Many couples are not familiar with dress codes at all, so sometimes they have no idea what they are actually asking for. Often they think semi formal is one step below formal , but it is not. Cocktail is closest to formal, then semi-formal. Semi formal does not require a floor length dress. 1. Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual Part of dressing for a semi-formal , or dressy casual, wedding is paying close attention to when the ceremony will take place. For evening events, darker, more formal colors are best, whereas light hues and airy fabrics are preferred for daytime affairs. Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a dressy skirt and top, or an elegant pantsuit (styled with heels, nice wedges, or formal flats). 2. Semi-formal wedding attire may seem like one of the trickier wedding guest dress codes to nail. And, since cocktail and semi-formal wedding attire can sometimes be used interchangeably, you might feel confused when it's time to pick an outfit. "Semi-formal falls in the gray area between casual and formal," says Coleman. "However, cocktail attire tends to be a little more dressy than semi-formal." So, what do you wear to a semi-formal wedding? "Some ideas include a midi dress, a chic jumpsuit, or a wrap dress," Coleman continues. "For cocktail attire, stick to a structured dress or a sleek black dress—you can never go wrong with an LBD." Embellishments and additional features on an outfit can also help differentiate cocktail attire from semi-formal wedding attire. "A dress for a semi-formal wedding might not include any sort of beading or statement accessories," says Durham. I would look for a midi dress, what your MOH friend calls close to floor length. Answer from yamfries2024 on reddit.com
Adrianna Papell
adriannapapell.com › home › wedding planning › semi formal wedding attire ideas
Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Attire Ideas - Adrianna Papell
Guests should aim to dress slightly more elevated than casual but less dressy than formal or black tie. Think of it as an opportunity to play with elegant details without committing to a full-length gown. Here are some outfit ideas to inspire your semi-formal wedding look:
Shop-confete
shop-confete.com › collections › wedding-guest
Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Dresses | Shop Confête Fashions
We carry a variety of modern, semi-formal wedding guest dresses that are perfect for any season. Shop Confête today for women’s clothing and accessories.
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Is it appropriate to wear a short dress to semi-formal wedding?
Yes, short dresses are fine for semi-formal weddings as long as they’re not too casual or revealing. Look for knee-length or midi dresses in elegant fabrics like lace, chiffon, or satin.
adriannapapell.com
adriannapapell.com › home › wedding planning › semi formal wedding attire ideas
Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Attire Ideas - Adrianna Papell
Can I wear a floor-length dress to a semi-formal wedding?
Floor-length dresses are generally reserved for black tie or formal weddings. However, a simple maxi dress in a flowy fabric can be appropriate for semi-formal, especially if it’s not heavily embellished or structured.
adriannapapell.com
adriannapapell.com › home › wedding planning › semi formal wedding attire ideas
Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Attire Ideas - Adrianna Papell
Is it okay to wear a maxi dress to a semi-formal wedding?
A simple maxi dress can be a great choice for a semi-formal wedding, as long as it’s not too over the top. Look for styles with flowy skirts, subtle prints, or minimal embellishments to ensure the outfit aligns with the less upscale dress code.
adriannapapell.com
adriannapapell.com › home › wedding planning › semi formal wedding attire ideas
Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Attire Ideas - Adrianna Papell
Amazon
amazon.ca › s
Amazon.ca: Summer Semi Formal Dress Women Wedding Guest
FREE delivery Wed, Dec 10 · Or fastest delivery Mon, Dec 8 · Arrives before Christmas · Safer chemicals · Add to cart · Bestsellerin Women's Evening & Formal Dresses · +3 · 4.34.3 out of 5 stars (2.9K) Price, product page$79.99$79.99 · FREE delivery Wed, Dec 10 ·
Reddit
reddit.com › r/weddingattireapproval › dress recommendations for a fall, semi-formal wedding?
r/Weddingattireapproval on Reddit: Dress recommendations for a Fall, Semi-Formal wedding?
August 11, 2025 -
I’m struggling to find a dress for a wedding coming up in late October. The dress code is Semi-Formal, and unfortunately that’s all that their wedding page says. I asked my friend who is the brides maid of honor, and she said “it should be floor length or close to it, but nothing crazy”. So that’s all I have to go on. I know it will be in a 1930’s train station, so it seems that the environment will be a bit moody when it gets dark. So maybe something of a darker color, like a maroon. As for what I would like in a dress, I have a bit of a tummy, so nothing too skin tight, although I can wear shape-wear. Don’t want to cover my chest entirely, but I also don’t want it to be too much. I’m also 5’3, so hopefully something that would help me look a little taller with heels lol. Any help is appreciated!
Top answer 1 of 7
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Late October in a moody old train station sounds so pretty. i’d lean into a darker jewel tone like maroon, deep green, or navy in a soft fabric like satin or chiffon with a flowy skirt. for something tummy-friendly and flattering for your height, I’d suggest an empire waist or a defined waist with an A-line or bias-cut skirt. a v-neck or square neck would be great to balance the chest without feeling too exposed. since you’re 5’3, definitely use petite filters if you’re shopping online so floor-length doesn’t turn into a tripping hazard. I’m around your height and shape, and i ended up renting a couple of options from Rent the Runway for a similar fall wedding. it was nice to try out different silhouettes without having to commit to buying something i’d only wear once.
