What Is a Gala?
A gala is a formal social event held to raise money for a cause, honor people or achievements, or celebrate an institution such as a museum, hospital, school or arts company. Many galas are held in the evening and include a cocktail hour, a seated dinner, speeches or an awards program, and often an auction and dancing. Gala attire leans formal even when the invitation does not spell it out.
What Is the Dress Code for a Gala?
The dress code is set by the host and printed on the invitation or event page. Black tie is the usual gala dress code, but you will also see white tie at the grandest events, black tie optional, cocktail attire at smaller or daytime galas, and creative or themed dress codes at charity and arts galas. Here is what each one means.
| Gala dress code | What women wear | Length | What men wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| White tie | A full ball gown or formal evening gown; long gloves are optional | Floor-length only | Black tailcoat, white bow tie, white waistcoat, wing-collar shirt |
| Black tie | A formal evening gown in a rich fabric; a very dressy evening pantsuit can work | Floor-length | Tuxedo, black bow tie, white dress shirt |
| Black tie optional | An evening gown, an elegant cocktail dress or a dressy pantsuit | Floor-length preferred; polished cocktail length works | Tuxedo, or a dark suit and tie |
| Formal / evening attire | A long gown or a dressy midi or cocktail dress | Floor-length to midi | Dark suit and tie; a tuxedo is welcome |
| Cocktail / semi-formal | A cocktail dress, dressy jumpsuit or elegant separates | Knee-length to midi | Suit and tie |
| Creative black tie | A formal gown with a fashion-forward twist: bold color, fringe, beading or an unexpected silhouette | Usually floor-length | Tuxedo with a personal touch, such as a velvet jacket or patterned bow tie |
| Themed gala | Your interpretation of the theme, at the formality the invitation states | Follows the stated formality | Follows the stated formality |
The same codes appear on wedding invitations, so our wedding guest attire guide and our guide to what to wear to a black tie wedding go into more detail on each one.
What to Wear to a Gala, Dress Code by Dress Code
White Tie Gala
White tie is the most formal dress code there is, and it usually appears on invitations to state dinners, opera and ballet openings, and historic charity balls. Wear a full-length ball gown or a formal evening gown in a luxurious fabric such as satin, mikado, brocade or taffeta. Long evening gloves are a traditional option, and fine jewelry suits the occasion. Short dresses and pantsuits are not appropriate for white tie. Browse ball gowns for full-skirted silhouettes that suit this level of formality.
Black Tie Gala
Black tie is the classic gala dress code. Wear a floor-length evening gown: a fitted beaded gown, a sleek satin column, a sequin gown or a structured A-line all work. You have more freedom in silhouette and color than at white tie, and a slit, an open back or a statement neckline is fine as long as the overall look is polished. A very dressy evening pantsuit in a luxurious fabric can also work at many black tie galas. For more ideas, browse evening dresses.
Black Tie Optional Gala
Black tie optional means the hosts will be in black tie, but guests have a little more latitude. A floor-length gown is still the safest choice, and an elegant cocktail dress, midi dress or tailored evening pantsuit is also acceptable if it is clearly dressed up for the evening. "Formal" or "evening attire" on an invitation means much the same.
Cocktail or Semi-Formal Gala
Some galas, especially daytime events, luncheons and smaller fundraisers, ask for cocktail attire. Wear a knee-length to midi cocktail dress, a dressy jumpsuit or elegant separates. Because it is still a gala, choose a dress with some evening polish, such as beading, sequins, satin or lace, rather than a simple day dress. Browse cocktail dresses, and see our guide to cocktail attire for more on this dress code.
Creative Black Tie Gala
Creative black tie keeps the formality of black tie but invites personality. Think of a floor-length gown with fringe, an unusual color, an all-over beaded finish, a dramatic cape or an architectural silhouette. The rule of thumb: the outfit should still read as formal evening wear, with the creativity in the details.
Themed Gala
Many charity and arts galas have a theme, from a color or decade to a concept tied to the cause or an exhibition. Read the invitation carefully: the theme tells you what to interpret, and the dress code tells you how formal to be. A theme on a black tie invitation still calls for a gown. You can nod to the theme through color, embellishment or accessories without wearing a costume, unless the hosts ask for one.
Can You Wear a Short Dress to a Gala?
Yes, but only when the dress code allows it. A short or knee-length dress is appropriate for a gala that asks for cocktail or semi-formal attire, for many daytime galas and luncheons, and, in an elegant style, for black tie optional. It is not appropriate for white tie or black tie, where a floor-length gown is expected. If the invitation gives no dress code and the gala is in the evening, a long gown is the safer choice.
