What to Wear to a Gala: Dress Code Guide

What you wear to a gala depends on the dress code on the invitation. For black tie, the classic gala code, wear a floor-length evening gown; for black tie optional or cocktail, a dressy midi or a formal jumpsuit fits too.

In short, gala attire for women is the most formal thing the invitation allows, with the accessories to match. Here's how to read each gala dress code, gowns and a jumpsuit that fit them, and the wrap, shoes, clutch and earrings that finish the outfit.

Gala dress codes, explained

Galas print the dress code on the invitation or the event page. In common practice, this is what each one asks of women:

• White tie: the most formal. A floor-length ball gown, and long gloves are traditional. It's rare.
• Black tie: a floor-length evening gown. A very formal jumpsuit can work; if you're unsure, ask the organizer.
• Black tie optional or formal: a gown, an elegant midi or a formal jumpsuit. The black tie optional guide covers that code in detail.
• Creative black tie: formal length and polish, with room for a bold color, a print or a statement piece.
• Cocktail: shorter hems are fine. The festive cocktail attire guide covers that code.

With no dress code at all, a floor-length gown is the safer side to err on at an evening gala. A gown is hard to overdo at a gala. A short dress is easy to underdo.

Gala dresses: floor-length gowns and a maxi

A black tie gala dress is floor length. The two Ever-Pretty gowns below are listed as floor length; the 72styles is listed as a maxi, and it's the option for black tie optional or for a size that falls between charts.

A glitter gown with short sleeves

Ever-Pretty's glitter gown is floor length with short sleeves and a double V neck, fully lined, in sizes 2 to 26. Short sleeves are a good middle ground: more coverage than a strapless gown, and cooler than long sleeves in a packed ballroom. The listing says the fabric has no stretch, so compare the size chart with your measurements. Hand wash or dry clean, per the listing.

A stretch glitter halter gown

This second Ever-Pretty gown is a stretch glitter halter, floor length, in a polyamide blend with metallic fibers, sizes 4 to 26. The listing says it's lined and padded. A halter shows your shoulders and arms, so plan a wrap for the arrival and the walk to the car. Hand wash only per the listing.

A convertible maxi

The 72styles maxi is a convertible multi-way dress you wrap and tie into different necklines. The listing says the one-size version fits US 0 to 16 and the plus version US 18 to 24. It's worth a look if you fall between sizes on other charts, or want a dress you can style differently next time. For strict black tie, one of the gowns above is the surer choice.

A formal jumpsuit for a gala

acelyn's jumpsuit is wide-leg with short sleeves, pockets and a back zip, in sizes Small to 3X-Large. A wide leg moves like a long skirt, which is why a jumpsuit passes at black tie optional and cocktail galas. For strict black tie, a gown is the surer choice. The listing says hand wash only.

Gala accessories: a wrap, heels, a clutch and earrings

A sequin evening cape

BABEYOND's 1920s-style cape is sequined and beaded on chiffon, with a hook-and-eye closure, in one size that the listing says fits up to 2X. It covers your shoulders for a cold arrival and still looks like part of the outfit, which a coat doesn't. Hand wash only per the listing.

Strappy stiletto sandals

LISHAN's lace-up stiletto sandals have a heel of about 3.5 inches, in sizes 5 to 15. A floor-length gown hides most of your shoe, so straps mainly show when you walk or sit. Wear them around the house before the night so the laces sit where you want them.

A pearl and rhinestone clutch

The Boutique De FGG clutch is a hard-case mini with pearls and rhinestones and a push-lock closure, 7.8 x 2.3 x 3.9 inches, and the listing gives the weight as 1.03 pounds. A hard case keeps its shape on a dinner table. Hold your phone up to those numbers before you buy.

Gold statement earrings

PAVOI's teardrop earrings are 14K gold-plated brass, 50 mm long and 21.5 mm wide, with push backs. With a halter or a V neck, long earrings stand in for a necklace. With an updo, they're the first thing people see.

What not to wear to a gala

What to wear to a charity gala

For a charity gala, follow the dress code on the invitation, the same as any gala. With no code at an evening charity event, a floor-length gown or a formal jumpsuit is the safe choice; at a daytime fundraiser, a dressy midi fits. If the ticket includes a seated dinner, choose a gown you can sit in for a few hours.