If you’ve been invited to a gala, it can be tricky to figure out the perfect outfit to wear. Whether you’re heading to a charity event, or maybe an awards dinner, this article has the perfect choices if you’re busy planning what to wear to a gala.

What is a gala?

First of all, what exactly is a gala? Well, it’s a formal event that usually involves some entertainment and a dinner. You might, for example be heading to a charity gala that features a fundraising auction, or maybe an awards event.

Embrace the opportunity to get dressed up

Whatever the reason for the event, a gala is a great opportunity to get dressed up and embrace the glamour of the occasion. This is your chance to have some fun with style!

What is the dress code?

While all galas tend to be formal, they don’t all have the same dress code. Take a look at your invitation to see what it says. Below are some of the options.

White tie

White tie is the most formal attire, so you’ll have to take extra special care if it says this on your invitation. In this case, a floor length dress is the best option.

What to wear to a gala no matter what the dress code | 40plusstyle.com

Sandra @lapecosapreciosa above looks beautiful in her metallic asymmetric dress.

Get her look with this similar sequin dress (other options here and here), sandals and hoop earrings.

Black tie

This gives you a little more leeway when it comes to what you wear. You can choose a long dress, cocktail dress, a jumpsuit, or even a pants suit.

What to wear to a gala - Lizz wears a lace navy dress | 40plusstyle.com

Lizzy @whatlizzyloves above (read her style interview here) opts for a dress that combines the look of a shorter dress and a maxi dress, thanks to the lace styling.

Steal her look with this similar lace dress (another option here), sandals and clutch.

Cocktail attire

In this case, you will probably prefer to wear a shorter dress length, at the knee or a midi length rather than a long option.

What to wear to a gala - Sheree wears an emerald green dress | 40plusstyle.com

Sheree @shesheshow above shows how you could opt for a dress with a high-low hem.

Recreate her outfit with this similar wrap dress (another option here), sandals and earrings.

Themed dress code

Perhaps your gala has a dress code, or a theme. Think about the world famous Met Gala – there’s a new theme each year. If there is a theme, then have fun with it.

What to wear to a gala - Souri wears an orange and white outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Souri @fabfemme_australia above (read her style interview here) shows off a look that would be perfect for a daytime gala, or a day at the races.

Check out this top (other options here and here) that you can wear with this similar skirt (another option here), pumps, handbag and fascinator.

Can you wear pants to a gala?

Don’t feel constrained to a dress if you are more comfortable in pants. You could opt for a wide, palazzo style, a pants suit or a tuxedo jacket.

What to wear to a gala - Wendy dresses up a black suit | 40plusstyle.com

Wendy @fashionoverfifty.wendy above shows how you could dress up a classic black suit.

Steal her look with this similar shirt, blazer, pants, sandals, clutch, brooch and belt.

what to wear to a gala

Now let’s move onto some specific outfit choices for your gala event.

dresses and jumpsuits

A dress is the most classic choice for a formal gala, but a jumpsuit is also a great choice. The overlay jumpsuit (below) combines the look of a dress and a jumpsuit. Metallic shades will add a touch of glamour, while red will get you noticed.

Dresses and jumpsuits for a gala | 40plusstyle.com

Eliza J Off the Shoulder 3D Floral Sleeve Scuba Crepe Evening DressCOS The Silk Scarf DressCOS The V-Neck Linen Maxi DressAdrianna Papell Colorblocked Overlay Jumpsuit

Gala outfit idea: silk scarf dress and slingback pumps | 40plusstyle.com

COS The Silk Scarf DressSam Edelman Bianka Slingback PumpOlga Berg Gabby Metallic Hot Fix Crystal ClutchEttika Crystal Drop Earrings

Jackets and wraps

Depending on the weather, and whether you want to cover your upper arms, you will want a jacket or cover-up. A blazer is always a smart choice. To elevate your blazer look, opt for a tuxedo style. Or try a dramatic cover up like the tulle blazer (below), which has the look of a jacket and a skirt, so would look good over pants.

If you only want to cover your upper arms, wear a shawl, scarf or wrap.

There are more stylish cover-up ideas in this article on how to cover up a formal dress.

