Dress Codes & Style Guides
What Is Semi-Formal Attire? A Guide to the Semi-Formal Dress Code
Semi-formal attire is a dress code between casual and formal. For women, it usually means a cocktail dress, a dressy knee-length or midi dress, or an elegant jumpsuit or pantsuit. For men, it means a suit, with or without a tie. Long gowns are usually more than a semi-formal event calls for, unless it's held in the evening and the invitation suggests a dressier look.
In This Guide
What Does Semi-Formal Mean?
Semi-formal means dressed up, but not as dressed up as a formal or black-tie event. It's one of the most common dress codes on invitations for weddings, holiday parties, school dances, rehearsal dinners and work events. You'll sometimes see it worded as "dressy" or "cocktail," and in practice semi-formal and cocktail attire are very close.
What Should a Woman Wear to a Semi-Formal Event?
- Dress: a cocktail dress is the classic choice. A dressy knee-length or midi dress, an elegant jumpsuit or a tailored pantsuit work too.
- Length: short, knee-length or midi. Save floor-length gowns for formal and black-tie events.
- Fabric: satin, mikado, lace, crepe, chiffon and brocade all suit semi-formal. A little beading or sequin detail is fine, especially in the evening.
- Color: almost any color works. Rich and darker shades suit evening events, and brighter colors and prints suit daytime events.
- Shoes: heels, block heels or dressy flats. Bring a pair of flats if there will be dancing.
Semi-Formal for a Daytime or Evening Event
Time of day changes the look. For a daytime semi-formal event, choose lighter fabrics, brighter colors or a print, and keep the shine low. For an evening event, go a little dressier: darker colors, satin or lace, and more sparkle in your dress or jewelry.
Semi-Formal vs. Cocktail vs. Formal
| Dress code | What it means for women | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Casual or dressy casual | A sundress, nice separates or a simple dress | Any |
| Semi-formal | A cocktail dress, dressy midi, jumpsuit or pantsuit | Short to midi |
| Cocktail | A cocktail dress, usually a little dressier than semi-formal | Short to knee-length |
| Formal or black tie optional | A floor-length gown or a very dressy cocktail dress | Long, or dressy short |
| Black tie | A floor-length evening gown | Long |
For the dressier codes, see what to wear to a black-tie event, and for parties, dress codes for parties.
Semi-Formal Attire for Common Events
- Weddings: a cocktail dress or dressy midi in any color except white, ivory or anything that could be mistaken for bridal. See cocktail attire for a wedding and the full wedding guest attire guide.
- Homecoming and school dances: most homecoming dances are semi-formal, so a short dress you can dance in is the usual choice. See what to wear to homecoming.
- Holiday and work parties: a cocktail dress, a dressy jumpsuit or a pantsuit. Keep it polished if colleagues will be there.
- Winter formal: despite the name, most winter formals are semi-formal. See what to wear to a winter formal.
Sherri Hill Looks for a Semi-Formal Event
These cocktail-length styles, and one pantsuit, suit a semi-formal dress code. Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers; use Find A Store to locate one near you. If the store doesn't have your color or size, the retailer can check whether it's available to order.
Style 58294
An A-line cocktail dress with a pearl beaded neckline, simple enough for a daytime event and polished enough for the evening. It comes in ten colors, including black, royal, red and chocolate. See style 58294.
Style 58047
A strapless stretch lace cocktail dress on a corset bodice, with ruching and a slit. It comes in twelve colors, from black and navy to wine, emerald and chocolate. See style 58047.
Style 58150
A strapless mikado cocktail dress with a pleated bubble hem and a bow at the neckline. With fourteen colors to choose from, it works for a bright daytime look or a darker evening one. See style 58150.
Style 57366
A strapless brocade cocktail dress on a corset bodice that laces at the back. A print like this suits a daytime semi-formal event or a garden party. See style 57366.
Style 58238
Not a dress person? This two-piece scuba pantsuit has a corset bodice and a pearl neckline, in six colors including black, royal and candy pink. See style 58238.
See more in cocktail dresses and jumpsuits and pantsuits, and find your size with the Sherri Hill Size Guide.
Shop the Look
Your retailer can check whether a color or size is available to order.
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Find a Sherri Hill Retailer
In the United States, Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is semi-formal attire for women?
A cocktail dress, a dressy knee-length or midi dress, or an elegant jumpsuit or pantsuit, worn with heels or dressy flats. It's dressier than everyday clothes but less formal than a floor-length gown.
Can I wear a long dress to a semi-formal event?
Usually a short, knee-length or midi dress is the better choice. A simple long dress can work at an evening semi-formal event, but avoid a full ball gown or anything that looks black tie.
Is semi-formal the same as cocktail attire?
They're very close. Both call for a cocktail dress or similar. Cocktail attire is sometimes a little dressier, especially for evening events.
Can I wear black to a semi-formal event?
Yes. Black is a classic semi-formal choice, especially in the evening. At a daytime wedding or event, a color or print can feel more festive.
What do men wear to a semi-formal event?
A suit, usually in a darker color for evening events, with dress shoes. A tie is common but not always required.
Can I wear a jumpsuit to a semi-formal event?
Yes. A dressy jumpsuit or tailored pantsuit in a nice fabric is a good semi-formal choice. Dress it up with heels and jewelry.
