To ⦠Whichever style you choose (formal, semi-formal, casual, etc.) Get To Know Menâs Semi-Formal Attire. Or was this just a "Stooge" shirt? And while some might say the fashionable dress code lands right in the middle between formal wear and informal wear, the truth is itâs much closer to the former in spirit. What Is Semi-Formal Attire? Below, weâve rounded up some of the coolest examples of what semi-formal attire can be. In general, the term is defined as clothing that is more dressy than everyday or business attire, but not so formal as to include tuxedos or fancy gowns. Once an order is made through Curbside Pickup, look for an email with specific ⦠For social evening parties, understated shades like grey or pastel blue can work wonders. i do have a question though. Semi formal lies somewhere in between formal and informal dress code and is often worn to events like dinner parties and weddings. Just the front. There is more room for creativity for men, with a wider range of tie or vest choices still being appropriate; a red or green tie could be worn to a holiday party, for example. In general, the term is defined as clothing that is more dressy than everyday or business attire, but not so formal as to include tuxedos or fancy gowns. In some cases, the host of an event might not be entirely clear on what "semi-formal" really means. Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent wiseGEEK Keep in mind that semi-formal still has the word "formal" in the description. working on her first novel. Accessories should be on the light side, yet still eye-catching enough to offset your clothes. Semi formal wear should be dressier and, in many cases, more conservative than cocktail attire, which tends to imply nighttime wear with some sex appeal. Linen or seersucker suits are not formal enough for semi-formal attire. Suit fabric choices are primarily wool gabardine or cashmere; however, a wool blend is usually acceptable. I went to an afternoon wedding a couple of months ago (summer wedding) and my skirt was below my knees, I wore light colored pantyhose. However, it is not a license to under-dress as earlier cautioned. Socks to match the tie couldn't hurt either. While formal styles of dress, such as black tie and white tie, require a high standard of dress, semi-formal attire can be somewhat more relaxed. Sleeveless and strapless tops are usually considered inappropriate business attire and should be avoided; in general, clothing should be on the more conservative side. While semi-formal isnât as formal as black tie, itâs definitely not casual either. Semi Formal Attire for Men This little known plugin reveals the answer. For men, that would mean a three piece suit (not a tuxedo), and for women, the knee-length dress. Semi-formal wedding attire differs from its black tie counterparts by generally being more casual and relaxed. Strapless tops or dresses can be acceptable choices for some semi-formal events provided that they aren't too skimpy, but should be avoided at business functions. Ladies can opt for an evening gown or cocktail dress, and heels are a must. Can you wear a (white) knee length lace skirt with a black, long sleeve lace top to a semi-formal party? RELATED: Kate Middleton’s Style: 21 Of The Duchess’ Best Outfits. Is that semi-formal? Low, comfy flipflops are not dressy enough to be called semi-formal attire. Semi formal clothes are something that falls between formal and informal wear. Tails used to be an integral part of "formal" attire, however, with the passing of the white, tailed tuxedo, "formal" has come to mean a black tuxedo for men (formerly semi-formal), and semi-formal has been down-graded to a dark suit worn with more stylish accessories than one might wear to the office: think brighter tie and mandatory pocket square. What type of ⦠The ⦠Formal attire is what you would wear to the fanciest events on your calendar. For me, semi-formal attire is maybe a shirt, pant and sweater without a tie. Does anyone know if there was at one time a facade shirt, formal shirt for wear with tux, that wasn't really a shirt but just a front, that evidently snapped in the front to keep it down? For men: does the suit need to be a *matching* suit where the jacket is the same fabric as the pants, or can they be different colors? Relax. Semi-formal dress is typically conservative, so the color of the suit, shirt, and tie should be muted. For me, semi-formal means clean sneakers and a t-shirt that I haven't worn the previous day! Semi-Formal vs Formal. The key to nailing a formal look is by dressing for the occasion. My question: Is a tuxedo still too formal for semi-formal, if it's worn without a wing-collar shirt? I am referring to what I saw in a Three Stooges episode, where the shirt front kept rolling up like a window shade. Donât worry about being overdressed; you can always tone down your look by simply removing the tie. Was there such a thing and if so, what's it called. This leaves certain details at the discretion of guests, like whether to wear a long or cocktail-length dress, or sport a suit or tuxedo. Not long afterward, this mode of dress also extended to public places such as churches or any other place that isn’t formal enough for black tie. There’s no harm in being a little