Masquerade Costume
Step into mystery and elegance with a classic masquerade ball look.
A masquerade costume is a timeless choice for those who love mystery, elegance, and high society drama. Originating from 15th-century Venetian carnivals, this look centers around an ornate, decorative mask paired with formal evening wear. Whether you choose a dramatic ball gown or a sharp suit, the mask is the ultimate focal point.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $40–150
Try it on
See yourself as Masquerade
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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What you need for a Masquerade costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Masquerade costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Venetian Masquerade Mask
An ornate eye mask decorated with filigree, feathers, sequins, or lace, secured with ribbon ties or a handheld stick.
DIY: Decorate a plain plastic eye mask with gold metallic paint, faux gems, and hot-glued feathers.
Formal Evening Wear
A floor-length ball gown, a cocktail dress, or a sharp tuxedo/suit in rich colors like black, gold, burgundy, or emerald green.
DIY: Use a dark suit or a formal dress you already own as the base.
Satin Gloves
Elbow-length satin gloves for women, or short white or black dress gloves for men.
Velvet Cape or Cloak
A hooded black or deep red velvet cape to add an extra layer of mystery and drama.
DIY: Drape a length of dark velvet fabric over your shoulders and secure it with a vintage brooch.
Formal Dress Shoes
Polished leather dress shoes or elegant heels matching the color palette of your outfit.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Masquerade costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on your formal evening wear, ensuring a tailored and elegant fit.
- 2
Style your hair in an elegant updo or a sleek slicked-back look to accommodate the mask straps.
- 3
Put on the satin gloves, smoothing them up your forearms or wrists.
- 4
Drape the velvet cape over your shoulders and fasten it securely at the neck.
- 5
Carefully tie the masquerade mask behind your head, adjusting it so it sits comfortably over your eyes without slipping.
- 6
Slip into your formal dress shoes and do a quick movement check to ensure the mask stays in place.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup focused on the lower half of the face with a bold red or plum lipstick, as the eyes will be partially covered. Style hair in a polished updo, classic curls, or a sleek side-part to keep hair away from the mask ties.
Masquerade for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One partner wears a matching gown and mask, while the other wears a coordinating tuxedo and a matching metallic mask.
- group
- A 'Venetian Court' theme where everyone wears coordinating jewel-toned formal wear and matching gold filigree masks.
- kids
- A simpler version with a comfortable elastic-band glitter mask and a party dress or miniature suit.
- Plus size
- A high-waisted empire gown or a classic tailored suit provides a comfortable, elegant fit for all body types.
- pet
- A small, lightweight satin bow collar with a tiny, soft felt mask prop attached to their collar.
More ways people search for this costume
The most-searched variations of “Masquerade costume”, and how this look adapts to each.
Masquerade couple costume
- One partner wears a matching gown and mask, while the other wears a coordinating tuxedo and a matching metallic mask.
Tips
- If you wear glasses, look for a masquerade mask attached to a handheld stick (a baton mask) instead of ribbon ties.
- Bring a small pack of bobby pins to help secure the mask ribbons into your hair so they don't slide down.
- Ensure the eye holes of the mask are wide enough for comfortable peripheral vision, especially in dimly lit party venues.
Masquerade costume FAQ
- What is the dress code for a masquerade?
- The dress code is typically formal or semi-formal, requiring evening gowns, cocktail dresses, tuxedos, or dark suits paired with an elegant eye mask.
- How do you keep a masquerade mask from falling off?
- Tie the ribbons snugly at the crown of your head rather than the base of your neck, and use bobby pins to cross over the ribbons and lock them into your hair.
- Can I wear a masquerade mask with glasses?
- Yes, you can opt for a mask on a handheld stick, or use fabric tape to temporarily secure a lightweight mask directly to the frames of your glasses.
Did you know? Masquerade balls were a feature of the Venetian Carnival season in the 15th century, allowing citizens to mingle anonymously regardless of their social class.