What to Wear to a Semiformal Event (2024)

FAQs

What can you wear to a semi-formal event? ›

This may include dresses, separates, or a pantsuit in a dressy fabric, such as silk, cashmere, or satin. A dress or dressy suit with a dressy top, with heels, strappy sandals, flats, or dress shoes may also be worn. Sparkling gemstones, pearls, and dressy fashion jewelry are all appropriate.

Semi-formal attire is similar to business casual and slightly less formal than co*cktail attire. Outfit options include button-down shirts, dress pants, and dress shoes, and jumpsuits, tea dresses, and knee-length dresses.

In general, we don't recommend wearing jeans for any type of wedding (even the most casual weddings, unless the couple explicitly allows denim), and especially not for a semi-formal dress code. Opt for dress pants or khakis instead, paired with a blazer or suit jacket and tie.

Semi-formal means to dress in a sophisticated manner while showing personal touches in the ensemble. This dress code is very common for weddings or evening events that are not black tie. It can easily be confused with formal attire but formal attire is more traditional as it requires either a black suit or tuxedo.

No. Even expensive and intricately designed leggings are considered apt for casual wear and should be avoided in a semi-formal setting.

Women should wear pumps or high heels; however, stylish wedges and booties with heels can look good. If you're not a fan of heels, elegant sandals with embellishments or simple flats are fine. Men attending a semi-formal wedding should wear dress shoes, loafers, leather brogues, or oxfords.

Many weddings require guests to dress in semi-formal attire. As such, selecting an ensemble needn't be complicated. To plan a stylish semi-formal wedding outfit, choose between a knee-length, midi or maxi dress in a comfortable yet chic style.

Semi-formal is a step down from the formal dress code. It is slightly more relaxed in what you can and can and cannot wear. We recommend that for semi formal you simply wear your best suit or sport jacket outfit. For semi-formal wearing the dressiest option you have with a jacket is a best practice.

Daytime weddings that call for semi-formal attire are the perfect opportunity to step up your style game. Go for a head-to-toe matching suit in a light color—think tan, light grey or pale pink. A tailored suit with a matching vest in a pink hue is a modern twist on this classic pairing.

Semi Formal Dresses For Wedding

While dress pants and jumpsuits are totally acceptable and chic options for semi formal wedding attire, we'll take any chance we can get to rock a breezy, on-trend dress. And, since semi formal dresses aren't too (dare we say) dressy, you can easily wear them over and over.

How do you make jeans look semi-formal? ›

Jeans: although jeans are casual pants, you can wear them to semi-formal events as long as they fit well and look classy. Men who wish to wear jeans to a semi-formal event need to choose a dark wash that is not too light or distressed. Jeans can have holes in them but should never have any rips or tears.

If dresses are on your avoid list, there are a myriad of women's semi-formal wedding attire options to choose from. If you don't know where to start, consider well-tailored pants, skirts, jumpsuits and chic separates.

Semi Casual Warm Weather: Nice, clean, jeans, a collared short sleeve shirt, and a pair of comfortable shoes or sandals.

A semi-formal dress code is best described as being more formal than what you would wear to an office, but slightly less formal than what you would wear to a formal event. Do keep in mind that if the event is later than 6 in the evening, you'll want to err on the side of formality.

It's a look that's become somewhat ubiquitous in recent years, part of the unavoidable streetwear takeover that's infiltrated every corner of menswear. In the same way that minimalist sweatshirts are now suitable office wear, it's perfectly acceptable to do sneakers with formal.

Semi-formal events are more casual than formal dress codes, but they still require you to look polished. There is more freedom to experiment with details and colors, but jeans should not be worn. Jeans are a casual garment, and although they can be dressed up, this would fall more into the smart-casual category.

Although black jeans are inherently casual, they can still be dressed up to create a stylish semi-formal look. As long as you don't wear them to any formal events, such as a wedding, black jeans are a good modern alternative to suit pants or chinos.

co*cktail attire is a smidge more formal than semiformal attire, and is often for weddings held later in the day, while semiformal is usually for afternoon weddings. Avoid a tuxedo and go for a well-tailored suit with a solid shirt—tie optional but encouraged. Take cues from the wedding's location.

Semi-Formal/Business Casual

You'll want to avoid white trainers, since that may be a little too casual for a semi-formal setting. Bright and dark colored suits, along with properly hemmed pants, can go really well with white and make for a sophisticated look.

