be worn. The watch must be analog. Smart watches, even with an analog face, are NOT permitted.

Pocket Square

Pocket squares may be either white or match the tie or waistcoat. They may be folded as desired.

For Ladies

For the Ball, we are looking for dresses that are functional, inspire confidence, and communicate a sense of your true inward reality. Through our dress, we wish to encourage intentionality, self-honesty, true beauty, and honor. Because our strict dress code, we require attendees get their dresses approved beforehand by the Lead Hostess.

Dress Types

Many dresses are designed more for photoshoots and posing and looking cute than actual dancing. Some of them come with trains and many are very long. To help with determining proper dresses and to ensure a smooth approval process, we are encouraging the following dress types to be worn:

• A-line

• Ball Gown

• Drop Waist

Note: Dresses should have structured bodices (such as boning or a corset) and MUST be worn with a hoop skirt, crinoline petticoat, or a structured slip

Dress Specifications

Length: Dresses should be have a skirt landing between floor and ankle length.

Waistlines: A Dress' waistline should sit near natural waist, although Basque or dropped waistlines are also appropriate.

Undergarments: Dresses should be worn with either a crinoline petticoat, a hoopskirt, or a structured slip.

Fabrics: The suggested fabrics for the dress include: organza, silk, lace, tulle or satin, with the last two being most common and highly encouraged. Zippers are acceptable.

Slits and Openings: We do NOT allow for a skirt with openings or slits that expose the legs during movement. Decorative overskirt openings may be approved if they are layered, do not reveal skin underneath and do not interfere with dancing.

Footwear

At the Gala, you will be walking, sitting, eating and drinking, and dancing for hours at a time. The shoes you choose must be comfortable for the whole night.

Recommended: Flat shoes with a secure ankle strap, or short heels that you can comfortably walk and dance in all night.

• Dance Floor Notice: Please choose shoes with smooth soles (like leather or suede) that allow you to glide. Avoid rubber or non-slip soles, as they grip the floor and can cause tripping while dancing.Flat shoes with a strap are often the best option. Short heels are acceptable but you MUST be able to dance and walk comfortably all night.