The 5 questions most often asked about gala-clothing

November and December, and January too actually, are the busiest party months of the year. It starts next week already for me with an RTL Boulevard gala-party, a luxury dinner in Turijn, via the Mercur awards and through to our Christmas party. And I haven’t even started on the work drinks and dinners that will be popping up along the way. The daily question is: What do we wear? Because almost every party has been stamped ‘gala’ and your look needs to live up to certain criteria.

I collected all the questions and here are the answers.

1. Does gala mean that i need to show up in a floor length dress?

Two years ago I turned up at the Televzier Award Gala in a fairly short Addy van den Krommenacker-dress. Hair done, beautiful clutch. People were quite shocked that ‘even May-Britt’ had ignored the dress code. Well…Black Tie mostly means that the man needs to wear a tuxedo. Women used to be expected in a floor length dress, but hey we also used to wear corsets. You can turn up in a cocktail dress. Only make sure it’s not too short, not too everyday (avoid black please) and ensure a rich appearance and beautiful accessories. I would stick to knee-length and cover cleavage and arms. Question whether the dress would fit in an environment full of men in tuxedos. If the answer is ‘yes’ then you’re my girl.

2. May I wear red?

Red is gorgeous but you will demand all attention. I once went to a surprise party and one of the guests turned up in a lovely, red dress. I didn’t think that was very nice for the person being surprised. They didn’t know anything about the party (surprise, remember?) and was walking around in casual attire.

Or what about the mayor Van der Laan at Willem-Alexander’s crowning? She was on their boat with them for a short while and she wore a rather obvious red dress. Now no-one can outdo queen Maxima but this was wrong. It’s fine for a work party of course. But not for an evening organised by someone else, I say choose something else.

3. What should I wear over my dress?

It’s getting cold now but you obviously cannot wear that army-green parka inside. I swear by a fun fur stole. You can drape it over your shoulders as you walk in and once you’re in you can wear it as an ‘accessory’ over your arm. You don’t need to hand it in at the coat check and you can easily leave when you’ve had enough.

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

In formal etiquette guides it says that you can wear white as long as your outfit does not radiate anything else ‘bridal’. Still my recommendation is; “Stay away from the fire.” Don’t do it. Everyone will think that you’re trying to cause trouble and that is the last thing you want on the day right?

5. is it okay to change out of the gala dress at some time during the event?

You mean is it okay to slip into something more comfortable? Depends on the party. If the party is in a hotel where all the guests are staying, then it’s perfectly acceptable to change into some jeans and more comfy shoes after twelve. The other guests will probably do the same. But if you’re on location somewhere, I’d keep it on. You’ll look a bit weird if you’re the only one. Even if chucking those Loubies to one side is an extremely inviting thought.