By Natasha Sachi, Co-Founder of The Paravelle Ball
So you’ve stumbled across a post, a photo, or a whisper from a friend about Paravelle — a place where stories come alive, and where ordinary people step into extraordinary roles. And now you’re wondering: Can I really go to a fantasy ball? What would I even wear? Would I belong?
The answer is simple: yes.
You’re already part of the story.
Whether you're a long-time fantasy lover or just stepping into this world, here’s everything you need to know about attending your first Paravelle event — from costume tips to emotional preparation (yes, that’s a real thing!) — because the magic begins long before the night itself.
First things first: it’s completely normal to feel nervous.
Paravelle is big and beautiful, and walking into a fantasy world as your magical self can feel vulnerable — especially if you don’t know anyone (yet).
But here’s the truth: you will not be the only first-timer. Every single event welcomes new guests, and many come solo. The Paravelle community is one of open arms, soft hearts, and wildly creative spirits. You don’t need to have a character, a backstory, or a handmade gown. You just need curiosity.
You already belong here. Everything else comes after.
You can also join our wonderful discord community with over 2000 members who share their ideas on outfits, their favorite books, or share their artwork. Everyone's super friendly, and you'll also find information about our meetups and free events to go to in Los Angeles to make more magical friends. Its a growing, magical community unlike any other.
Here are a few ways to think about your look:
Each event has its own visual tone (like the enchanted courts of the Fae Revelry or the mythical heroes of Vanguard of Valor). Look to the event’s theme and Pinterest boards for inspiration. Pick a color palette or a vibe: ethereal, fae, royal, mystical, ancient.
We love a good closet cosplay. Got a flowy dress? A cloak? A bit of leftover fabric from your last sewing project? You’d be amazed what a little texture and a good silhouette can do. A lot of people find success in layering items they've found at the thrift store. I find that the best pieces to layer are timeless and don't have modern prints on them. Look for hand stitched details, embroidery, long flowing skirts or corsets.
One of our favorite parts is how people tell stories through accessories — an enchanted pendant, a ring from a lost love, a ribbon tied with meaning. These little touches breathe life into a look. For example with the Vanguard of Valor ball coming up in July, we have three different factions: The Legendary, The Mythic and The Unsung. The Legendary are associated with armor, but there are different ways that you could achieve an armored look, perhaps with layered necklaces to fake a gorget, or chain pauldrons to add to the nobility of the look. Mythic suggests loose fabrics and flowy sleeves, but could also be interpreted many different ways, a sea goddess might look different than say, an angel who might be adorned in feathers. With the Unsung, the key to achieving this look is with layers, a cloak or a wrap, a corset over flowing skirts to achieve the feeling of someone who travels often.
Some guests go full out — horns, armor, wings. Some go soft and simple. There’s no dress code beyond fantasy-adjacent — think “would I wear this to a royal masquerade in a fae-touched forest?” If the answer’s yes, you’re golden. But if you are lacking in these things and aren't ready to go all out fantasy, black tie evening wear is usually acceptable.
Some people arrive with a full character arc and others just come to dance. Either way, here are some fun ideas to help you feel immersed:
But here’s the secret: you don’t have to play a role to be magical. Just being present, open, and curious makes the night come alive. Paravelle specifically wants you to be the magical version of your authentic self, and bring fantasy to reality, rather than you simply escaping to another world for a time.
We design every Paravelle gathering to feel like stepping into a storybook — a night where fantasy meets friendship.
Here’s a glimpse at what your evening might hold when you attend a fantasy ball:
You can spend the evening forming new friendships in the candlelight. There’s no one way to experience the magic — it’s yours to shape.
So if you’ve been wondering whether you’re “fantasy enough” to attend…
You are.
Paravelle is a place for the all out fantasy lovers, the in-betweeners and those who are dipping their toes into the fantasy world for the first time. The ones who never quite outgrew the stories, who still believe in beauty, who crave connection in a world that often feels far too real.
And who knows?
This could be the beginning of your own legendary tale.
Our next event, Vanguard of Valor, arrives this July.
✨ Get tickets now before the portals close.
Have questions about costumes, characters, or coming alone? Drop us a message — or join the Paravelle Community on Instagram and Discord to connect with fellow adventurers.
The gates are open.
We’ll see you under starlight.
