36 Best Gala Dresses to Wear to Your Next Formal Event

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If you find your fall social calendar is heating up, you might just be in need of a great gala dress (or a few!) to mark the occasion. Black-tie affairs have become more and more popular, for everything from traditional functions to grand weddings and even some over-the-top birthday themes. Let us help you get inspired with some gorgeous evening wear styles that will have you begging for a reason to get dressed up. Whether you are on the hunt for that next grand charity function or a strict dress-code fête, look no further than our edit of the best gala dresses, at every price point, that will warrant major head turns and keep you feeling your very best, all evening long.

Vogue’s Guide to the Best Gala Dresses:

• The Voluminous Ballgown: Aje Spatial asymmetric gown, $695
• The Sultry Drape: Magda Butrym asymmetric draped gown, $2,820
• The Sheer and Sequin Slip: J.Crew sequin slip dress, $298
• The Print Perfect: House of Dagmar Dot maxi dress, $750
• The Long-Sleeve Shimmering Maxi: Rotate sequined gown, $440
• The Open-Back Halter: Bernadette Delilah halterneck gown, $1,130
• The Dramatic Velvet Long-Sleeve: Ganni velvet long dress, $495
• The Red Stunner: Staud Caravaggio dress, $695
• The Under-$300 Steal: Banana Republic Abigail maxidress, $280
• The Cape Effect: Rotate cape-effect mididress, $1,995
• The Luxe Lace: Zimmermann Illustration Flounce bow-detailed gown, $2,950

Wherever you are heading, we found options to suit your every need. Slinky slips and satin column dresses are always sure-fire choices when you want to look sophisticated. Evening wear darlings Emilia Wickstead and Alejandra Alonso Rojas always excel with these fabrics and silhouettes, so take a peek below for a few of their offerings. If you need something more traditional, a full-skirted, ballgown from Atelier Prabal Gurung or Erdem’s embellished off-the-shoulder design have a touch of old-world luxury, while still maintaining modern flair. Florals might not be groundbreaking, but Carolina Herrera’s lady-like column brings a little something extra with its sumptuous jacquard fabric, while Giambattista Valli’s embroidered tulle gown feels like the perfect way to incorporate florals for the cooler months.

Ahead, shop 36 gala dresses that will ensure you have a great night out, no matter what your grand plans may be.