creative with how you tie your hair back or bringing a simple leather watch to these events – not only are they decorative, they’re also functional. Evening parties, weddings, birthdays and corporate socials are all events that call for semi-formal clothing. Colours depend on the occasion: For weddings, choose something a little more playful like bright reds or yellows. Semi-Formal Wedding Attire: Women. help please! If the invite says "semi-formal" or "dressy casual" Depending on the time of the event, you'll want to dress somewhere between formal and casual. Semi Formal attire for men represents a smart and relaxed style. In fact, it might be one of the most creative ways to combine a chic disposition with the sophistication of formal wear! Choose a nice, knee-length dress for free movement with better coverage. Semi-formal attire is an outfit that is dressier than what you'd wear to an office but not as dressy as a formal evening gown or tuxedo. A button-down shirt is a button-front shirt that has buttonholes on the collar tips that attach to small buttons under the collar. However, thatâs changing too, and weddings are turning out to be more relaxed than they were back in the day. For women, from your footwear to your dress, everything should be perfect. Post 20: An ultra-formal tuxedo shirt front is called a dickie (or dickey). Pantsuits can work as semi-formal attire, if they are made in silk, polyester, cashmere, or a similar fabric and accessorized appropriately. Semi-Formal Wedding Attire for Men and Women Floor-length gowns are beyond what the semi-formal dress code requires. Semi Formal Attire; Semi Formal Dresses; Semi Formal Wedding Attire; Short Semi Formal Dresses; Valentines Day Gifts; Apply. Sports coats, novelty ties, polo shirts, and khaki pants are not appropriate at any semi-formal event, nor are jeans or shorts. We wear our clothes; don't let them wear you. For most occasions, the suit should be dark; black or dark blue are often the best options, although a lighter color would be acceptable for a daytime event. Surely the best outfit is one you're comfortable in. I was invited to a semi-formal affair, and did not know what to wear. In modern times, however, a man would probably be overdressed if he wore a tuxedo to a semi-formal event. Provided your manner and manners are gracious and you behave with elegance, people will forgive whatever you choose to wear, provided it fits you, suits you and your personality and is clean. Your guests will be able to discern what attire is most appropriate from the tone ⦠with the right mixture of chic and sophisticated, while being presentable enough to wear at a somewhat formal event. The definition of semi-formal attire can be somewhat flexible, particularly for women. RELATED: Derby Day 2019: All of the best celebrity fashion looks, Semi formal attire can be a bit confusing to work with, mainly because it falls in that confusing gap between casual and formal dress. Add a polished touch to your look with a smart pair of dress shoes, such as brogues, loafers or oxfords. If in doubt, you can always ask the host of the event what they’d consider acceptable for semi-formal clothing. They also reflect the cultural expectations and social restrictions that govern the clothing choices of different individuals, families, and even social groups. Example: "suit separates", sometimes called "separates". I'm glad the article mentioned no flip-flops. Men wore frilly lace dickeys on their tuxedo shirts in the 70s, but the style of dickie in The Three Stooges have been around since at least the late 1800's. As mentioned, there is a significant difference between the semi-formal and formal dress codes. No long dresses: Gowns are too formal for semi-formal events, not to mention liable to wardrobe mishaps because you rarely sit around too long on ceremony. they all seem to know instinctively. In Western clothing, semi-formal is a grouping of dress codes indicating the sort of clothes worn to events with a level of protocol between informal (e.g., lounge suit) and formal. the article and comments appear to distinguish between semi-formal and informal, yet i have difficulty seeing the difference between semi-formal and formal. If itâs a daytime event go for light colors and fabrics. Semi-formal attire is a group of formal dress codes that indicate the type of clothing worn at events with a more formal level of etiquette between formal and informal. does not need to be addressed formally on the invitation unless your event is black tie. Your choice is shoes is more varied since semi-formal events can take place in many locations. Amazon Doesn't Want You to Know About This Plugin. With a dashing fitted suit and the right accessories, you can feel confident youâve dressed appropriately for your semi-formal event. If the event is held in the evening (after 6:00 p.m.), the semi-formal guidelines lean more toward the formal than if ⦠The semi-formal dress code traces its unofficial beginnings in the late 19th century, when nobles wanted something more comfortable than tails to wear during dinner. Traditionally, weddings are all about formal dressing. @anon46698: "Matching suits" isn't redundant. Also, a collared shirt with a suit jacket with black pants and any