Cocktail dress
A knee-length burgundy cocktail dress is semi-formal at its most classic. The rich color suits an evening event, and strappy heels finish it.
Try it on →What to wear to a semi-formal event
Semi-formal sits between formal and business casual: dressed up, but no tuxedo and no floor-length gown. Men wear a suit, often with a tie that can come off later, or a sharp blazer with dress trousers. Women wear a cocktail dress, a dressy midi or elegant separates. It is the dress code of many evening weddings, holiday parties and nice dinners.
The time of day changes the palette. A daytime event or a summer wedding suits lighter suits and colors, an evening one darker suits and richer fabrics like satin and velvet. Dresses run from just above the knee to midi length; a floor-length gown would overshoot.
When the invitation leaves you guessing, the venue tells you: a hotel ballroom leans formal, a garden or a restaurant leans relaxed.
Semi-formal outfits to try on
Five ways to dress up without going black tie, for day or evening. Pick one and see it on your own photo.
Light grey suit
A light grey suit with an open-collar shirt is semi-formal for daytime and warm weather, from a garden wedding to an afternoon reception. Add a tie if the evening calls for one.
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Blazer and turtleneck
A wool blazer over a fine black turtleneck is a sharp alternative to a suit and tie for an evening event in the colder months. Chelsea boots keep it dressy.
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Wrap midi dress
A wrap midi dress flatters most figures and works day or evening. In sapphire blue with nude heels it is dressed up without trying too hard.
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Silk top and wide-leg trousers
Elegant separates for anyone who prefers trousers: a silk camisole under an open tuxedo-style blazer, with wide-leg trousers. Heeled mules make it evening-ready.
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FAQ
What is the difference between semi-formal and cocktail attire?
They overlap almost completely: a suit or a blazer for men, a knee-length or midi dress or dressy separates for women. "Cocktail" hints a little more at an evening party with shorter dresses.
Do men need a tie for semi-formal?
Usually not. A suit without a tie is accepted at most semi-formal events; wear one to an evening wedding or when you are unsure, since it is easy to take off.
Can I wear trousers to a semi-formal event?
Yes. A dressy jumpsuit, or a silk top with tailored wide-leg trousers, is as semi-formal as a dress when the fabric and the shoes are dressy.