Sylvian Gala Dress Code

The men's dress code is designed to inspire confidence, project elegance, and show profound respect for the Gala and its attendees. Just as we seek to avoid boastfulness in attire, garments should reflect a classic, dignified reality rather than a desire to command undue attention. To ensure compliance and a cohesive atmosphere, all suits must be approved beforehand by the Lead Host.

Slacks

Only dress slacks must be worn; jeans are strictly prohibited. They should be of a neutral tone or feature a subtle pattern (e.g. pinstripe). Hemlines must not touch the floor but come within an inch of touching your shoes.

Shirt

Shirts must be a button down long-sleeved dress shirt with collar and should either be of a plain neutral color or lightly patterned. They should be clean and pressed.

Jacket

Jackets should be of a neutral color or feature light patterning (e.g. Pinstripe). Bright colors or audacious patterns are not allowed. The Jacket must be well fitting, single or double breasted, and feature one or multiple buttons.

Socks

Socks should be of a solid dark color or simple patterns. White or garish socks are not allowed.

Shoes

Shoes should be of black or brown leather or varnished plastic and must be laced with black similar colored laces, and should be comfortable to dance in for an extended period of time. We discourage shoes have notable tread, preferring flat-soled shoes.

Tie

Ties may either be bow tie, a long tie, or a bolo.

  • Bow ties and long ties should either be a solid neutral color or have tasteful patterning. Garish or loud colors and patterns are not allowed. Multicolored ties, such as plaid, are not allowed.

  • Bolos must have either black or brown cords, metal tips, and the slide must be of a tasteful design.

Belts

Belts must be leather, solid black or brown in color (Matching your shoes), and the buckle should be silver and traditional or otherwise unobtrusive.

For Men

Women: Click Here
man in blue suit jacket wearing gold round analog watch
man in blue suit jacket wearing gold round analog watch

Additional Stylings

Hair

Hair must be well groomed. Long hair must be tied back in a low ponytail. Facial hair must be neat and trimmed or appropriately styled. Hats are not allowed.

Waistcoat (AKA Suit Vest)

Waistcoats should be of a neutral, single color or subtly patterned (e.g. Pinstripe).

Cufflinks

Cufflinks are optional (unless wearing French Cuffed shirts, in which case they are necessary). Any designs are allowed so long as they are tasteful

Jewlery

Long ties may have either a tie tack or a tie bar. Men may wear a single ring of the following type: a wedding ring, a class ring , or a signet ring.

Watches

Either a pocket watch or a wristwatch may be worn. The watch must be strictly analog. Smartwatches (including Apple Watches or Garmin), even with an analog face, are NOT permitted.

Pocket Square

Pocket squares may be either white or match the tie or waistcoat. They may be folded as desired.

A young man in a suit adjusts his tie outdoors
A young man in a suit adjusts his tie outdoors

For Women

Men: Click Here

For the Gala, we are looking for dresses that are functional, inspire confidence, and communicate a sense of your true inward reality. Through our dress, we wish to encourage intentionality, self-honesty, true beauty, and honor. Because our strict dress code, we require attendees get their dresses approved beforehand by the Lead Hostess.

Dress Types

Many dresses are designed more for photoshoots and posing and looking cute than actual dancing. Some of them come with trains and many are very long. To help with determining proper dresses and to ensure a smooth approval process, we are encouraging the following dress types to be worn:

  • A-line*

  • Sheath

  • Column

  • Empire

  • Drop Waist*

*Note: A-line and Drop Waist dresses should have structured bodices (such as boning or a corset) and should be worn with a hoop skirt, crinoline petticoat, or a structured slip

Woman in a sparkling red gown at a bar
Woman in a sparkling red gown at a bar

Dress Specifications

Length: Dresses should be have a skirt landing between floor and ankle length.

Waistlines: A Dress' waistline should sit near natural waist, although Basque or dropped waistlines are also appropriate.

Undergarments: A-Line and Drop Waist dresses should be worn with either a crinoline petticoat, a hoopskirt, or a structured slip. All other dresses must be worn with a standard, smooth slip.

Fabrics: The suggested fabrics for the dress include: organza, silk, lace, tulle or satin, with the last two being most common and highly encouraged. Zippers are acceptable.

Slits and Openings: We do NOT allow for a skirt with openings or slits that expose the legs during movement. Decorative overskirt openings may be approved if they are layered, do not reveal skin underneath and do not interfere with dancing.

Footwear

At the Gala, you will be walking, sitting, eating and drinking, and dancing for hours at a time. The shoes you choose must be comfortable for the whole night.

Recommended: Flat shoes with a secure ankle strap, or short heels that you can comfortably walk and dance in all night.

  • Dance Floor Notice: Please choose shoes with smooth soles (like leather or suede) that allow you to glide. Avoid rubber or non-slip soles, as they grip the floor and can cause tripping while dancing.Flat shoes with a strap are often the best option. Short heels are acceptable but you MUST be able to dance and walk comfortably all night.