What to Wear: Semi Formal Dress Code

Semi Formal is like the yellow light between Formal’s red light and Casual’s green. It’s like when your buddy starts dating someone new and you ask if they’re a couple yet and he/she goes “Well, yeah, kind of, I guess.” With Semi Formal, your goal should be to dress formal, kind of, I guess.

Semi Formal is still formal, just…semi. Semi-formal specifications can be tricky. Not over the top dressy but still dressed up is what you are going for when the invitation says “Dress Semi Formal”. Once again, confusing right? Semi Formal is standing in between the dressy formal and business attire. Instead of a full tuxedo or a floor length dress, men may wear a suit and women may wear a cocktail dress or a dressy suit. So imagine what you would wear to a formal event, and then tone it down a bit. Then you have semi formal. The key is to make yourself look simple, fresh, and neat. Do not overdress by making the outfit too complicated or heavy. Easy on the jewels and sparkles. Religious events such as a Baptism, a work party, a wedding or dance/receptions may require you to apply a Semi Formal dress code.

Women:

Blouse (Long Sleeved Button Down)

Dress (To Knees)

Dress Suit

Pant Suit

Dress Pants (Black)

Jewelry

Heels

Dressy Pumps

Men:

Shirt (Simple Button-Down)

Dark Full Suit with a Dark Tie and White Shirt

Full Suit

Dress Shirt (Long Sleeved Button Down)

Dress Pants (Black)

Dress Shoes (Polished Black Shoes)

Juniors:

Dress

Suit

Dress Shoes (Polished)

What not to wear:

T-shirt

Ball Gown (This is Too Formal)

Jeans

Shorts

Sneakers