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If you’re lucky, you’ll find your summer calendar stacked with black-tie or white-tie functions (more on the difference later). If you’re luckier, you’ll know exactly how to dress to impress for the galas, fundraisers, and fêtes in question… and we’re making it easier by giving you the 411 on what might be one of the trickiest dress codes to crack.
If the mere mention of the word “gala” inspires “Bridgerton” flashbacks, you’re not wrong for this association. After all, women’s gala dress trends went hand in hand with European royal court fashion for a long time. In the 1600s and 1700s, corsets and wigs prevailed, while the 1800s and 1900s displayed a penchant for voluminous crinoline gowns and haute couture adornments like lace, ribbons, artificial flowers, and feathers.
In the mid-1900s, gala culture hopped across the pond and landed squarely in America: kicking off a period of glamorous benefits (the Met Gala, originating in 1948, being chief among them in fashion circles) that continues to this day. Over the decades, the dominant sartorial directives for these occasions experienced significant shifts, and this year’s are marked by the exceptionally versatile black dress, conversation-sparking accessories, and, in select circumstances, experimentation with materials.
Just look to the star-studded 2025 LACMA Art+Film Gala and similar goings-on for inspiration. Cynthia Erivo’s Schiaparelli dress featured embellished eye motifs, for instance, while Charli XCX opted for edgy coordinates powered by a mirrored bra top and Elle Fanning cosigned a faux fur layer that color-matched her baby blue Gucci gown.
Cynthia Erivo attends the 2025 LACMA Art+Film Gala; Hilary Duff at the 2026 TIME100 Gala.
Courtesy Amy Sussman, Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images,
Of course, if your upcoming social commitment is more “Buckingham Palace banquet” and less “well-oiled night at a museum,” you’d be wise to stick to the timeless, classic, and far-from-scandalizing. Think full-length dresses with a slicked-back ‘do and simple gold jewelry or something vintage-coded and empire waist–equipped.
Above all, aim for around-the-clock comfort that will let you navigate around cocktail tables with grace, participate in the scheduled paddle raise while achieving fluid range of motion, and dance into the wee hours without any signs of blisters. What this entails in practice? Supportive , accommodating clothing silhouettes, and practical storage solutions for your tchotchkes in the form of a spacious yet never-bulky handbag.
Below, the 24 best things for women to wear to a gala, which you can repurpose across seasons and invites — channeling your inner Daisy Buchanan all the while.
What Is Black-Tie Gala Attire?
For men, the black-tie dress code — popularized by British aristocrats as a more lenient alternative to white-tie wear — is a little easier to decipher, involving a dinner jacket, polished dress shoes, and, yes, a black bow tie for formal evenings spanning weddings, galas, awards ceremonies, and beyond.
For women, the gold standard is usually a floor-brushing gown crafted out of fabrics like silk, chiffon, or velvet and swathed in jewel tones or a traditional black hue; fine jewelry (PSA: brooches are hot right now); and dressy shoes like closed-toe pumps, with the occasional strappy sandal permitted to make an appearance.
In short, skip the minidress and invest in something you won’t be embarassed to don while shaking the CEO’s hand.
To be completely sure you don’t turn up to the gala in tone-deaf garb, ask the organizer directly about the kinds of outfit equations they’re expecting from guests. All the better if they attach a Pinterest moodboard to the invite, encouraging nothing short of visual cohesion.
Reformation Oren Silk Dress
Neck scarves? Majorly trending as we speak, and you can witness their flattering magic firsthand with this strapless silk maxi from Reformation, whose slinky profile will bless your every curve.
Price upon publish date of this article: $348
Ralph Lauren Faille Off-the-Shoulder Gown
Also available in navy, this structured faille dress from Ralph Lauren goes the extra mile with its criss-crossing, off-the-shoulder neck (an ideal carte blanche for glittering diamond pendants) and thigh slit.
Price upon publish date of this article: $245
Steve Madden Morrie Dark Cherry Techno Pump
This new Steve Madden release boasts a stiletto heel, a pointed toe, and a practical ankle strap, creating a shoe that will take you from hors d’oeuvres to the dance floor sans pain or discomfort.
Price upon publish date of this article: $129.95
Coach Kisslock Frame Bag 27
The Coach Kisslock Frame Bag, one of our readers’ favorite accessories from the label, requires no introduction. In its pictured woven straw fringe iteration (which took over 19 hours to assemble by hand), the piece becomes even more of a must-have for galas. Bonus points: You can easily repurpose it as a date-night carryall, capable of being worn clutch-style courtesy of that detachable strap.
