Are you wondering what do you wear to a banquet? From corporate dinners to charity galas, aim for elegance and comfort. Choose a chic evening gown, cocktail dress, or jumpsuit in luxe fabrics like satin or chiffon. Finish with refined accessories, and you’ll be perfectly polished for any occasion.
What do you think of when you hear the word banquet? Royalty? A table overflowing with fine foods? A banquet isn’t just another dinner—it’s your time to shine. If a banquet isn’t an ordinary dinner, then it stands to reason that you need an extraordinary outfit to match the occasion.
You might be invited to a corporate dinner. Banquets are also held for charity galas and end-of-year celebrations for a range of institutions.
Dress codes for banquets vary from black tie to semi-formal. In this guide, we’ll help you determine what to wear to your banquet given the dress code. We’re here to dish up inspiration and help you choose the perfect banquet look that fits your event, while staying true to your personal style.
Understanding the Banquet Dress Code
Banquets used to be reserved for royalty and the upper classes; now, you might be invited to a banquet to mark several events. Essentially, they’re a celebratory gathering that often includes dinner, entertainment, and awards or recognition of achievements and milestones.
Banquets vary in size; you might receive an invitation to a small school or sports event, a large corporate gala, or a charity fundraiser attended by hundreds of people.
Choosing your outfit starts with understanding the banquet’s dress code, the occasion, its size, and the formality level. Most banquets fall between semi-formal and black-tie dress codes. Black tie leans toward more formal dress, particularly long, elegant ball gowns. If an invitation specifies semi-formal, your best bet is opting for cocktail or midi dresses.
Typically, your invitation will state the dress code; if it’s unclear, err on the side of caution and play it safe by slightly overdressing rather than underdressing.
So, let’s explore some outfit ideas for different banquet formality levels.
Banquet Dress Ideas for Every Level of Formality
Whether you’re invited to a formal black tie banquet or a semi-formal banquet, every banquet has its own vibe, and your outfit should match the tone of the occasion.
Embellished midi dresses with beading, metallic threads, and other intricate detailing elevate a midi dress, so you don’t need to wear a full-length gown. Other black-tie optional and elevated semi-formal ideas include a sleek and understated off-the-shoulder column dress—bridging the gap between formal and cocktail attire. Or, maybe a light and airy A-line midi catches your eye; this is suited to less formal banquets.
Semi-formal ready looks are less strict; modern jumpsuits with structure and tapered legs can be effectively dressed up with statement jewelry. A tea-length dress with subtle embroidery feels dressy enough for the event, without going floor-length.
The following ideas will help you narrow down your choices to glamorous floor-length gowns, chic midis, or modern jumpsuits, depending on the dress code.
Black Tie Banquets – Elegant Evening Looks
Black tie is the second most formal dress code; it’s commonly reserved for evening events, galas, and upscale events. Many banquets follow black tie rules, with guests expected to be dressed to the nines, exuding sophistication, refinement, and polish.
When thinking about black tie appropriate clothing, start with the fabric. Satin, chiffon, velvet, and lace are suited to these elegant affairs as they’re effortlessly sophisticated and drape beautifully.
Next up, long ball gowns like the Sherri Hill Basque Waist Corset Ruffle, mermaid dresses, and classic A-line dresses like the Ava Presley A-Line Ruffle Shoulder Prom Dress create a dramatic silhouette and timeless presence. Pair these styles with rich emerald, ruby, or burgundy to wow under the evening lights, flaunting your style in the photographer’s lens.
Subtle embellishments enhance your look without overpowering it—sequins, beading, and shimmer add a luxurious feel while still maintaining refinement.
Semi-Formal Banquets – Chic and Polished Outfits
Semi-formal events include school banquets, corporate dinners, and end-of-year celebrations. Here are some banquet outfits for women we think you’ll love. And check out our semi-formal dresses for inspo.
Shorter hemlines, midi dresses, and sleek jumpsuits are suitable for events one step down from black tie. The goal is to look elegant without the need for a full-length gown.
