Fortunately, there are a few remaining soirees that are just too high brow for reality stars and their ubiquitous camera crews, and the Washington National Opera's annual season opening gala is one of them.
A tasteful dusting of VIP's from the political, media, and philanthropic worlds turned out at the Kennedy Center Saturday night for Verdi's "Un Ballo in Maschera", better known by its English title, "A Masked Ball."
During the intermission, I spotted newly minted Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan enjoying a girly chat with her "date" for the evening, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The usually staid Justice Kagan channeled "Mad Men" glam in a retro chic black cocktail dress with slits in the sleeve accessorized with elegant diamond earrings at her first major Washington event since joining the highest Court in the land.
Who are you wearing tonight?
"I don't know. I just got this today!"
Bravo for your entrée and pretending not to take fashion too seriously!
Justice Ginsburg wasn't too bad either, in her charming lace opera gloves. (See more of her signature handwear here.)
In keeping with the masked theme, the WNO held its first masquerade ball in well over a decade at the Italian Embassy following the performance.
According to Christina Scheppelmann, the WNO's Director of Artistic Operations, masks are a centuries old fashion accessory that can add instant panache and vitality to the usual conservative ball attire so often seen in Washington.
From the traditional Venetian to feathers and sequins, I saw about every variety and hope that it won't be another ten odd years before another masked ball invite comes my way.
One last tip: If you are wearing a mask to a party or with your Halloween costume this fall, remember to think about your hair and makeup before you get dressed.
Washington stylist Madeline Wade says that hair should be sleek or pulled back so as to not distract from your mask and eyes should be (what else?) extra dramatic.