Traditional sartorial wisdom tells us that gowns are best worn to galas and pants saved for more casual fetes. But at the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art’s 30th Anniversary Gala on Saturday night, the rule was vehemently broken.

Notables including Gwen Stefani, Liz Goldwyn and Vogue West Coast Editor Lisa Love were among the masses wearing pants to a party that found other guests clad in fancy-schmancy cocktail dresses and elaborate, floor-length gowns.

Gwen looked fabulously chic in a pair of jodhpur-style bottoms that stayed formal in silk. While Rodarte design duo Laura and Kate Mulleavy looked like they came straight off the subway in their way-too-casual leggings. Unfortunately,  Sandra Oh could have been renamed Sandra “Oy” in an outfit resembling that of a pirate. Hey Sandra, Jerry Seinfeld called. He wants his puffy shirt back.

I think black tie pants can be strong, sleek and sophisticated when done correctly and in a way that is still, you know, black tie.

Would you wear pants to a gala? Whats your take on this dressed-down trend?

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