What to Wear to a Gala
Sophie Diego
Table of Contents
We typically fantasize about our best selves dressed up for fancy occasions. It’s a dangerous pastime—especially for shopaholics.
Our collective imagination usually envisions a scenic castle, a Swarovski chandelier, and a live orchestra playing near the refreshments table. Of course, our dancing partner is a handsome prince or princess that’s eager to pop the question.
If by some miracle, you were invited to one of these lavish soirées, you’d probably be wondering what to wear to a gala. It’s a black–tie event, meaning that it requires a fancy set of attire.
From ball gowns to tailored tuxedos, there are various interpretations of formalwear. It may feel like there’s a limited selection—but trust me—there are hundreds of iconic looks to consider.
For those gearing up for the Met Gala or for a Cinderella-themed ball, we’ll show you what to wear to a gala using 10 outfit ideas. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll pick up on a few things, including:
- What to wear to a gala event
- What to wear to a gala male
- What to wear to a gala female
- Do’s and don’ts regarding formal wear
What Makes Up a Gala Outfit?
A classic gala outfit includes a pair of jeans, a simple tee, and sneakers—just kidding. Unless you’re a mover and shaker in fashion, this special event enforces a strict dress code.
Tuxedos, blazers, button-ups, and ballgowns are typically required for formal soirées. For shoes, most invitees opt for heels and Italian loafers.
If you need an excuse to buy that pretty pink ball gown, now is the time to do it. These particular events celebrate fantasy, so you’re more than welcome to adopt that Cinderella look.
It’s worth noting that some galas are themed, so it’s best to brief yourself on the appropriate dress code before settling on a dress.
History of the Gala
Simply put, a gala is a formal dance party. It’s an extravagant occasion that’s been hosted by several high-profile names in the past.
Given its simple definition, we couldn’t pinpoint the history of the event itself, but we can draw assumptions from the word’s etymology.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first known use of ‘gala’ was in the late 1700s. This was during the French rococo period, in which Louis XIV threw lavish parties for the gentry.
Naturally, galas would continue to be a necessity for rulers and decision–makers over the years. Today, this particular event is traditionally associated with the Met Gala.
Considered a fundraiser to help support the Costume Institute, it’s an exclusive party that’s chaired or co-chaired by the legendary Anna Wintour. Several celebs have walked the Met’s red carpet, including Blake Lively, Shawn Mendes, and Katy Perry.
10 Outfit Ideas for a Gala
When it comes to lavish galas, the ‘who is she?’ moment is what most invitees aspire to achieve. Those unfamiliar with your name will be drawn to your air of mystery and allure.
Naturally, the only way to accomplish this is to wear a jaw–dropping ball gown.
Considered a main contender in our ‘what to wear to a gala’ guide, this is a gorgeous pink puff dress made by Selkie. The off-the-shoulder sleeves paired with a tulle skirt do wonders for this dress, giving the entire look a sort of ‘airy-ness.’
Considered queen of fairy–like ballgowns, Teuta Matoshi manages to translate fantasy into real-life works of art. This stunning dress is no exception, as it features a flurry of star-spangled black tulle from top to bottom.
The fit and flare silhouette will flatter almost any shape, which is partially thanks to the fitted bodice. Accentuated with a matching cape, it’s the kind of look that screams ‘lady of the night.’
This ‘what to wear to a gala’ guide highly recommends topping things off with black stilettos and matching gloves.
Leading ladies in action films typically don a gorgeous black dress during a sting operation. This sultry number features a puff-style bustier, off-shoulder sleeves, a dramatic skirt, and a less-than-conservative thigh slit.
Obviously, it’s not the most fighter-friendly OOTD for battles, but it’ll do the job of seducing the target. Best paired with diamond jewelry and sky–high stilettos, don’t be surprised if you garner the attention of James Bond himself.
A good majority of gala outfit ideas entail dresses and tuxedos exclusively. Of course, not all of us are comfortable with either option, which is why we thought to include a fancy jumpsuit.
Composed of a slim–fit one–piece, this gorgeous number features a plunging neckline, wide-legged pants, and gold trimming. Assumably worn with high heels, this clean look keeps things simple and comfortable for the night.
Considered another contender for anti–dress trendsetters, this matching set features a blazer, a bustier-style top, fitted pants, and a pair of black stilettos.
Obviously, not all galas permit cropped silhouettes as part of their dress code, but you can easily swap this out for a blouse or a button-up shirt.
The tasseled earrings help to elevate the entire look, doing wonders by highlighting the décolletage.
Tired of the ol’ black and white penguin suit? Thankfully, fashion has evolved to a point where gender-fluid clothing is permissible in formalwear.
