What to wear to a gala no matter what the dress code

If you’ve been invited to a gala, it can be tricky to figure out the perfect outfit to wear. Whether you’re heading to a charity event, or maybe an awards dinner, this article has the perfect choices if you’re busy planning what to wear to a gala.

What is a gala?

First of all, what exactly is a gala? Well, it’s a formal event that usually involves some entertainment and a dinner. You might, for example be heading to a charity gala that features a fundraising auction, or maybe an awards event.

Embrace the opportunity to get dressed up

Whatever the reason for the event, a gala is a great opportunity to get dressed up and embrace the glamour of the occasion. This is your chance to have some fun with style!

What is the dress code?

While all galas tend to be formal, they don’t all have the same dress code. Take a look at your invitation to see what it says. Below are some of the options.

White tie

White tie is the most formal attire, so you’ll have to take extra special care if it says this on your invitation. In this case, a floor length dress is the best option.

Sandra @lapecosapreciosa above looks beautiful in her metallic asymmetric dress.

Get her look with this similar sequin dress (other options here and here), sandals and hoop earrings.

Black tie

This gives you a little more leeway when it comes to what you wear. You can choose a long dress, cocktail dress, a jumpsuit, or even a pants suit.

Lizzy @whatlizzyloves above (read her style interview here) opts for a dress that combines the look of a shorter dress and a maxi dress, thanks to the lace styling.

Steal her look with this similar lace dress (another option here), sandals and clutch.

Cocktail attire

In this case, you will probably prefer to wear a shorter dress length, at the knee or a midi length rather than a long option.

Sheree @shesheshow above shows how you could opt for a dress with a high-low hem.

Recreate her outfit with this similar wrap dress (another option here), sandals and earrings.

Themed dress code

Perhaps your gala has a dress code, or a theme. Think about the world famous Met Gala – there’s a new theme each year. If there is a theme, then have fun with it.

Souri @fabfemme_australia above (read her style interview here) shows off a look that would be perfect for a daytime gala, or a day at the races.

Check out this top (other options here and here) that you can wear with this similar skirt (another option here), pumps, handbag and fascinator.

Can you wear pants to a gala?

Don’t feel constrained to a dress if you are more comfortable in pants. You could opt for a wide, palazzo style, a pants suit or a tuxedo jacket.

Wendy @fashionoverfifty.wendy above shows how you could dress up a classic black suit.

Steal her look with this similar shirt, blazer, pants, sandals, clutch, brooch and belt.

what to wear to a gala

Now let’s move onto some specific outfit choices for your gala event.

dresses and jumpsuits

A dress is the most classic choice for a formal gala, but a jumpsuit is also a great choice. The overlay jumpsuit (below) combines the look of a dress and a jumpsuit. Metallic shades will add a touch of glamour, while red will get you noticed.

Eliza J Off the Shoulder 3D Floral Sleeve Scuba Crepe Evening Dress – COS The Silk Scarf Dress – COS The V-Neck Linen Maxi Dress – Adrianna Papell Colorblocked Overlay Jumpsuit

COS The Silk Scarf Dress – Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump – Olga Berg Gabby Metallic Hot Fix Crystal Clutch – Ettika Crystal Drop Earrings

Jackets and wraps

Depending on the weather, and whether you want to cover your upper arms, you will want a jacket or cover-up. A blazer is always a smart choice. To elevate your blazer look, opt for a tuxedo style. Or try a dramatic cover up like the tulle blazer (below), which has the look of a jacket and a skirt, so would look good over pants.

If you only want to cover your upper arms, wear a shawl, scarf or wrap.

There are more stylish cover-up ideas in this article on how to cover up a formal dress.

Alice + Olivia Denny Crystal Trim Blazer – AZALEA WANG Mixed Media Blazer – Alice + Olivia Everly Tulle Blazer – Ted & Jack Lightweight Accent Scarf

AZALEA WANG Mixed Media Blazer – GRACE KARIN Sequin Tank Top – The Drop Maya Silky Slip Skirt – Steve Madden Elina Crystal Bow Ballet Flat – Olga Berg Gabby Metallic Hot Fix Crystal Clutch – SAVVY CIE JEWELS Halo Stud Earrings

tops

If you’re opting for separates, what top should you choose? Well, because separates can look more casual than a dress, make sure you choose a really special top. Look out for luxurious fabrics, draping, glamorous shapes, and sequins. You could choose a white shirt and elevate your look with statement jewelry.

Vince Slim Silk Blouse – KOBI HALPERIN Mila Sleeveless Stretch Silk Blouse – Reformation Ronda Asymmetric Neck Silk Top – GRACE KARIN Sequin Tank Top

Reformation Ronda Asymmetric Neck Silk Top – Alice + Olivia Crystal Trim Dylan Pants – Calvin Klein Fairy Ankle Strap Sandal – Olga Berg Ellie Crystal Mesh Bag – Nordstrom Cubic Zirconia Baguette Drop Earrings

pants and skirts

If you’re choosing a pair of pants or a skirt to go with your top, then a pair of wide leg pants are a glamorous choice. You can see why in our article on the best wide leg pants and how to wear them.

When it comes to choosing skirts, look for silk, satin, sequins, and a maxi or below the knee length.

Alice + Olivia Dylan Bootcut Pants – Alice + Olivia Crystal Trim Dylan Pants – The Drop Maya Silky Slip Skirt – Karen Millen Disc Sequin Maxi Skirt

Alice + Olivia Everly Tulle Blazer – KOBI HALPERIN Mila Sleeveless Stretch Silk Blouse – Alice + Olivia Dylan Bootcut Pants – Steve Madden Elina Crystal Bow Ballet Flat – Nina Billow Art Deco Frame Clutch – SAVVY CIE JEWELS Halo Stud Earrings

shoes to wear to a gala

Heels are always a classic choice. Choose metallics, neutral shades, or pick shoes that match your dress. If you think you’ll be uncomfortable being on your feet during the event, you could choose a pair of glamorous flats instead.

Steve Madden Elina Crystal Bow Ballet Flat – Calvin Klein Fairy Ankle Strap Sandal – Jewel Badgley Mischka Christen Block Heel Sandal – Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump

Alice + Olivia Denny Crystal Trim Blazer – COS The V-Neck Linen Maxi Dress – Jewel Badgley Mischka Christen Block Heel Sandal – Olga Berg Ellie Crystal Mesh Bag – SAVVY CIE JEWELS Halo Stud Earrings

accessories

Accessories always elevate any outfit, but they are particularly important when you are creating an outfit for a special occasion. You will want a clutch bag to fit in your essentials. Then choose statement earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

Olga Berg Ellie Crystal Mesh Bag – Olga Berg Gabby Metallic Hot Fix Crystal Clutch – Nina Billow Art Deco Frame Clutch – FULU AUTUMN Stackable Beaded Bracelets – Ettika Crystal Drop Earrings – Nordstrom Cubic Zirconia Baguette Drop Earrings – SAVVY CIE JEWELS Halo Stud Earrings

Adrianna Papell Colorblocked Overlay Jumpsuit – Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump – Nina Billow Art Deco Frame Clutch – FULU AUTUMN Stackable Beaded Bracelets – Nordstrom Cubic Zirconia Baguette Drop Earrings

Your gala outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see how you can put your gala outfits together. You can easily mix and match to create different looks if you have a number of events to attend this year. You could, for example, create an all-red look with the red dress, wrap and clutch bag. Or, you could wear the white or black blazers over any of the outfits.

shop the outfits to wear to a gala below:

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Feature image by Sandra @lapecosapreciosa

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