How to Dress Semi‐Formally

Last Updated: February 3, 2021 References

Weddings, dances, and parties are often billed as semi-formal events. However, this classification can be puzzling. You may not know how much to dress up for the event, which could cause you to worry about being over or under-dressed. By following a few simple guidelines, you can choose a semi-formal outfit that will be appropriate for your event and look great on you!

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Choosing a Suit

1
Plan to wear a light-colored suit for a daytime event. If the semi-formal event is happening during the day, you can opt for lighter colors, such as light grey, khaki, and cream. Choose a suit in a color that complements your skin tone and that will go well with the shirt, tie, and shoes you want to wear.
- You may even consider pastel-colored suits, such as lavender, light blue, or pink.
- Look for a suit that is made from lightweight materials, such as linen, lightweight wool blends, or cotton.
2
Opt for a suit that is dark for an evening event. Dark colored suits work best for evening events. Choose a suit that is dark brown, dark grey, navy, or black.^{[1]
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- Choose a suit made from wool, gabardine, or cashmere. Do not wear a seersucker suit. These are too casual for a semi-formal affair.
- Avoid tuxedos since they are considered formal attire.^{[2]
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3
Include a vest for some extra flair. Vests are optional, but they can help to take a straightforward suit to the next level. Wearing a vest will also give you the option of removing it, which may be a welcome change at an outdoor wedding or after warming up on the dance floor.^{[3]
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- Choose a vest in the same color as the rest of your suit. For example, if you are wearing a navy blue suit, your vest should be navy blue as well.
- For example, if you wear a full suit and vest, you can always remove the jacket or vest to dress your look down if needed.
4
Try a dressy pantsuit for a more feminine option. If you want to wear a suit that is more on the feminine side, opt for a dressy pantsuit. Pair the pantsuit with a dressy blouse or short-sleeved top to complete your look!^{[4]
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- Go with a darker color pantsuit for evening events, such as a navy, plum, dark brown, or black pantsuit.
- If the event is during the day, stick with light colors and pastels, such as a white, pastel pink, light blue, or yellow pantsuit.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Wearing a Dress or Skirt

1
Go with a cocktail dress for a classic look. Cocktail dresses are usually short or knee-length and they offer just the right amount of dressiness for a semi-casual affair. Select a darker color cocktail dress if the event is in the evening, or a lighter brighter color for a daytime event. Also, consider the length of the dress and what will be appropriate.^{[5]
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- Steer clear of floor-length gowns, since these are meant for formal or black-tie events.
- Avoid ultra-short dresses if you plan to dance or if there is a minimum length requirement (such as for a school dance).
2
Pair a dressy skirt with a nice top if you prefer separates. A dressy skirt with a dressy top is also appropriate for a semi-formal event. This allows you more freedom to choose a unique look, and you may even have something in your closet that you can wear.^{[6]
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- Avoid t-shirts and sweaters. Instead, opt for fitted blouses and skirts.
- Pencil skirts are really versatile.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Christina Santelli
  Professional Stylist
  Expert Interview. 22 April 2019.} For example, you could wear a pencil skirt with a silk blouse, a structured a-line skirt with a lace cap-sleeve top, or a long satin skirt with a matching satin top.
3
Opt for a classic little black dress for a chic, reusable option. The little black dress, also known as an LBD, is appropriate for just about any special event. If you don’t have an LBD in your closet, now is a great time to get one! Choose a black dress in the style, length, material, and fit of your choice.^{[8]
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- For example, you could get a long-sleeved LBD with ruching detail to accentuate your waist and hips.
- Or, opt for an a-line black dress with cap sleeves for something cute and simple.
- For something more casual, try a flowing black jersey maxi-dress with flutter sleeves.
4
Choose a flowy maxi dress for a long, comfortable option. Maxi dresses are those that go to your feet and they are often made from soft jersey material. Choose a maxi dress in a color or print that appeals to you.
- For example, you could wear a bright yellow maxi dress for a daytime wedding, opt for a deep burgundy maxi dress for an evening affair, or go with a medium-toned floral print dress for something that will work for a daytime or nighttime affair.
5
Bring a jacket or sweater in case the weather gets cold. Even if the event is mostly indoors, you might end up wanting a sweater, wrap, or jacket. Choose something that complements your outfit and that is dressy enough for a semi-formal event. Steer clear of sweatshirts, hoodies, and long-sleeve t-shirts.
- For example, if you are wearing a little black dress, you could pair it with a black bolero.
- If you are wearing a pink and white floral maxi dress, choose a white shawl.
- Or, you could opt for a stylish leather (or faux leather) jacket with a sequin cocktail dress.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Choosing Your Shoes