If you’re looking to showcase some ‘jazz’ at your city soirée, we recommend this bold number.
It features a white blazer, tailored trousers, and an interesting floral mesh detailing on the pants. The diamond brooch helps to tie the whole look together, as it breaks the monotony of complete white.
This ‘what to wear to a gala’ guide recommends swapping out the boots for loafers instead.
You can never go wrong with a classy black suit. Tailored to perfection, this stunning number from Ralph Lauren showcases the beauty of clean-cut lines. The blazer paired with the trousers looks undeniably sophisticated.
The turtleneck is considered a deviation from the typical button-up top, but it acts as a refreshing break from the stiff, uptight nature of collared shirts. Complemented with loafers, it’s a traditional look that will never go out of style.
This outfit is giving me Bridgerton vibes—that is, if velvet was popular during the regency era. Offered in royal blue, this matching set is comprised of a double-breasted blazer, fitted pants, a turtleneck, and a decorative cravat for some extra spice.
If anything, it’s considered a more modern take on the traditional gentlemen’s suit. It’s a great contender for fancy parties, especially for those wondering what to wear to a gala.
In need of some VIP treatment? If so, this regal outfit will definitely turn some heads at the party.
Composed of a gold blazer, matching pants, a black trench coat, and a white button-up shirt, this look is exclusively reserved for high-profile invitees and hosts.
The decorative brooch exudes a ‘kingly’ attitude if you’re not fond of crowns. The shoes also feature a bejeweled accent, in case you need some extra bling.
Timothée Chalamet knows how to rock a suit. If you’re wondering what to wear to a gala, we highly recommend this jaw-dropper.
With a gray blazer, fitted pants, and a pair of black loafers, he keeps things relatively simple for the red carpet.
Instead of opting for the usual button-up shirt and tie, Chalamet chose a unique silk top underneath. The folds of the fabric give off a cowl neckline effect, which is emblematic of the classic evening gown.
What Types of Gala Outfits Can You Get?
The traditional gala dress code usually calls for tuxes, fancy jumpsuits, and ballgowns. To the novice trendsetter, it’s quite a limited selection of options. But if you were to ask an experienced fashionista, this is a unique opportunity to try out different looks.
For those still uncertain about what to wear to a gala, don’t worry—we’ve got your back. We’ll discuss some common trends that are worth considering.
- The Cinderella ballgown: Unless you’re blessed with a fairy godmother, we recommend shopping at Selkie or Teuta Matoshi for your dream dress. Think of poofy silhouettes and lots of tulles.
- The James Bond number: In the mood for something sultry? If so, we highly suggest a slinky LBD with a thigh slit.
- The fancy jumpsuit: If you’re not one to sport dresses, you can always count on the good ol’ jumpsuit. Try to find a number that features interesting details or a unique fabric swatch.
- The penguin suit: Considered the go-to for many invitees, you can never go wrong with a black matching set and a white button-up shirt.
- The Vogue suit: This category includes anything that deviates from the traditional penguin suit. This may entail velvet numbers, prints, patterns, and added decals.
- Turtlenecks instead of button-ups: If you hate the stiff nature of a collared shirt, you can easily swap it out with a slim-fit turtleneck.
How to Choose the Best Gala Outfit
Choosing the best gala outfit can be simplified by changing your shopping methods. Compared to casual parties, this particular event requires weeks (if not months) of planning.
If you’re just getting started, we’ll discuss a few factors to consider when you’re shopping. This includes looking into material quality, comfort, design, and price.
Brand research is a must, given that you’ll want to look expensive. This is the time to seriously consider designer labels since Prabal Gurung, Teuta Matoshi, and Vera Wang are all known to make a mean ballgown or tuxedo.
They typically use premium fabrics, ranging from jacquard, wool, chiffon, and silk. Intricately stitched and tailored to perfection, there’s a reason why most trendsetters gravitate towards luxury companies instead of bargain shops.
Comfort relates to performance, material quality, and how you feel. At the end of the day, you don’t want to settle for an itchy or tight-fitting outfit.
On the other hand, you shouldn’t have to settle for a super sexy LBD if it’s outside of your comfort zone. Plus, it’s important to consider your personal aesthetic as well as your needs while shopping.
In terms of design, we encourage invitees to consider the theme of the gala. Some soirées call for masquerades, regency attire, Victorian dress, or even The Great Gatsby-themed fashion.
As a general rule of thumb, you shouldn’t show up to a Disney-themed soirée wearing a revealing black gown. It’s worth noting that most galas have social media, so you can take a look at their accounts and brief yourself on appropriate beforehand.
