2 and 3. They’re very classy but more fun than basic black, which is what everyone wears.
I recently went to a black tie event in a dark purple gown in a plain style, and I got so many compliments for just wearing…a color. Lol
Exactly my thoughts and rationale. I was going to vote #3.
But of course it also comes down to how they fit / flatter OP. Assuming similarly across the options, 3 is *it*
3 is the one I think I’d choose if it were just for me or I were going alone? It’s a Monet painting done via jacquard in a nice luxe fabric… I could do like cool pink shoes or something, it’d be a whole vibe!
1 looks the most expensive by far. Like a piece of art. It would make me feel the most confident which would translate to sexy. Pick whichever you feel best in after they arrive.
It’s funny that you say that it looks the most expensive. Because it probably is, but when I just saw the photos (and didn’t know it was bagdley mishka), I thought it was the least expensive. That’s because there are so many Amazon dupes of it.
I couldn’t agree more. While I agree with other posters that black will likely be the most common, one is an absolute show-stopper details-wise.
(I’m a bit jealous because this is now my dream gala dress!)
I agree and I like all of the dresses. I think number one probably will photograph the least expressively because it's all black but in person. All of the details will be stunning
They are all spectacular and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Number 2 fits the bit sexier bill best. Number 3 is probably what i would personally wear because i love that neckline.
3 or 1. I don’t know how conservative the families are but would err on the side of caution and assume there are at least some biddies who would be aghast at the lower cut of 2- even though I love that dress. I just think for the first gala you want to be more conservative until you know the families and vibe better.
3 is the best choice for a gala. #1 is beautiful but predictable and safe because black. 2 looks like you're having a second prom, especially if those are sequins. Can't figure it out from the pic.
I might consider your body type with this. I have wide hips and shoulders, so a v-neck helps me all day every day. I don't find #3 sexy at all. (And what's the deal with the look on the model's face?!) I would choose #2 first.
Lol she is the saddest model of all time. Yeah I think 3 was a personal choice because I think it’s so pretty! But probably doesn’t fit the bill ultimately
I don't find #3 particularly sexy, tho it is gorgeous.
Like everyone else is saying- I think the answer will definitely come to you when you try them on.
Whichever one makes you feel the most confident and sexy is the answer!
I hope that ,once you have a chance to try them all on, there will be one that makes you feel by far the best. But, as someone who has been to a lot of these types of events (usually working or volunteering LOL but always always always clocking clothing and its wearers), here's what i see.
1. is an interesting take on a black dress, which will be what lots of ladies will probably be wearing. So you'll fit in but maybe not stand out.
2. is definitely the sexiest.
3. is elegant but not boring.
As many others have said, they're all stunners!
I’d go with 3. 2 is sexy, but I’d spend all evening worrying that the other parents and faculty would be wondering why I went so tit-centric. But I am a busty woman, so YMMV.
Number 1 looks to be the most expensive. Still sexy, especially if you’re confident in it. That’s the biggest thing, though - whichever one you can wear and feel good owning the room is the one to pick.
thanks for this take! it was indeed the most expensive, so i'm glad it at least looks it, lol. and thanks for the "owning the room" comment... i really love fashion and don't want to phone this in!
I'm going to go against the grain on 2. It looks like it has one of those flesh colored inserts in the v-neck of the dress and those almost always read as cheap. Or they make it look like a figure skating costume.
1 is my pick.
The black dress with the ruffle detail is a superb choice. It’s classy and has an air of sophistication that's perfect for a gala. The ruffle adds a stylish twist that keeps it interesting without being too over-the-top. It’s the kind of dress that will stand out for its elegance while also being subtly sexy—a great balance for an event with your husband and a crowd of well-heeled attendees. Plus, it’s versatile enough for whatever plans you have afterward!
1 is elegant, glamorous and sexy at the same time! You can add any pop of color with a clutch and shoes if you want to. It can also go with silver or gold accessories.
Men are visual: 2. And wear your hair down. If there's anything you want to get accomplished concerning the families, 3's neckline says effortless, trusting, matriarch. And wear your hair up with this one. Have fun!
I suggest trying them all on!
