Gala Dresses: How to Choose a Gown for a Black Tie Gala

A gala is the one evening of the year when there is no such thing as overdressed. Most are black tie, many are photographed, and you will be standing, sitting and dancing in the same gown for five hours. This guide covers how to choose a gala dress that works on the red carpet and at the dinner table, with the gowns we would choose from the new season.

Start with the dress code

Black tie means a floor-length gown. Creative black tie keeps the length but allows colour, unusual shapes and statement embellishment. Black tie optional allows a very formal cocktail dress, but most women still wear long. If you are unsure, read our guide to black tie gowns.

Choose a silhouette that photographs

The mermaid is the classic red carpet line: fitted to the knee, then flared. The Avaro Figlio Vittoria Sculpted Peplum Mermaid Gown adds a sculpted peplum in black cady and jacquard. The ball gown gives the most drama on a staircase; see the Black Corset Ball Gown with Lace, and our edit of corset ball gowns. The column is the most elegant at the dinner table, as on the Structured White Cady Maxi Dress. The one-shoulder line flatters in photographs because it creates a diagonal; the Axis One-Shoulder Sequin Gown drapes silver sequins across it.

Choose colour with the camera in mind

Black is always right. A single strong colour photographs better than a print: royal purple, forest green, midnight blue and silver all read clearly on a step-and-repeat. Black and white is a graphic choice that stands out in a sea of black, as on the Midnight Bow Black and White Mikado Gown, which has an oversized black Mikado bow at the hip. For colour, see our edits of purple evening gowns, emerald green evening gowns and black and white gowns.

The gala gowns we would choose

Starlight Deep-V Sequin Draped Gown, Avaro Figlio

Silver sequins with black lace inserts, a deep V and draped sleeves. The Starlight Gown is made for a flash. $2,590.

Arabella Black Crystal Ruched Mermaid Gown, Avaro Figlio

Square neckline, ruched bodice, black crystal embellishment on black cady. The Arabella is understated until the light hits it. $2,610.

Sculpted Plunge Midnight Blue Crystal Maxi Dress, Avaro Figlio

Midnight blue cady with crystal embellishment and long cascade sleeves that move as you walk. Shop the Sculpted Plunge. $3,390.

Noir Atelier Structured Basquine Gown, Avaro Figlio

For a gala where you want to look severe and exact, the Noir Atelier has a shiny satin cady basque over matte black cady. $3,430.

From other houses

Oscar de la Renta remains the American name for gala embroidery, and the Foxglove Embroidered Sequin Tulle Gown is one of the most elaborate gowns on Coveti. Viktor and Rolf brings humour with its Bow Volant Corset Gown in Black, and Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab cover classic Beirut couture.

Practical details nobody mentions

Sit down in the gown before you buy it. Check that you can climb steps, and that the train is short enough to manage at dinner. Choose a clutch you can hold with a glass, and a heel you have already worn for an evening. If the gown is embellished, skip the necklace.

Sizing a made-to-order gown

Couture houses such as Avaro Figlio make each gown to order in Milan, so order a few weeks before the event. Avaro Figlio says its pieces fit true to size; an Italian 40 is a UK 8. See our Avaro Figlio size guide.

Shop all evening gowns at Coveti and the new Avaro Figlio Fall Winter 2026 collection.

Frequently asked questions

What do you wear to a gala?

Most galas are black tie, which means a floor-length evening gown. Check the invitation: a creative black tie gala allows more colour and drama, and a cocktail gala allows a shorter dress.

What colour should a gala dress be?

Black is always correct. For a red carpet, a strong single colour such as purple, emerald and silver photographs better than a print, and crystal embellishment catches the camera flash.

Are sequins appropriate for a gala?

Yes. Sequins and crystal are made for evening and suit almost every gala. Keep the accessories minimal when the gown is heavily embellished.

What is the difference between a gala dress and a prom dress?

A gala gown is usually cut from heavier fabric with more tailoring, in quieter colours, for an adult black tie event. Prom dresses tend to be lighter and more decorative.