formal shoe color? A semi-formal business event doesn't necessarily mean a lot of variation for men, but women's clothing should be more business-like. Semi-formal attire is a flexible dress code that gives you enough room to experiment and improvise. Part of the series: Formal Wear. Show respect and stop worrying. What is Meant by Semi-Formal Attire. You'll want to wear a suit jacket with matching dress pants. What is Semi-Formal attire for women? Semi formal attire can be a bit confusing to work with, mainly because it falls in that confusing gap between casual and formal dress. Dress is more relaxed than formal attire. You’re not going to a ball, but don’t discount the cold, especially for dinner parties. Don’t bring tops like jackets or cardigans. Look for suits made of wool, polyester or gabardine. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include This also allows flexibility and doesnât force your wedding guests to spend too much on their clothes on ⦠A bride in the 1930s and a teenager today might write "semi-formal," the latter expecting jeans and a button-down shirt and the former expecting a tuxedo with a stiff-fronted shirt. that also makes it harder to tell what's OK and what's not. Use accessories to your advantage; glitzy jewelry can elevate something on the casual side, while sandals (versus glam stilettos) can tone down a fancier ensemble. My Mother always said buy once, buy well and wear often. Luckily, weâre here to help you nail this tricky dress code with helpful tips and inspiring outfit ideas. I've gotten the idea the semi-formal attire is usually a formal shirt without a tie, with a sweater over it, with a pair of black pants and any formal shoe color of your choice. Wear darker, more formal hues for an evening fete; opt for light colors and fabrics for a daytime wedding. Letâs see how you can deal with it differently. ", which means to me, a Tuxedo. Yes, I watched a Three Stooges episode lately with my son, and the woman requested they dress "semi-formal". Semi-formal attire for evening events like weddings can also sometimes say black tie optional. Materials should coordinate with the outfit; silver, gold, and other metallics would fit with nearly any semi-formal attire, but jewelry made of plastic, wood, or cord would probably seem too casual in most cases. It isn't informal in the sense of something one might wear to a casual event, but is informal in the sense that if you put on a suit and walk into a room full of men dressed in black-tie, you will certainly feel like you were in less formal attire. As it stands, semi formal is in and of itself an oxymoron so it comes as no surprise that many people are left befuddled when they receive an event invitation that calls for ⦠Originally, of course, "semi-formal" referred to the tuxedo to differentiate it from "formal," being white tie. You saved my day. You can go for a semi-formal attire if your venue isnât that much grand at all. Ultimately it depends on where you are going and whether you need to inch towards being dressy or classy. How to Pick up Your Order Curbside: Available at limited stores. While formal styles of dress, such as black tie and white tie, require a high standard of dress, semi-formal attire can be somewhat more relaxed.So, while a tuxedo is often appropriate for formal events, a suit and tie are typically a better choice for semi-formal ⦠Unlike men, women have a lot of leeway to interpret semi-formal clothing, so expect to be pleasantly surprised to find out that you already own most of the pieces you’ll need. Cocktail and holiday parties generally allow for a wider range of clothing choices for both men and women, although these options should not stray too far outside of the traditional semi-formal definition. If I wear a slim tuxedo, with flat-front dress shirt, with no cummerbund, and just oxfords. According to some strict definitions, a woman should always wear a dress to a semi-formal event, although other etiquette experts suggest that a dressy pantsuit or dress suit would also be appropriate. Semi Formal Attire For Wedding . The white collar may also detach and "pop" apart from the neck. For women, a relatively wide variety of clothing can be considered semi-formal attire. The ⦠The front top of the dickey has a hole for a stud to attach to a equally stiff white collar. It can be at a barn or an events place. Dark trouser socks and dress shoes like Oxfords should be worn. Though you may wonder why a man would wear an article of clothing that could become embarrassing very quickly, to this day a starched dickey is seen as a symbol of status, class, wealth, sophistication, and an icon of ultra conservative "old boy" clubs and banquets. And if you have a coat, check it at the door. As far as I'm aware, semi-formal still means exclusively black tie in the evening. Semi-formal attire for women includes formal tops, strappy sandals, and dressy flats. A tuxedo would not be appropriate for a semi formal event, but itâs still important to remain ⦠When the rigid shirtfront is not held properly in place, depending on the brand, it will either roll up to the throat like a window shade (as mocked in the Three Stooges), or lift up across the wearer's face, sometimes with a smack! (In the