1
Pair a classic pair of leather dress shoes and dark socks with a suit. You can stick with a basic pair of leather dress shoes and dark socks to finish off your semi-formal look. Choose dress shoes that will coordinate with your suit, but your socks can be black or dark blue since they won’t be visible. Just avoid white or other brightly-colored socks.^{[9]
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- Try black dress shoes with a black or grey suit.
- Opt for brown shoes with a brown or beige suit.
- Choose navy blue shoes with a navy blue suit.
- Match your shoes with your belt.^{[10]
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  Expert Source
  
  Christina Santelli
  Professional Stylist
  Expert Interview. 22 April 2019.}
2
Choose heels, flats, or wedges with a dress, skirt, or pantsuit. Choose a pair of nice dress shoes that you feel comfortable wearing. You can choose any color dress shoes you like as long as they coordinate well with your outfit.^{[11]
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- For example, you could wear a pair of black or red heels with a little black dress.
- If you opt for a grey pantsuit, stick with dark grey or black shoes.
- Or, opt for white or neutral tone shoes if you are wearing a light or neutral outfit.
3
Consider the location of the event when you are selecting shoes. If the event will be outdoors, then you might want to go with some dressy flats. This is especially true if you will be walking through grass or sand. Steer clear of traditional and stiletto high-heel shoes since the heel is likely to get stuck in the dirt or sand.^{[12]
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- If you are unsure about what the terrain around the event will be like, bring a pair of heels and a pair of flats. You can always switch if needed.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Accessorizing and Styling

1
Include a tie for a more polished look. Semi-formal may mean wearing a tie or going without. If you want your look to be more polished, then wear a tie with your suit. If you want to go with a more casual look, then leave the tie out. Choose a tie that complements your shirt, such as a solid or print blue tie with a light blue shirt.^{[13]
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- If you are not sure, wear a tie! You can always take it off.
- Put on a red tie to draw attention to yourself. Red ties are also known as “power ties” because they stand out and people will be more likely to look at you.
- If you are fair-skinned, stick with pastels and lighter neutral ties to complement your skin tone. If you have a dark skin tone, opt for ties in bold colors and dark neutral shades.^{[14]
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2
Style your look with 1 tasteful jewelry item. Too much jewelry may clash with your semi-formal clothing. Keep it simple and opt for 1 piece of tasteful jewelry that will complement your look rather than distracting from it.^{[15]
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- With a suit, you might include a watch or pocket watch, a simple leather, silver, or gold bracelet, or a tie clip.
- With a dress, you can opt for a pair of earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet.
3
Make sure you are well-groomed. Having poor hygiene and/or grooming can also distract from your semi-formal look. Before you get dressed, shower, style your hair, brush your teeth, and put on deodorant. Avoid experimenting with a bold new hairstyle for the event. Stick with what you know works for you!^{[16]
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- Shave any areas of your face that you like to shave. If you have a beard or mustache, make sure that it is trimmed and combed.
- Shave your legs and armpits if they will be visible.
4
Apply makeup if you like to wear it. Makeup is not a requirement for a semi-formal event, but you can wear it if you’d like to. Choose makeup that complements your natural skin tone.
- Go for a natural look for a daytime event.
- Opt for something dramatic if it is an evening affair.