Mobile and Baldwin counties have carved out a unique brand of frivolity that stems from European traditions, Southern hospitality and human nature: the Carnival Season. Mardi Gras goers enjoy parades, tailgating, and perhaps the most decadent indulgence of all — balls.

Organization members and their guests dress in formal attire to partake in fine foods, alcoholic drinks and dancing during the ball, which is held after the organization’s parade.

A friend from Massachusetts shared her epiphany after attending her first Mardi Gras ball by explaining, “It’s like prom for adults.”

While intricate details about theme and costume have been hashed out by members, guests arrive at the ball to witness the tableau, a still life scene portraying the groups theme and court, then call outs, where organization members and their escorts walk, skip or dance across the stage and bow to the queen. After call outs, the party begins.

But just as the season keeps with ancient traditions, most balls require members and guests to remember their manners during times of festivity (enforced by fines) and to dress in costume de rigueur.

The basic definition is that men wear a black tuxedo with tails; a white, pique (waffle print) bibbed shirt, vest and bow tie; black shoes; and white cufflinks. Women must wear floor-length, formal gowns. All guests are allowed to wear Mardi Gras beads with their formalwear.

But there’s a little room to play after those requirements are met.

Men’s

According to Jimmy Francia, owner of Francia’s Formal Affair in Mobile and Daphne, men’s attire is very limited by tradition, but some fashion choices are available.

“While studs and cufflinks need to be mother of pearl instead of black, Mardi-Gras-themed jewelry or cufflinks are okay,” he explained.

He said that his store, in business for 43 years, offers five different sets of tails, all of which meet stipulations as they are a full-dressed cut. The difference is in the shape of the lapel. The shawl has a rounded lapel, for example. Also available are peak and notch lapels, he said.

“With shoes, they can wear patent leather or black leather shoes, either way,” he divulged. “Some people prefer their own leather shoes or some prefer the traditional patent leather. No cowboy boots are allowed.”

“As far as our Carnival season down here, what some people don’t realize is that Mobile originated Mardi Gras, not New Orleans — they don’t have the same traditions,” he revealed. “(In New Orleans) you can wear pretty much anything you want. We’re very formal in Mobile as opposed to New Orleans.”

Invitations will dictate the dress code for each organization’s ball, he offered, and those that ask for “Black Tie” mean that tails are not required.

He said that he enjoys this seasonal aspect of his business.

Mardi Gras is a fun time of the year for us,” he began. “They (customers) are going to a happy occasion and we get a lot of people who don’t dress up often, so my staff and I make it a good experience so they don’t mind doing it from year to year.”

Women’s

Donna Carpenter, owner of Brides Maids Galore and More in Daphne, warned that ladies should consult a member of the ball’s organization before purchasing a gown, as some have stipulations about slits, cut-outs and other modesty concerns.

She said that customers can expect to spend anywhere from $79-900 dollars depending on style, fabric and brand of Mardi Gras dress.

“The biggest change of fashion from last year to this year is that this year’s style is Hollywood, all sequins, bling, glitz and glamor,” she revealed. “The mermaid style is also very popular and it gives that hourglass shape. Plus it doesn’t have a slit so you don’t have to worry about that.”

She said that gold, champagne, tan and nude are the hottest colors this season.

“Classic black will never go out of style, but I have sold as many champagne and gold colors as black,” she divulged. “It’s real rich — it looks more expensive.”

She added that one-shoulder-strap gowns are still big for 2013, and that a new fashion is taking hold.

“Feathers on gowns have become popular,” she said. “Those are more expensive because of how hard it is to get those feathers on there, plus the cost to get the feathers.”

When it comes right down to it, ladies have two options to consider when buying a Mardi Gras gown, Carpenter explained.

“Either you’re going for the comfort look or you’re going for style,” she offered. “Soft, flowing chiffon gowns are popular and they’re comfortable. With full sequins, you’re going to lose a few beads getting in and out of the car.”

Dressing for individual body type is also a concern for formalwear shoppers, she explained.

“A small girl can pretty much wear any kind of style,” she said. “Busty women might consider that it’s helpful to have a dress with some kind of strap to help with support. Women with larger torso or stomach are better off with an empire waist or chiffon, so the dress can flow over and not cling to them. And my favorite: anybody that’s on the heavier torso area could wear a dress with rouching—where fabric is gathered and pleated. Asymmetrical rouching down the waistline slims you down. It camouflages and hides everything.”

But at the end of a fun-filled shopping day, only one question counts, she divulged.

“Do you feel pretty?” she asks. “If she says yes, that’s the dress for her.”