A gala is usually a formal event, held for charity or on special occasions. Men and women should attend it dressed in an elegant way, as there is a label closely linked to this type of reception.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Women
Step 1. Embrace the glamor
Extravagant dresses and sparkly accessories are perfect, even if you're not used to them. A formal dress will highlight your guest, or your companion, and the event. If you don't wear them for a gala, when?
Step 2. Consider an evening or cocktail dress - but don't feel limited to these choices
Generally, evening dresses are longer, to the floor, and sometimes have an asymmetrical hemline or a stunning slit. Cocktail dresses are shorter, usually above the knee. Although traditionally evening dresses were the only choice deemed appropriate, today cocktail dresses are also accepted, also because the distinction between the two categories is often not so clear-cut.
- If Ellen Degeneres didn't put on a dress for the Oscars, why should you? While a trendy dress is THE dress for a woman, there are many other options available. The research will take a little more work, and keep in mind that your slightly risky choice may be unexpected at the party.
- Consider a menswear inspired outfit (just like the one Ellen Degeneres wore at the 2014 Oscars), a business suit, or a sophisticated combination of top and pants. The important thing is that you are sure that the effect is formal and elegant.
Step 3. Put on a pair of heels
Opt for strappy or open-front sandals instead of closed shoes. Remember that the color must match that of the dress - not exactly, but they must be coordinated.
- When in doubt, choose black shoes.
- Spice it up by choosing shoes with some shiny elements.
- Those in satin are suitable for any event.
- Do not wear shoes with wedges, wood or cork - they are not as suitable as boots.
- Ballet flats are usually not well seen and the length of the dresses would probably make it difficult to walk without tripping if you don't have heels.
- If you don't want or can't wear heels, you can find elegant and decorated flat shoes. The saleswoman from a good store might help you.
- If you have a male chaperone, try not to overwhelm him. If you are tall, opt for low heels or flats.
Step 4. Add something sparkly with accessories
- If the dress is simple, put on some elaborate jewelry. Go for long earrings, a diamond or a zircon necklace, and a bracelet.
- If the dress is already full of its own, keep a low profile with jewelry. Choose simple earrings. Wear a nice necklace and bracelet that fit the glitz of the dress without conflicting.
- Wearing fake jewelry or trinkets to a gala is not a good move. Better real jewels, if you can. Rather than emphasizing fleeting fashions with faux and boisterous pieces, aim for a subtle, simple and elegant approach.
Step 5. Bring a clutch bag
They are the standard choice on formal evenings. Choose one that fits your dress and shoes. Handbags with thin shoulder straps are considered to be in bad taste, especially if the gala is in the evening.
Step 6. Combing
Consider getting a professional hairdresser to make your look as elegant as possible.
- If you prefer to save money and do your hair at home, use a straightener to make the locks straight.
- Alternatively, use a curling iron and styling products to create large, voluminous curls that last.
Step 7. Choose a suitable makeup
Usually, a heavier makeup is put on at a gala than you wear every day. One reason is that the lighting is often low, and the party is in the evening, so the make-up needs to be more accentuated than usual.
- Foundation and powder must be natural.
- Use eyeliner and mascara to emphasize eyes and lashes. Choose a smoky-eye shade. Add a neutral look, a shiny lipstick but always in a shade that suits your complexion.
- Apply a little eye shadow to your eyes and draw the gaze to your lips, with a dark red or brick lipstick that suits your skin. The darker the lipstick the better, but apply a pencil first to prevent smudging.
- You hate make-up but want to try wearing a little? Try a light-toned gloss, and a very light foundation (whether it's powder or liquid). It doesn't take long, it's not that different from putting on sunscreen and lip balm, and it gives a little improvement without being too theatrical.
Method 2 of 2: Men
Men should wear a tuxedo.
Step 1. The jacket is essential
Regardless of what you wear, it is mandatory. Black or dark blue wool are appropriate choices, unless otherwise noted on the invitation, and you can choose either a regular fit or a double breasted fit.
Step 2. The pants must fit the jacket
They should be of the same material and shade.
Step 3. Wear a white shirt with a diplomatic collar
If you choose the tuxedo make sure the shirt fits.
Step 4. Think about the bow tie
It is a more traditional choice and well accepted in gala and formal occasions, if made of a good material such as silk.
Step 5. Stick to black oxford shoes
Choose branded and shiny leather.
Step 6. Keep yourself flawless
- Make sure your hair is clean, combed and well maintained.
- Get manicures and pedicures the day before.
- You can also do a tanning session to even out your skin tone, especially if you intend to wear something that exposes a lot of skin.
Advice
- In general, don't try anything for the first time when you get ready for a gala! For example, try your make-up one week before the event: it's better not to find out at the last moment that you are allergic to foundation! Or that it doesn't fit into the dress.
- While most galas are formal, some can be informal or casual. Ask the organizer about the dress code - this will save you money, time and embarrassment.
- For a semi-formal gala, women should choose black cocktail dresses. Men should choose suits, tuxedos are not necessary.
- Don't wear too much makeup and don't add too much glitter to your ensemble.
- Women should choose shoes with high heels but not too comfortable. A super high heel strikes but you'd end up embarrassing yourself if you spend the evening staggering around because you can't walk on it.
- If you can't buy it, rent the tuxedo or suit.
- Wear what you want. If you don't like black cocktail dresses, or if you love high heels and lots of makeup and sequins, don't let anyone tell you how you shouldn't dress.