If you do wear a short dress, make it unmistakably dressy: beading, sequins, structured satin or lace and refined accessories keep a cocktail-length dress in gala territory. A midi or tea-length dress is a good middle ground when you are unsure.
Gown, Cocktail Dress or Evening Pantsuit?
A floor-length gown is the default for an evening gala and the right choice for white tie and black tie. A cocktail dress fits cocktail, semi-formal and daytime galas, and in its most elegant versions, black tie optional. An evening pantsuit or jumpsuit is a modern alternative at black tie optional, formal, cocktail and creative galas, and a very dressy one can work at many black tie galas. Choose a luxurious fabric and a tailored fit, and style it as you would a gown. Browse jumpsuits for evening options.
What Colors Should You Wear to a Gala?
Galas welcome color. Black is always elegant, and navy, deep jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst), rich reds and metallics such as gold and silver are classic evening choices. Soft pastels and blush tones suit spring and daytime galas. Bright, saturated colors are perfectly appropriate in an elegant cut and fabric. Very casual-looking prints are harder to pull off at a formal event.
Two things can change the answer. If the gala has a color theme or asks guests to wear a particular color, follow it. And if you want to wear white or ivory, it is generally fine at a gala, but make sure the gown looks like evening wear rather than bridal wear.
What Fabrics Work Best for a Gala?
Satin, mikado, taffeta and brocade give structure and a subtle sheen. Sequins, beading and hot-fix stones catch the light and suit black tie and creative black tie. Chiffon and tulle add movement and work well for spring, summer or dancing. Velvet is a strong choice for fall and winter galas. Lace adds texture and fits almost any dress code.
How Should You Accessorize for a Gala?
- Jewelry: Let the dress decide. A heavily beaded gown needs only earrings, while a simple satin gown can carry a statement necklace or bold earrings. One focal piece usually looks more polished than several competing ones.
- Bag: A small clutch or evening bag in a satin, metallic or beaded finish.
- Shoes: Galas involve standing, mingling and often dancing, so choose heels you can wear for hours, or elegant block heels or embellished flats. With a floor-length gown, have the dress hemmed to the height of the shoes you will wear.
- Gloves: Long evening gloves are a traditional option at white tie and can be a dramatic touch at creative black tie.
- Hair and makeup: Match the formality of the event. An updo shows off a strapless or high neckline and statement earrings, and soft waves suit an open back or one-shoulder style.
What Should You Wear Over a Gala Gown?
For a cool evening or a winter gala, bring a wrap, stole or pashmina in a fabric that matches the formality of your gown, such as satin, velvet or faux fur. A tailored long coat or an evening cape works well over a floor-length gown. A long-sleeve gown or a gown with a cape is another way to stay warm and covered without adding a layer.
What to Wear to a Charity Gala, Gala Dinner or Corporate Gala
Charity gala or fundraiser: These are often black tie or black tie optional, and many have a theme or a color tied to the cause. Check the invitation for both the dress code and any requests. A floor-length gown in a color that nods to the theme is a reliable choice.
Gala dinner: Expect to be seated for a long time, so choose a gown that is comfortable to sit in and look for interest at the neckline and bodice, since that is what people see across the table.
Corporate or awards gala: Follow the dress code exactly, and lean classic: a sleek gown in black, navy or a jewel tone, with polished accessories. If you are going on stage, choose a gown you can walk in easily.
What Do Men Wear to a Gala?
- White tie: A black tailcoat with matching trousers, a white wing-collar shirt, white waistcoat and white bow tie, with black patent shoes.
- Black tie: A tuxedo (black or midnight blue) with a white dress shirt, black bow tie and black patent or highly polished leather shoes.
- Black tie optional and formal: A tuxedo, or a well-fitted dark suit in black, navy or charcoal with a white shirt and a conservative tie.
- Cocktail and semi-formal: A suit and tie; the color and tie can be a little more relaxed.
- Creative black tie: A tuxedo with a personal touch, such as a velvet dinner jacket, a colored or patterned bow tie, or statement cufflinks.
Finding Your Gala Dress
Sherri Hill designs floor-length evening gowns, ball gowns, cocktail dresses and evening pantsuits that suit gala dress codes from white tie to cocktail. Start with evening dresses for black tie and formal galas, ball gowns for white tie, and cocktail dresses for cocktail and daytime events.
In the US, Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers. Use Find A Store to find one near you; a seller that is not listed there is not authorized. Sherri Hill sizes run from 000 to 26, though not every style is made in every size, so an authorized retailer can check whether a style is available to order in the color and size you want. Allow time before the gala for ordering and alterations.
If the invitation says black tie, see what to wear to a black-tie event.