Cocktail dresses like the Primavera Circle Mirror Homecoming Dress are a popular choice for semi-formal banquets, with their sense of classic style combined with modern tailoring. Wrap styles are elegant, formal enough, and versatile, suiting many body types thanks to their adjustable design. Or, why not opt for an elegant two-piece set as an alternative?
Trending colors include soft pastels, metallic finishes, fit-and-flare midis, and chic tailored jumpsuits.
White Tie Banquets – Classic and Regal
Now we come to the most formal banquet attire. White tie is often reserved for charity galas, state dinners, or high-society events.
In this most elevated dress code, full-length formal gowns with structured or voluminous skirts are called for. The Sherri Hill Corset Ruffle Prom Dress is a prime example. Think of elegance and structure as your two watchwords when building a white tie outfit.
Choose evening dresses in luxe fabrics like silk or satin, such as the Sherri Hill Long Satin Corset Dress featuring elegant drape and movement. Texture is important too. Add refined details like beadwork or embroidery for added visual interest. Accessories add extra polish to your outfit—opera gloves, elegant updos, and subtle statement jewelry tie your look together, making your fit seem balanced and intentional.
Choosing the Right Color and Fabric for a Banquet Look
Colors and fabrics that elevate your look can be based on the banquet’s tone, season, and time of day.
Deep, rich tones like emerald, navy, or burgundy are ideal for evening events as they look great under lights. Lighter shades and metallics work well in daytime or spring banquets.
Satin, chiffon, velvet, and lace all add sophistication and texture. Don’t forget that by choosing luxe fabrics, you can instantly upgrade how formal your fit feels.
When choosing fabrics, consider more than just how elegant they look to your eye. Do they move gracefully? Do they photograph well under banquet lighting? These are crucial questions to ask yourself.
Accessorizing for Banquet Perfection
Well-chosen finishing touches can elevate any banquet outfit. Accessories complete your look, so they must reflect your personal style.
- Jewelry – Statement but minimal. Delicate earrings, statement necklaces, or sleek bracelets complement formal and semi-formal looks.
- Shoes – You can’t beat a pair of elegant heels. Strappy sandals, or pointed flats that balance comfort and style, are also great for summer events.
- Handbags/Clutches – A small clutch or mini bag in metallic or neutral tones will complement your look, while being discreet enough not to take center stage.
- Shawls/Wraps - Can be a crucial component to your outfit on cold evenings.
Now you’ve chosen your key accessories, all you need to do is bring it all together with confidence and flair.
Final Touches & Confidence Tips
Confidence is the most powerful accessory at any banquet. The goal isn’t just to look elegant (we know you will), it’s to carry off your look with confidence, poise, and personal authenticity.
The keys to dressing well for any banquet are simple:
- Understanding the dress code - so you’re not over or under-dressed.
- Choose silhouettes, styles, materials, and colors that suit your body type and event.
- Elevate your look with considered accessories that add balance and intention.
By experimenting with different looks, you’ll strike a balance between respecting the dress code and picking an outfit that matches your personality.
So, go for it! Browse our curated collection of evening, cocktail, and semi-formal styles from leading designers to inspire your next banquet look.
FAQs
What is dressy casual for a banquet?
Dressy casual, AKA smart casual, for a banquet calls for chic and polished outfits, including shorter hemlines, midi dresses, and sleek jumpsuits. Cocktail dresses are also a safe bet for semi-formal banquets.
Can you wear pants to a banquet?
Yes, you can wear pants to some banquets depending on the formality of the dress code. You may be able to wear tailored dress pants or a pantsuit to a semi-formal banquet. A chic pantsuit in a refined fabric may also work for a black tie event, just make sure to dress it up with elegant heels and elevated accessories.
What to wear to an awards banquet as a guest?
Start by checking the dress code; you should find this on your invitation. If the dress code is black tie, women can opt for floor-length gowns or elegant midi dresses. For a semi-formal banquet, a cocktail dress or classy midi dress works well.
Is a banquet a formal event?
Banquets are formal or semi-formal events with associated dress codes, ranging from white tie to black tie, and semi-formal attire.