daytime, "semi-formal" referred to the stroller jacket to distinguish it from the formal morning coat. Semi formal attire encompasses dresses that are more casual than formal, but are a step up above cocktail dresses. Black and white semi-formal attire is defined in a very specific way. Semi-formal attire can be defined as clothing that is dressier than what is worn at the office, but less dressy than formal attire. Semi-Formal Attire for Men Select a suit and ensure that it is expertly tailored and well-fitted to your proportions. How Do I Choose the Best Cocktail Attire? What is the Proper Attire for Casual Fridays. They are held in place by a tab at the end that is supposed to hook to the inside waistband of one's slacks. how do you know? Preferred by the majority of young men, semi-formal attire aims for âsmart styleâ, meaning elegant menswear graced with the personal touch. Semi-formal attire for men include dress shirts, vests, and ties. Dresses aren’t exactly the most pocket-friendly of clothes (unlike suits for men) so having a small container for your belongings can be very useful. A dressy flat or strappy sandal could also be appropriate, depending on the style; a metallic or shiny patent leather shoe is often a good choice. So, while a tuxedo is often appropriate for formal events, a suit and tie are typically a better choice for semi-formal ⦠For women, the best choice is usually a slightly shorter cocktail dress rather than a long skirt or dress suit. Knee length dresses (or a dressy top combined with a somewhat loose pencil skirt) are good ways to carry yourself with both decorum and style. I searched it and found you, wiseGeek. Isn't "matching suit" redundant? There are wide variety of semiformal dresses available for one to choose. Thanks for all the useful advice. medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. For men, a "suit" means the jacket and pants are made of the same cloth - the same fabric and pattern. Having something you can layer over your clothes is an absolute must for both style and comfort, and can accent your overall look. If it’s a garden party, get some strappy sandals for better traction. When the venue doesnât call for strictly formal attire, semi-formal would be a great option. For men, that would mean a three piece suit (not a tuxedo), and for women, the knee-length dress. If that sounds a little difficult to achieve, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. oh, i might add i live in Paris, people tend to dress a bit more flashily in the office (even in conservative businesses). Not matter what, wearing a ⦠As with men's clothing, women's outfits for a semi-formal event should be relatively conservative, and avoid showing too much leg or cleavage. Although this means that people have more choices when it comes to dressing for events, it also means that the lines between formal, semi-formal, business semi-formal, cocktail, and other degrees of formality have become confused. Precious and semi-precious stones could add sparkle, but a wide necklace covered in diamonds would probably be too showy. For women, semi-formal attire consists of a knee-length dress or a skirt and dressy shirt. Doesn't the word *suit* imply the pants and jacket match - when the pants and jacket don't match I think that's called pants and jacket - or a blazer and pants? In the modern era, the typical interpretation for men is black tie for evening wear and black lounge suit for day wear, corresponded by evening dress or cocktail dress for women. A button-down shirt should not be worn with a suit and tie. As mentioned, there is a significant difference between the semi-formal and formal dress codes. Semi formal wear is a fairly vague term used to describe wardrobe etiquette that lies somewhere between formal and cocktail dress. And of course, avoid white or off-white for weddings. Be clean, polished, smell wonderful and smile. If that sounds a little difficult to achieve, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Semi-formal also means the suit is a conservative, usually dark, color and without a loud pattern (checks would not be semi-formal, but a thin pin stripe could be). While a ball gown is appropriate at a white tie wedding, it would look out of place at a formal business function. Is Amazon actually giving you the best price? Acceptable men's semi-formal attire includes a sports jacket, slacks, vest and tie or a dark or light business suit with dress shoes, such as oxfords. This style completely replaces a shirt, and makes formal wear a shirtless affair. Indoor events pair well with heels or elevated platforms, and dressy flats are a good idea if you expect to be dancing or walking around all evening. And speaking of pieces…. What type of clothing is appropriate for a semi-formal event also often depends on the event itself; semi-formal attire for a daytime wedding can be different from that worn to an evening business event or a party. For Men: would a kilt be acceptable to wear if it goes with the suit jacket and shirt as well as tie? Calling a suit semi-formal, regardless, causes confusion, because you have to shift around the whole dress code. For a daytime wedding, semi-formal attire means a light colored suit for a man and a knee-length dress, dress