Q&A for How to Dress for a Gala

You can wear a vest or a cumberbund if you'd like, but both are optional.

You may wear it, but you'll have to take it off when you enter the restaurant.

As long as it only shows your back and there is not too much of your back showing, it should be fine.

It depends on the event. A simple tea length dress and low heels should be appropriate for most events.

That is generally a formal occasion, so it would probably be expected.

You can, but this is not recommended. It would be best to keep you entire outfit a secret. You wouldn't want to give spoilers to other people, after all!

Yes, you can. Black dresses are often a great choice.

Yes. It would be very nice, and maybe wear it with some nice jewelry.

That sounds a little springy; the same dress in a darker color would serve you greater, in wine or plum.

Dress to impress. Wear something that doesn't scream "look at me," such as a simple look like a black dress with nice high heels, or simple high heels and an interesting evening dress.

If it's an outside gala, it would be a great choice. It would be a little strange to wear for an indoor event, though, especially if it's in the evening.

It's considered more formal to wear a bow tie, but in a pinch, a necktie can be nice as well.

Yes, you should. After all, all eyes will be on you.

He CAN, but it would be very inappropriate for a gala. I would ditch the jeans and opt for dress pants and a button down shirt instead.

If you like the color on you, then wear it! The color of a dress shouldn't matter as long as you're comfortable in it.

Yes, they can.

If it is an outside gala, I would say it is acceptable. If it's inside, I would not suggest fur trim. It isn't sophisticated enough.

It may be inappropriate depending upon the nature of the gala and how far down the cut goes, but in general, it should be fine.

A gala is formal, so she needs a gown, but the color is entirely up to her.

Of course you can. Just make sure you wear shoes that go accordingly. I suggest black low-heeled shoes. Make sure to add a necklace of some extravagance, you want to look your best.

Yes, as that's a lovely color combination, but it would be preferred to wear a short dress rather than a long evening gown if the function is in the morning.

Tea length dresses are not traditionally suitable for evening formal events, but if accessorized correctly, you could pull it off.

You can wear a nice feminine tuxedo suit, or a very flowy sequined top with simple slacks and dress it up with nice shoes and accessories.

It depends. A casual gala would probably serve a buffet, but a formal or semi-formal gala would most likely have a set or just champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

Since the attire will be semi-formal, you can opt for stunning shoes. Make them stand out. Wear a semi-printed or plain shirt and match with a well-fitted trouser. Avoid loud colors or mixing more than three different colors.

Opt for less dramatic colors and simple prints. A single-colored gown of any color with stilettos can make it look good. Nicely done hair can complete the look.

Yes, and wear a smile to complete the look. You can carry a sling or a shiny clutch if you like. Opt for a plain or rather subtle sandals to make it easy on the eyes.

A gala is a fancy and decadent party, like a ball. They're often thrown as a fundraiser for a charity or an organization. Oftentimes, a gala features dinner and entertainment and everyone is dressed in fancy clothes.

A gala generally has a formal dress code. That means evening gowns or cocktail dresses, or a black tuxedo with a black bow tie. However, some galas may have a slightly different dress or code or specific requirements. For example, a gala that's meant to raise money for breast cancer awareness may require you to wear a pink dress or bow tie.

Men are meant to wear a black tuxedo without tails, black oxford shoes, and a black bow tie to a black-tie gala, hence the name. For women, the code calls for a classy evening dress that touches the floor. The dress can be any color, as long as it's appropriate for the event.