Arriving With Something: Gifts for the Host, From Candles to Crystal
Gifts to take to a dinner or a weekend away: candles from Trudon and Aerin, glassware from Cabana, Lalique and Baccarat, Creed fragrance, and small leather and silver pieces.
Fashion /
Floor-length for the Season: Evening Gowns for Galas, Awards and Black Tie
Long evening gowns for the gala and black-tie season, from Costarellos, Jenny Packham, Elie Saab and Valentino, grouped by colour, with the clutch and sandals to finish.
By Taiwo AdedayoEvery piece here has been chosen by our editors. We may earn a commission on some products.
A black-tie invitation asks for a floor-length gown, and the season of galas, awards dinners and Christmas parties runs from October to January. These are the gowns we would choose, from £393 to £3,080, grouped by colour, all in stock now.
Blue 
Costarellos and Jenny Packham
Costarellos’ Minari is Lurex-georgette, strapless with a sweetheart neckline and cutouts along the bodice, over a pleated skirt that sweeps to the floor. £1,910.
Jenny Packham’s Adeline is a dark blue column with flowing cape sleeves and beadwork at the shoulders. £3,080.
Red and pink 
Colour that carries a room
Ilkyaz Ozel’s Noa is red crepe, strapless, with neat bows on a plunging bodice and a column skirt. £505. Dima Ayad’s gown splices burgundy lace with dark sequins from hip to thigh, £393.
Emilia Wickstead’s Ninette is bright pink cloqué with a fitted bodice and a pleated train. It runs large, so consider a size down. £897.
Black 
Elie Saab and Valentino
Elie Saab’s wrap gown has long sleeves, crystal embellishment, side cut-outs and a thigh-high slit. £2,800.
Valentino’s is pure silk, with cape-effect sleeves and an open back. £2,520.
Getting a gown right
Try it on with the shoes you will wear: the hem should clear the floor in heels, or you will tread on it all evening. Sit down in it before you buy, since a gala means hours at a table. Order early, as alterations can take a few weeks. And choose a clutch small enough to hold in one hand with a glass in the other.
Watch: what black tie means
Every piece in this story
Shop the Edit
Dresses
Shop now →
The Journal
Keep Reading
Jewellery With a Past: How to Buy Pre-owned and Vintage Pieces Well
Pre-owned and vintage jewellery from Givenchy, Saint Laurent, Monet, Van Cleef & Arpels and William May, with what to check before you buy: hallmarks, carat marks, condition and fit.
Shoes for the Christmas Party: Velvet, Satin, Crystal and Metallic
Christmas party shoes in the four materials that suit December: velvet, satin, crystal and metallic leather, in heels from Manolo Blahnik, Aquazzura and Alaïa and flats from The Row, Valentino and Jimmy Choo.
