The Winter Formal Masquerade Ball is a formal occasion, and whether you decide to come as Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon or wear your high school prom dress, you must dress in a manner befitting the occasion.

Please note that formal attire and a mask are required for this event. Those without proper attire will be turned away at the door. Below are some helpful guidelines, but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us at masquerade@kumoricon.org. We are happy to advise you, so if you are unsure, just ask.

Masks

Masks must cover the area around at least one eye, and must not impair your field of vision. Masks on sticks will be allowed, but please keep in mind that you must be wearing your mask at all times in the ballroom, so please plan accordingly.

Footwear

The Winter Formal Masquerade Ball is a formal dancing event—please keep this in mind when choosing your footwear. No shoes with treads will be allowed; this includes all sneakers and most boots. Flip-flops and sandals are not appropriate, while male dress shoes, dressy flats, and heels are good choices. Shoes are required, so please choose something you will be able to dance comfortably in (geta, while appropriate formal footwear, are not recommended as they are difficult to dance in).

Formal Western Attire

For people dressing as women: Those dressing in female formal wear should wear at least semi-formal level clothing. This includes prom dresses, evening gowns, cocktail dresses, and dressy separates. Non-formal fabrics such as flannel, denim, vinyl and mylar shall not be allowed. Skirts should be knee-length and in general at least half of your body must be covered in fabric—bare midriffs are not allowed.

For people dressing as men: Suits and tuxedos are highly encouraged, but not required. A minimum of a button down shirt, slacks, and a tie are required—bare chests are not allowed.

Formal Asian Attire

Those wearing formal attire from Japan or other Asian countries should be clothed neatly and in full attire—for example, a kimono jacket over jeans will not be considered formal.

Formal Cosplay Attire

Cosplay outfits should resemble formal wear of the non-costume variety. Formal military dress, Lolita outfits, shrine priests and priestesses, and other elegant outfits are allowed. Or, be creative and add a formal flare to your favorite character; perhaps a long, formal version of Sakura Haruno’s iconic red dress? Or Faye Valentine in a cocktail dress? For a very good formal cosplay reference, please go here (http://www.fuunsaiki.com/cosplayguide/)

Large props, wings, and weapons will not be allowed as they will be an impediment on the dance floor and may be broken or harm others. You will be asked to remove anything that impairs your vision or range of motion.

Still unsure of who to cosplay for this event? Here is a list of characters to help you figure out the best idea for you:

Costumes that already include a mask:

• Crimson Wind from Romeo X Juliet
• Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon
• Zero from Code Geass
• Larva from Vampire Princess Miyu

Costumes that are formal, but would need to have a mask added:

• Wolfram from Kyou Kara Maoh, or other formal military outfit
• D from Petshop of Horrors
• Alita from Murder Princess
• Sai from Hikaru no Go
• Hell Girl

Whatever you decide to wear, please make sure it is appropriate to wear in public—if you wouldn’t wear it in front of your mother, you can’t wear it here. If you are unsure about your attire, please e-mail us at masquerade@kumoricon.org and we will do our best to advise you. We will be sad to turn you away at the door, but we reserve the right to deny entry to anyone wearing inappropriate attire.

Cosplay Examples