So, you checked out our Leader’s Costume Guide and now it’s time to talk about the followers’ side of the ballroom.
You might notice that the approach is a little different. While the leaders can build their look piece by piece with shirts, vests, coats, and accessories, a follower’s outfit usually starts with one magical item: the dress.
Follower Costume Ground Rules
Dress length
Covers your shin, but not dragging on the floor.
No slit skirts
No tight silhouettes. Make sure you can take big steps and move freely.
Gloves
Required for all ballgoers. They are an important ballroom tradition, a beautiful finishing touch, and practical for partner dancing.
Shoes
Comfort first.
No stiletto heels.
Choose shoes you have worn before. Block heels or ballroom shoes are ideal.
Colors & fabrics
Dark, dramatic colors: black, deep red, burgundy, purple.
Lace, satin, velvet, and textured fabrics work beautifully.
No strict material requirements. Choose something you feel confident dancing in.
Before you start shopping, take a look in your closet first. Chances are you already own something that could become the perfect Blood Moon ball outfit. Maybe it is a black evening dress you wore once, a forgotten formal gown hiding in the back of your closet, or something you can borrow from a friend.
But if you are looking for something new, we put together options for different budgets, from thrift finds and affordable dresses to more unique gothic gowns.
Where to Find a Follower’s Vampire Outfit
1. Thrift Stores & Facebook Marketplace: $
This is where some of the most interesting outfits can come from.
Vintage stores, thrift shops, and Marketplace are full of hidden treasures. A black prom dress from 2012? A dramatic evening gown someone wore once? A velvet dress waiting for its vampire era? All valid candidates.
When searching Facebook Marketplace, try terms like:
- Gothic dress, Victorian dress
- Evening gown, Prom dress
- Lolita fashion
- Vampire costume
You might be surprised how many “normal” formal dresses can become perfect ball outfits with gloves, jewelry, and a little imagination.
2. SHEIN: $
If you are looking for something affordable but still dramatic, SHEIN actually has quite a few options that fit the vampire ball atmosphere.
This is where you can find more fantasy-inspired pieces: medieval silhouettes, dramatic sleeves, gothic details, and dresses that feel somewhere between a Victorian heroine and a vampire queen.
A few options we liked:
- Vintage Medieval Court Style Off-Shoulder Ruffle Bell Sleeve Long Dress — a classic dramatic black gown with romantic sleeves and a medieval-inspired silhouette.
- Halloween Gothic Bell Sleeve Mermaid Party Gown — for those who want something a little more “modern vampire.”
- Hooded Gothic Velvet Maxi Dress — because sometimes every vampire needs a dramatic entrance.
Just remember: with lower-cost dresses, always check customer photos and reviews. The internet promises “mysterious gothic queen,” and occasionally delivers “Halloween curtain with sleeves.” Reviews are your best friend.
3. Amazon: $–$$
Some fun options include:
4. DevilInspired: $$
They offer a variety of styles, leaning towards Lolita fashion or fantasy fashion with rich colors, lace details, and dramatic silhouettes.
Some favorites:
- Goth Gorgeous Print Black Dress
- Goth Gorgeous Print Black and Red Dress
- Black and Red Goth Dress
- Urban Goth Black Red Fringe Dress
- Shimmering Red Empire Waist Lolita Dress
5. Azazie: $$
Azazie is technically a formalwear brand, but many of their darker gowns work beautifully for a vampire-inspired ballroom.
A few options:
The nice thing about these dresses is that they can easily become part of your regular formal wardrobe.
6. Punk Design: $$
Punk Design has a lot of dramatic gothic dresses that are very much on theme.
We especially like:
- Black and Red Gothic Beaded Rose Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress
- Black and Red Gothic Applique Chained Maxi Dress
- Black Gothic Applique Chained Maxi Dress
7. Linennaive: $$$
For something more unique, Linennaive offers beautiful dresses with natural fabrics and historical inspiration:
These are beautiful investment pieces that can be styled long after the ball.
8. Etsy: $$$
For those looking for something truly special, Etsy is where you can find handmade and custom-feeling pieces.
Some beautiful examples:
- Burgundy Medieval Ball Gown
- Black Lace-Up Bodice Gown
- Velvet Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress
- Black Gothic Maxi Dress
This is the category for people who want their outfit to feel like it has a backstory.
Ballroom Essentials: Gloves & Hand Fans
Gloves are mandatory
Gloves are a must-have for every Blood Moon Ball guest. They are an important part of ball culture, complete the formal silhouette, and make hand contact during partner dancing more comfortable. Please choose a pair that complements your costume and allows you to move your hands easily.
Bring a hand fan
The room can get warm once the dancing begins, so we recommend bringing a hand fan. We will also have a small selection of unique vampire-themed hand fans available to purchase at the rehearsal and at the ball, while supplies last.
Join the Blood Moon Ball in Victoria
The Blood Moon Ball takes place on Friday, October 30, 2026 in Victoria. It is a beginner-friendly Halloween ball with historic dancing, gothic music, candlelight, costumes, and a four-hour dance workshop included with your ticket.
No previous dance experience is required. You simply need a costume, a willingness to learn, and perhaps a convincing explanation for why you have not aged since 1897.
Get your ticket to the Blood Moon Ball
For more outfit ideas, explore our Blood Moon Ball costume inspiration board on Pinterest, then join us for the Blood Moon Ball in Victoria.
