What to Wear to a Gala: A Complete Guide to Gala Attire

You’ve been invited to a gala—how exciting! It’s the perfect chance to dress up, make a statement, and soak in all the elegance and glamour. Whether it’s a charity fundraiser, a work event, or a black-tie soirée, your outfit should not only match the vibe but also keep you comfortable throughout the evening. Here’s a quick guide to help you nail your look and enjoy the night in style!

What is a Gala?

A gala is a formal event, often held to celebrate a cause, honor achievements, or raise funds for a charity. Galas are synonymous with sophistication and style, usually at luxurious venues, with fancy dining and opportunities to network or socialize. Charity galas often have a theme (like black and white or casino night) so check the invitation to see if a specific shopping niche is in your future! 

How Formal is a Gala?

The formality of a gala depends on the specific event, but most are considered black-tie or formal. You can expect attendees at a black tie gala in floor-length gowns, tuxedos, and elegant cocktail dresses.

What is the Dress Code for a Gala?

The dress code will usually be specified on the invitation. Common codes include:

• Black-Tie: Tuxedos for men and floor-length gowns for women.
• Black-Tie Optional: A formal suit or tuxedo for men and long dresses or elegant cocktail dresses for women.
• Cocktail Attire: A slightly more relaxed yet polished dress code, typically including shorter dresses or dressy separates.

Can You Wear a Short Dress to a Gala?

Short dresses can be appropriate for galas with a cocktail attire dress code, but for black-tie or formal galas, opt for longer silhouettes like floor-length gowns. A short dress can appear underdressed in these settings, so choose a more traditional style when in doubt.

What Do You Wear to a “Cocktail Attire” Gala?

For a cocktail-attire gala, you can skip the full-length gown in favor of a sophisticated midi or knee-length dress. Think sleek silhouettes, structured fabrics, and understated elegance. Pair your look with heels, a chic clutch, and jewelry that adds just the right amount of sparkle.

What to Wear to a Gala: A Complete Guide to Gala Attire

Tips for Picking Your Gala Outfit

1. Consider Renting For a Night or Buying a Timeless Gown

If you’re unlikely to wear a formal gown again, renting a designer dress or tuxedo can be a cost-effective and sustainable option. Platforms like Rent the Runway or The Black Tux offer endless high-end choices without breaking the bank. 

If you attend multiple galas every year, it may be worth buying your gown. (I promise that no one will remember you’ve already worn it but you!) In that case, opt for a solid color in a rich shade (like black, navy, emerald or burgundy) in a timeless shape so you can wear it year after year. One perk to buying your own gown is that you can have it altered to fit you perfectly.

2. Follow the Dress Code

The dress code is your guiding light. Adhering to it not only ensures you fit the event’s tone but also helps you feel confident. Read the invitation and note any themes when shopping, if applicable.

3. Embrace Dramatic Dresses

Gala events are the perfect time to go bold with your outfit. Opt for dresses with dramatic details like voluminous skirts, intricate beading, or statement-making silhouettes.

4. Opt for Long Gowns

For black-tie galas, a floor-length gown or one with a subtle train will always look elegant and event-appropriate. These styles exude sophistication and are timeless choices.

5. Choose the Right Accessories

Elevate your look with thoughtfully chosen accessories:

• Jewelry: Sparkling, oversized earrings or a statement necklace work wonders.
• Clutch: A small, elegant clutch complements your outfit without overwhelming it.
• Shoes: Stick to heels or dressy flats for comfort and elegance. Metallic or neutral tones are versatile options.

What to Avoid when Dressing for a Gala

While it’s essential to know what to wear, it’s equally important to avoid common missteps:

1. Underdressing

Galas are formal events, so avoid casual or semi-casual attire. Leave jeans, sundresses, and everyday wear at home.

2. Short Dresses

While cocktail dresses are acceptable for cocktail-attire galas, a black-tie event calls for longer hemlines.

3. Anything Too Revealing

While glamour is encouraged, keep it classy. Avoid overly plunging necklines, excessive cutouts, or outfits that feel more nightclub than a gala.

4. Overly Casual Fabrics

Skip fabrics like jersey, denim, or cotton. Instead, choose luxurious materials like silk, satin, velvet, or lace.

5. Large Bags or Purses

Stick to a small clutch or evening bag. Oversized totes and casual crossbodies clash with formal attire.

Alright, let’s get into the fun part – shopping! 

The Best Gowns for a Gala

Rental Gowns

While Rent the Runway has some amazing dresses, most of them are from years past and can’t be purchased by most retailers anymore. The good news is that RTR does allow you to purchase the dresses directly from them if you’d rather own it than rent it!

