Daily Outfit Idea: What Do You Wear to a Modern Day Ball? 10 Inspiring Gowns From Save Venice 2012

Looking for outfit idea inspiration for a black-tie evening event coming up on your calendar—perhaps, say, a prom or a formal? Take a look at 10 of my favorite looks from from this year's Save Venice Ball, which lit up the night earlier this week in New York City. What do you wear to a modern-day ball, anyway? Find out after the jump.

The one and only time I ever went to a ball was back when I was still in school—a decade ago! Each college at my university would host elaborate all-night formal affairs every year (or every third year, depending), where the boys would dress up in tuxedos and the girls wore floor-length gowns (and sometimes gloves and masks—again, depending) and everyone ate and drank and danced until the sun came up. Not gonna lie, it was pretty awesome.
Here in New York, balls are fewer and further between—but the annual Save Venice Ball brings out some of the city's biggest socials, all in an effort to raise money to support the preservation of the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy.
Here are some of my favorite looks of the night—and ways to get the look... for less!

I love this swirling, sparkling, dramatic V-neck gown—it's a great style to consider if you want to wear a strapped bra underneath your gown and if you prefer to cover your shoulders.

Here are two gorgeous shades of pink—in two vastly different styles. On the left, there's a body-skimming loose blouson with a peplum and a floor-length straight skirt; on the right there's a flapper-inspired blush pink velvet number with a draped cowl neckline. Both are classic silhouettes that you can wear over and over again—it's the pink that makes 'em pop!

The detail on this backless, beaded, short-sleeve dress is stunning—and we're seeing this mid-back dip a lot in this summer's dresses. Do you love backless gowns? There's something really sexy about the combination of a high neckline and a gracefully dipped back, no?

Also, LOVING the super-flattering back detailing on this gold dress. The tip to take from this look is that a sparkling, body-hugging gold dress is, hands down a totally sexy Glamour Do!

In 2012, as far as eveningwear goes, white is the new, uh, black? White gowns are everywhere—and they don't look wedding-y... not in the least!

Sometimes, even though it's a blowout ultra-formal occasion, you might want to wear something understated and quietly elegant. I love this simple dress—it has an unembellished black bodice paired with a glittering floor-length straight skirt and a deco-inspired belt. Love it!

Here's how to make that Little Black Dress (or, um, major black gown) something you'll want to reach for over and over again—choose a solid black dress that has a beautiful, surprising detail. Like the tulle, above, or pleats, or a beautiful belt.

his dress is one of my favorite of the entire evening—and not just because it looks like a lot of fun to wear (it looks so light and flouncy!). The baby teal-blue pastel print is so sweet and so feminine—and so surprising for eveningwear! I love it.

What was your favorite look from the Save Venice ball? Which one would you wear yourself? What did you wear to prom? Tell us all your ball stories in the comments! I'm dying to hear them!