Shop by Occasion · Arlington, VA · DC Metro

Ball gowns for black tie, petite and plus included

From galas and black tie weddings to embassy dinners and awards ceremonies, Washington still dresses for the evening. Your Crystal Boutique stylist will help you find the gown that suits you, including ball gowns for petite women, in sizes 0 to 24 with alterations done in house.

Strapless black ball gown with a full skirt in a silver pleated pattern

The gown that makes an entrance

A ball gown gets noticed the moment you walk into the room. It’s the classic choice for a black tie event, and the right one says something about you before you say a word. Let’s make your entrance one people remember.

Decades of expertise. Personal service. Always complimentary.

Finding your gown should be a pleasure. Skip the department store racks and the online returns. At Crystal Boutique in Arlington, you’ll find ball gowns in regular, petite, and plus sizes from 0 to 24, at a range of prices, with a stylist who works with you one on one.

Your stylist helps you find the look, and our alterations team, right here in the store, makes sure it fits.

That’s why women come to us from across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC, from Arlington and Alexandria to McLean, Bethesda, and Chevy Chase.

Find the ball gown that fits your frame

Most women come to us wanting one of two things. Here’s how we help with each.

Navy sequined ball gown with an off the shoulder tulle neckline and a full skirt

The full statement

The classic ball gown

Understated or dramatic, the classic ball gown pairs a fitted bodice with a full skirt, and comes with sleeves, sleeveless, or with a halter neckline. Your stylist may pull a few you’d never have picked yourself, and those are often the ones that win. We’ll help with the right undergarments and shoes too, so you’re comfortable all night and happy with the photos.

Plum strapless gown with tiered ruffles, beaded trim and a rosette at the shoulder

5’4″ and under

The petite ball gown

Proportion is everything. Waist and bust placement, sleeve length, and hemline all decide whether a gown looks balanced on a petite frame. Our stylists will show you petite ball gowns, plus a few styles you might not expect, and we’ll alter each one so it fits like it was made for you.

Ball gown or evening gown?

The right choice depends on the occasion, the setting, and your style. A sleek column, a dramatic mermaid, a graceful A-line, or a full ball gown can all work for black tie. Try a few with your stylist and see what you love on you. You might surprise yourself. You can also browse our formal gowns.

Made to fit you

Great style starts with a great fit. Our in-house alterations and personal fittings tailor your gown to your figure, so it flatters you and feels like yours.

Petite

Proportion is everything at 5’4″ and under. Our stylists and designers know exactly what works for a petite frame.

Plus, to size 24

Because our designers construct the gown for you, every gown here is available in your size. A real selection, never an afterthought.

Altered to you

The fit is everything. Our in-house alterations make sure the gown you take home is altered for an exquisite finish, hem, bustle, and all.

Designers we carry for black tie

Evening lines you won’t find on every department store floor, chosen for fabrics and construction that hold their shape through a long night.

See all our designers → or call to ask what’s in now.

"Wonderful place to buy a special dress!! Annick is amazing and finds the perfect dress"

Alissa F. · Google review

Come see us

Book your personal styling appointment

We’ll match you with a stylist. When you book, tell us your occasion, event date, size, and the styles and colors you like. Booking 4 to 5 months ahead gives you the best selection and plenty of time for alterations.

Questions women ask us about ball gowns

What ball gown styles work best for petite women?

Look for a waist that sits at your natural waistline, a skirt with moderate volume rather than a very wide one, and a neckline that draws the eye up, like a V neck or an off the shoulder line. Bust placement and sleeve length matter as much as the skirt, and a solid color or a smaller print keeps things balanced. Above all, get the hem cut to your exact height. We alter every gown in house.

What does black tie mean for women?

Black tie traditionally calls for a floor length evening gown. A ball gown, a column, or a mermaid silhouette in a rich fabric, fitted properly, is always right. If the invitation says black tie optional, an elegant cocktail length dress also works.

What's the difference between a ball gown and an evening gown?

A ball gown has a fitted bodice and a full skirt that flares from the waist. “Evening gown” covers any floor length formal dress, including slimmer shapes like a column, sheath, mermaid, or A-line. So every ball gown is an evening gown, but not every evening gown is a ball gown. Which is right for you depends on the event and your style, and your stylist can help you try both.

Do you carry plus size ball gowns?

Yes. Sizes 0 to 24, and because our designers construct the gown for you, every gown here is available in your size. Our stylists know how to balance the bodice and the skirt so the gown flatters rather than overwhelms.

How far in advance should I shop for a ball gown?

The earlier, the better. Designer availability, special fabrics, colors, and custom details can all add time. We recommend shopping at least 4 months in advance, so you have the best selection, time for alterations, and a relaxed experience.

Where are you, and is there parking?

We’re at 2231 Crystal Drive, Suite 300, in Arlington, on the third floor above the Starbucks, in the same building as Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Reagan National Airport is one minute away, so we’re an easy stop. Monday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm. See directions and parking →

Lee Ronis

Great experience shopping for a dress for my son’s upcoming wedding. Everyone in the shop was helpful, friendly and very knowledgeable. The dress selection was terrific! They also carry a wonderful selection of casual and work clothing. Shout out to owner, Joel, for running such a beautiful shop with outstanding customer service.

Michelle Fishman

I had an amazing experience shopping at Crystal Boutique for my mother-of-the-groom dress! From the moment I walked in, the staff made me feel welcome and listened to what I was looking for. The selection is wonderful, and the customer service truly sets them apart. Annick was a fabulous help to find my dress! It was a bonus to go to a trunk show and meet the designer of my dress this past weekend!

lisa cohen

I had a wonderful experience at Crystal Boutique. Everyone was incredibly helpful and I loved the dresses and jewelry they helped me pick for my daughter’s wedding. I will definitely be visiting again as they have great choices and friendly, knowledgeable salespeople. Annick knew exactly what would be flattering on me and made shopping stress free.

Danielle Zehr

This is the best place ever. The service brings shopping to the next level.

Ann-Marie Johnson

For years, I have benefited from Joel's expertise. The investments I make in clothing from Crystal Boutique look great for years. Joel is a Maestro and leads a great team. Highly recommended for women of all body types who want to look great at any age.

Jody Wager

It is my pleasure to share a few words about my shopping experience at Crystal Boutique. It was my first venture out in search of the perfect dress for me to wear to my daughter's wedding and I am thrilled to say that it was also my last. The very first dress I tried on ended up being the one I chose. Thanks to Annick and Joel's keen observations and experience, I was provided many beautiful options and ultimately chose the dress that truly felt like me! The dress was made to order, so I had the pleasure of selecting the fabric of my choice and making some minor adjustments to better suit my style. The end result was simply perfect. I will share photos at a later date. For now, I am here to say thank you to all who made it a sweet and memorable experience. My sister and I had so much fun. With gratitude. Jody

Sandra Barrett

My experience is not complete, but so far, the staff has worked with me to my satisfaction.

Zoe Speas

Absolutely fabulous experience. Will return.

Alexia Usual

Tiggy was wonderful! We walked told her what the dress was for and the type we'd like and she found me options in a few minutes. I thought the dress shopping would take hours but she found us beautiful dresses in a few minutes and we were done. Everyone that works there was kind and helpful. I highly recommend them.

1900 K ST NW

The sales associate Tiggy was amazing! Not only did she find my sister the perfect dress, but she did so in records time! Tiggy and her associate Nikki was not short on compliments. Overall the experience was a 10/10.