What Is Semi-Formal Wedding Attire?

You’ve received an invitation to a loved one’s nuptials: Yay! However, as you read over the details of the affair, making sure to take note of the venue, date, and time, you notice the dress code in the lower right-hand corner of the card, which reads “semi-formal attire.” Whether you’ve attended more than a few weddings or this is your first, figuring out the dress code is one of the most crucial parts of your pre-ceremony preparation. And for this specific celebration, you’ll need to decode an all-too-common dress code: semi-formal attire.

The clues about what this dress code calls for lie in its name. While it’s not requiring you to don a gown or tuxedo—like you would for a a black-tie occasion—it’s also not giving you the green light to wear jeans or a sundress to the celebration. Instead, semi-formal attire lies between these two extremes. However, as a dress code that sits in the middle of the range, it can be difficult to know exactly what is and is appropriate. “Sometimes semi-formal can be so hard because guests don’t want to be overdressed, but they don’t want to be underdressed,” says Victoria Holland, a luxury wedding planner and the owner of Victoria Ann Events. However, if you understand the basics, selecting an outfit shouldn’t be too challenging, no matter the venue or season.

That’s where we come in. To walk you through this dress code, which is frequently referred to as one of the most confusing ones, we tapped industry experts for their advice on what to wear. Read on to learn more.

Semi-Formal Wedding Attire for Women

If you’re not a fan of floor-length gowns, you’ll be pleased to know that you can ditch those formal-forward ensembles when attending this type of wedding. “A semi-formal dress code gives women the chance to opt for pieces that let them breathe and move a little more freely,” says Gina Vinnitsky, a bridal stylist. “No heavy beading or floor-length gowns. Instead, women can don anything from a mid- to knee-length skirt with fabrics featuring minimalistic patterns and/or muted colors.”

If you want to opt for something other than a dress, Holland also notes that women can lean into more tailored looks, like two-piece ensembles and suits. “We always think a fun suit is a great option for women, for semi-formal, if the venue is giving more formal vibes, like a chic satin suit in a fun color,” she says. Vinnitsky agrees: “Pants or a jumpsuit would also work just fine for a semi-formal wedding.” When it comes to accessories, Vinnitsky suggests selecting simpler and more minimalist styles, such as block heels or wedges over stilettos and simple gold or silver jewelry over ornate pieces. “Some thin gold hoops or delicate necklaces will emphasize your look without going overboard,” she says.

Semi-Formal Wedding Attire for Men

Semi-formal attire is not the time for a tuxedo. Instead, men should focus on wearing a suit jacket or a blazer with dress pants. “Depending on whether it’s a daytime or nighttime event, [men] can opt for a lighter or darker color,” Vinnitsky says. “Light blues and beiges are perfect for those morning and afternoon weddings, while navy is befitting of an evening event.” Regardless of the color you select, make sure to steer clear of jeans and khakis. “I can’t tell you how many men think that semi-formal means nice jeans and a button-down,” Holland says. “It does not. Our best advice for men is to wear dress pants and a fun dinner jacket with a button-down shirt.”

When it comes to accessories, both experts say that men can ditch their ties with a semi-formal dress code if they choose to do so. Additionally, Vinnitsky suggests wearing loafers and oxfords since they’re slightly more casual, but she adds that dress shoes are also okay if that’s what you prefer. “Pocket squares also add a nice touch and a bit of personality, but are not required,” she says.

Additional Semi-Formal Wedding Attire Tips

If you’re still unsure of what to wear, a great rule of thumb is to “lean into what vibe the venue is giving,” Holland says. Additionally, Vinnitsky adds that you should consider the time of day when selecting an outfit. “Daytime, and especially daytime outdoors, will definitely lend itself more to the casual options, while nighttime and indoors will lean more towards dressy options,” she says. “In general, semi-formal is about striking the perfect balance between casual and dressy. It’s a notch above ‘business casual’ but a notch below ‘cocktail’ attire.”

When in doubt, both experts advise dressing up versus down. After all, no matter the dress code, weddings are special events that deserve out-of-the-ordinary outfits. “You’ll never regret being slightly overdressed, especially at a wedding,” Vinnitsky says.

Additional reporting done by Jenny Berg