In western countries, a "formal" or white tie dress code typically means tailcoats for men and evening dresses for women. The most formal dress for women is a full-length ball or evening gown with evening gloves.

Can you wear short dress to semi-formal? ›

Short dresses can be formal for a variety of occasions, including: -Weddings: If you are a guest at a wedding, a short dress can be a great option. Just be sure to avoid anything too flashy or revealing. -co*cktail parties: A short dress is the perfect choice for a co*cktail party or other semi-formal event.

Semi-Formal Ideas

This type of clothing ranges from a suit and tie to a pair of dress pants and a dress shirt with or without a blazer, depending on the occasion.

Khakis, jeans and shorts have no place at semi-formal events. Neither do polo shirts.

As the name suggests, a semi-formal event is just that: semiformal. It's certainly still dressy, but not as much so as a black-tie-optional event. What to Wear: A co*cktail dress, LBD, floor-length skirt and blouse in appropriate fabrics (like silk), or dressy separates. You can also wear a long dress if you wish.

Dress it up

Don't forgot the hoodie is a casual look, as soon as you add it as part of a semi-formal or smart casual outfit, your look is automatically knocked down within the dress code spectrum. But, that doesn't mean it's not a good idea.

Floor-length gowns are beyond what the semi-formal dress code requires. Women following this directive might opt for a co*cktail dress or a polished set. Semi-formal also translates to shorter hemlines, bold prints, or elevated separates like a festive top paired with tailored dress pants.

Semi-formal bottoms can be either dressy pants or skirts, and should be sleek and paired with the right blouse. In terms of pants, it's always good to go for black slacks that can be adapted to fit a variety of shoes and tops.

For more formal events, opt for a darker color like merlot red, dark grey, or even black. For casual daytime events, choose from a light pink or white denim that is lighter and brighter.

You can dress casually for business casual interviews by wearing crisply pressed cotton pants, light-colored chinos, or khakis. It is acceptable to dress formally in a tailored suit, button-down shirt with tie, blouse, lace-up dress shoes or close-toed pumps, and stockings or dress socks.

Semi-Formal Wedding Attire for Men and Women

Women following this directive might opt for a co*cktail dress or a polished set. Semi-formal also translates to shorter hemlines, bold prints, or elevated separates like a festive top paired with tailored dress pants.

What is semi formal attire for a man? ›

Semi-formal men's clothing consists of suits, but they may not be the same as your usual business suit. These types of clothes include wearing a tie and dress shirt with dark dress pants or dark jeans.

When the Attire is Semi-Formal or co*cktail Attire. If you're wondering, "Can you wear black to a wedding that has a semi-formal or co*cktail attire dress code?" the answer is yes. Especially if the ceremony starts after 5PM, darker colors are encouraged; while lighter colors are appropriate if the ceremony starts later.

Semi-formal attire is a more casual version of a formal event. Semi-formals are parties where men may wear dark dress pants, preferably with a buttoned shirt, tie, and jacket. Women may wear anything from a dress to some nice slacks and a blouse.

Sometimes, the easiest way to choose what you should wear to a semi formal wedding is by first figuring out what you shouldn't wear. As we mentioned before, tuxedos and evening gowns are too dressy for semi formal wedding attire, as are pocket squares and glittery jewels.

Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual

Wear darker, more formal colors for an evening wedding,and opt for light colors and fabrics for a daytime event. Try a below-the-knee dress or a dressy skirt and top. An elegant pantsuit is also appropriate. Floor-length gowns, however, would be inappropriate.

A Semi Formal wedding will feature no gowns or tuxedos. You may see some co*cktail dresses and suit-and-tie styles, but there will also be more laid-back looks, like flowy midi dresses and slacks with button-up shirts.

While semi-formal isn't as formal as black tie, it's definitely not casual either. You'll want to wear a suit jacket with matching dress pants. With a dashing fitted suit and the right accessories, you can feel confident you've dressed appropriately for your semi-formal event.

Semi-formal events may be more relaxed in terms of what you can wear than formal events, and while you may not be required to wear an evening gown, you can also not wear jeans. Jeans are casual, even the fitted, darker shades. If you prefer not to wear a dress, tailored pants are an excellent alternative.