The 5 most frequently asked gala clothing questions.

November and December, and January actually too, are the busiest party months. For me, it starts next week with a gala party from RTL Boulevard, a luxury dinner in Turin, via the Mercurs awards to our Christmas party. Then I haven't even mentioned all the work drinks and dinners that pop up in between. The question of every day here is: What should we wear? Because almost all these parties get the stamp ‘gala’ and then your look has to meet quite a few requirements.

I gathered all the questions and will answer everything.

1. Does gala mean I have to show up in a floor-length dress?

Two years ago, I went to the Televzier Award Gala in a fairly short Addy van den Krommenacker dress. Hair done, beautiful clutch. Someone was quite shocked that ‘even May-Britt’ had ignored the dress code. Well... Black Tie primarily means that the man wears a tuxedo. In the past, women were expected to wear a dress to the floor, but hey, we also used to wear corsets. You can definitely show up in a cocktail dress. But you must ensure that it is not too short, does not look too ordinary (please avoid black), and ensure a rich appearance with beautiful jewelry. I would let the dress end at the knee and cover the neckline and upper arms. Ask yourself if this dress fits in an environment full of men in tuxedos. If the answer is ‘yes’ then you’re my girl.

2. Can I wear red?

Red is stunning but it does draw all the attention to you. I was once at a surprise party where one of the guests appeared in a beautiful red dress. I didn't think it was polite to the guest of honor. She knew nothing about the whole party (surprise party, remember?) and showed up in her casual outfit.

Or the wife of Mayor Van der Laan at the coronation of Willem-Alexander. They sailed a bit with a boat with the new king and queen and she wore a very striking red dress. Now, no one can blow away Queen Maxima but this couldn't happen. If you're at a company party then it's of course fine. But at an evening organized by someone else, I would say; choose something else.

3. What do I wear over my dress?

It’s getting cold but that army green parka can’t come inside. I swear by a fun fur stole. You drape it over your shoulders as you walk in and once inside you can hang it over your arm as an ‘accessory’. You also don’t have to check it at the coat check and can just leave when you’ve had enough.

4. What about weddings? Can you wear white or not?

In formal etiquette guides, it states that you can wear white if your outfit doesn’t radiate anything ‘bridal’. Still, I would say; “Stay away from the fire.” Just don’t do it. Everyone will think it’s malicious intent and that’s the last thing you want on this day, right?

5. That gala dress, can it come off at some point?

You mean is it okay to slip into something more comfortable? It depends on the party. If it’s a party in a hotel where all guests are also staying at the hotel, then it’s quite okay to pull out jeans and something more comfortable after midnight. Other guests can do that too. But if you’re at a location, I would leave it. If you’re the only one, it looks so strange. Although the thought of throwing off those Loubies is of course extremely tempting.