Things To Do

Ballroom Emporium

5-6 The Plain, Oxford, OX4 1AS, GB

Rating: 4.6 ★ (186 ratings)

Details

At 5-6 The Plain, you'll find the Ballroom Emporium, a long-established Oxford institution that has been providing elegant attire since 1984. This treasure trove is brimming with new prom and evening dresses, alongside men's formalwear available for both hire and purchase, including black and white tie options. Stepping inside reveals a well-stocked vintage clothing department, with fresh items appearing daily, ensuring there's always something new to discover. Whether you're preparing for a college ball, a wedding, or a themed event, their extensive collection caters to a multitude of special occasions. The shop's window displays are renowned for their eye-catching and beautiful dresses, hinting at the fairytale experience within.

Known for its knowledgeable and friendly staff, the Ballroom Emporium offers a personalised shopping experience, assisting with fittings and even detailed alterations. Beyond the impressive array of ballgowns and suits, the store also features a costume department, perfect for theatrical productions or fancy dress, and even offers vintage furniture. This independent boutique is celebrated for its wide selection of both vintage and contemporary pieces, with customers often praising the reasonable prices and the flexibility of being able to buy or hire. For decades, it has been a go-to destination in Oxford for anyone seeking unique, high-quality formal wear and a touch of vintage charm.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Saturday: 9:15 AM – 5:45 PM; Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM

Contact

+44 1865 202303

Comments

Lorraine Jackson
19 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
29/06/23
I hadn't visited this amazing place in quite a while until today.

It was so lovely to be remembered and greeted by familiar faces too! I also had the pleasure of meeting new members of staff who were extremely friendly and enthusiastic in what they do.
Their knowledge of the Vintage fashion, accessories, available stock and advice was very impressive and reassuring. Particularly when it came to choosing sizes, measurements, alternative options colours and designs.
An absolutely credit to the business.

With my deadline looming for an event and especially at their peak time of the year what with College Balls, Graduations and special annual occasions, it was pot luck as to what was left to choose from.

However panic was averted when my assigned Assistant reassured me she could make the necessary alterations to my own full length sequin dress in just a couple of days!

I was absolutely thrilled at the suggestion and the inexpensive upfront cost involved.

There is a very flexible option to buy or hire many lines of clothing that cater for every festive celebration all year round.

It's impossible to ignore the bargain sale rails and baskets outside where you can usually find a unique and one off piece to enhance your wardrobe too.

I always look forward to visiting Belinda, Suzanne and the team and highly recommend you do the same!
Kimberley Costar
30 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
An absolute gem of a shop! We visited a week ago to try on prom dresses (via appointment), they have so many dresses. So many styles and colours with a wide and affordable price range. We had a 1:1 slot with Susanne who was kind, attentive and honest. We found the perfect dress and booked for alterations through the team, there was no pressure to book this with them however we felt so confident in their skills we wanted to do so. Carol was great at giving advice for the fittings appointment.
We visited again today for our alterations, we felt incredibly welcome, the team remembered us and the seamstress was wonderful! We’re looking forward to collecting in a couple of weeks.
Brod Unwin
29 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
My experience at the Ballroom Emporium was absolutely wonderful. I am very tall, so finding a tailcoat to fit was always going to be an uphill battle, but the staff were extremely attentive and dedicated a huge amount of time and effort to find one that might fit. Against all odds, they managed to pull it off! I will certainly be going back anytime I need to buy or hire formal wear!
Zahra Pearce
12 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
I went to the Ballroom Emporium on Monday and I can confidently say that the staff were nothing short of attentive, friendly and helpful. The prom dress I got me and my mum weren’t too sure about on the hanger but we were convinced to try it on and I fell in love with it. Thank you for an amazing dress and experience xx
Heewon Yoon
7 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
Had an amazing experience! The staff are super friendly, professional, and they recommend the best dress for me for Oxford ball! It was a magical experience and I highly recommend this is the right place to go if you want to get advice or find the best ball gown. They have loads of beautiful ball gowns available and recommend design suitable to your body and provide hemming service too! I received so many compliments during the ball that photographer even asked for a photoshoot, all thanks to ballroom staff members! Highly recommend!!! 💙

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