The state dinner photos have me rethinking formal wear — classic gown or statement silhouette for a gala?
The Washington summit state dinner coverage this week is full of Melania Trump vs Peng Liyuan style comparisons, and honestly both looks work. I have a formal gala next month and I am torn between going classic minimalist or doing something with a bolder silhouette. For people who have actually attended these things: which approach gets worn more than once, and what is the thing people get wrong about black-tie dressing? Budget is under $300, so I am probably renting.
2 answers
- Rent the statement, keep the basics
Do not buy a $300 gala gown you will wear once. Rent the statement silhouette for the night, and spend your money on basics that make any rental look expensive — proper fit alterations (a $40 tailor job beats a $400 dress) and shoes that will not kill you. The thing people get wrong at black tie: cheap-looking rental shoes and a dress that fits almost. Check the rental site’s real-customer photos, not the model shots.
- Rent, do not buy
I am weirdly obsessed with this question. If you ever want to recreate the look for a wedding or gala, renting beats buying: rental services have gala gowns in that elegant solid-color state-dinner style for around $30-60, and you get to feel fancy for one night without the closet guilt. The actual first-ladies looks are couture, but the silhouette is totally doable on a budget.