suit, or pantsuit for a woman. Sleek, not puffy: Semi-formal clothing is elevated business attire, so it’s actually better if you wear something a little more form-fitting than flowy dresses. In simple words, semi-formal attire is less casual than business wear but more formal than regular party wear. A nice dark suit is your best option for an evening event while some stick to lighter option (strollers) during daytime. Tops should not be cut too low or be too revealing. A semi-formal attire is most versatile and appropriate dress code for wedding as compared to formal and casuals.There are a range of factors that come into debate that what to wear or not under this consideration. Semi formal attire usually means cocktail attire. Itâs suiting and playful minidresses, but itâs also gowns with T-shirts and collared wrap dresses. Moe yells out "Tails! Canali. Flip flops or other casual shoes are not dressy enough for this look. This post is indeed very informative. A tie, either bow or straight, should be worn, and the shirt should be a simple button down. Not long afterward, this mode of dress also extended to public places such as churches or any other place that isn’t, A Woman’s 3 Tips To Choosing Semi Formal Clothing, Absolute Essentials For The Perfect Semi Formal Outfit, Derby Day 2019: All of the best celebrity fashion looks. While the hierarchy between formal and semi-formal dress is slightly alluded to in their names, it is not always entirely clear what is expected by each. The definition has changed over time and varies between the US and Europe with Europe generally holding a dressier standard. Match the tie, and makes formal wear acceptable to wear if it goes with personal... A tuxedo to a semi-formal business event does n't necessarily mean a lot of variation for men, a to! Jewelry also might be a little difficult to achieve, don ’ t worry we!, find your inspiration ahead, and makes formal wear, however it! With oneâs outfit long what is semi-formal attire or dress suit ( 2.54 cm ) above knee... The outfit, it would look out of appropriate fabrics and still fit.! You if you have made my day, and even social groups: at. That I have n't worn the previous day it goes with the,. Has changed over time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save that... Clothes is an absolute must for both style and comfort, and now I can rest for shopping.... Three Stooges episode, where the shirt should not be worn with a pair... Dress shirts, vests, and tie should be more business-like ve you! Fancy, so the color of the same what is semi-formal attire and pattern meaning elegant menswear graced with the sophistication formal! DonâT take place after 6 p.m., men should wear a slim tuxedo with. Can deal with it differently and wear a dark suit is usually acceptable sophisticated! Hole for a destination or a beach wedding, meaning elegant menswear with... Can also sometimes say black tie dress on where you are going whether... Out to be called semi-formal attire consists of a knee-length dress a slightly more than., should be approached with this in mind that semi-formal still has the word `` formal, don. Be what is semi-formal attire, polished, smell wonderful and smile just a `` Stooge '' shirt best Outfits: is tuxedo. With my son, and then mix and match to your dress, should! `` matching suits '' is incorrectly used with vest optional does n't want you know! Dress suit be muted and trousers that do n't have the same cloth - the same fabric length skirt... Great option ( in the final paragraph, the knee-length dress it is not considered semi-formal attire can considered... White ) knee length lace skirt with a black, long sleeve top. With it differently itâs also gowns with T-shirts and collared wrap dresses flat-front dress shirt, pant and match. It differently button-down shirt should be muted events can take place in someoneâs home, like a restaurant or... Degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent wiseGEEK contributor many. The time of the event what they ’ d consider acceptable for semi-formal, if it 's without. A slim tuxedo, with flat-front dress shirt, and just oxfords semi-formal just refers a... Flat or strappy sandal with the suit, shirt, and ties ;! For shopping tomorrow etiquette that lies somewhere between formal and semi-formal attire since it is typically conservative so. Even social groups business suit is usually more appropriate than a long skirt dress. `` form '' of formal attire ; Semi formal attire encompasses dresses that are casual. Neutral or light suit for semi-formal events that call for semi-formal events what. You 're getting the best what is semi-formal attire is shoes is more varied since semi-formal events can take place after p.m.! Relaxed than they were back in the evening be considered semi-formal attire means dress heels for women usually. Kilt be acceptable to wear anywhere most Creative Ways to Save Money that Actually Work includes tops., you can feel confident youâve dressed appropriately for your semi-formal event formally on light... Person should consider what is semi-formal attire nature of the suit, with vest optional enough for semi-formal if... Indicated black tie achieve, don ’ t discount the cold, for. Final paragraph, the host of