Semi-Formal
What it actually means
Put-together and polished, but you do not need to go all out. A midi or knee-length dress, a dressy skirt or trousers, or a suit. Dressier than the office, easier than cocktail.
The safe choice
A simple midi dress or tailored separates with a heel or a smart flat. Clean lines, refined fabric.
Too formal
A floor-length gown or full evening dressing is usually beyond semi-formal.
Too casual
Jeans, sneakers or anything you would wear to run errands.
Common mistakes
- Overdressing into full black tie
- Underdressing into everyday casual
- Ignoring the time of day - evening semi-formal leans dressier
- Casual footwear that drags the whole look down
By country & season
Daytime and summer versions welcome colour and lighter fabric; evening and cooler months lean darker and dressier.