Semi-Formal Wedding Attire Explained

Semi-formal wedding attire is a popular choice for couples who want their guests to dress up without the pressure of a formal dress code. It's a flexible dress code that falls somewhere between formal and casual, and is often referred to as dressy casual. For women, this means midi or knee-length skirts, dresses, jumpsuits, or pantsuits. Men can wear a suit with a button-up shirt and dress shoes, and can skip the tie. The key is to strike a balance between casual and dressy, and when in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed.

Semi-formal wedding attire for women

When it comes to semi-formal wedding attire for women, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to remember that semi-formal attire is a step down from formal wear, so floor-length gowns are best avoided. Instead, opt for a midi or knee-length dress, a mid-length skirt, or a jumpsuit. If you want to wear a suit, a fun satin suit in a bold colour can be a great choice.

When it comes to colours, it's best to stick to muted hues and pastel shades, such as blush pink or navy blue. Dark colours like black and charcoal are generally too formal, while bright and flashy colours are more suited to cocktail attire. If you're attending a summer wedding, a fun floral dress or a comfortable jumpsuit can be a great choice. For a winter wedding, you might want to opt for something darker and more formal, such as a satin midi dress or a chic satin suit.

As for accessories, it's best to keep things simple and minimalist. Block heels or wedges are a better choice than stilettos, and simple gold or silver jewellery is preferable to ornate pieces.

Semi-formal wedding attire for men

For a semi-formal wedding, it is generally recommended to wear a suit, but not a tuxedo. This can be a two-piece suit or a blazer and slacks combination. You can also opt for crisp slacks, a dress shirt, and a smart blazer. The key is to style your outfit in a more relaxed way.

When it comes to colours, you have more freedom than with formal attire. You can step away from traditional darker colours like charcoal or navy and opt for lighter shades, especially for daytime or outdoor weddings. However, it is generally advised to avoid black suits as they are considered too formal for guests. White and white-leaning colours like ivory and cream are also best avoided as they are traditionally reserved for the wedding couple. Instead, consider colours like powder blue, dove grey, sage green, cobalt blue, brown, or tan.

In terms of accessories, shoes are an important consideration. Dress shoes, loafers, and oxfords are recommended. A belt that matches your dress shoes is also a must-have. Cufflinks, watches, and pocket squares can add a nice touch. A tie is optional, but if you're unsure, it's better to wear one as you can always take it off.

• Charcoal grey, midnight, or navy blue suit with a classic white button-down shirt and dress shoes.
• Light-coloured suit in tan, light grey, or pale pink, paired with dress shoes.
• Blazer and beige pants combination, with grey chukka boots and a patterned button-down shirt.
• Jacket and pants in olive, paired with a white shirt, olive tie, brown loafers, and a brown belt.
• Grey jacket and trousers with a light blue shirt, grey tie, brown loafers, and a brown belt.

Remember, it is always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. If in doubt, don't be afraid to ask the couple for clarification.

Appropriate colours for a semi-formal wedding

When it comes to colours, semi-formal wedding attire is more understated than cocktail attire. Solid, darker colours and subtle patterns, such as classic floral prints or stripes, are always a safe bet. For men, a dark suit is a good option for evening weddings, while a blazer and slacks or a lighter suit are more suitable for daytime events. Light blues and beiges are perfect for morning and afternoon weddings, while navy is a good choice for the evening.

For women, midi-length dresses are a popular choice for semi-formal weddings, but knee-length hemlines are also appropriate. Jumpsuits, rompers and separates are also good options, and gold velvet, navy blue and beige are popular colours. For daytime weddings, lighter colours and fabrics are recommended, while darker, more formal colours are more suitable for evening events.

Accessories for a semi-formal wedding

Accessories are a great way to elevate your outfit and add a bit of personality to your look. Here are some tips for choosing the right accessories for a semi-formal wedding:

Accessories for Women:

• Opt for simple and minimalist styles.
• Choose block heels or wedges over stilettos.
• Go for simple gold or silver jewellery, such as thin gold hoops or delicate necklaces.
• Use accessories to elevate a casual outfit, such as a statement necklace or earrings.
• For shoes, opt for high heels, pumps, dressy wedges, heeled booties, embellished sandals, or classic flats.
• If the wedding is during the day, especially outdoors, choose lighter colours and fabrics.
• If the wedding is in the evening, go for darker, more formal hues.

Accessories for Men:

• You can ditch the tie, but it is highly suggested to wear one to elevate your look.
• Pocket squares add a nice touch and a bit of personality.
• For shoes, loafers and oxfords are great options, but dress shoes are also appropriate.
• If it's a daytime wedding, opt for lighter colours. For an evening wedding, go for darker colours.

What not to wear to a semi-formal wedding

When it comes to semi-formal weddings, there are a few key things to keep in mind when deciding what not to wear. Here are some tips to ensure you don't commit any fashion faux pas:

For Women:

• Avoid floor-length gowns: Semi-formal weddings are more relaxed, so opt for mid-length or knee-length dresses or skirts.
• Steer clear of heavy beading or elaborate embellishments: Keep it simple and minimalistic.
• Avoid stilettos: Choose block heels, wedges, or dressy flats instead.
• Don't go overboard with accessories: Opt for simple gold or silver jewellery.

For Men:

• No tuxedos: A suit jacket or blazer with dress pants is more appropriate.
• Avoid jeans and khakis: Stick to dress pants or slacks.
• Ties are optional but recommended: If you want to elevate your look, add a tie.
• Choose the right shoes: Loafers or oxfords are a good choice, but avoid sneakers, flip-flops, and casual boots.

Remember, semi-formal attire is about striking a balance between casual and dressy. It's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed, but always consider the venue and time of day when choosing your outfit.

Frequently asked questions