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What to Wear: Semi Formal Attire

One might well suspect that a host specifying “Semi Formal” for their event is trying to duck responsibility for how their guests are attired. It has a bit of a “can’t decide” ring to it, as though to say “I want them to look fabulous but not stuffy”, while passing on the onus of determining the “how” of that to the guests themselves.

Being an “in-between” sort of dress code, there are more “gray areas” and options in Semi Formal wear than in many other situations. One fairly consistent element is that the men are not supposed to be in tuxedos, but they should be in suits. Generally speaking, a dark conservative suit, with a white shirt and subtle tie will evoke the “formality” of the event, without being “formal” per se. Several sources make differentiation between Semi Formal dress for evening and daytime functions with dark suits for the former, and lighter colored suits for the latter.

Additional levels of “dressing up” have variously been recommended, with the addition of “formal” patent leather shoes, pocket squares, possibly shirts with French cuffs to allow for accessorizing with cuff links, and even opting for a suit that has a vest, echoing earlier forms.

With the relaxing of social conventions over the past decades, the needle has moved way over to the “casual” side of the scale for most public perceptions, however, “Semi Formal”, does not slide down to “business casual”, so if one were opting for a sport coat over khakis, while perfectly fine for most offices, you would be under-dressed for a Semi Formal affair.

So, to be safe in this range, the minimum for a guy’s Semi Formal outfit would be the dark suit, light shirt, and conservative tie, preferably with “formal” shoes … with other options added as accessories.

For the ladies, this is pretty much a judgment call, as Semi Formal is often seen as more-or-less identical with “Cocktail”, but with overtones of “Business”. You wouldn’t want to go with a floor-length “Formal” dress, but neither would you be looking for an “out clubbing” look. Going with a plain black dress in a dressy style and fabric, at about knee length would fit this sort of function, and allow for accessorizing with a classy evening bag, jewelry, and high heels. Alternatively, sporting a conservative suit, or similar business-wear separates, can work, expressing the formality of the event without crossing the line over to “formal”.

Again, this is something of a gray area, with more guidelines than rules. Contextual clues, from what you know of the host, or the venue, or the purpose of the event, can be very helpful in targeting one’s “look” to best fit. However, this is also a situation where you can be on the upper edge of the range (at least avoiding “formal wear”), and still not seem out of place if the general tone is more towards the casual.

 

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