Cover ups for a formal event | 40plusstyle.com

Alice + Olivia Denny Crystal Trim BlazerAZALEA WANG Mixed Media BlazerAlice + Olivia Everly Tulle BlazerTed & Jack Lightweight Accent Scarf

Gala outfit idea: sheer blazer, sequin top and silk skirt | 40plusstyle.com

AZALEA WANG Mixed Media BlazerGRACE KARIN Sequin Tank TopThe Drop Maya Silky Slip SkirtSteve Madden Elina Crystal Bow Ballet FlatOlga Berg Gabby Metallic Hot Fix Crystal ClutchSAVVY CIE JEWELS Halo Stud Earrings

tops

If you’re opting for separates, what top should you choose? Well, because separates can look more casual than a dress, make sure you choose a really special top. Look out for luxurious fabrics, draping, glamorous shapes, and sequins. You could choose a white shirt and elevate your look with statement jewelry.

Tops to wear to a gala | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Slim Silk BlouseKOBI HALPERIN Mila Sleeveless Stretch Silk BlouseReformation Ronda Asymmetric Neck Silk TopGRACE KARIN Sequin Tank Top

Gala outfit idea: silk top and pants | 40plusstyle.com

Reformation Ronda Asymmetric Neck Silk TopAlice + Olivia Crystal Trim Dylan PantsCalvin Klein Fairy Ankle Strap SandalOlga Berg Ellie Crystal Mesh BagNordstrom Cubic Zirconia Baguette Drop Earrings

pants and skirts

If you’re choosing a pair of pants or a skirt to go with your top, then a pair of wide leg pants are a glamorous choice. You can see why in our article on the best wide leg pants and how to wear them.

When it comes to choosing skirts, look for silk, satin, sequins, and a maxi or below the knee length.

Pants and skirts for a special occasion | 40plusstyle.com

Alice + Olivia Dylan Bootcut PantsAlice + Olivia Crystal Trim Dylan PantsThe Drop Maya Silky Slip SkirtKaren Millen Disc Sequin Maxi Skirt

Gala outfit idea: tulle blazer, silk top and bootcut pants | 40plusstyle.com

Alice + Olivia Everly Tulle BlazerKOBI HALPERIN Mila Sleeveless Stretch Silk BlouseAlice + Olivia Dylan Bootcut PantsSteve Madden Elina Crystal Bow Ballet FlatNina Billow Art Deco Frame ClutchSAVVY CIE JEWELS Halo Stud Earrings

shoes to wear to a gala

Heels are always a classic choice. Choose metallics, neutral shades, or pick shoes that match your dress. If you think you’ll be uncomfortable being on your feet during the event, you could choose a pair of glamorous flats instead.

Shoes to go with your formal outfits | 40plusstyle.com

Steve Madden Elina Crystal Bow Ballet FlatCalvin Klein Fairy Ankle Strap SandalJewel Badgley Mischka Christen Block Heel SandalSam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump

Gala outfit idea: blazer, maxi dress and silver accessories and heels | 40plusstyle.com

Alice + Olivia Denny Crystal Trim BlazerCOS The V-Neck Linen Maxi DressJewel Badgley Mischka Christen Block Heel SandalOlga Berg Ellie Crystal Mesh BagSAVVY CIE JEWELS Halo Stud Earrings

accessories

Accessories always elevate any outfit, but they are particularly important when you are creating an outfit for a special occasion. You will want a clutch bag to fit in your essentials. Then choose statement earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

Accessories to go with your formal outfits | 40plusstyle.com

Olga Berg Ellie Crystal Mesh BagOlga Berg Gabby Metallic Hot Fix Crystal ClutchNina Billow Art Deco Frame ClutchFULU AUTUMN Stackable Beaded BraceletsEttika Crystal Drop EarringsNordstrom Cubic Zirconia Baguette Drop EarringsSAVVY CIE JEWELS Halo Stud Earrings

Gala outfit idea: jumpsuit and slingback pumps | 40plusstyle.com

Adrianna Papell Colorblocked Overlay JumpsuitSam Edelman Bianka Slingback PumpNina Billow Art Deco Frame ClutchFULU AUTUMN Stackable Beaded BraceletsNordstrom Cubic Zirconia Baguette Drop Earrings

Your gala outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see how you can put your gala outfits together. You can easily mix and match to create different looks if you have a number of events to attend this year. You could, for example, create an all-red look with the red dress, wrap and clutch bag. Or, you could wear the white or black blazers over any of the outfits.

Gala outfits | 40plusstyle.com

shop the outfits to wear to a gala below:

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What to wear to a gala no matter what the dress code | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Sandra @lapecosapreciosa

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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