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Semi-formal for women, explained · Comport
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Dress code

Semi-formal for women

Semi-formal means dressed up but not stiff: a suit for men, a dress or elegant separates for women.

Semi-formal means dressed up but not stiff: a suit for men, a dress or elegant separates for women.

Semi-formal sits between cocktail and dressy casual. It suits evening dinners, the theatre, a smart party, or a wedding where the couple want no stiffness.

Men wear a suit, tie optional, in a colour that reads considered. Women wear a dress, a tailored jumpsuit or elegant separates, in dressy but not theatrical fabric.

People mix up semi-formal and cocktail. Semi-formal is the gentler one: you can drop the tie, wear a midi instead of a mini, and choose softer colour. Cocktail wants more polish and more evening.

The rules

  • ·A suit or a smart dress is the baseline.
  • ·The tie is optional for men; if you skip it, keep the shirt crisp.
  • ·Choose dressy fabric over dressy sparkle.
  • ·Keep the shoes polished and clean.

What to wear

For women

  • ·Midi dress or tailored jumpsuit
  • ·Silk blouse with tailored trousers
  • ·Heels or dressy flats
  • ·Refined jewellery
  • ·Structured bag

Works for anyone

  • ·Suit or dress
  • ·Pressable shirt or blouse
  • ·Leather shoes
  • ·Fine knit or silk layer
  • ·Simple jewellery

What breaks it

  • ·A tuxedo, which is a step too far
  • ·Jeans and a blazer pretending to be a suit
  • ·Athletic trainers
  • ·Anything you would wear to the gym or the beach

The lever · The shoes decide the level; a polished leather shoe or a heel makes even a simple outfit read semi-formal.

Also for this code: Everyone · For men

Get your own look Style guides

Related dress codes

  • Cocktail→
  • Dressy casual→
  • Smart casual→