Decoding Semi-Formal Wedding Attire: How To Dress the Part Without Overdoing It
We’ve all been there.
The invitation arrives in your mailbox– or inbox– and you are filled with joy to see that your friend is getting married.
Until you see it, in small print on the bottom corner, it reads: Semi-Formal Attire Please.
That joy quickly turns to dread as you ask yourself, “What is semi-formal attire for a wedding?” Your heart sinks as you rummage through your closet for inspiration and contemplate not attending to avoid the complete embarrassment of not dressing properly.
No fear. Check yes to that RSVP because we are here to walk you down the confusing aisle of semi-formal wedding attire. Discover our essential dos and don’ts of semi-formal wedding attire, and you’ll soon be united with the perfect semi-formal wedding outfit match.
Who needs a plus one when you look this good?
Table of Contents
What Is Semi-Formal Wedding Attire?
On the wedding attire dress code scale, semi-formal falls as the least dressy of options:
White tie, being the most formal, calls for a tailcoat worn with a white waistcoat and black pants for men and floor-length, formal evening gowns with gloves for women.
Black tie is the next formal, with men wearing tuxedos and bow ties and women again wearing floor-length gowns, but often with more options in fabrics in styles.
Formal or black tie optional calls for a tuxedo or suit and either a floor-length or fancy cocktail dress.
Cocktail wedding attire is a suit and tie for men, with more open style options and cocktail dresses that are not floor-length for women.
Semi-formal offers a lot of flexibility, and you will often find suitable options in your closet. Think “Sunday Best”.
No doubt, the soon-to-be-married couple meticulously chose a wedding venue that reflects their personality as a couple and decided on the dress code to complement it. So let’s find the semi-formal wedding outfit that’ll have you looking your best when you toast to them!
What Is Semi-Formal Wedding Attire for Men?
Men have so many options when it comes to semi-formal wedding attire. Starting with one thing every man should have in his closet: a timeless, tailored suit. It can be pulled out for job interviews, funerals, business meetings, and––you guessed it––semi-formal weddings.
The great thing about a good suit is that it can be dressed up or down. You’ll learn as you continue reading this guide, there are some key clues that will tell you whether you should lean on the dressier side of semi-formal or the more casual side. For example, an evening wedding tends to be more dressy than an afternoon wedding.
You can choose a tie that complements your suit with a crisp, long-sleeve button-down shirt. Many tie options will work here, so don’t feel like you need to reinvent the wheel. Throw on a vest with or without the suit jacket, and you’ve got an instant winner. Dress shoes that look great with a suit include derbys, brogues, or oxfords.
For a casual leaning semi-formal look, you can opt to go tie-less, unbutton the top two buttons of your shirt, and pair it with the suit jacket and loafers for a chic appearance that’s sure to turn heads in a good way. The versatility of this option is great, as you can lose the jacket if the dress code turns out to be even more casual.
Don’t own a dress suit? No problem. Semi-formal wedding attire for men lets you swap it out for slacks and a blazer or dinner jacket for equal effect.
What Is Semi-Formal Wedding Attire for Women?
Semi-formal wedding attire offers a ton of options for women.
Leave the floor-length gown for a more formal event. Though knee-length, midi, and maxi dresses or dressy skirts made of breathable, flowy fabrics are classic go-tos for a semi-formal wedding.
You want to look polished and put together, without going overboard.
Taking a cue again from the time of day of the wedding, you can feel comfortable going a little more casual for a daytime wedding, but avoid anything too casual, like a sundress. A-line or sheath dresses in light-colored chiffon or crepe are perfect for an afternoon wedding. Add a pair of comfortable yet stylish block-heeled sandals and you’ll look and feel great.
Dresses with rich colors and textures are more appropriate for evening weddings. Wrap dresses can transform from day to night, while flattering your figure with modern elegance and comfort.
A tailored jumpsuit will bring unexpected sophistication to your look. For on-trend style, look for a jumpsuit with wide legs and a belted waist. Top it off with a statement necklace or earrings and sleek heels to elevate this contemporary ensemble. In colder weather, drape a stylish blazer over your shoulders, and you’ve got a bold, yet classic semi-formal wedding outfit.
Semi-Formal Gender-Fluid Options
The versatility of semi-formal wedding attire offers many opportunities for self-expression, especially for gender-neutral wedding guests.
Since semi-formal attire is about feeling and looking great without sacrificing comfort, there is a wide range of ways to express your unique style.
The vest and button-down combo can be tailored to match your gender non-conformity. The versatility of the vest and a crisp dress shirt creates a modern twist on the suit. Ditching the suit jacket allows you to shed tradition and embrace a modern touch, especially when matched with a subtle-patterned bow tie for added personality.
If your personal style happens to lean slightly more traditional that day, tailored separates are the go-to choice. Add a blazer to a well-tailored skirt or pair of pants, and you’ve got a polished look. Play with textures and fabrics like linen, satin, tweed, and velvet for added flair.
A dressy jumpsuit can be styled for gender neutrality. Solid colors are the most versatile, or choose a subtle pattern that expresses your androgyny your way. Accessorize with jewelry and a block-heeled boot that fits your style.
Semi-Formal Wedding Attire: 6 Essential Do’s and Don’ts
#1: Do Let the Vibe Guide You
Chances are, the bride and groom went through painstaking trouble curating the vibe down to the smallest detail. So let the details guide you when trying to decipher which direction you want to take your semi-formal wedding outfit.
