When Jackson Roche invited me to St. Thomas' Military Ball, I laughed. Nothing about me really screams Military Ball material. But, with some encouragement from my overly persistent roommate, I accepted his offer. I mean, who could say no to Cadet Roche? Or of course the opportunity to eat food without mold?
In all honesty I didn't know what to expect. The only military experience I had with a Military Ball was through watching the infamous Disney Channel Movie Cadet Kelly. Her military ball experience did not end well at all... she ended up almost getting expelled! But, probably because she accidentally ruined her Commanding Officer's dress with her muddy hands. Watch the movie if you don't understand the reference.
Being the daughter of an officer at a Military Ball and being a cadet's date were two very different experiences.
Thanks to a picky date, I didn't have to try too hard to find a dress. He wanted us to match, and in retrospect I am very thankful for his picky nature. It would have been severely awkward to show up in a yellow dress, and have your date in his dress blues, and be too bright. In my opinion we were fire. He was honestly the most handsome cadet at the whole ball, even if his dance moves needed some work.
To be honest, I don't know why I was so nervous. His parents were probably the nicest people I've ever met, and there were minimal army jokes made at my expense. We were all there for the same reason, to celebrate the commissioning cadets, dance the night away, and for the occasional Army ROTC cadet, aka me, standing quietly as everyone sang the air force song.
The Military Ball, regardless of which branch your date represents is one of the most exciting events of the year. Being the date of any cadet, is an honor in itself, but one must remember that you're representing your date with your attire. Thankfully, Cadet Roche set me up for success, and I didn't walk into the ball looking like a walking fashion tragedy...Hallelujah!
Many girls walked into the ball with inappropriate attire, and nothing against them, they probably just didn't know..
BUT YOU CANNOT SHOW UP IN YOUR YELLOW PROM DRESS FROM SENIOR YEAR WITH YOUR CLEAVAGE FALLING OUT!
You can always tell who has military experience and who doesn't by the way people dress. And yes, I did compliment the girl on her dress. It was beautiful, but not necessarily appropriate for the extremely formal event.
So to all girls preparing for an upcoming Military Ball, whether it be for the Marines, Army, Navy, or Air-Force, please remember these tips.
1. A floor length dress is the best option.
A ball is a formal event. If your date is wearing his dress blues, you better be in your best attire. Military Ball attire is no joke. You don't want to be the talk of the Cadre for the next month if you showed up looking trashy. Feel good, look good, as long as you're in a floor-length gown.
2. Your dress shouldn't look like a jigsaw puzzle missing pieces.
Formal attire means the dress needs to cover everything. No holes. Areas of skin showing may have been cute in high school, but it will simply not do at a Military function.
3. Cover your knockers!
Nobody wants to pull an Emma Watson or a Janet Jackson, especially at the Military Ball! Make sure you have full coverage on the top.
4. Do not shop in the prom section when looking for a dress.
Just don't do it. The dress expectation for prom and a Military Ball are completely different. You're an extension of your date, represent them well.
And lastly, have fun!
