The most appropriate formalwear for a night at the Gallagio

With Season 2 of The War Within underway, it’s time to pay a visit to the premiere entertainment, dining, and (most importantly) gambling destination in all of Azeroth: The Gallagio. We’ve been gazing up at its glittering neon exterior since we first set foot in the Goblin capital, but the Liberation of Undermine raid will take us through the front doors for the first time in order to confront Jastor Gallywix deep within its upper reaches.

Before you stroll down the moldy magenta carpet, it’s going to be important to dress to the nines. You don’t want to show up looking like you’re itching for a fight, or else the entire Gallagio security team will probably get called in before you make your way past the lobby. The snazzier you look, the more Hobgoblin bouncers will be spellbound to the point of allowing you access to the top floors.

As usual, it’s transmogrification to the rescue. There are a very large number of formal looks available — more for some armor types than others, although the new ‘cosmetic’ option will certainly be a lifesaver for classes whose entire wardrobe consists of chains and bones. There are classic looks, modern takes, and daring new ensembles that all work well as acceptable dress for such a high level of classiness and encounter difficulty. Don’t be afraid to mix it up or go a little overboard on the glamour — remember, we’re talking about a Goblin town.

Dashing. Debonair. Deadly.

The tuxedo is one of the most storied and elegant looks in modern society. Naturally, World of Warcraft offers the option to put one on your Orc. If you don’t already have the appearance in your wardrobe, you should be able to pick up the shirt and cosmetic pants on the Auction House without breaking your transmog budget. These can also be crafted easily by Tailors with a Classic skill of 240, with patterns for purchase in Undercity or Ironforge.

If you want the matching jacket, it’s cloth, so you’re out of luck unless you’re a Mage, Priest, or Warlock. I find that the shirt by itself works as formalwear — maybe you’ve given your topcoat to the valet. If you do go with the jacket, then feel free to try out different shirts underneath for a pop of color.

If the classic tux isn’t in the cards, there are plenty of other black tie options. Focus your search on the last few expansions, when both the 3D model quality and the variety of cosmetic ensembles really started to ramp up. I like the Gilnean Noble’s Suit getup that you receive during the quest to reclaim the Worgen capital. With a top hat and monocle, it might almost attract too much attention. Osidion in Dornogal also has a few different recolors if you’re looking for something eye-catching.

A dress to impress

If wearing pants isn’t your idea of a good time, there are plenty of sophisticated floor-length options. All four armor types have options for skirt and dress appearances (yes, even plate), although cloth wearers will once again have a huge wardrobe advantage when selecting just the right pattern or color. You can get around this by choosing your favorite cloth dress and actually equipping it — just be sure to saunter past security and get a group picture, then re-equip the proper cuirass before pulling a boss.

I think a Black Embersilk Gown from the Cataclysm Tailoring catalog looks quite stunning. The Elegant Dress will be easily obtainable during the upcoming Noblegarden event (if you don’t already have one). If you’ve been perusing the racks at the Trading Post, there have been some really great looks such as the Gossamer Teal Gown. The Worgen Heritage Armor set, the Greyguard Formal Robe, is a sharp but sophisticated look. If you picked up one of the options from Love is in the Air like the Lovely Red Dress last month, you’re definitely ready to take Undermine by storm.

When in doubt, accessorize

For a finishing touch, don’t forget that no formal look is complete without a little something extra. You can use your wrist slot to show off a fancy watch with the Golden Mobile Timepiece or don a flowery corsage with the Memory of Ysera. A Taverner’s Belt is a bit flashy but can certainly work on top of some outfits. Be bold and throw on a cape like the Drape of the Lamplighter for a dashing but mysterious air.

Headgear is another avenue for adding a dash of magnificence to an ensemble that’s just one accessory away from perfection. Understated yet classy is the way to go for the most part, with items like the Split-Lens Specs or the Jeweler’s Ruby Monocle. A Forever-Lovely Rose is sure to turn heads.

Yet you should never be afraid to fight your inner style desires, so if you’d feel confident waltzing into the high roller room sporting a Crown of the Violet Rose or Bronze-Tinted Sunglasses then don’t hold back. A Crown of Destruction would almost bring down the house by itself. You’d be sure to exude an aura of mysteriousness in a Fae Revel Mask. And remember — a Pink Party Hat never fails.

With your weapon, you don’t want to look intimidating. You want to appear as if what you’re holding in your hand is a part of your outfit and not an implement for smashing Gallywix right in his stupid jowls. Scroll to the right on your transmogrify menu to reach the simpler-looking weapons that could pass for a cane, sceptre, or ceremonial cake-cutting claymore. Hunters will have a hard time with this one, so I recommend picking up a Moonbow and telling security that it’s a harp with a few strings missing.

With eleven expansions of options, you shouldn’t have very much trouble putting together a ritzy ensemble for your night out on the town. Our esteemed boss, Gallywix, will be blinded by style before he can even climb into his chrome-plated mecha-bruiser. Which set of formal threads will you be taking out of the closet for the Liberation of Undermine?