A gala is a formal event with a high-profile guest list organized for a specific cause, such as fundraising, honoring achievements, and celebrating art and culture. These events are often organized by businesses and non-profit organizations.

The purpose of a gala event varies. It can be a charity gala for a fundraising campaign or a celebratory gala that honors achievements, for example. What doesn’t change is the formal dress code, which can make you wonder what to wear. The excitement of participating in such a high-profile event certainly doesn’t help in choosing an outfit.

Luckily, this article will present you with gala outfit ideas to help you find your gala attire. Read on to know what to wear to a gala.

What Is the Dress Code for a Gala?

The dress code for a gala may vary depending on the nature of the event. However, galas typically have formal attire. Some gala events may be more relaxed than others. For example, a tea-length cocktail dress may be a good fit for a semi-formal event but may look too casual in an inaugural celebration. 

Be sure to consider the nature of the gala and check the invitation to know the specifics of the dress code to plan your outfit ahead.

Things to Keep in Mind When Deciding What to Wear

Knowing that a gala is a formal event requiring appropriate attire can make deciding your outfit easier, but not every formal outfit is suitable for a gala. There are some do’s and don’ts – here are a few considerations you should make before putting on something new.

• Stick to Neutral Colors: Bright colors aren’t ideal for a gala. Colors like lime green or fluorescent yellow are a big no for such formal events. Go with neutral colors like white, beige, brown, or black. You can also use these colors at various other events. If you want to stand out, pink or emerald green are much safer options than flashy colors.
• Seek Complementary Patterns: If you’re going to wear a dress with patterns, look for something that complements the overall look rather than something exaggerated. Fully beaded long-sleeve outfits or off-white patterns on a white dress or gray patterns on a black dress, for example, are appropriate for a gala and similar formal events.
• Don’t Over-Accessorize: The best way to accessorize for a gala is to keep it minimal. Instead of utilizing too many pieces, opt for one statement piece of jewelry that will complement your outfit. This should apply to any accessory, whether a bracelet, necklace, or a pair of earrings.
• Footwear: If you have the inclination to wear five-inch high heels, don’t forget that a big part of a gala is about being up on your feet. You’ll need to stand for extended periods to greet others and socialize. Make sure to choose footwear that not only matches your outfit but you’re also comfortable wearing.
  
• Hair and Makeup: Like any other formal event, you should attend with an elegant hairstyle and makeup that matches the formality of the gala. If you’re nervous about doing your hair and makeup, consider going to a professional artist.

While these can help you nail the gala look you want to achieve, be sure to incorporate your style by exploring inspirations and trusting your instincts.

Consider your body shape and choose a dress silhouette that compliments it, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different silhouettes. Also, incorporate details that add an element of your personality to your outfit.

Gala Outfit Ideas From Sherri Hill Collections

Below, you’ll find a selection of gala outfit ideas from the Sherri Hill collections. These can help you picture what to wear to a gala and serve as a good starting point to find your style.

Sequin Lace Gown

This strapless sequin lace gown has long sequin sleeves that add a touch of elegant flair to the entire outfit. The sweetheart neckline is excellent for those planning to wear a statement necklace to the gala. The sleeves of this dress are removable, making it a versatile outfit you can comfortably wear on many occasions.

This lace gown comes in various colors, including black and nude, ivory and nude, blush, and light blue. The dress length is optimal for formal events, and the colors make it ideal for events with a semi-formal dress code without the sleeves.

Silky Stretched Satin Gown

Our off-the-shoulder silky stretched satin gown has numerous color options, from antique blue and dark emerald to rose gold and navy. The silky satin has a luxurious feel with an elegant appearance that’s beyond ideal for a formal event such as a gala. The high slit creates a timeless look and adds a flirtatious element to the dress.

While elegant and luxurious, this gown is also just as comfortable – sure to make you feel at ease while having conversations with the guests. The elongated silhouette is perfect for those planning to enhance their height at the gala.

Pearl Beaded Sheer Corset Bodice Dress

For a more sophisticated choice, opt for a corset bodice dress with its own rhinestone choker and cape with a scuba skirt slit. It’s the perfect outfit for an award ceremony or an inaugural celebration. 

You’ll find this bodice dress in black and ivory in addition to light blue, which can be an option, depending on how formal the gala is. Nevertheless, the modern glamor of the dress blends well with a classic look, ensuring it’s an excellent outfit choice for a gala.

