What does one wear to an 'Officers Ball'?

Is it a proper Forces ball? [I'd guess so given the name!]

My memories from when my Dad was in the army was that for formal balls, it was a floor length frock, with covered shoulders. What does it say in the invitation? Black Tie /White Tie / Mess Dress?

Oh crap then!! Yes its a proper forces ball. I've not seen the invitation I'm afraid, just word of mouth from the OH.

Any i sell are floor length with either a wrap or a small bolero , its very rare someone wont wear long

From my forces days I seem to remember that balls are full length, but you generally need covered shoulders only for 'dinners' not 'balls' - if in doubt get a wrap/bolero just in case though.

H is in the Army; for winter balls the dress must be floor length, at the summer balls you may wear knee-length dresses.

It is always a pain for me trying to find floor length gowns - I am 6ft!

You have to ask your OH I'm afraid as they vary so much. The more formal ones are full length and covered shoulders, some are cocktail, which translates to below knee and above ankle, then you get the less formal fancy dress or themed e.g. ski wear!

If he's wearing a dinner jacket I'm guessing it'll either be full or cocktail, probably full length, but ask as it can varies on function.

I've been to several do's at the Mess and it has always been down to the CO as to how formal the event is.

You are going to have to ask for clarification I'm afraid. I know when I was in the Navy the guys were given very strict instructions to pass on to wives / girlfriends. For a ball is was full length dress, anything involving sitting down to a meal and shoulders had to be covered (a wrap tied behind to make a bolero, or an actual bolero jacket were fine).

I never paid too much attention as I was in uniform - how to make a woman feel sexy, put her in a shirt, bow tie & jacket the same as the mens and just replace trousers with a full length black skirt. I always thought it was so unfair that the guys looked sexy in their uniform and I just looked, well, butch & dumpy :-(

Thanks for all your help everyone! I've just been shopping and OH has treated me to this little number http://www.planet.co.uk/en-gb/ProductDetails/?cid=PCATDRE&pid=K3H6025&language=en-GB with a bolero top to cover my shoulders, this bag in black http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Linea+Occasion+bugal+beaded+clutch/110287299,default,pd.html?cgid=0903 , these shoes (which I'm not keen on but they were the only closed toe ones http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Carvela+Great+leather+evening+court+shoe/118277256,default,pd.html?cgid=080 and finally this necklace http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Linea+Round+long+sterling+silver+Y+necklace/115974744,default,pd.html?cgid=0930

I am one happy bunny :-)

Wowsers, very nice. bet you can't wait ?

Yes I am really looking forward to it - just hope I can relax!

That's a really lovely outfit you put together there - you'll look stunning.

And..... chill..... ?

The more your worry, the more you'll wobble in your steely's ?