Hello Nanoose,

It completely depends on the Ball actually. Vienna is extremely traditional and out of all places in Europe they still maintain a formal structure that is somewhat unknown to outsiders. I have only been to Vienna for one winter ball and I attend each year for Opera Season but most events tend to be very formal and executed without flaw. If you're invited then I would assume this isn't the first event of this type that you are attending. You'll have a fantastic time and it will probably be one of the most memorable experienced of your life. Watch out for the Bavarian women, they take over the scene and usually get nasty looks from the Viennese. Have a great time!

Thanks Phipps. I am going to the coffehouse ball at the imperial palace. It's one of the larger balls and I was wondering if I needed a more traditional ball gown or if a regular long black sheeth (easy to pack and accessorize) will do. Thanks.

Hello Nanoose!
As the "Kaffeesiederball" is taking place at the Hofburg in Vienna tomorrow, I suppose you have already arrived. Generally spoken, you could wear the long black sheeth at almost every ball (as long as it's full-length) here, furthermore it is easy to dress up with some accessoires, so in my opinion its a good choice. Enjoy the night and your stay!

The ball was fabulous and the velvet sheath worked well. There were about 5,000 people at the ball, so 2,500 gorgeous gowns to look at. My waltzing was rusty but luckily, the ballroom was filled to capacity so it was hard to determine how rusty I actually was!