Use every bit you know about the couple to inspire you. Cues might include:
We love a theme! Probably the easiest way to know exactly how semi-formal things will be.
The color palette of the wedding can lean toward more or less formal, and you can follow suit.
The venue will definitely lead you down the right path. An afternoon garden wedding will definitely call for a different semi-formal style than a sunset villa celebration.
At Twenty Mile House, we’ve considered everything, even the dress code. Our beautiful wedding venue is tucked away on 200 pristine acres in Graeagle, California. Situated on a private estate in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, it is the idyllic semi-formal wedding of your dreams.
Reach out today to discover where love meets adventure at the Twenty Mile House.
2: Don’t Ignore the Accessories
Accessories are the best way to elevate your semi-formal wedding look. Everything from pocket squares and bow ties to statement necklaces and jeweled hairpins can add the finishing touch your outfit needs.
You can also play around with accessories to add a playful touch or whimsical surprise to slightly tone down a look that feels too dressy. Just be sure not to overdo it. If you’re unsure, try different accessory combinations. Then follow the rule to take one accessory off before you walk out the door.
#3: Do Go for Subtle Patterns
Subtle patterns are a perfect choice to stand out just enough without stealing the spotlight.
Elevate your look with florals, pinstripes, windowpane check, or even a light houndstooth. These subtle patterns can add style without stepping on any bridal toes.
#4: Don’t Match the Bridal Party
If you followed our first tip and checked out the vibe of the occasion for guidance on your outfit, you probably already noticed the color scheme. Resist the urge to match that color palette. Instead, opt for complementary colors that won’t clash with the theme but are respectful of the bridal party.
For example, if dusty blue and ivory are the color scheme, try mauve, forest green, or light gray instead.
#5: Do Infuse Your Style
Semi-formal doesn’t mean you lose your personality. Don't be afraid to have a little fun with it. Look for ways to infuse your personal style into your outfit without drawing too much attention.
Fun details, like ruffles, lace, cap sleeves, or a peplum (yes, they’re back!), add flair and personality to your outfit.
Even in a classic suit, men can still play with texture, fabric, and color to make a statement.
#6: Don’t Forget To Iron
Wrinkles can ruin any look, no matter how well put-together. Whether it's your button-down shirt or your chiffon dress, be sure to use an iron or steamer. Many semi-formal fabrics, such as satin, chiffon, crepe, cotton, and velvet, wrinkle easily. So, budget your time as you get ready to ensure that wrinkles don’t ruin all your hard work.
What Is Semi-Formal Attire for an Outdoor Wedding?
The key to choosing the best semi-formal attire for an outdoor wedding is to consider the season and time of day, then select your fabric according to the expected weather conditions.
The right fabric is the foundation of the perfect outfit.
If you’re attending a spring/summer outdoor wedding, light and airy fabrics will keep you cool while looking put-together. Linen, chiffon, and crepe are popular fabric choices for a warm-weather outdoor wedding. Cotton blends also offer breathability and effortless style in rising temperatures, keeping you comfortable, fresh, and sharp from the “I dos” to the last dance.
Fall and winter outdoor weddings present a unique opportunity to embrace elegant fabrics that will keep you warm in chilly weather. Velvet and wool are classic winter fabrics that embrace warmth and texture with a touch of sophistication. If you want to feel festive, velvet adds instant holiday charm without being too “on the nose”.
For men, swap out the usual shirt and tie for a turtleneck in a complementary color to your tailored suit for warmth and style while staying fancy enough for any winter semi-formal festivity.
Semi-Formal Wedding Attire FAQs
What Is Considered Semi-Formal for a Wedding?
Semi-formal attire for a wedding is dressy, but comfortable, polished, but not overly formal. Between cocktail and casual, semi-formal wedding attire can be appropriate for both daytime and evening celebrations. Fabrics should be soft, yet refined. Colors should be timeless and elegant.
What Is the Best Color To Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding?
You can’t go wrong with elegant colors like navy blue or gray, or earthy neutrals that feel refined, yet versatile. Pastels are a classic choice for spring and summer weddings, while jewel tones are timeless for fall or winter weddings. To avoid upstaging the bride, don’t wear white and, in some cases, red.
Can I Wear Jeans to a Semi-Formal Wedding?
Avoid wearing jeans and khakis to a semi-formal wedding. Both are far too casual for a semi-formal wedding, even when coupled with a button-down shirt and blazer. While khakis and a blazer are more elevated than jeans, they tend to read more business or smart casual than semi-formal wedding. If you’re looking for a pant option that’s not so dressy, chinos are the way to go.
Semi-Formal Weddings Made Elegant at Twenty Mile House
If you’re looking for a rustic, picturesque, private estate hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Twenty Mile House is the place for you.
Our historic wedding venue began as a stagecoach stop trading post in 1854 and has seen many changes over the last nearly 200 years. It has always remained a hidden gem.
Now home to countless elegant, semi-formal weddings, our couples come from across the country to celebrate their union with their closest loved ones.
Complete with lodging to stay and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding nature, the private estate at Twenty Mile House is the perfect basecamp from which to explore the great outdoors.
Our outstanding team is dedicated to making your wedding dreams come true.
Reach out today. The wedding of your dreams awaits.
