“A semi-formal wedding dress code can be confusing and pose a bit of a fashion conundrum for some,” says Alexandra Macon, founder of Over The Moon. Probably the most used and the least specific wedding guest dress code, “semi-formal” attire can run the gamut and apply to an array of venues, seasons, and time of day. Unlike “black tie,” the stipulations aren’t spelled out for you. (“Cocktail” even delineates its own category of dresses on most e-commerce sites.) “The pro is that it typically means guests have some flexibility when it comes to what to wear—but the con is you have no idea what everyone else is going to show up in,” she continues. “It’s like that famous line from Forrest Gump about life being like a box of chocolates—when it comes to a semi-formal dress code, you never know what you’re going to get, and there’s a decent chance that guests may end up looking like a sartorial hodgepodge.” But don’t let that scare you.
“The good news is that, when choosing your own look—and vying for the title of ‘best dressed guest’—maxis, midis, and minis all work well here. You can select the hemline and silhouette that flatters you best, and get creative with regards to the material. A midi in silk is always a smart choice, and for summer, even cotton can be worn if the style is elevated enough.” Macon also suggests employing accessories to your advantage. “If you opt for a printed midi like this Carolina Herrera dress with a fit and flare skirt, add a great pair of colorful earrings—like those in our Loren Hope assortment, a handbag that tells a story, or statement shoes that you can dance all night in.” Whether you’re headed to a beach wedding or courthouse nuptials, a barn soiree or an outdoor wedding, we’ve rounded up suggestions across each category that should hopefully satisfy your impending semi-formal event.
Semi Formal Mini Dresses
For shorter hemlines, we’ve curated a range of materials from tastefully draped black linen to lace-trimmed silk satin to gauzy ruffled chiffon. These short dresses range from knee-length to mini, all suited to toe the line between dressy and casual.
Semi Formal Midi Dresses
When in doubt, heed Macon’s suggestion and opt for a midi dress as a safe bet for your wedding party. For a daytime wedding, skew more towards sundress vibes. For evening, lean into silk or satin.
Semi Formal Maxi Dresses
Since long dresses convey “black tie” formality, keep the silhouette or material on the slightly more casual side and stay away from things that feel like evening gowns. Below, we’ve rounded up options that range from a backless Reformation option to a draped satin dress from The Row that can handle any winter, summer, fall, or spring wedding.
Complete the Look:
Semi-formal wedding attire isn’t just about the dress. If your dress skews casual, opt for a fancy clutch or a sleek earring. If it feels too dressed up, we suggest a sleek sandal or flat.
