Semi Formal Wedding Attire – Everything You Need to Know

Semi formal wedding attire sits at the sweet spot between understated dressy and elevated casual. It’s also commonly referred to as “dressy casual” — which can be viewed as a weekend version of business casual. Think: flowy dresses, simple suit jackets, and timeless silhouettes.

With formal wedding attire, also known as black tie optional, guests will be dressing to the nines. For this dress code, you can expect elevated evening looks and luxe accessories that would be out of place in a casual setting. A semi formal wedding attire dress code, on the other hand, is one or two steps below that — less glitz and glam, more relaxed and refined.

When accessorizing suits, ties are not mandatory — but if the mood strikes, don’t be afraid to choose something with a bit of color. For shoes, dapper is always better, so we recommend a classy pair of dress shoes, oxfords, or loafers. And, while pocket squares and cufflinks are out for semi formal wedding attire, a sleek watch and classy belt will always be in.

Still not sure which direction to take with your semi formal look? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re packing for a tropical destination wedding or planning your look for a small ceremony at a mountain lodge, we’ve narrowed down the best semi formal wedding attire for every style. Get ready to say yes to the dress — or the suit!

While dress pants and jumpsuits are totally acceptable and chic options for semi formal wedding attire, we’ll take any chance we can get to rock a breezy, on-trend dress. And, since semi formal dresses aren’t too (dare we say) dressy, you can easily wear them over and over. With these top picks, we’re all about leg slits, floral prints, and smooth satin.

Since floor-length gowns are more black tie territory, we love a feminine and flowy midi dress for semi formal wedding attire. This square-neck option brings the vibes, with a retro floral print that has us dreaming of warm weather cocktail hour.

Turn up the heat with this amber semi formal midi dress. Gorgeous warm hues and long sleeves make this the perfect dress for an autumn wedding. Pair it with statement gold jewelry for a look that’s sophisticated and always stylish.

When it comes to semi formal dresses for wedding guests, Reformation is the holy grail. Every detail on this romantic floral dress is perfect, perfect, perfect — and it also comes in four other dreamy prints. We have no notes!

Asemi formal dress code doesn’t mean you have to hide your legs! Show off your summer glow with this whimsical pleated tulle dress. Details like ruffle accents and a tiered skirt elevate the look, making it fun and appropriate semi formal wedding attire for a warm-weather celebration.

Timeless and universally flattering, this satin dress from BHLDN adds a touch of elegance to semi formal wedding attire. With a number of muted hues to choose from, this gown would shine for an intimate winter wedding. It’s a classic and understatedly elegant look that can’t be beat.

Trend alert: high-low dresses are back! This floral pick is business in the back and party in the front — making it a semi formal dream for fashion lovers. We’re OBSESSED. Perfect for warm weather ceremonies. Let’s just say, you’ll be the talk of cocktail hour with this beauty.

A minimalist slip dress is always a good idea for semi formal wedding attire (or any dress code, for that matter). Dress it up with statement earrings for a glamorous evening wedding, or tune it down with strappy sandals for a beach bash. Let’s be honest, with a dress like this one, you’ll want to wear it well after the wedding day too.

A delicate vintage print softens the shorter hemlines of this oh-so-sweet semi formal dress. A little cottagecore, a little regencycore, and a lot dreamy. This dress is proving that puff sleeves will never go out of style. And the puffy skirt is seriously to die for. Such a statement!

Good news — mens semi formal wedding attire can be as simple or as stylish as you make it. For men that prefer a classic, sophisticated look, the recipe is easy: a suit jacket, button-down, slacks, and a tie. For those that are looking to break the mold and have some fun, you can make a statement (while still following the dress code) by adding bold colors and unexpected accessories.

For mens semi formal wedding attire, a sleek suit jacket is a no-brainer. This gray wool-blend option is modern and versatile, meaning you can wear it well beyond the wedding weekend.

Turn heads with this mens semi formal skinny suit jacket. Burgundy adds a cool factor that elevates your look without going over the top. It’s undeniably subtle and sophisticated. Pair it with a dark turtleneck or crewneck for an elegant winter soiree.

Inject your mens semi formal wedding attire with some personality! These beige checkered pants are effortlessly cool, and the slim fit is modern and flattering. Plus, they look great with a nice pair of sneakers — so nothing can hold you back on the dance floor.

A mens single-breasted blazer is classy and timeless, perfect for almost any season and wedding venue. The matching suit jacket and pants would look striking with a bright button-down that reflects the event venue.

We love a statement color for mens semi formal wedding attire, and this mauve suit jacket is next-level dapper. Keep it classy with a white or black button-down, or give it a playful twist with a botanical print. Either way, you’ll be the life of the party with this look.

Crafted with Italian stretch wool, this J.Crew suit jacket is designed for top-tier comfort and style. And, with a clean blue color, this mens semi formal look can easily be dressed up or down for a day-time versus evening event.

Let’s be honest, nothing sounds worse than wearing a fitted suit jacket during an outdoor wedding in July. That’s where linen suits come in. With breathable fabric, this mens linen blazer will help you stay cool (and look cooler) without straying from the semi formal wedding attire dress code.

