What to Wear to a Semiformal Event (2024)

FAQs

What to Wear to a Semiformal Event? ›

Dress: 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. However, be careful not to overdo it, or you'll look more like you're in costume than semiformal wear.

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.

The short answer is no, jeans are generally not considered appropriate for semi-formal events. Semi-formal attire is a dress code that is less formal than black tie or white tie, but more formal than business casual or casual. It typically involves a suit or sport coat and dress pants, a dress shirt, and a tie.

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.

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.

Semiformal Wear

Dress: 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. However, be careful not to overdo it, or you'll look more like you're in costume than semiformal wear.

Women following this fashion 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 attire is slightly more relaxed while still requiring a blazer with matching dress pants or a 2-piece suit, along with a dress shirt and in most cases, a tie.

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.

Anything formal – from black tie to business dress – is to be adhered to by the letter, which means wearing appropriate footwear. But, if you've been encouraged to dress casually – including smart-casual – or if there's no expectation whatsoever, then sneakers are fair game.

What does semi-formal black attire mean? ›

The wording here indicates something slightly less formal than black-tie is acceptable. So, a tuxedo isn't required, but the event is still formal enough for one to be appropriate. The choices are the same as with black-tie: a floor-length gown, a fancy co*cktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.

“Semi-formal affairs for men mean you can forgo the tie, whereas you'd always wear a tie or add a bow tie for a black-tie optional event,” says Gonzalez-Ramirez. “For ladies, semi-formal events signify forgoing long dresses and having more fun with an above-the-knee option.

As long as the event calls for a particular level of formality and you won't upstage the couple or the wedding party, it's safe to wear black to the wedding.

There's no need for heavy gowns, although floor-sweeping, breezy maxi dresses are a winning choice. Also on the wedding guest semi-formal outfit list: shorter hemlines, bright and beautiful colors and prints and smart two-piece options.

Even if you are wearing very expensive, elaborately patterned leggings, they still should be avoided at co*cktail parties and other semi-formal events. No matter what, wearing leggings under a dress is a casual look and should not be applied to a non-casual event.

- Semi-formal dances: A short dress is a great choice for a semi-formal dance, such as a school dance or prom.

"Semi-Formal"

Semi-formal attire is more fancy than business attire but just a notch below formal tuxedos and fancy gowns. For Him: Wear a dark suit with long tie.

Yes, you can wear short dresses to formal events! Just be sure to choose a style that is appropriate for the occasion. No matter what you choose, you'll look great as long as you feel confident in your outfit. Looking for similar fashion advice that you can use in all facets of your life?

Smart casual includes items like blazers, sports jackets, dresses, sweaters, trousers, khakis, skirts, blouses, button-down shirts, polos, dress shoes, boots, heels, flats, scarves and jewelry.

At its most basic, contemporary formal dress generally encompasses both white tie and black tie dress codes. Semi-formal, as the name implies, is slightly more relaxed – think a dark suit and a tie, or anything you'd refer to as “co*cktail” dress.

Do I have to wear a blazer to a semi-formal wedding? ›

At semi-formal, the most formal attire you will choose is a suit and tie, and even then, you will want to relax the overall look of your suit a little, without getting slovenly. As we've mentioned, a very crisp pant and blazer combo with an appropriate dress shirt will also work.

You may think your boots only go with casual outfits. Boots of all silhouettes and styles certainly work well with laid-back clothing, but this versatile footwear has its place among semiformal attire, as well.

A co*cktail dress—shorter, possibly ritzier—might cut it if your host is of a relaxed nature (or if the dress is, say, a dramatic Alexander McQueen style), but it's best to assume that a floor-sweeping number (or a tuxedo situation – yes women can wear a trousers suit to a black tie event) is expected.

Semi formal wedding attire sits at the sweet spot between understated dressy and elevated casual. It's also commonly referred to as “dressy casual” — which can be viewed as a weekend version of business casual. Think: flowy dresses, simple suit jackets, and timeless silhouettes.

In general, semi-formal attire refers to clothing that's formal enough for a business event, but not too fancy. That means no floor-length gowns or ball gowns, which are better suited for black-tie weddings and formal weddings.

You can also choose wide-legged or cropped ankle dress pants to wear with a fancy top. Women can certainly experiment with two-piece ensembles or even a jumpsuit; however, jeans are still a no-go for co*cktail attire. Instead, choose a formal pair of trousers that make you feel comfortable and elegant all at once.

You should never feel overdressed when attending a formal dress code event. 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 sports jacket outfit.

Semi-formal Shoes

They are free of broguing, straps, bits, or any other decoration. Just leather and seams. As such, they are the most formal of all the slipon shoes when they have a dress sole and heel. In fact, in black patent leather, Venetians are one of the few sartorially correct options for black tie.

The various types of semi formal shoes for men are loafers, derbies, and monk shoes. Loafers, also called slip-ons, are designed for both men and women. Derbies have open lacing and are less formal than Oxford shoes. Monk shoes have no lacing and are closed with a buckle.

"We ask that you wear semi-formal attire such as a co*cktail-length dress or dressy separates for women and a suit and tie for men. Please note that the venue does not permit blue jeans or sneakers." "The dress code is Dressy Casual Attire.

Can a woman wear slacks to a semi-formal event? ›

Perfectly Polished Pants

Dress pants are an ideal pick for women's semi-formal wedding attire. This simple staple really wows the crowd and is figure-flattering to boot. Are pants your pick for a wedding guest look? Choose a pair of slim-fit ankle trousers or make a statement in wide-leg slacks.

At semi-formal, the most formal attire you will choose is a suit and tie, and even then, you will want to relax the overall look of your suit a little, without getting slovenly. As we've mentioned, a very crisp pant and blazer combo with an appropriate dress shirt will also work.

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.

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. We have a full guide on semi-formal men's attire here. Women may wear anything from a dress to some nice slacks and a blouse.

Classifications are divided into formal wear (full dress), semi-formal wear (half dress), and informal wear (undress). Anything below this level is referred to as casual wear, although sometimes in combinations such as "smart casual" or "business casual" in order to indicate higher expectation than none at all.

- Semi-formal dances: A short dress is a great choice for a semi-formal dance, such as a school dance or prom.

Semi-formal is basically a scaled-up version of dressy casual attire. Mini and midi dresses and skirts are great options for both dress codes—but for a dressy casual wedding, you could also pair a statement blouse with a pair of chiffon pants or slim-fit cropped slacks.

Semi-formal attire is slightly more relaxed while still requiring a blazer with matching dress pants or a 2-piece suit, along with a dress shirt and in most cases, a tie.

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.

While black is the most traditional suit color for men, it's not the only option for evening semi-formal wedding attire. These less formal events are great opportunities to don a dark-colored suit.

Is it okay to wear black to a wedding? ›

"It is perfectly acceptable and chic to wear black to evening, black tie, and winter weddings." Ryncarz agrees that it's wise to gauge the attire of the wedding attendants. "When wearing black to a wedding, keep the outfit in line with the dressiness of the bridal party and wedding as a whole," she suggests.

If the event is not for a beach wedding, but some hours after lunchtime, the typical dress-code of an afternoon wedding is semi-formal. Consequently, it calls for co*cktail dresses, LBDs or modest party dresses. If the invitation asks for formal attire, go for a co*cktail dress or a dressy LBD.