What to Wear to a Charity Gala

By the time you read this, I will be in DC getting ready to attend Runway Moms for a Cause, an annual charity gala, hosted by L~shandi Designs. In preparing for the event, I struggled with what to wear, the only gala I know is the Met Gala and we all know how glamours and over the top the stars dress. Thankfully most gala usually aren’t like that. So deciding on what to wear to a charity gala depends on the type of event it is. If it’s black tie then it obviously calls for a more upscale attire. Speaking of the Met Gala, did you see what everyone was wearing? One of my favorite for the night was the Stella McCartney midriff ensemble that Rihanna wore. If I was, 10 years younger, 25 lbs lighter and had washboard abs, I would totally rock that look. However, with age and a few pounds on me, I will opt for Oprah’s modest, sexy and age appropriate look. Yes, that’s Ms. O on this months’ cover of O Magazine. Doesn’t she look great for 60.

Enough about them, back to the issue at hand.  When I got my ticket to the gala, I knew upfront, I didn’t want to buy anything new but deciding on what to wear wasn’t an easy feat. I am currently debating on 1 of 3 outfits – a cocktail dress I wore to a friends wedding about five years ago, a custom made evening gown I wore at my mothers’ 60th birthday two years ago and an evening separates I got roughly two years ago but never worn.

If you’re heading to a charity gala and can’t decide what to wear here are a few options and style guide to help you make an informed decision.

Formal Evening Gown – For a black-tie charity gala, it goes without saying that a formal evening gown would be an appropriate choice. Which is why I chose a look from the Designers’ line. It’s simple, yet elegant and the best part is, it’s comfortable. Still debating on what color shoes to wear but I know my hair, will be done and I will be wearing a dangling earrings.

My outfit choice # 2 – Is a custom made evening dress similar to this L~shandi Design evening gown

Little Black Dress – It’s a proven fact, you can’t go wrong with a little black dress. No matter the event, a LBD can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.

Cocktail Dress  – If it’s a black-tie gala, I will probably opt for a more muted color but this pleated maxi dress is fun, flirty and perfect for this weather. I know it’s not the traditional cocktail dress, but we’re throwing the rules out the window here. This dress will pair nicely with an up-do,  teardrop earrings and an ankle-strapped pumps.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to purchase anything new for the event. I was lucky enough that I could shop in my closet. Granted most people might not necessary have an evening gown laying around, me either I just got lucky this time around. Hope this helps a bit. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend.