13 Summer Ball Dresses That Will Make You Want To Dance

...Like a princess

Summer ball dresses 2016

by Rebecca Cox |
Published on

Need help finding the perfect summer ball dress?

If your social calendar is over-flowing with glamorous events, this is the edit you’ve been waiting for. We’ve scoured the high street and beyond for the most stylish (and flattering) ball gowns of the season.

Whether it's your prom or a family wedding, make an entrance in one of these ball dresses for summer 2016...

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Summer Ball Dresses Gowns

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Summer Ball Dresses Gowns 2016

Aidan Mattox Sleeveless Beaded Bodice Dress, £450, John Lewis

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Summer Ball Dresses Gowns 2016

Ariella Gigi Jacquard Skirt Dress, £236

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Summer Ball Dresses Gowns 2016

Embellished Silk Dress, £195, & Other Stories

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Summer Ball Dresses Gowns 2016

Ghost Tory Dress, £345

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Summer Ball Dresses Gowns 2016

Miss Selfridge Embellised Cap Sleeve Maxi Dress, £140

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Summer Ball Dresses Gowns 2016

Needle & Thread Lace-trimmed embellished tulle gown, £325, NetAPorter

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Summer Ball Dresses Gowns 2016

Reiss Sicily Pleated Maxi Dress, £295

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Summer Ball Dresses Gowns 2016

Stella McCartney Cassie tiered silk gown, £3195, NetAPorter

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Summer Ball Dresses Gowns 2016

TALL Lace Trim Maxi Dress, £69, Topshop

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Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress, £340, Net-A-Porter

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Self-Portrait Baby Blue Lace Midi Dress, £320, Matches

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Mary Katrantzou Belle Snuffbox-Print Silk-Crepe Mini Dress, £1,485, Net-A-Porter

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Black Cutout Gown, £280, Elizabeth and James

The key to looking great at a ball is to choose a gown that makes you feel good. The chances are you’re not exactly used to swanning around in a floor-length ball dress, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stick to your usual style rules when shopping for the perfect fit.

If you’re more comfortable in sleeves, opt for a ball dress that includes them, whether that’s a pretty capped top style or long, lacy sleeves.

Likewise, if you never wear bright colours, opting for muted or pastel shades will make you more likely to feel confident to hit the dancefloor, so bear that in mind when shopping.

Your footwear option is also key. While you want to be comfortable enough to dance, if you’re opting for a floor-length ball dress, having a couple of inches of heel might be necessary to keep your hem off the ground – take shoes with you when trying on dresses so you’ll know what shoes will be necessary and factor this in to your decision making.

While a ball is a great opportunity to go all-out and invest in a statement gown that will really turn heads (we love Needle & Thread's embellished and tulle dresses), if you want to keep the cost-per-wear low, think practical and opt for a simple but smart maxi and add a touch of glamour with some sparkling costume jewellery.

Want some beauty inspiration for your big event? Try one of the pretty, romantic hairstyles in our wedding hair edit.

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