A gala dinner invitation usually comes with a short line about attire: "Black tie", "Dark suit" or "Formal attire". Many business owners read that line and then hesitate in front of the wardrobe: is the business suit enough, or does it have to be a tuxedo? This article helps you read the dress code correctly and choose a gala dinner suit that looks refined without being showy.
Quick answer
For a gala dinner, if the invitation says "Black tie", wear a tuxedo (or a formal black suit) with a bow tie; if it says "Dark suit" or "Formal", wear a navy or charcoal suit, a white shirt and a tie. Choose a smooth fabric, a well-fitted cut and polished black leather shoes to suit the atmosphere of the evening.
Reading the dress code on the invitation
| Dress code | What to wear | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black tie | Black or midnight-blue tuxedo, white shirt, black bow tie | The most formal; polished black oxford shoes |
| Black tie optional | Tuxedo or a dark suit, tie | Flexible; follow the host's lead |
| Dark suit / Formal | Navy, charcoal or black suit | White shirt, solid-colour tie |
| Cocktail | Dark or mid-grey suit | A small accent is welcome |
If the invitation is not specific, ask the organisers. Dressing slightly more formally is always safer than dressing too casually.
Tuxedo or dark suit
A tuxedo differs from a suit in its silk lapels (usually shawl or peak), the silk stripe down the trouser leg and the silk-covered buttons. Mon Amie makes tuxedos to measure for these occasions. If you attend galas several times a year, a made-to-measure tuxedo that fits you well is a worthwhile investment. If you only go occasionally, a well-cut dark suit is elegant enough.
Choosing colour and fabric
- Deep navy: luxurious; under evening lights it looks almost black, but warmer.
- Charcoal grey: serious, and well suited to business owners.
- Black: the classic choice for black tie.
A smooth wool with little sheen and a clean drape is a good choice. You can look at the materials in the fabric library, or see the three price tiers on the price list.
Accessories that make the look
- A crisp white shirt, with a standing collar; cufflinks are an option.
- A bow tie or a solid-colour tie. A hand-tied bow tie always looks more natural than a pre-tied one.
- A pocket square, neatly folded, in white or matching the tone of the tie.
- Black oxford shoes, polished, with long black socks.
- A slim, understated watch. Avoid accessories that stand out too much.
Common mistakes at gala dinners
- Wearing a daytime suit in a light colour or a coarse fabric to a formal evening.
- Fastening both buttons of a two-button jacket. The general rule is to fasten only the top button.
- Unpolished shoes, or sneakers.
- A suit that is tight when you sit. Gala dinners often mean sitting for a long time, so try sitting down before you collect the suit.
Why a business owner should own a made-to-measure suit
A business owner meets more people than most: partners, clients, the press. A well-fitting suit, made from 30 measurements, lets you feel confident all evening without adjusting the jacket. If you urgently need a suit for a specific occasion, you can also ask about suit rental; prices are quoted by style on enquiry. See the lookbook for ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tuxedo compulsory for a gala dinner?
Only when the invitation says "Black tie". Otherwise, a well-cut dark suit is enough.
Should I wear a light-coloured suit to a gala dinner?
For a formal evening, dark colours are preferable. Light colours suit daytime receptions better.
An invitation from Mon Amie
Do you have a gala dinner coming up? Book an appointment and a Mon Amie stylist will advise on a suit or tuxedo that suits the dress code and your build.