Don't be tardy for the party season

Sloane Brown's guide to the biggest and best events of Baltimore's fall social season

Dine: Food stations manned by local chefs in a culinary competition; open bar.

Superlative: Widest mix of people.

Tickets: $250. missiontix.com or 410-962-8565.

The Holly Ball

When: 7 p.m. Dec. 14

Benefits: Gilchrist Hospice Care

What: An honest-to-gosh ball. Begun by Patricia Modell, the ball this year is dedicated to her and fellow Gilchrist supporter, Bill Pitcher. Some 700-800 formally clad guests — many in designer gowns — will fill the mezzanine of the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront for the cocktail hour, before the doors to the ballroom open. Modell wanted guests to simply enjoy an elegant evening of fun. So there's just a seated dinner and dance music provided by the Michael Carney Orchestra from New York.

See: Folks who have come to past balls include Sinclair Broadcasting's David and Jane Smith, H&S Bakeries' John Paterakis, St. John Properties' Ed St. John and former Maryland Education Secretary Nancy Grasmick and her husband, Grasmick Lumber's Lou Grasmick.

Be seen: Black tie and gowns. This is the time to play dress-up to the max. No holds barred. Chances are, there will be someone more glammed-out than you.

Dine: Hors d'oeuvres, seated dinner, open bar.

Superlative: Most old-fashioned (in a good way).

Tickets: $350. gilchristhospice.org or 443-849-8245.

Styles

Shoot: Elizabeth Massing, photographed by Algerina Perna on Sept. 11. Styling by Sloane Brown. Hair by Susan Heydt, THE Artist Agency.

Looks:

For a cocktail or black-tie affair: Black Haute Hippie halter cocktail dress, $695, Jones & Jones. Jimmy Choo stilettos, $498 on sale, Ruth Shaw. Ivanka Trump earrings, $4,400, and bracelet, $12,000; all Radcliffe Jewelers. Shoes are model's own.

For a sophisticated out-on-the town event: Rag & Bone bronze and black jodhpur, $350, blazer, $545, and T-shirt, $255; Below The Belt waist-cincher, $218; all Ruth Shaw. Michael Kors heels, $265, Handbags in the City. H. Stern Hera Collection earrings, $2,800, and necklace, $13,300, all Radcliffe Jewelers. Elena Canter cuff bracelet, $460, Jones & Jones.

For a rock n' roll bash: Paprika Helmut Lang dress, $295; Jimmy Choo booties, $1,295; all Ruth Shaw. Roberto Coin earrings, $11,800; John Hardy hinge cuff, $1,995; David Yurman sterling-and-ceramic bracelet, $4,750, and sterling bracelet, $4,200; all Radcliffe Jewelers.

For a dressed-up casual party: Sanctuary Buddha tunic, $90, and jeans, $154; Michael Kors Fagan sandals, $295; Diane von Furstenberg Carolina bag, $345; all Handbags in the City. Hammered gold hoops, $95, Jones & Jones. Elizabeth Locke bracelet, $12,300, Radcliffe Jewelers.

The model: Elizabeth Massing, 37, of Roland Park, is the director of human resources for Agora Inc. Her own list of not-to-miss events this fall includes Maritime Magic, The Walters pARTy, One Night One Show One Cause, An Evening of Celebrity Fashion and Fun, and LUX.

Stores

Jones & Jones, 5100 Falls Road in the Village of Cross Keys; 410-532-9645; jonesandjones1970.com

Ruth Shaw, 2100 Falls Road in the Village of Cross Keys; 410-532-7886; ruthshawinc.com

Handbags in the City, 840 Aliceanna St., Harbor East; 410-528-1443; handbagsinthecity.com

Radcliffe Jewelers, 1848 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville; 825 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson; 800-487-0309; radcliffejewelers.com