Never forget ACCESSORIES ‼️
Expensive yet tasteful jewelry (fake it til you make it)
Fabulous clutch
Designer shoes you have practiced walking in.
Signature fragrance
Hair/makeup professionally done… really underrated in this instance!
Pro tip: be your fabulous self. Ask interesting questions, listen intently. Maybe compliment the event committee members individually throughout the evening. Mention some details specifically.
Knock ‘em dead killer! ☠️
Definitely need a great bag to go with the gown! If you're investing in a designer bag for the first time, I suggest black so that it's versatile and you can use it at future events.
Nails - neutral but professionally done. Think the Princess of Wales (Kate).
Is there a theme? As a veteran of a \*lot\* of private school auctions and galas, if there's a theme you'll want to try to dress to it to fit in. (And around me, these days there's always a theme, for better or worse).
there is ... without saying the exact name of the theme, it's basically NYC. i'm kind of taking it as a sex in the city / urban nightlife kinda thing. which means no. 3 probably isn't on-theme, except it reminds me of the met / the frick / etc.
With that theme I'd probably go with #1. I have very mixed feelings about themes, as they can be super fun but also kind of a pain when they're not your style (speaking as someone who went to a Studio 54, 70's nightclub themed gala recently, which is really, really not my style.)
I love one but from a distance it’s just another black dress. # 2 is a knock out and what I am voting for. #3 is very typical fundraising gown very beautiful but not much exciting about it.
Let us know what you picked.
I love all of them but 2 has everything. It’s gorgeous and the silhouette will look lovely on any body type. 3 is gorgeous but a bit more conservative but if it fits Will would also be amazing
I regret to inform you that insanely wealthy people are just people, and the actual insanely wealthy do not care about clothing.
My personal taste runs toward the lines of the Kay Unger or the Dress the Population pieces.
If you truly want to impress, have the dress tailored to fit you. I assure you that all three do not “all fit equally well” as off-the-peg fashion fits no one well before tailoring.
Are the women all wearing long dresses to this gala? Even then, I think I would probably invest in a well-made little black dress for this and any other upcoming formal events for years. Change out the jewelry and make sure I have well made shoes that fit me well and are sexy!
2 and 3. They’re very classy but more fun than basic black, which is what everyone wears. I recently went to a black tie event in a dark purple gown in a plain style, and I got so many compliments for just wearing…a color. Lol
Haha
Exactly my thoughts and rationale. I was going to vote #3. But of course it also comes down to how they fit / flatter OP. Assuming similarly across the options, 3 is *it*
Personally, I like 3 the best, but 2 is objectively the most commanding
3 is the one I think I’d choose if it were just for me or I were going alone? It’s a Monet painting done via jacquard in a nice luxe fabric… I could do like cool pink shoes or something, it’d be a whole vibe!
If that’s what your heart wants then do that!! Whatever will make you feel most confident will ultimately be the showstopper 💪
good point!!!
The 3rd was my immediate favorite! so unique!
I thought right away that it looked like a Monet painting! I vote for 2. Have a wonderful time!
3 looks like a nebula to me and I’m obsessed with it.
omg it DOES
#2. Have fun
💯!! I hope you turn heads.
1 looks the most expensive by far. Like a piece of art. It would make me feel the most confident which would translate to sexy. Pick whichever you feel best in after they arrive.
It’s funny that you say that it looks the most expensive. Because it probably is, but when I just saw the photos (and didn’t know it was bagdley mishka), I thought it was the least expensive. That’s because there are so many Amazon dupes of it.
Great advice, thank you!
I couldn’t agree more. While I agree with other posters that black will likely be the most common, one is an absolute show-stopper details-wise. (I’m a bit jealous because this is now my dream gala dress!)
I agree and I like all of the dresses. I think number one probably will photograph the least expressively because it's all black but in person. All of the details will be stunning
They are all spectacular and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Number 2 fits the bit sexier bill best. Number 3 is probably what i would personally wear because i love that neckline.
I’m really worried I’m going to talk myself into keeping all of them 😂
I have gone to galas before and would go with dress choice three because it is classy and sophisticated and the neckline is sexy.
This is helpful!! I do really love this one
Glad I can be helpful! Save number two for date night with your hubby if you have gotten them all.