Sabina Musayev Sivian Dress

This Sivian Dress from Rent the Runway would be such a fun option to borrow for a gala. I love the drapey metallic material and blouse bodice for a fun, cutting-edge look. Metallic colors like this are hard to wear for other events since they read so formal, making them fun for black-tie events like galas.

Dea Kudibal Flornette Dress

This Flornette dress is a great gala option because of the silk blend material. The dramatic shoulder makes this simple black dress so much more interesting. While this gown doesn’t graze the floor, the material and silhouette are formal enough for a gala.

Kay Unger Vivienne Walk Thru Gown

I love this colorblock Vivienne Walk Thru Gown from Rent the Runway. Black is always flattering near the face since it works on all skin tones, and the mauve-pink tone is such a tasteful, feminine touch on the bottom of the gown. The strapless silhouette is sophisticated and elegant.

Caroline Constas Renya Navy Dress

I have always been drawn to dresses by Caroline Costas. Her styles are formal, but they have such a feminine, playful feel. This Renya dress is a great example: the length is formal (as is the off-the-shoulder look), but the dainty statement bow gives it such a cute detail – along with the “gathered” style of the bow.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Mirhilt Gown

It’s hard to beat the classic look of a Lauren Ralph Lauren dress. This Mirhilt gown is ideal for someone with toned arms since the high neckline draws your eyes to the face and arms! The rest of the gown is simple and gorgeous in its own right. I’d pair this with a statement clutch to add more interest – and be sure to wear great earrings!

Hutch Monet Dress

Hutch is another brand I gravitate towards for formal dresses because of their bright, happy colorways. This Monet Dress would be a fun option for a gala. The pink and purple hues work for almost all seasons (I might opt for something a little brighter for summer, but I’d wear this for every other month), and the strapless fit adds to the glam.

Gowns to Buy

Staud Black and Navy Liya Dress

How fun is this Black and Navy Liya Dress by STAUD? I love the mix of the gathered jersey in the bodice and sheer organza for the skirt. The strapless fit can be styled easily with fun earrings and a great clutch. The dress itself has a lot of interest, but the black colorway makes it classic.

Sachin & Babi Chelsea One-Shoulder Gown

I was drawn to the light blue colorway in this Sachin & Babi gown. The one-shoulder look is a classic style for a gala, and it leaves a few options for fun up-do hairstyles. The satin-charmeuse gown lays elegantly and the large bow detail gives it such great interest.

A.L.C. Inez Funnel Neck Gown

If you’re willing to splurge a bit, this Inez Funnel Neck Gown is absolutely stunning. The single ruched side detail is ultra flattering and provides such interesting texture to this drapey funnel-neck gown. I love that it’s navy since that’s a great color to wear over and over again. It’s also different than most gowns I see people wear, which makes it another really great investment. This would be the perfect dress for you if you’re tall and lean.

Betsy & Adam Cascade Ruffle Off the Shoulder Mermaid Gown

I love this strapless Cascade Ruffle Off the Shoulder Mermaid Gown so much. It’s simple and classic, but the ruffle detail down the skirt adds a fun detail and bit of interest. You could go a few ways in terms of accessories for this dress, but I love the idea of keeping things simple with metallic shoes and earrings – and maybe a dramatic clutch.

Alfred Sung Bow Detail Strapless Satin Twill Column Gown

I’ve become obsessed with bows in the last year, so this Bow Detail Strapless Satin Twill Column Gown is calling my name. It comes in light pink and black– I’d opt for black in the cold months but definitely wear the pink in spring and summer. The strapless silhouette is formal and sleek, and the playful bow adds a feminine touch. I appreciate that there’s a slit in the back for easy navigation too.

If you love this look but need something a touch more affordable, this Petal & Pup Betina dress is a great alternative.

Tuckernuck Black Dupioni Esme Dress

This Black Dupioni Esme Dress from Tuckernuck is a great example of an appropriate dress for a gala that calls for cocktail attire. The length is shorter than a black-tie gown, but the material is still formal and the silhouette is classic. I love that it’s sleeveless because it works well for all seasons – although I might opt for something in a brighter color if the gala falls in the summer.

Final Thoughts

Dressing for a gala is about embracing elegance and sophistication while staying true to the event’s tone. By following the dress code, choosing timeless styles, and accessorizing thoughtfully, you’ll feel confident and perfectly attired for the occasion. Whether you’re in a sweeping floor-length gown or a polished cocktail dress, let your outfit make a statement that matches the glamour of the evening.

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