Semi-formal dress code: what to wear and what to skip
What semi-formal means for women: dresses, jumpsuits and separates, what to skip, how it compares to cocktail and casual, and how to dress it up or down.
The short answer
Semi-formal is polished but not full evening wear: a knee or midi dress, a dressy jumpsuit or good separates. Use heels or dressy flats, and skip jeans, sneakers and ball gowns.
- At a wedding, avoid white, ivory and cream.
Semi-formal means polished but not full evening wear. For women, a dress that falls at the knee or midi, a dressy jumpsuit or a skirt and top in good fabric all work, with heels or dressy flats and a few nice accessories.
What to wear
- A knee-length or midi dress in crepe, satin, lace or a good jersey
- A dressy jumpsuit in a fluid fabric
- Separates: a silk or satin skirt with a polished top or a fine knit
- A tailored blazer over a dress for a daytime event
What to skip
- Jeans, sneakers and casual cotton
- A floor-length ball gown, which is usually too much
- Very short or very low-cut styles, especially at religious ceremonies
| Level | Dresses | Shoes | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual | Sundress, relaxed midi | Sandals, flats | Daytime, outdoors |
| Semi-formal | Knee to midi dress, dressy jumpsuit | Heels or dressy flats | Late afternoon, early evening |
| Cocktail | Dressier midi or knee-length | Heels | Evening |
| Black tie optional | Floor-length or dressy midi | Dressy heels | Formal evening |
How do you dress it up or down?
- Daytime: lighter colors and fabrics, block heels or wedges, simple jewelry.
- Evening: darker, richer colors, satin, a statement earring, a metallic or dressy clutch.
- Cold weather: a tailored coat, tights and a dressy boot or closed shoe.
Where semi-formal appears
Weddings, christenings, graduation dinners, awards events, holiday parties and some company events. At a wedding, it is the same rule: no white, ivory or cream. For the dress code just above this, see what to wear for cocktail attire, and for the one below, the smart casual dress code.
Want it decoded?
The Wedding Guest Edit translates semi-formal, cocktail, black tie optional and the rest into outfit formulas you can build from your closet.
Read next: Summer Wedding Guest Dress: What to Wear · Fall Wedding Guest Dress: What to Wear · Beach Wedding Guest Dress: What to Wear
Questions people ask about this
What does semi-formal mean for women?
A dress, dressy jumpsuit or skirt and top that is polished but not full evening wear, usually knee to midi, with heels or dressy flats.
Is semi-formal the same as cocktail attire?
Close but not identical. Cocktail is a little dressier and usually evening, semi-formal is a step down. In practice, a knee-length or midi dress in a good fabric works for both.
Can I wear pants to a semi-formal event?
Yes, if they are tailored and dressy: a wide-leg crepe pant or a jumpsuit with a polished top, nice shoes and jewelry.
Can I wear a long dress to a semi-formal wedding?
A simple midi or maxi is usually fine, but a formal gown may be too much. If the venue is dressy and the event is in the evening, a long dress is acceptable.
