Look alive: Gala season is upon us. (Starting quite conspicuously with a certain upcoming soirée on Monday.) These mostly black-tie events are a chance to dress to the nines while toasting a good cause; excellent people-watching, and even better dress-spotting. It should come as no surprise that Vogue editors love a sartorial prompt, so to kickstart some formalwear inspiration, we polled the team to see exactly what everyone is wearing to the spring galas in their calendar.
Vogue’s Guide to Spring Gala Dresses
The Sheer Polka Dot Dress
Tory Burch pleated silk lace dress
Jump to reviewThe Floral Ballgown
Carolina Herrera strapless draped gown
Jump to reviewThe Embellished Column Dress
Oscar de la Renta embellished tulle gown
Jump to review
Everyone has their own take, from our market editor’s maximalist approach to seasonally appropriate florals to our executive director’s minimalist-meets-Art Deco twist on silky separates. If you’re prepping for your own event, the best thing you can do is consult the invitation: When there’s a set dress code, it’s important to follow it. From there, use context clues to determine how experimental you can get. (An event fundraising for a medical nonprofit may require a more modest approach than, say, a benefit honoring fashion design or film.) And when in doubt? A well-fitting, long black dress can work for just about any occasion.
Keep reading to see how eight Vogue editors dress for springtime galas.
Libby Page, executive director, shopping
For my first-ever gala (yes, since moving to New York, I’ve never been to one!) I wanted to toe the line between chic cocktail attire and not overdressed—this draped top delivered. I bought it last year, with no occasion to wear it to; proof that you don’t always need to be shopping for an event, because sometimes, the event finds you. Art Deco-inspired accessories have been trending, so I wore a clutch I secured at the vintage sale we did in Los Angeles with eBay (Juju Vera’s shell one is similar). It’s a nice nod to a trend, in a timeless way.
