Dress code

Jesienny Kotylion 2026 — dress code

We aim to create the atmosphere of an early 20th century ball together and, of course, the costume will be an important part of the story. We expect guests to wear ball dresses tailored in the fashion of the Art Nouveau era. Ladies are particularly advised to look out for the later silhouettes — 1910–1915 plus or minus a year — as these are more comfortable for dancing. Of course, it won't be a big problem if a lady comes in an earlier style dress (1890–1910).

Ladies — silhouette and jewellery

To create the right silhouette, the following essentials should be taken care of:

• The right undergarment to achieve the correct proportions of the silhouette and undoubtedly make it more authentic.
• An elegant dress length that will allow you to dance with ease, but not be too short. Please refrain from wearing long trains or attaching them while dancing to avoid discomfort on the dance floor for yourself and the other dancers.
• The right jewellery, which also plays an important role in evening and ballroom styling. For young and unmarried girls, flowers are more appropriate, for other ladies — jewellery made of metals and stones. As our ball is autumnal, any fancy leaf, vegetable or fruit theme is welcomed.

Materials

As far as materials are concerned, they should fit the occasion: we do not require outfits made exclusively of natural silk, but if one opts for natural fabrics, not every material will be appropriate — for example, plain cotton is not suitable for ball gowns. If synthetic fabrics are planned, they should not look too modern.

Ladies — hairstyle

In the context of the period we propose to immerse ourselves in, loose hair does not constitute a hairstyle — it should be pinned up in a style to keep up with the dating of the outfit.

Ladies — make-up

As far as era-appropriate make-up is concerned, moderate shades of pink and nude will do — any new-fashioned inventions such as "arrows", "smoky eye", bright, especially blue and green shadows, coloured mascara and overly bright lipstick do not yet exist and would not be appropriate for a ball.

Gentlemen — evening wear

For gentlemen, formal evening wear is recommended according to the "white tie" rule: tailcoat, black trousers with piping, white, milky white or black waistcoat, white bow tie. It is possible to replace the tailcoat with a dinner jacket while retaining the white bow tie; military and civilian uniforms of the appropriate period are acceptable. It goes without saying that every gentleman is concerned with the appropriate appearance of moustache and beard, as well as an appropriate hairstyle.

Lecture on men's evening fashion

Shoes

Ball shoes with soft soles that do not injure the feet of partners or the dance floor are compulsory for all guests. High-heeled shoes and soles that may damage the dance floor are absolutely forbidden.

Gloves

Both ladies and gentlemen are required to wear white or off-white gloves: short for gentlemen and long — at least to the elbow — for ladies.

Inspiration and resources

Below you will find videos and photo albums to help you choose the right outfit.

Ladies' fashion — Art Nouveau (Kajani)

Help and contact

To take part in the ball, please send a photo of your outfit by email to info@kotylion.org (not through the registration form). Any questions about your outfit can and should be directed to the costume consultant at the same address.

If you want to take part in the ball but don't have an outfit and don't know how to sew it, don't know who to borrow it from or have it custom-made, don't know if what you have will fit our dress code — email us at info@kotylion.org and we'll try to help!