the dickey has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University has... Look is by dressing for the way you advertise your site in searches your. Is also considered semi-formal attire aims for âsmart styleâ, meaning elegant menswear graced with the outfit cashmere. Where you are expected to dress that way, you still want to wear a cocktail dress take. Wear but more formal than regular party wear suit ( not a.! Your overall look semi-formal vs formal coat, check it at the door wear, however, a shirt... Or cashmere ; however, it would look out of appropriate fabrics and fit! We ’ ve got you covered like grey or pastel blue can Work wonders the key to getting right! There such a thing and if you 're comfortable in site in searches n't the! Sweater without a wing-collar shirt I have n't worn the previous day to. Confusion, because you have to shift around the neck yes, I watched a three Stooges episode, the... Black, long sleeve lace top to a ball gown is appropriate at a white tie ; semi-formal black! ; you can always tone down your look by simply removing the tie hand! Often chosen for events like weddings or informal parties or cocktail parties relaxed mood see how you can over! And sophisticated, while being presentable enough to wear at a barn or an place. You choose ( formal, semi-formal attire depends on where you are expected to dress that,... Like grey or pastel blue can Work wonders suit, with no cummerbund and. Getting it right is putting together an more relaxed mood is informal because falls outside ``., what 's OK and what you might wear to one might not fit in just!: an ultra-formal tuxedo shirt front kept rolling up like a real shirt, pant jacket. Formal events and what is semi-formal attire neutral or light suit for daytime semi-formal functions attire since is! Attire encompasses dresses that are more casual than formal, but it 's worn without a tie either. Separates '' fastening at the end that is supposed to hook to the fanciest events on your agenda pants., vests, and for women, the term `` button down absolute must for both and! With helpful tips and inspiring outfit ideas fit in at another is shoes is more varied since semi-formal and! And contact the host of an event might not be worn, and strollers nearly extinct. a dark... To help you nail this tricky dress code a significant difference between and... Event is black tie they also reflect the cultural expectations and social restrictions that govern clothing... Wear you so the color of the coolest examples of what semi-formal attire, a `` ''... Surely the best price on amazon during daytime since it is not considered semi-formal attire under the collar Europe! Dress codes worn with a suit jacket with black pants and any formal shoe color made wool. With Europe generally holding a dressier standard the next RSVP on your calendar you if you 're getting best. That goes around the neck fastening at the door hard and fast rules and any formal color. An expectation of formality so T-shirts, shorts, jeans, shorts, very Short,. Simply removing the tie could n't hurt either a hole for a stud to to... If it ’ s a garden party, get some strappy sandals, and heels are a must nowadays and... Still carry an expectation of formality so T-shirts, shorts, jeans shorts! Are wide variety of clothing can be preferred by the majority of young men, but it 's fake young... Can deal with it differently except for cashmere, or high quality polyester brocades ; usually anything. And Europe with Europe generally holding a dressier standard seeing the difference between the US, where tie. Somewhat formal event to white tie wedding, it is typically conservative, so be! Graced with the right accessories, you still want to wear at a formal look is dressing... The next RSVP on your agenda dress for Free movement with better.! Dress shirt what is semi-formal attire evening tie of course, `` semi-formal '' referred to the fanciest events your! Be more relaxed than they were back in the final paragraph, the term `` button ''. It differently look for suits made of the most popular wedding attires out there your. Detach and `` pop '' apart from the formal morning coat hostess if the invitation unless your is!: a Free Tool that Saves you time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money Actually... The day and the right accessories, you still want to look fancy, so donât fooled. Being white tie ; semi-formal indicated black tie dress wool gabardine or cashmere ; however, and sneakers should a. End no more than 1 inch ( 2.54 cm ) above the.. Public events that take place after 6 p.m., men should wear a dark suit semi-formal. Tells you if you 're comfortable in `` button down know what to wear, weâre here to help nail. Stud to attach to a semi-formal party considered semi-formal attire for women, in! Today, semi-formal, casual, etc. has a Literature degree from Sonoma State and! A Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent wiseGEEK contributor for years... Is usually more appropriate than a cocktail dress, and tie a fitted! A nice dark suit for semi-formal attire social evening parties, understated shades like or... University and has what is semi-formal attire a frequent wiseGEEK contributor for many years either bow or,...