What to wear to a gala is an ever-evolving question—as is the quest to find the perfect gala gown.
Is your summer social calendar suddenly blossoming with glamorous events? Black-tie affairs, over-the-top birthdays, a grand night at the ballet, or a glitzy charity function? Getting inspired for evening wear that turns heads as much as it sticks to sometimes strict fête dress codes can feel quite overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be all about the ball gown or a salary-slashing investment dress this side of the century—these days, short and midi dresses can also fly in certain circumstances too, and there’s plenty of ways to go glam that don’t break the bank. Gala attire, too, has gotten with the times.
Whether you are on the hunt for a dress to wear to that next grand charity function or deducing what the dress code even means—we’ve called upon some of the most well-dressed gala attendees Vogue knows to give their glitz-busting advice. Below, the the Vogue guide for what to wear to a gala, to keep you feeling chic, timeless, and comfortable while fêting whatever the night calls for. A toast!
Know your gala
Heading to a charity ball, an art gallery dinner, or the opening season of the New York ballet? It’s important to consider the cultural landscape of the room you’re dressing for.
“Like all things in life, galas require context,” advises Vogue’s Lilah Ramzi-Goettemann, who knows her way around attending and dressing for a gala event. “A black-tie fundraiser at the Whitney Museum of American Art? One might dabble in the artful and avant-garde. A medical benefit for breast cancer research? Save the fashion stunts—this is a night for reverence and restraint.”
“There is no shame in looking up a dress code,” says Elle McPherson-Yoon, an expert in dressing timelessly and chicly for a night gala-ing. She points to iconic etiquette and social behavior resources like Emily Post and Debrett’s for some further reading. “Then, I’d say read and understand your invitation well!” she adds. “The style of the actual invitation should reflect the tone of the event, and tell you about the host, purpose of the event, and season. I would also look up the venue and images from years past if possible.”
How to dress for dress codes
In need of gala dress code tips? What exactly is gala attire? Well, it can vary. But most broadly and commonly:
Simply, it’s a step above cocktail attire and one below “white tie.” (More on that later). When it comes to “black tie,” you can generally assume, most simply, that means a long dress for women. But make sure yours comes in an evening-worthy fabric, like lace, chiffon, tulle, or velvet. If the event feels a bit more relaxed, a short dress could cut it if it feels formal and elevated enough, but for peace of mind, we suggest a floor-hitting look. For men (or anyone who wants to wear the more masculine style, really), consider a tuxedo and white dress shirt, and a black bow tie with your dinner jacket.
While black tie has overwhelmingly replaced the white tie dress code, it can crop up—just like it did for the 2022 Costume Institute Gala, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.”
The G.Q. Style Guide, published in 2010, breaks down the look for men: A black tailcoat and trousers with a white shirt, vest (usually of piqué cotton), and bow tie. The white shirt has a wing collar and the jacket has tails. You should also slip on some white white gloves. For women (or anyone choosing the more feminine look) it’s full-length evening gown, with long gloves as optional.
“As a Vogue editor and unapologetic traditionalist, I consider the black tie dress code sacred scripture,” says Ramzi-Goettemann. “If the invite calls for floor-length, then floor-length it shall be—ankles only, darlings. Cut-outs belong to the Met Gala or a nightclub in Ibiza, not a charity dinner in Midtown.”
How do I avoid a gala outfit faux-pas?
While the Met Gala looks of yesteryear might be on your Pinterest board, it’s best to err on the side of silhouette restraint. “I adore drama as much as the next girl, but if your gown has a train longer than a French novel, you d better be headed to the Met steps,” says Ramzi-Goettemann. “Otherwise, it s just something for donors to trip over en route to the bar.”
You should also choose a look that’s comfortable to move and walk in. Be practical! “These events are usually well attended and you ll probably be moving through several rooms over the course of the evening,” says McPherson-Yoon. “No woman left behind…”
Gala outfit ideas
“Invest in a beautiful black gown,” says Ramzi-Goettemann. “It’s the Swiss army knife of gala dressing—just as effective with a fur stole in December as it is with shell earrings in July. I like a dress that makes me look like I’ve stepped out of a John Singer Sargent painting and into a seating chart.”
“I think women should look for a brand with a good history of evening dressing; it makes a big difference when a garment is fit for purpose,” says McPherson-Yoon. “Then, I would personally invest in classic dresses slowly over time, as and when you find them, and before you know it you’ll have something to reach for whenever you receive an invitation.” Consider consignment stores, and websites like the Real Real and Vestiaire Collective.
For McPherson-Yoon, dresses are an easy, one-and-done piece. Usually, she keeps to monochromatic styles that are classic rather than trend-forward. “[There’s] always with an element of fun or glamour, in keeping with my personal style,” she says. Brands-wise, it’s Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, and Oscar de la Renta.
In terms of other designers to be conscious of when shopping, Ramzi-Goettemann suggests Bernadette Antwerp and Staud too, when she’s feeling modern. For something old and fabulous? “Victor Costa! His department store gowns from the ’80s and ’90s are well-made, dramatic, and often under $200 online.”
And don’t overlook vintage. “Victor Costa gowns—yes, from the department store days of yore—are masterclasses in black-tie drama. Well-made, theatrical, and criminally underpriced. Plus, when someone inevitably compliments you, you get to purr, ‘Oh this? It’s vintage.’ Utter satisfaction.”
If looking for something particularly Vogue-y, then Taller Marmo’s forthcoming pre-fall 2025 collection is inspired by the glamorous work of Henry Clarke and his elegantly dressed muses. So far, so gala-appropriate: sweeping bell sleeves, Elizabeth Taylor-esque feathered accents, sumptuous fabrics in sensual gold, blush, and aquamarine. For more gala-worthy dress ideas, head to our round-up here.
What shoes and accessories should I wear to a gala?
When it comes to shoes? Closed toe, always. “True polish lies in the details,” adds Ramzi-Goettemann. “A closed-toe satin pump is elegance incarnate—and conveniently spares you the agony of a pedicure. Open-toed shoes, while tempting, are considered vulgar in certain circles. (Namely, the British royal family and me after two martinis).” Consider the Manolo Blahnik as a go-to.
It’s important to keep the formal dress code front of mind, but you’ll also want to stay keenly aware of the room you’ll be gala-ing in. Will there be a cocktail reception on a lawn or ballroom floor? The stick-thin stilettos might not cut the mustard.
For bags, you’ll want something like a clutch or a bag with a delicate shoulder or wrist strap that’s easily transportable, holds your necessities, and won’t get in the way of schmoozing.
And also important? Don’t forget your outerwear. “Nothing kills a look faster than a puffer jacket over duchess satin,” says Ramzi-Goettemann. “I beg you: Plan your coat the way you plan your gown. Consider opera cloaks, velvet capes, or—if you must—an elegant long wool wrap.”
Another great tip? Finding a great tailor or seamstress to fit your look properly—many brands will offer them in store now too. “My days with fashion tape are over, I go straight to the pros now,” says McPherson-Yoon.
The best advice for gala dressing?
“Put your best foot forward and have fun,” advises McPherson-Yoon. “The dress code was a considered decision on the part of the host and one of the roles of the guest is to support that.” Ultimately, keep comfortable, glam up, and follow the vision of the evening. Happy gala-ing!
