What To Wear to a Gala

One of my favorite events to dress up for is a gala. You can go all out with intricate layers and details or keep it sleek with simple elegance. When I am invited to a gala, I like to start planning my outfit early so I make sure I can gather up all the essential garments and accessories to create a stunning look.

What Is a Gala?

Sometimes I find my friends asking, what classifies an event as a gala? A gala is an up-scale social event that typically has performances, speeches, or entertainment. It’s a high-class event that typically has champagne and hors d'oeuvres or perhaps a full-course meal.

There are several reasons why someone would host a gala, and keeping the purpose in mind can be key when styling your attire. Gala’s are held as charity and fundraising events. Historically, and especially with the rise in popularity of the Met Gala and its ties to fashion, galas are black-tie events.

Top Five Garments for a Gala

When it comes to creating an ensemble that both reflects your personal style and fits the occasion, there is no limit to what you can do. However, it does help to narrow down popular clothing for certain events as some style inspiration. That’s why I’ve put together a list of five articles of clothing that are perfect for a gala.

Dress

A dress is probably the most popular garment to wear to a gala. Elegant and an easy base to build your outfit off of, you can’t go wrong with a dress. I love wearing a dress with an interesting cut or fit for a look that really stands out.

I also adore a high-fashion gown made out of luxurious material, like silk or velvet. Color and pattern are vital aspects of any piece of clothing, but I find that texture adds an interesting third layer to the garment’s elements.

Heels

A luxe pair of heels will add a touch of refinement to any outfit you’re wearing. Not only are they fabulous on their own, but heels also work to contour your legs, giving them that little boost of grace.

Something sleek yet stunning always looks great for formal affairs. Note: if your invitation is to a grass lawn (like a polo match), opt for pumps that won’t sink into the field, like wedge heels.

Maxi Skirt

I adore a long and flowing maxi skirt on any day, but these are one of the go-to garments I grab when I’m getting ready to attend a gala.

I love maxi skirts that wrap around the waist or have a graceful slit up the side. For summertime events, I pair a maxi skirt with an elegant and shimmering blouse.

Gold Jewelry

Being one of the most stunning metals in jewelry, I always reach for gold when I’m accessorizing.

I particularly love to coordinate my necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets so that they are all matching. You can take your gold jewelry to the next level by opting for pieces with stunning stones and intricate designs. If I’m in the mood to be news-worthy bold, I mix and match my metals to catch everyone’s eye.

Statement Bag

I’ve got to have a bag on me at all times. I mean, they’re so helpful and a great way to accessorize. For a gala, I opt for something small yet stunning. 

I love bags that are made with fascinating materials, like a bag made of pearls, and bags that come in interesting and unusual shapes. A handbag always works magically as a statement piece.

How To Style a Dress for a Gala

Being the most iconic garment you can wear to a gala, it’s important to style it just right. What kind of dress you’re wearing to a gala is based on the formality of the event and your overall mood, and that will also affect how you decide to style your get-up.

Pick the Perfect Dress

The first step to any ensemble is picking out the base for your ensemble. When deciding on the perfect dress for an event, there are a few things you want to consider:

For example, the venue plays a significant role in this decision. If I’m attending a gala held outdoors in the warmer months of the year, I opt for a mini dress or something without sleeves that is more breathable. However, during the colder seasons, I prefer long dresses with long sleeves or paired with an intricate jacket.

Accessorize With Care

The next step in styling a dress for a gala is to accessorize. Even the most gorgeous dress can be enhanced through accessories, whether big or small. 

I like to pair my dress with sets of matching jewelry. I prefer to go with gold if I’m wearing a dress with warmer tones and silver if the dress is made of cooler colors. For neutral colors, I like to add a pop of color with jewelry made of intricate, colorful stones.

Jewelry isn’t the only way I accessorize. Like the statement bag I mentioned earlier, bags are a great way to take your look to the next level. Jackets, especially when it’s cold out, are another layering method, but don’t forget about the tried and true belt — it’s a group effort, truly!

Find a Makeup Look That Fits the Occasion

I love a good excuse to get glamorous with my makeup, and I find that a gala is just that! How I approach my makeup depends on a few elements of my outfit. Sometimes I like to look back on makeup throughout the decades to get a vintage inspiration for this black-tie affair.

First, I consider the color of my dress and what tones would complement it on my eyes. When wearing a lot of gold jewelry, I incorporate a gold shimmer on my eyelids. For patterned and colorful dresses, I find that an eyeshadow that matches one of the more delicate elements of color on my dress really makes that color pop.

Then I like to base my lip color choice on similar elements. For a black or white dress, I love a bold red lip. It’s a fantastic way to add a splash of color to a neutral style. With a colorful or patterned dress, I grab clear lip gloss and shine all night long. 

Select the Right Shoes

Of course, I can’t forget to mention the shoes!

That’s the final step in creating any ensemble. When I’m picking out shoes to match my dress for a gala, I want to make sure to combine glamor with comfort.

The venue and organized events are what I turn to first when picking out shoes. If it’s an affair that will involve a lot of standing, walking, and greeting peers, then I opt for a lower heel without compromising elegance. However, if I am going to be sitting for a good portion of the event, you’ll see me in some dramatic pumps fit for the occasion.

Dressed to the Nines

Attending a gala is one of my favorite excuses to get dressed to impress. You can be creative about how you style your look while also being able to pull out your most glamorous garments. Whether you’re styling up a dress or opting for a different look, you’ll have a fun experience getting ready for yet another fun experience.

Sources:

The Art of the Statement Handbag | Arts & Collections

History of the Met Gala: How It Turned From Fundraiser to 'Fashion's Biggest Night | WWD

Eye Makeup Trends by Decade: The Shadow, Mascara, and More That Ruled the Last 100 Years | Elle