Stretched Satin Gown

Stretched stain, corset top, slit, and gloves – all together in any outfit – is a recipe for an excellent gala dress. This combination can achieve a refined appearance and create a stunning look. The well-fitted corset with the flattering and hourglass silhouette showcases curves elegantly in a tasteful manner.

This strapless stretched satin gown comes in various colors. Black, emerald, ivory, and teal are perfect for a gala. The reflective essence of the stretched satin, with its various flattering elements, makes this dress photogenic.

Fully Beaded Long Sleeve Jumpsuit

In case you want to stand out from the more traditional gala attire but still want to bring the glam, this fully beaded long-sleeve jumpsuit might be your solution to what to wear to a gala. It’s unique and eye-catching with its fringe embellishments that are sure to make you stand out among the crowd.

This jumpsuit features an open back, which adds elegance to the entire outfit. The black, red, and periwinkle colors match a gala’s formality and make it adaptable to different themes. If you’re planning to wear a statement piece with a modern flair, you’ll find it to be an excellent outfit.

Pleated Chiffon Gown

If you want something to suit the formality of a gala but is dynamic enough to show your lively spirit, here’s our strapless pleated chiffon gown with various color options. It features a bead design on the bodice, adding a nice touch to each color. 

The strapless A-line silhouette is flattering to different body shapes, making it an ideal choice for various figures. The high slit blends well with the gown and adds a modern sophistication that highlights the beaded artwork as you put forward each step.

What Do Men Wear to a Gala?

We’ve covered various outfits women can wear to a gala, but what about men? The gala attire doesn’t change for men. Just like there are formal evening dresses and long gowns, men also have various options. Here’s a quick overview of what men wear to a gala.

• Dinner Jacket or Tuxedo: Dinner jackets and tuxedos are the staples of formal wear for men and are the go-to choices for such events. In addition to the classic black and navy, midnight blue and lighter gray jackets are just as popular for formal events. Wearing jackets with subtle patterns can also complement the overall look.
• Dress Shirt: A white or black dress shirt made from quality cotton fabrics with a formal texture is what men should wear to a gala. If wearing a jacket lapel, both should match in color and texture. The shirt should have standard or French cuffs for a classic appearance.
• Simple Pants: The pants for a gala should be simple. It’s more about the fit when it comes to pants. A simple black or midnight blue pair of pants with a proper fit is all men need for a formal appearance. Optionally, opting for pant tighteners instead of a belt can help achieve a sleeker look.
  
• Footwear: There are certain types of footwear that are pretty much irreplaceable when it comes to formal wear for men. Leather whole-cut shoes or a pair of Oxfords are often the best choice of footwear for men.

Overall, a classic tuxedo/suit is what men should wear to a gala. It should look formal but not in the same sense as a gray business suit.

There are various ways to achieve a refined look, such as skipping belt loops and choosing shirts with a formal texture. Utilizing these can help men find their gala style.

FAQs About What to Wear to a Gala

How Formal Is a Gala?

How formal a gala event is depends on the nature of the event and the organizers. Traditionally (and typically), galas are highly formal events that generally follow a black tie dress code, meaning it’s the second most formal attire after white tie. 

Although many organizers also choose to keep the dress code semi-formal, it’s best to check your invitation to know the details of the dress code.

Can You Wear a Short Dress to a Gala?

Short dresses aren’t suitable for a gala in most cases. Therefore, wearing them to formal events like these isn’t a good idea. However, it depends on the specific dress code of the gala. 

Generally, floor-length gowns or long, elegant evening dresses are preferred at a gala. If the gala specifies it has a semi-formal dress code where you can wear a short dress, then you certainly can!

What Do You Wear to a “Cocktail Attire” Gala?

Cocktail attire is something between formal and casual. However, it isn’t exactly semi-formal, per se. Cocktail attire is slightly more formal than semi-formal and still requires a dress. 

Depending on the time of the day, you can wear anything from light-colored gowns to jumpsuits for a daytime gala or dark-colored, more elegant silhouettes for evening affairs.

Showing Off Your Gala Outfit

Galas are high-profile events that can easily catch you in the glamor of it and make finding your outfit difficult. Along with some of the tips, the gala outfit ideas we’ve listed in this article can help you find what to wear to a gala, but the best outfit is what you feel comfortable in.

When shopping for a dress or gown to wear to a gala, be sure not to sacrifice comfort, as it’s the key to bringing out your confidence. That way, you’ll have no issues showing off your gala outfit.