What to Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Los Angeles | Instagram

Of all the wedding dress codes that exist, semi-formal is one of the most flexible — and that’s exactly why so many wedding guests find it tricky to nail.

Unlike black tie, which requires either a tuxedo or a long gown, the semi-formal dress code allows a range of lengths, styles, and options.

Ready to put together the perfect semi-formal look?

This guide explains what to wear to a semi-formal wedding, plus a peek at some of our favorite semi-formal outfit ideas:

What Is Semi-Formal Wedding Attire?

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charlotte | Jacqueline & Laura

In terms of formality, the semi-formal dress code falls between cocktail attire and smart casual.

There’s no need to wear a tuxedo, a voluminous ball gown, or a floor-length gown. For women, knee-length or midi dresses with dress shoes and a chic handbag are ideal choices. For guys, a button-down shirt, dress pants, and nice shoes are all you need.

A semi-formal should blend sophistication, polish, elegance, and comfort. It should be more elegant than something you’d wear to a business meeting or an upscale restaurant. But it also shouldn't look so dressy that you could walk the red carpet at the Oscars.

The goal is to look neither overdressed nor undressed — but to find that sweet spot in between.

While semi-formal is generally considered a step above smart casual or dressy casual, those dress codes allow for denim and jeans. Unless you want to stand out for all the wrong reasons, do not wear jeans to a semi-formal wedding. They’re just not dressy enough.

Just got the invite to a semi-formal wedding? Browse our collection of wedding guest dresses to find the perfect outfit!

Tips for Choosing a Semi-Formal Wedding Look

 

From length to texture to silhouette, here’s what semi-formal wedding guest attire entails:

Choose Shorter Dress Lengths

 

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Midi dresses and knee-length dresses are ideal for semi-formal weddings. Some mini dresses, like the Jenny Yoo Camille Dress, are also appropriate.

In some cases, long maxi dresses can also work if they’re on the more casual side. A flowy chiffon maxi dress with a bold print can be gorgeous for a semi-formal event. However, a satin sheath gown or a structured mermaid gown will be far too formal.

For members of the wedding party choosing their own bridesmaid dresses, ask the bride what length she prefers before you order your dress. Even though it’s a semi-formal wedding, she may still want you to wear a full-length dress.

Choose a Dress with Minimal Embellishments

 

Distinctive elements like ruffles and bows are stylish and suitable for a semi-formal event. Yet, it’s best to avoid ornate embellishments such as heavy beading and sequins.

Bejeweled accents and shimmering sequins almost always make a dress look more formal. Reserve those for black-tie events and cocktail parties!

Consider Separates Instead of a Dress

 

There’s no rule that you must wear a dress! One-piece jumpsuits, chic pant suits, and chic blouse-and-skirt pairings are also options.

Consider the Fabric in Combination with the Silhouette

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Greenville | Emily Veinberg Williams & Brianna McCarthy

Consider the fabric in combination with the silhouette you choose, as some fabrics tend to look far too dressy in certain silhouettes.

For example, full-length gowns in satin, faille, and velvet exude a very formal vibe. But those same fabrics in short dresses or midi-length looks can be perfect for a semi-formal wedding reception.

Pick the Right Shoes

 

There’s no need to wear stilettos to a semi-formal event, but if you love skinny, high heels, go for it. Block heels, wedge heels, kitten heels, and even flats can be super chic with a semi-formal look.

Steer clear of ultra-casual footwear like sneakers. But choose shoes that are comfortable enough to dance in and suitable for the venue.

No matter how much you might love stilettos, it’s best not to wear them to a beach wedding on the sand or a garden wedding in the grass.

Select the Right Handbag

 

Create a chic, polished look with a stylish clutch bag or minaudière. Another option is to carry a small shoulder bag with a delicate chain strap or beaded strap.

Don’t Over-Accessorize

 

You don’t have to wear your glitziest, most opulent jewels (but we totally get it if you want to!). Instead, consider more pared-down accessories, like pearl earrings or a diamond pendant necklace.

Semi-Formal Wedding Attire Tips for Guys

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Indianapolis | EM Weddings

Guys should think of semi-formal wedding attire as business-casual with a more polished, elegant vibe.