Price upon publish date of this article: $486.50
Swarovski Mesmera Set
Why shop for black-tie–appropriate necklaces and earrings separately when you can grab them in tandem as part of Swarovski’s Mesmera Set, featuring light-catching crystals in various shapes and sizes?
Price upon publish date of this article: $450
What Is White-Tie Gala Attire?
We mean it when we say white-tie attire is reserved only for the most prestigious of happenings. Peaking during the Gilded Age era, this dress code signified your allegiance to the upper echelons and was evidenced at debutante balls, operas, banquets, and celebrations honoring dignitaries.
Despite their exclusivity, you very well might be frequenting a few such galas in your lifetime, for which careful preparations are a nonnegotiable.
Women are obligated to show up in floor-length dresses, oftentimes accompanied by evening gloves à la Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” or Rihanna at the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” premiere. Tailcoats (black) and bow ties (white), on the other hand, are a requirement for all men in attendance.
While black-tie gatherings allows for some cross-pollination with cocktail dressing — meaning midi hems and certain playful, personality-laden touches can be tolerated — this is considered unacceptable in the eyes of the white-tie law.
And whereas the aforementioned black-tie style grants breathing room in the neckline department (peep our suggested off-the-shoulder picks above), you ought to be more conservative when doing your white-tie dress shopping. As a rule of thumb, ankles should also not be visible, and if you so happen to own a gown that shows off your shoulders and collarbones alike, you can formalize it via a wrap, stole, or shawl.
Long overdue for a tiara moment? There’s no better time and place.
Badgley Mischka Strapless Gown With Cape
At Rent the Runway, this dress is 30 percent off its original retail price and looks like elegance incarnate: treating wearers to drama and sophistication that can complement your heirloom rings, pricey purse, and height-happy heels.
“I had the opportunity to serve as the evening’s host for the special commemoration of the Brown v. Board’s judicial decision, and this dress was epically gorgeous! Truly a showstopper, and I recommend it highly only if you want to hit it out of the park,” shares one reviewer. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
Renting versus buying a gala gown is advisable if you plan on wearing it only once, and Rent the Runway also offers up no shortage of temporary options that you can drop off at your local UPS after the unforgettable night is over.
Price upon publish date of this article: $732
Mac Duggal Crystal-Embellished Tulle Gown
Equal parts toned-down and eye-catching, Mac Duggal’s crystal-trimmed gown will make you the literal belle of the ball — swishy tulle skirt and all. The best part? No additional jewelry, save for some drop earrings, is needed to complete the look, thanks to those built-in embellishments.
Price upon publish date of this article: $498
Norma Kamali Long Gloves
Opera gloves are a no-brainer buy for your next white-tie gala, and these ones from Norma Kamali specialize in stretchy breathability without costing you a (gloved) arm and a leg.
Price upon publish date of this article: $60
Twigs & Honey Charmed Crystal Tiara Crown
Moonlight as Mia Thermopolis with this top-selling tiara, adorned by Austrian crystals and fern charms for a nature-inspired element.
Price upon publish date of this article: $328
Stuart Weitzman Vinnie Metallic Kitten Slingback Pump
Getting their start in the 1950s, kitten heels are some of the most time-tested footwear choices for white-tie galas. This Stuart Weitzman pair stands out from the crowd based on its metallic finish, supportive outsole, and impeccable Spanish craftsmanship.
Price upon publish date of this article: $525
What to Wear to a Gala, Part Two
Even more ideas for your future gala ensembles, to suit every style sensibility and venue under the sun.
Amanda Uprichard x Revolve Evianna Mesh Gown
Price upon publish date of this article: $297
A.L.C. Romy Pleated Satin Gown
Price upon publish date of this article: $795
Rebecca Vallance Hazine Jersey Gown
Price upon publish date of this article: $795
Monique Lhullier Strapless Iris Applique Sequined Gown
Price upon publish date of this article: $8,495
Quince Featherweight Cashmere Silk Frayed Edge Scarf
Price upon publish date of this article: $64
SongKedora Women’s Faux Fur Shawl
Price upon publish date of this article: $45.99
Simkhai Bridget Mini Oyster Shell Clutch Bag
Price upon publish date of this article: $395
Marc Jacobs The Glam Small Clutch
Price upon publish date of this article: $250.60
Erdem Bloom Minaudière
Price upon publish date of this article: $2,040
Cult Gaia Cassidy Sandal
Price upon publish date of this article: $598
Dolce Vita Cleo High Heel
Price upon publish date of this article: $135
Jennifer Behr Verlee Earrings
Price upon publish date of this article: $625
Mejuri Heirloom Ring
Price upon publish date of this article: $998
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