OK...so what do you wear for a "gala evening" with "formal wear"

[silverbirch]

...I've no idea...and I need to find out soon!

little black dress, heels and clutch bag

Or longer, if you fancy.

So formal really means formal then...what's the least formal I could get away with...I'm not a dressy person...

I think little black dress is about as non formal as you can go. Doesn't have to necessarily be super smart - you can jazz up a regular black dress with heels, bag, jewellery...

Thanks folks...black dress it'll have to be then...

actually if it doesn;t explicity say 'black tie' it's probably not all that formal - the men will be in lounge suits

def not a ballgown, but you could do short and prommy, short and slinky or long and slinky, as you like.

or even wideleg evening trews and a silky / sparkly top

Evening dress or evening trousers and dressy top, clutch bag and hair 'done'

I'd go for a long, black, slinky dress - maybe something like this?

If its black tie then "officially" women in trousers are a no-no but I would say if its "formal" then trousers and a top are fine but, according to Debretts Etiquette for GIrls, should be as refined as a formal dress, should match and be elegant.