A Guide on What to Wear to a Gala Affair

Unless you live off the grid, gala events are something you likely already have built-in awareness around. Sure, you may not have had the privilege of attending one (yet), but these special occasions have become a part of the cultural zeitgeist. After all, who hasn’t spent the evening scrolling through social media judging the red carpet looks from The Met Gala or Venice Film Festival? We surely have! Far different than other types of special occasions, these events have become synonymous with pop culture. But limiting the importance of galas solely to their star-studded gist lists doesn’t get to the gist of what makes these events so special. 

It’s not your typical night out on the town; it’s the night out. Gala events have a more tailored guest list than your cousin’s wedding (no shade) and are generally one of the most formal events you can ever attend. Dressing up for a gala isn’t the same as dressing for your everyday life; it requires a different level of planning. You not only have to consider the event’s dress code and the function’s purpose, but then you have to layer that in with what you think you’ll look good in and what falls within your budget range. Choosing what to wear to a gala isn’t as glamorous as it seems at face value, but that’s not to say the process can’t be enjoyable.

In fact, to dispel some of the common misconceptions about gala events, we did extensive research to help you plan what to wear to a gala event. Ahead, we have provided insight into gala events’ purpose and some general do’s and don’ts to follow when choosing an outfit for a black-tie affair. Plus, we shopped out some of the best gowns and accessories to make the preparation easier. Whether you’ve already RSVP’d to that upcoming event or are just curious about gala event dressing, we’ve got you covered.