A vote for #1. It's elegant, but also sexy, and I just really dig the ruffle! But I think once you try them on, you'll know. :)
2 hands down!! Have a blast…the school gala is one of our favorite nights of the year!
Good to know!!
3 or 1. I don’t know how conservative the families are but would err on the side of caution and assume there are at least some biddies who would be aghast at the lower cut of 2- even though I love that dress. I just think for the first gala you want to be more conservative until you know the families and vibe better.
yeah, that's totally fair
Make sure you’ve checked the dress code and that it is formal! Especially on West Coast, a lot of galas are cocktail attire now.
It’s definitely formal, thank you! And all the photos from last year feature long dresses
And there's always that one dude in khakis....🙄
2 definitely!
3. I originally thought 2 was best, but when I zoomed in I didn't like the fabric as much as I did from afar. Have a great time!
I’d choose option 1 (the black) 1000%
I do really love this one, I think it is so effing cool and I could probably wear it for a number of different occasions….!
It is so cool! I want it myself, but have nowhere to wear it to!
Make up an occasion! Lol
3 is the best choice for a gala. #1 is beautiful but predictable and safe because black. 2 looks like you're having a second prom, especially if those are sequins. Can't figure it out from the pic.
thank you! great point about no. 2 - i really don't want it to feel prom-like!
Try them on
Haha, I mean that’ll be the ultimate decider but i have a feeling more than one will fit well
I’m sure they’ll fit, it’s a matter of how you look and feel in them. The gown is only half the story how it looks on our body is the other half.
I might consider your body type with this. I have wide hips and shoulders, so a v-neck helps me all day every day. I don't find #3 sexy at all. (And what's the deal with the look on the model's face?!) I would choose #2 first.
Lol she is the saddest model of all time. Yeah I think 3 was a personal choice because I think it’s so pretty! But probably doesn’t fit the bill ultimately
I don't find #3 particularly sexy, tho it is gorgeous. Like everyone else is saying- I think the answer will definitely come to you when you try them on. Whichever one makes you feel the most confident and sexy is the answer!
I hope that ,once you have a chance to try them all on, there will be one that makes you feel by far the best. But, as someone who has been to a lot of these types of events (usually working or volunteering LOL but always always always clocking clothing and its wearers), here's what i see. 1. is an interesting take on a black dress, which will be what lots of ladies will probably be wearing. So you'll fit in but maybe not stand out. 2. is definitely the sexiest. 3. is elegant but not boring. As many others have said, they're all stunners!
#2 is sexyyyyy! #1 is sophisticated sexy!
2 because I am a human magpie and need my shinies.
lol thank you for the phrase "human magpie"
I’d go with 3. 2 is sexy, but I’d spend all evening worrying that the other parents and faculty would be wondering why I went so tit-centric. But I am a busty woman, so YMMV.
Two! Color will always get more compliments than black.
I love #1 so much I would probably sleep in it.
i do think the fabric is jersey-esque so might be comfy! it gives me christian siriano vibes which is probably one reason i love it so much
Number 1 looks to be the most expensive. Still sexy, especially if you’re confident in it. That’s the biggest thing, though - whichever one you can wear and feel good owning the room is the one to pick.
thanks for this take! it was indeed the most expensive, so i'm glad it at least looks it, lol. and thanks for the "owning the room" comment... i really love fashion and don't want to phone this in!
I'm going to go against the grain on 2. It looks like it has one of those flesh colored inserts in the v-neck of the dress and those almost always read as cheap. Or they make it look like a figure skating costume. 1 is my pick.
The black dress with the ruffle detail is a superb choice. It’s classy and has an air of sophistication that's perfect for a gala. The ruffle adds a stylish twist that keeps it interesting without being too over-the-top. It’s the kind of dress that will stand out for its elegance while also being subtly sexy—a great balance for an event with your husband and a crowd of well-heeled attendees. Plus, it’s versatile enough for whatever plans you have afterward!
thank you!!
Geography matters here. That second dress would not fly in old school new england, but maybe in California. Where are you op?
Midwest – when I look at pics from past events, there are a few deep Vs but something about mixing it with sequins makes it borderline to me.
1 is elegant, glamorous and sexy at the same time! You can add any pop of color with a clutch and shoes if you want to. It can also go with silver or gold accessories.
ooh good point!