Chic, stylish, and unique, these brown plaid suit pants are made to be shown off. For a semi formal dress code, we would pair them with a smart pair of mens brown dress shoes to tie the whole look together.

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Semi Formal Wedding Attire – Everything You Need to Know

Semi formal wedding attire sits at the sweet spot between understated dressy and elevated casual. It’s also commonly referred to as “dressy casual” — which can be viewed as a weekend version of business casual. Think: flowy dresses, simple suit jackets, and timeless silhouettes.

What is Semi Formal Wedding Attire?

Formal vs Semi Formal Wedding Attire

What Type of Accessories Should You Wear With Semi Formal Wedding Attire?

The Best Semi Formal Wedding Attire for Every Style

Semi Formal Dresses For Wedding

Since floor-length gowns are more black tie territory, we love a feminine and flowy midi dress for semi formal wedding attire. This square-neck option brings the vibes, with a retro floral print that has us dreaming of warm weather cocktail hour.

1: Retro Floral Semi Formal Dress For Wedding

Turn up the heat with this amber semi formal midi dress. Gorgeous warm hues and long sleeves make this the perfect dress for an autumn wedding. Pair it with statement gold jewelry for a look that’s sophisticated and always stylish.

2: Amber Satin Semi Formal Dress For Wedding

When it comes to semi formal dresses for wedding guests, Reformation is the holy grail. Every detail on this romantic floral dress is perfect, perfect, perfect — and it also comes in four other dreamy prints. We have no notes!

3: Romantic Green Floral Semi Formal Wedding Attire

Asemi formal dress code doesn’t mean you have to hide your legs! Show off your summer glow with this whimsical pleated tulle dress. Details like ruffle accents and a tiered skirt elevate the look, making it fun and appropriate semi formal wedding attire for a warm-weather celebration.

4: Whimsical Pink Tulle Semi Formal Dress

Timeless and universally flattering, this satin dress from BHLDN adds a touch of elegance to semi formal wedding attire. With a number of muted hues to choose from, this gown would shine for an intimate winter wedding. It’s a classic and understatedly elegant look that can’t be beat.

5: Elegant Satin Semi Formal Wedding Attire

Trend alert: high-low dresses are back! This floral pick is business in the back and party in the front — making it a semi formal dream for fashion lovers. We’re OBSESSED. Perfect for warm weather ceremonies. Let’s just say, you’ll be the talk of cocktail hour with this beauty.

6: Floral High-Low Semi Formal Dress With Ruffles

7: Minimalist Cowl Neck Semi Formal Slip Dress for Weddings

A delicate vintage print softens the shorter hemlines of this oh-so-sweet semi formal dress. A little cottagecore, a little regencycore, and a lot dreamy. This dress is proving that puff sleeves will never go out of style. And the puffy skirt is seriously to die for. Such a statement!

8: Vintage-Inspired Semi Formal Dress With Puff Sleeves

Mens Semi Formal Wedding Attire

For mens semi formal wedding attire, a sleek suit jacket is a no-brainer. This gray wool-blend option is modern and versatile, meaning you can wear it well beyond the wedding weekend.

9: Mens Semi Formal Gray Suit Jacket

Turn heads with this mens semi formal skinny suit jacket. Burgundy adds a cool factor that elevates your look without going over the top. It’s undeniably subtle and sophisticated. Pair it with a dark turtleneck or crewneck for an elegant winter soiree.

10: Burgundy Wool Mens Semi Formal Wedding Attire

Inject your mens semi formal wedding attire with some personality! These beige checkered pants are effortlessly cool, and the slim fit is modern and flattering. Plus, they look great with a nice pair of sneakers — so nothing can hold you back on the dance floor.

11: Mens Semi Formal Beige Checkered Suit Pants

A mens single-breasted blazer is classy and timeless, perfect for almost any season and wedding venue. The matching suit jacket and pants would look striking with a bright button-down that reflects the event venue.

12: Beige Mens Semi Formal Wedding Attire

We love a statement color for mens semi formal wedding attire, and this mauve suit jacket is next-level dapper. Keep it classy with a white or black button-down, or give it a playful twist with a botanical print. Either way, you’ll be the life of the party with this look.

13: Mens Semi Formal Mauve Suit Jacket

Crafted with Italian stretch wool, this J.Crew suit jacket is designed for top-tier comfort and style. And, with a clean blue color, this mens semi formal look can easily be dressed up or down for a day-time versus evening event.

14: Mens Semi Formal Slim-Fit Blue Suit Jacket

Let’s be honest, nothing sounds worse than wearing a fitted suit jacket during an outdoor wedding in July. That’s where linen suits come in. With breathable fabric, this mens linen blazer will help you stay cool (and look cooler) without straying from the semi formal wedding attire dress code.

15: Linen Mens Semi Formal Wedding Attire

Chic, stylish, and unique, these brown plaid suit pants are made to be shown off. For a semi formal dress code, we would pair them with a smart pair of mens brown dress shoes to tie the whole look together.

16: Mens Semi Formal Linen Plaid Suit Pants

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