In ancient Rome, what was typically worn by women as a formal garment?

The stola was the traditional garment worn by women in ancient Rome, particularly as a formal or ceremonial attire. This long dress was typically made from wool or linen and was worn over a tunic, which was a more common piece of clothing for both genders. The stola was distinctive not only for its length but also for its association with the status of being a respectable Roman citizen, especially among married women.

In contrast, the toga was primarily a garment for men, symbolizing Roman citizenship and typically worn on formal occasions. The tunic was an everyday piece of clothing for both men and women, serving as a simple, practical garment rather than something specifically formal. The paludamentum, a type of cloak worn by both men and women, was also not exclusive to women in formal contexts and was more associated with military and ceremonial attire for men. Thus, the stola stands out as the correct answer, embodying the formal wear that women specifically donned in Roman society.