Guys have a few very easy-to-put-together options:

• •   A classic suit with a button-down shirt: This is a safe bet for any wedding in any season and at any time of day.
• •   Well-fitting trousers with a crisp button-down shirt: Without a jacket, this pairing is best for informal venues and spring and summer weddings.
• •   A dress shirt and dress pants topped with a blazer or sport coat: This pairing is the perfect middle ground, especially for evening weddings.

If you’re concerned about looking underdressed without a jacket, wear one. You can always take it off.

Complete Your Semi-Formal Look With Great Accessories

 

No wedding look is complete without the right shoes and accessories.

Follow these simple guidelines to accessorize a semi-formal look:

• •   Ties: Ties are optional, but will make you look slightly dressier and more polished.
• •   Shoes: Opt for dressy loafers, oxfords, or derby shoes over highly polished shoes you might wear with a tux.
• •   Pocket square: If you’re wearing a jacket, add a pocket square for texture and color.
• •   Cufflinks: Add a pair of cufflinks if you’re wearing a shirt with French cuffs.
• •   Tie clip: Add a tie clip to a regular tie for a bit more sophistication.

When choosing accessories, remember that the trick is to look polished and put together without being too dressed up.

More Tips to Help You Choose the Perfect Semi-Formal Wedding Outfit

 

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Let the season guide you towards certain colors, fabrics, and silhouettes.

To be comfortable and look appropriate for the time of year, opt for heavier fabrics and longer sleeve lengths for winter weddings. Choose lightweight fabrics in sleeveless or strapless silhouettes for summer weddings.

As for color, pastels, pale neutrals, and bold floral prints are best for spring and summer weddings, especially if they’re outdoors. Darker colors, neutrals, autumnal hues, and rich jewel tones are best for fall, winter, and cold-weather celebrations.

Think about the time of day as well. For a daytime event, guys can opt for lighter colors like khaki, light grey, and medium blue, since black and dark grey tend to look more formal. Dark jackets in navy blue, medium grey, or dark grey are more suitable for evening events.

Learn what you should (and shouldn’t!) wear to a wedding in our list of wedding guest do’s & don’ts.

Semi-Formal Dresses We Think You’ll Love

 

Ready to find a perfect dress for that upcoming wedding?

Here are some semi-formal looks we think you’ll absolutely love:

Jenny Yoo Evelyn Dress

 

Jenny Yoo Evelyn Dress

In luxe satin with a soft cowl neckline, the Jenny Yoo Evelyn Dress is semi-formal perfection. It features a chic slip silhouette in a midi length with draped off-the-shoulder sleeves.

By Watters Lucie Dress 32505

 

By Watters Lucie Dress 32505 in Frost Blue

In a brocade floral pattern, the By Watters Lucie Dress boasts semi-formal sophistication in a slim tea-length silhouette with a square neckline. It’s detailed with a center-back slit and an optional belt to cinch the waist.

Dessy Collection 3172OMF

 

Dessy Collection 3172OMF Dress

We love the Dessy Collection 3172OMF dress for fall or winter weddings. You’ll love its deep, dark color, flattering square neckline, and midi-length circle skirt with box pleats.

Amsale Indie Dress

 

Amsale Indie Dress

The Amsale Indie Dress in fluid satin is absolutely gorgeous with its midi-length silhouette. It also boasts an all-over floral print, a gathered halter neckline, and a chic keyhole back.

Jenny Yoo Camille Dress

 

Jenny Yoo Camille Dress

In structured luxe faille, the Jenny Yoo Camille Dress is a stunner. It comes in a tailored mini silhouette with flat straps, a straight neckline, and functional pockets.

Alfred Sung D790

 

Alfred Sung D790 Dress in Coastal

Cap sleeves, a midi-length A-line skirt, and a clean V-neckline make the Alfred Sung D790 dress a flattering choice for any season.

 

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Now that you know what to consider (and what to avoid) for a semi-formal wedding, we know you’re going to pull together an amazing look from head to toe!

And, unlike an ultra-fancy bridesmaid dress or an exquisite evening gown that you’ll only wear on the most special of occasions, the semi-formal dress you choose can be one you’ll actually wear again.

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