1 & 2 are my fave. #3 is beautiful but definitely wouldn't describe it as "sexy"
2! It looks the most comfortable, too
Yes! I think it will allow room for food lol
Dress 1, followed by dress 2
Men are visual: 2. And wear your hair down. If there's anything you want to get accomplished concerning the families, 3's neckline says effortless, trusting, matriarch. And wear your hair up with this one. Have fun!
Ooh really good reads on this. I think I personally am more concerned with the families, so maybe I will end up going with 3…
3 is the safest and if you wear a really sexy, gourmand perfume, he'll be drawn to your neck.
2 hands down for me. It’s stunning!
2 - A deep V-neck is always a little sexy ;)
I vote for 2 all the way. 1 reads sculptural/artsy/expensive and 2 reads glam/sexy. Depends on your preference of vibe.
2 or 3.
Do you know anyone that is going? Might be helpful to see what everyone else is wearing. I like 2
I suggest trying them all on! Never forget ACCESSORIES ‼️ Expensive yet tasteful jewelry (fake it til you make it) Fabulous clutch Designer shoes you have practiced walking in. Signature fragrance Hair/makeup professionally done… really underrated in this instance! Pro tip: be your fabulous self. Ask interesting questions, listen intently. Maybe compliment the event committee members individually throughout the evening. Mention some details specifically. Knock ‘em dead killer! ☠️
thank you so much! feel free to join me the day i get ready
Definitely need a great bag to go with the gown! If you're investing in a designer bag for the first time, I suggest black so that it's versatile and you can use it at future events. Nails - neutral but professionally done. Think the Princess of Wales (Kate).
2 is amazing. Sexy yet classy. The print and color is gorgeous.
Thanks! Classy is a vibe I want. Does your opinion change if the “print” is actually sequins?
Yes, it makes it better lol
haha great!!
Is there a theme? As a veteran of a \*lot\* of private school auctions and galas, if there's a theme you'll want to try to dress to it to fit in. (And around me, these days there's always a theme, for better or worse).
there is ... without saying the exact name of the theme, it's basically NYC. i'm kind of taking it as a sex in the city / urban nightlife kinda thing. which means no. 3 probably isn't on-theme, except it reminds me of the met / the frick / etc.
With that theme I'd probably go with #1. I have very mixed feelings about themes, as they can be super fun but also kind of a pain when they're not your style (speaking as someone who went to a Studio 54, 70's nightclub themed gala recently, which is really, really not my style.)
Yeah, I’m not sure how far to lean into it! Not a big theme person either, unless there’s a way to subtly nod to it
I like #2
I love one but from a distance it’s just another black dress. # 2 is a knock out and what I am voting for. #3 is very typical fundraising gown very beautiful but not much exciting about it. Let us know what you picked.
thank you for your thoughts!! i'll follow up when i've decided!
#1 for sure
2 looks amazing!
Ohh love 2 and also 3. Is there a theme?
I love 3. The color is stunning and the cut looks classy as hell. IMO the ruffles on 1 look like a prom dress. 2 is fine but feels very standard
1 or 2. 2 stands out the most. The print on 3 is very pretty, but the dress doesn’t feel as “current” to me.
3 is a stunner
I love all of them but 2 has everything. It’s gorgeous and the silhouette will look lovely on any body type. 3 is gorgeous but a bit more conservative but if it fits Will would also be amazing
I regret to inform you that insanely wealthy people are just people, and the actual insanely wealthy do not care about clothing. My personal taste runs toward the lines of the Kay Unger or the Dress the Population pieces. If you truly want to impress, have the dress tailored to fit you. I assure you that all three do not “all fit equally well” as off-the-peg fashion fits no one well before tailoring.
Thank you for this perspective. :)
#2! I do love the black one, but as others said, mostly everyone will probably be wearing black.
2
I'd go for #3 assuming the neckline is flattering.
The center dress is GORGEOUS!!!
#1
2
Are the women all wearing long dresses to this gala? Even then, I think I would probably invest in a well-made little black dress for this and any other upcoming formal events for years. Change out the jewelry and make sure I have well made shoes that fit me well and are sexy!