As previously stated, designer brands are typically recommended for high-profile events. That said, don’t let us discourage you from finding other affordable options.
If you can’t purchase a Versace or Ralph Lauren number, we suggest making your seamstress your best friend. Fit is everything when it comes to formalwear, as you can easily make a $100 suit look expensive by opting for bespoke tailoring.
It’s worth noting that invitees can also consider renting out their outfits. Some companies, such as Rent the Runway, offer discounted prices on designer clothing. It’s a great alternative to have if you can’t afford tailoring or buying the item full-price.
How to Style a Gala Outfit
Accessories can make or break an outfit. This is especially true for fancy soirées, as it’s the perfect time to show off your best assets.
For those in need of more fashion inspo, this what to wear to a gala guide will share some styling tips to help you finesse your final fit.
- Gloves: Whether they’re silk, satin, or chiffon, elbow-length gloves are typically worn for formal events. If you intend on wearing a ring, we suggest placing it over the gloves.
- Jewelry: This includes maximalist or minimalist pieces. It’s worth noting that plain dresses work well with showy jewelry. Obviously, this styling tip can also be reversed for bolder outfits.
- Cravats: Tired of ties? If so, why not opt for an old-fashioned cravat? Designed to provide some dimension to your entire look, it offers a ‘pigeon-shaped’ silhouette to help puff out your chest.
- Clutch bags: Crossbody purses may distort the shape of your gala outfit. As a better alternative, we recommend swapping out your Prada Re-edition 2005 bag for a Bottega Veneta pouch instead.
- Boutonnieres: Typically worn for weddings, this decorative bouquet can help brighten up the stark look of a tuxedo.
- Heels & Italian shoes: This styling tip is a no-brainer—unless you’re attending a sneaker gala ball.
Fashion Tips to Avoid With a Gala Outfit
As previously mentioned, galas enforce a strict dress code. There are lots of do’s and don’ts to consider in regards to outfit coordination, which is why it’s important to plan your look months in advance.
Unless you believe that there’s no such thing as bad publicity, here are some fashion tips to avoid with gala outfits.
- Athleisure: Sweatpants, sports bras, sneakers, and hoodies are not allowed at formal events.
- Casualwear: This includes various aesthetics such as hypebeast and traditional streetwear. If you’re in need of some examples, this entails jeans, plain T-shirts, flip-flops, bomber jackets, and more.
- Extreme dress trains: Unless you’re fine with people stepping on your gown, we recommend keeping your dress at a reasonable length.
- Cocktail dresses: Most galas require full-coverage attire. Of course, this doesn’t extend to pieces that show a sliver of skin.
- Bags: It’s worth noting that this doesn’t include clutches. Crossbody purses, backpacks, and satchels are not usually worn to fancy parties.
- The ‘I didn’t get the memo’ look: As a final reminder, it’s important to consider the theme of the gala before settling on an outfit. Trust me, you don’t want to attend a The Great Gatsby party wearing a regency dress.
How to Take Care of a Gala Outfit
So you just spent $3,000 on a designer gown. With a garment so expensive, it’s best to preserve its quality to ensure continued wear.
For those in need of some cleaning tips, this what to wear to a gala guide will provide some info in regards to care and maintenance.
- Bring a microfiber cloth and a laundry pen: In case of accidental stains, we recommend bringing a couple of emergency tools to the party.
- Consider a garment bag: For storage, formalwear is best kept in a concealed case. This helps to prevent dust accumulation.
- Dry cleaning: Most designer outfits need to be dry cleaned. It’s important to read the laundry tag to prevent any misunderstandings.
Best Places to Buy a Gala Outfit
It’s only natural for this ‘what to wear to a gala’ guide to end off with a few store recommendations. So, here are some notable places to shop for formalwear.
- Selkie
- Teuta Matoshi
- Moda Operandi
- SSENSE
- Indochino
- Rent the Runway
Final Thoughts
Galas bring an interesting mix of excitement and worry. On the one hand, they involve a scenic night of dancing, orchestral music, and gourmet food.
On the other hand, the question of ‘what do I wear?’ can seem to overtake your mind. Sure, events like these require a strict dress code, but it’s relatively easy to follow if you know the general basics of formalwear.
After viewing the 10 outfits we featured, here’s to hoping that you know what to wear to a gala. Now, it’s time to put together a formal look that’ll dazzle the other guests. A
s we learned, there are different variations of the typical ball gown and tuxedo, which gives you the freedom to create a look that is totally ‘you.’
Looking for more styling tips? We’ve got you covered:
What to Wear to a Formal Wedding
What to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner
