What to Wear to the Champagne Ball

Every year, the ACCJ/TJCS Champagne Ball & Awards Evening brings together members of the international and local community for an elegant night of dining, entertainment, and celebration. With so many guests asking, "What should I wear?", we thought we'd share some helpful guidance.

First things first: this is not a costume party. While our annual theme encourages creativity, the Champagne Ball is a premium gala event, and we ask that guests dress in a way that matches the elegance of the evening.

Over the years, we've noticed a wonderful balance in how attendees approach the dress code. About 20% choose to reflect the year's theme, 30% go all-out in black-tie, and the remaining 50% arrive in tasteful business formal attire. Whichever you choose, you’ll fit right in.

Many guests embrace the gala spirit by arriving in black-tie. For gentlemen, that means tuxedos and bow ties, while ladies often wear long evening gowns or chic cocktail dresses. Black-tie attire is always in style for the Champagne Ball and adds to the overall sophistication of the evening.

Business formal attire is also welcome, and many guests prefer this polished look. Gentlemen often wear dark suits with ties, while ladies choose elegant dresses, skirt suits, or tailored pantsuits. This is the perfect option if you want to keep things classic yet stylish.

Each year's theme adds a fun twist to the evening, and many guests love to weave in a touch of creativity. For our 2026 theme, "Celebrating America's 250th – Driven by Dreams", here are plenty of ways to add a little Americana to your evening look. Think:

• Classic American glamour - channel Old Hollywood elegance, Rat Pack sophistication, vintage eveningwear, or timeless cocktail style
  
• Open-road Americana - take inspiration from Route 66 and America's love affair with the automobile, with leather jackets, denim accents, vintage sunglasses, or racing-inspired details
  
• Rock & roll style - add a touch of 1950s and '60s cool with rockabilly influences, bold dresses, leather, or retro patterns
  
• American eras and icons - draw inspiration from the Jazz Age, Hollywood, Motown, disco, rock & roll, or another favorite chapter of American style
  
• Red, white & blue accents - keep it simple with a tie, pocket square, scarf, jewelry, handbag, or other splash of America's signature colors
  

The goal isn't to come in a Halloween-style costume, but to have some fun with the theme while keeping it stylish and appropriate for the occasion. From Hollywood glamour to Route 66 cool, add your own touch of Americana to the evening.

Here's some inspiration...

No matter which style you choose - black tie, business formal, or theme-inspired - you'll be part of the unforgettable ambiance of the Champagne Ball. So pick your look, make it your own, and get ready to enjoy an evening of elegance, entertainment, and celebration!