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
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.
Talia Abbas, shopping director
I attended the New York Botanical Garden’s annual Orchid Dinner earlier this spring and wore a floral-printed Tory Burch dress for the occasion. For the Met this year, I wanted to wear Tory again—something light and airy, decorative but not overdone. (I’d be sitting all night working, and taking the subway to the museum!) The Tory girls were kind enough to let me borrow this sheer polka dot drop-waist dress from the spring show, which I paired with my patent leather pumps from Le Monde Béryl and a sequin pouch from Merlette. A look I’d rewear in a heartbeat.
Minty Mellon, market editor, shopping
Last week I attended my first-ever gala in New York. I wanted to wear something chic but spring-minded. So, of course, my first thought was Carolina Herrera. I was lucky enough to wear the closing dress from their spring/summer 2025 show—and while it’s no longer available, I loved this similar, lighter version, which captures the same playful floral mood perfectly. Le Sundial’s beaded earrings felt like the perfect finishing touch, grounded by the classics—black pumps and a clutch.
Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
My gala style is simple: a dress and fun accessories. Since I’m frequently getting ready for the event at the office, I prefer to streamline the prep with a one and done dress—likely draped, column-style, or in some sort of unique fabric. I always wear a comfortable, mid-height heel to ensure I can wear them all night; then, I pair it all with a statement clutch and earrings.
Madeline Fass, fashion market director, shopping
I’m not attending any major spring events this season; however, there’s plenty of gala-worthy wears from a new class of designers doing evening in a modern, non-stuffy way. From beautifully draped separates from Heirlome, to comfortable silk and jersey dress offerings from Tove and Esse Studios, to effortlessly cool gowns from Colleen Allen and Fforme, getting dolled up has never felt so cool.
Andrea Zendejas, market editor, shopping
I love a little black dress for every occasion. The sleek column silhouette of this Khaite dress (with a fun twist) is great. Just add kitten heel mules, a colored satin clutch, and statement earrings for a gala-ready look.
Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty and wellness editor
When I’m not wearing vintage, I want something that’s vintage-inspired. I love the dresses from Dôen because the designs always feel like they are drawn from the 40s, with one important update—fabric that’s soft and supple. Color is always a must for me, I love it! And while I love my sexy Marilyn Monroe-ish mules from Nou for special events, I’m going to try out the new heeled thongs for summer.
Alexandra Ditch, associate commerce producer
My gala look consists of an elegant gown and versatile accessories that can be worn over and over again to future events. This one by Oscar de la Renta is embellished with crystals and pearls and has a sophisticated column silhouette that I think is ideal for any black-tie event. These Loeffler Randall heeled sandals are comfortable, and provide some much-appreciated height. I’m topping off the look with these pearl drop earrings by Completedworks, and this top-handle clutch by Savette—they’re classic wardrobe staples!
Elly Leavitt, lifestyle editor, shopping
I attended my first gala last year, and it taught me two things: One, a dress comfortable enough to accommodate hours spent seated for toasts and dinner is preferable to anything too structured, and two, no tall heels for me. It can be a long night. I love this olive green dress from Reformation’s collection with Camille Rowe; polished, but with a fluid silhouette. My oversized black suede clutch comes with me everywhere these days (if Mary Poppins had an evening bag, this would be it; I recently fit a book in there for the subway commute to a party) and a pair of simple Manolo Blahnik kitten heels is always my go-to for formal events.
