Galas are very formal events that not everyone gets the opportunity to attend so congratulations to you on the invite! They are often in celebration of once-in-a-lifetime occasions, fundraisers, or organizational gatherings. Galas have standard etiquette that all guests are expected to follow. Not only does that include the social behavior expected at the event, but it also sets the standard for appropriate attire. The typical dress for a gala is formal men are expected to wear suits, while women normally wear dresses and heels. If you are stuck on what to wear to your gala, the following guide can help you put together your outfit.
Expected Attire for Different Types of Gala Events
Most gala may specify the expected dress on the invitation itself. It should disclose the level of formality of the desired attire, the three typical standards being:
- Black tie: At black tie events, men are expected to wear tuxedos or other formal suits. Women, on the other hand, are encouraged to wear long, flowing gowns. The color palette may vary per gala, however, normally you can expect to see rich colors that strike the perfect balance of bold without an obnoxious brightness about them. You want your garments to reflect luxury and elegance. For those that love a bit of sparkle, sequins is always a safe bet when paired with the right color. When choosing such an eye-catching look, however, make sure to coordinate your outfit with your date so as not to overshadow or clash with them.
- Black tie optional: In this event, formality is optional, yet still expected. Men do not have to wear a tuxedo, but a formal suit is still encouraged. Women can opt for a flirty cocktail dress rather than a formal evening gown, to toe the line of casual while still achieving a classy look.
- Semiformal: Here, casual attire is more likely, as the event may have more of a party atmosphere than a high-class, formal gathering. You must remember, though, that the event is still a gala, so do your best to achieve a classy look while maintaining the comfort of casual dress. Again, a nice cocktail or mini dress would be great for women in this setting, while a standard business suit will do just fine for the men.
If you cannot find these guidelines on the invitation, reach out to the organizer of the event. They will surely have further information on what attire is expected.
Styling Your Gala Attire
Now that you know the dress code, you can put together your outfit. Again, you’ll want to focus on pieces that make a statement without missing the formality mark. That said, neon colors will not do but don’t worry! You can still achieve bold looks with rich, deep colors such as purples, reds, and blues. Navy and gold are also popular choices for galas, as they exude luxury.
To dress up your outfit even more, you can opt for gowns that have a beaded bodice, for example, or toss a beautiful shawl around your shoulders. Finish the look off with a classic, wrapped hairstyle and a clutch, and you are ready to steal the show!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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