A
ball gown is the most formal female attire for social occasions (such as
White Tie). It is traditionally a full-skirted
gown reaching the floor, made of luxurious fabric, delicately and exotically trimmed. Most versions are cut off the shoulder with
decollete necklines. Such
gowns are typically worn with a
stole (a formal shawl in expensive fabric),
cape or
cloak in lieu of a
coat, "good" (couture or vintage) jewellery and opera-length
gloves. Standard accessories are dancing shoes and a clutch style evening bag. Where "
state decorations" are to be worn, they are on a bow pinned to the chest, and married women wear a
tiara if they have one. The ball gown shape has changed little since the mid-19th century. Although artificial fabrics are now sometimes used, the most common fabrics are
satin,
silk,
taffeta and
velvet with trimmings of
lace,
pearls,
sequins,
embroidery,
ruffles and
ruching.