The odd good wine is served first for those going to the ball (5)
I believe the answer is:
gowns
'those going to the ball' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'the odd good wine is served first' is the wordplay.
'the odd' indicates alternate letters.
'is served first' becomes 's' (1st letter of 'served').
'good'+'wine'='goodwine'
The alternating letters of 'goodwine' are 'gown'.
'gown'+'s'='GOWNS'
'for' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for gowns that I've seen before include "Long flowing dresses for women" , "academic gear" , "formal attire" , "Scholars' robes" , "Theatre outfits" .)