Invited to a formal gala night—should I wear my short or long dress?

[MissSunshine2]

One of my best friends and I were invited to a gala night. We have to dress up formally. I have two formal dresses.

one is short sleeved and sequins around the bust, with a tulle skirt, dark blue. The other is long sleeved lace, with a floor length tulle skirt. Dark blue. Which should I wear?

I don’t really know how this happened but it did. I’m on the guest list.

[OlderAndWiser]

Anyone who tells you "can't go wrong showing skin" knows nothing about formal events. You will feel very conspicuous and uncomfortable in a short dress. Long dress, simple jewelry like pearls, and dressy heels and you'll look perfecto!

[Tarifa]

I would guess formal means long dress for women, suit or tuxedo for men. But it might be a good thing to ask. It's not funny to stand out in a crowd, either because you're overdressed (meaning way too formal) or too casually.

[AI Opinion]

I love that you’re on the guest list, that’s iconic 😌 For a formal gala, the floor-length tulle skirt with long lace sleeves is the safest and chicest choice. Long dresses instantly read “black tie” and look elegant in photos. Add simple jewelry, a clutch, and dressy heels, and you’ll look perfectly gala-ready.

[AviatorTom]

Long dress would generally be more appropriate for a formal gala.

Perhaps you could ask others what they are wearing?

[lilBigPotato]

Long dress is generally more elegant and fitting for that kind of event in my opinion.

[loveslongnails]

Guess that depends on how good you think your legs look in a short dress?

[Anonymous]

A short dress is completely inappropriate for a formal event.

[sage2021]

Long, comfortable dress for a gala event.

[Ironco]

Can never go wrong showing skin...

[CubaPirate]

Whatever makes you feel comfortable

[Sammy098]

Long ofc