Depending on the type of dance you are doing, and where you are doing it, you will need different costumes.
For instance, if you are heading off to dance classes, you certainly wouldn't want to wear a formal gown.
On the other hand, if you are going to an actual ballroom dance, perhaps a charity event, you will want to arrive wearing nothing but your finest formal attire.
Here are some tips on how to dress for different dances, from ballroom to line dancing: Dressy Casual: This is the style of dress used for lessons, workshops and practicing.
Comfortable slacks and solid-colored shirts are best for men, while women can wear similar clothes, or a comfortable yet attractive skirt and body suit combination.
Semi-Formal: You don't need to go all out for a semi-formal event, but you do need to be well-dressed.
Women should wear evening or dinner dresses, and flared, flowing pants look lovely as well.
Men should opt for dress slacks, a nice shirt and a tie, and maybe even a vest or sweater that allows the tie to show.
Formal: Ladies should always wear a cocktail or evening gown to formal ballroom dance events.
Men must wear a suit and tie, although this can be loosely interpreted to mean a sport coat instead of an actual suit).
Black Tie Optional: Ladies are encouraged to wear cocktail gowns or dinner dresses, medium to full length.
Gentlemen must wear a suit, and a bow tie is preferred.
Black Tie: Ball gowns are the dresses of choice of ladies for black tie ballroom dance events.
Mens' attire consists of a black tuxedos with satin trim and cummerbunds, and bow ties.
Ties need not be black, as the name would suggest.
In fact, colorful ties are extremely popular.
White Tie: Gentlemen must wear black tailcoats and matching pants with ribbon, braid or satin trim.
Also included in this ensemble is a white pique tie, white pique vest (single or double-breasted), and a wing collar shirt.
Optional, but really cool looking, are matching white gloves.
Ladies always wear their fanciest ball gowns, many of which are very sexy.
As with mens' outfits, gloves (elbow length) are a nice finishing touch to any ballgown.
One last tip about how to dress for dancing.
It is never appropriate to wear jeans or corduroy pants to ballroom dances or lessons.
They are uncomfortable, and for the style of dance, very unattractive.