The short answer
What to wear to a gala depends on the dress code on the invitation. Black tie means a floor-length gown. Black tie optional means a gown, a long dressy jumpsuit or a very polished midi. Cocktail means a knee-length or midi dress. If the invitation gives no dress code, a floor-length dress is the safe choice for an evening gala. Keep accessories simple, choose shoes you can stand in, and plan a wrap.
A gala is usually an evening fundraiser or celebration, often in a hotel ballroom, museum or event hall, with a reception, dinner, speeches and dancing. It is one of the few events where every guest is expected to dress up. Here is how to read the invitation, what to wear to a gala for each dress code and season, and the gowns at Bezza we would choose right now.
What is the dress code for a gala?
Most galas are black tie or black tie optional, but the invitation always has the final word. These are the terms hosts use, from most to least formal:
- White tie: the most formal. Floor-length evening gowns only. Rare outside state dinners and a few traditional balls.
- Black tie: floor-length gowns, or a very formal long jumpsuit.
- Black tie optional or formal: floor-length is still the norm, but a dressy midi or jumpsuit is fine.
- Creative black tie: formal lengths with room for color, prints or a statement piece.
- Cocktail or festive: knee-length or midi dresses and dressy separates.
If the invite only says "gala," ask the organizer, or look at photos from last year's event on the organization's website or social pages. It is the quickest way to see what guests actually wear.
What should a woman wear to a black tie gala?
A floor-length gown in a rich color or a fabric with sheen. Satin, pleats, sequins and jewel tones all look right in a ballroom.
The Was It Ever Love Satin Ribbon Ruffle Tiered Maxi Dress is our most formal pick: deep blue satin, a strapless neckline with a sculptural black ribbon bow, a fitted mermaid cut and a tiered ruffle hem. Keep jewelry to drop earrings and a crystal clutch so the bow leads.
For a classic one-shoulder gown, the Give Me Everything Tonight Wine Maxi Dress has soft pleating through the skirt in a deep wine red. The polyester blend resists wrinkles, which helps if you are getting ready at a hotel or traveling to the event.
The One More Night Long Maxi Dress comes in red or fuchsia, with a pleated satin A-line skirt and a floral applique at the shoulder. It is a showstopper, so save it for a gala where bold is welcome.
What should you wear to a black tie optional gala?
A gown still fits perfectly, but you can also choose a long, dressy jumpsuit or a polished midi. This is where the dress code gives you room to show personality.
The All That She Wants Jumpsuit has a halter neck, a purple and black shimmer finish and a long wide leg that moves like a gown. It is a good choice if you plan to dance or would rather not manage a long skirt all night. The cut is loose through the body, so add a belt if you like a closer fit.
For sparkle, the Made Up My Mind Sequin Fringe One Shoulder Asymmetry Maxi Dress is allover pink sequins with fringe along the neckline and an angled maxi hem. It fits close, so size up if you prefer more room.
What should you wear to a spring or summer gala?
Lighter fabrics and brighter colors. Organza, chiffon, lace and florals suit warm-weather and daytime galas, as do pastels and coral.
The Red Carpet Ready Organza Maxi Dress is a strapless coral gown in layered organza with a floral detail at the waist, made for weddings, formal events and evening parties. Bring a wrap: a ballroom with the air conditioning running can feel cold by dessert.
What should you wear to a holiday gala?
Holiday galas, charity balls and New Year's Eve galas call for the same formality with more shine. Wine, red, emerald, gold and silver look right in December, and velvet or sequins add the season without a theme.
- Plan for the cold. A strapless gown is fine indoors, but you will want a wrap or coat for arrival and the valet line.
- Tights are optional. With a floor-length gown, nobody sees your legs, so sheer tights are fine if you want the warmth.
- Leave the novelty out. Skip Christmas prints and themed jewelry unless the invitation asks for them.
For more December dress code help, read our guide to elegant Christmas party dresses, or browse long and sparkly styles in our holiday party collection. In Dallas, December is gala season, and our guide to Dallas holiday events and what to wear to each includes the Crystal Charity Ball.
What shoes and accessories go with a gala dress?
Heels you can stand in for several hours, a small clutch and one statement piece of jewelry. A gala usually means a reception before dinner and dancing after, so comfort matters as much as height.
The Isabella Low Heel Sandals pair a satin upper with a crystal brooch at the pointed toe, in black or fuchsia. They look formal under a gown, and the low heel and slingback strap keep you steady through the speeches. Try your gown on with the exact shoes you will wear, so you know the hem clears the floor.
Keep jewelry in balance: a bold necklace with a simple neckline, or statement earrings with a one-shoulder or strapless gown, not both.
What should you avoid wearing to a gala?
- Short dresses at black tie. Save the mini for a cocktail party.
- Daytime fabrics. Cotton, denim and plain jersey basics look underdressed at an evening gala.
- Untested shoes. Wear new heels around the house once before the night.
- A heavy everyday coat with no plan. Check it, or choose a wrap that suits your dress.
Gala attire FAQ
Can I wear a short dress to a gala?
Only if the invitation says cocktail or festive. For black tie and most black tie optional galas, choose floor-length or a long jumpsuit.
Can you wear a jumpsuit to a gala?
Yes, at most black tie optional and formal galas. Choose a long, wide-leg style in a dressy fabric like shimmer, satin or sequins, and wear it with heels.
What colors should you wear to a gala?
Jewel tones, wine, red, black, navy and metallics are classic for evening. Pastels and brights suit spring and summer galas. If the gala has a theme color, follow it.
What should you wear to a gala event as a guest?
Follow the dress code exactly and let the honorees have the spotlight. A floor-length gown in a solid color, simple jewelry and comfortable heels is never wrong.
Shop more long styles in our maxi dresses, or browse party dresses for cocktail galas. US orders over $75 ship free, and returns are free within 21 days of delivery on unworn, unwashed items with tags attached.