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Many couples are not familiar with dress codes at all, so sometimes they have no idea what they are actually asking for. Often they think semi formal is one step below formal , but it is not. Cocktail is closest to formal, then semi-formal. Semi formal does not require a floor length dress. 1. Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual Part of dressing for a semi-formal , or dressy casual, wedding is paying close attention to when the ceremony will take place. For evening events, darker, more formal colors are best, whereas light hues and airy fabrics are preferred for daytime affairs. Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a dressy skirt and top, or an elegant pantsuit (styled with heels, nice wedges, or formal flats). 2. Semi-formal wedding attire may seem like one of the trickier wedding guest dress codes to nail. And, since cocktail and semi-formal wedding attire can sometimes be used interchangeably, you might feel confused when it's time to pick an outfit. "Semi-formal falls in the gray area between casual and formal," says Coleman. "However, cocktail attire tends to be a little more dressy than semi-formal." So, what do you wear to a semi-formal wedding? "Some ideas include a midi dress, a chic jumpsuit, or a wrap dress," Coleman continues. "For cocktail attire, stick to a structured dress or a sleek black dress—you can never go wrong with an LBD." Embellishments and additional features on an outfit can also help differentiate cocktail attire from semi-formal wedding attire. "A dress for a semi-formal wedding might not include any sort of beading or statement accessories," says Durham. I would look for a midi dress, what your MOH friend calls close to floor length.
Azazie
azazie.com › semi-formal wedding guest dresses | azazie
Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Dresses | Azazie
Stephanie Black Maxi Dress Stephanie Black Maxi Dress Stephanie Black Maxi Dress Stephanie Black Maxi Dress Stephanie Black Maxi Dress +2 ... Strike the perfect balance between casual and formal with our stylish selection of semi-formal wedding guest dresses.
Brides
brides.com › semi-formal-wedding-guest-dresses-5295958
Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Dresses That You'll Want to Wear Over and Over Again
August 14, 2025 - To take any stress out of finding the best dress for the occasion, BRIDES' shopping writer scoured every BRIDES-trusted site to narrow down the chicest, most comfortable choices that follow the typical semi-formal requirements. Her top picks, ahead. Best Overall Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Dress: BHLDN Francesca High-Neck Stretch Satin Midi Dress at Anthropologie $198 Jump to Review
BIRDY GREY
birdygrey.com › blogs › the-birdy-edit › the-perfect-semi-formal-wedding-guest-dresses
The Perfect Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Dresses You Need | Birdy Grey
March 27, 2025 - Semi-formal attire strikes a balance between formal and casual. It’s more polished than cocktail wear but less rigid than black-tie attire. For women, this typically means a cocktail dress, a chic midi dress, or an elegant jumpsuit.
ZARA
zara.com › ca › en › woman-dresses-wedding-guest-l2178.html
Women's Wedding Guest Dresses | ZARA Canada
18 hours ago - From a short formal dress to the most glamorous red carpet gown, Zara's selection of wedding guest dresses covers a wide variety of styles to suit every possible scenario. Dresses for special events can be inspired by a variety of styles, from a long camisole dress to a beaded dress or a printed wedding dress.
Simply Dresses
simplydresses.com › simply dresses › wedding guest
Wedding Guest Dresses, Semi-Formal Party Dresses
For occasions with a more relaxed dress code, shop the breezy, comfortable wedding guest dresses and casual day dresses for weddings. Regardless of the formality of the ceremony or reception, explore this collection of women’s evening wear and semi-formal party dresses for a gorgeous wedding guest dress that suits your style.
Adrianna Papell
adriannapapell.com › collections › wedding-guest-dresses
Wedding Guest Dresses, Gowns & Outfits for Women – Adrianna Papell
Cocktail dresses and midi dresses with clean accessories are perfect for your next semi formal wedding invite. Cocktail wedding guest dresses are a slightly less formal option for celebrating.
Green Wedding Shoes
greenweddingshoes.com › home › blog › semi-formal wedding attire: what it means + guest outfit ideas
Semi-Formal Wedding Attire: What It Means + Guest Outfit Ideas
April 2, 2025 - Since floor-length gowns are more black tie territory, we love a feminine and flattering midi dress for a semi formal dress code look. This cowl-neck dress kicks things up a notch, with a romantic floral print that has us dreaming of a warm-weather ...
Reddit
reddit.com › r/weddingattireapproval › what style to pick for a may, semi-formal wedding guest dress?
r/Weddingattireapproval on Reddit: What style to pick for a May, semi-formal wedding guest dress?
November 19, 2024 -
The ceremony is outside on the ocean and will be a bit chilly. Reception is indoors. I am a mature woman and don’t want super sexy but, of course, want to look good as I will be seeing people I haven’t seen in years.
For reference, I am fairly fit but have a menopause belly I would like to hide and don’t really want to worry about uncomfortable shapewear. I’m willing to spend a bit, say under $500.
I don’t even know where else to look for what styles for the season. I’ve looked online at wedding guest dresses at Macy’s and Nordstrom but still haven’t found anything. Please help!
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Semi-formal is usually more casual than these but o thought they looked nice. In light blue: https://www.adriannapapell.com/products/sleeveless-mikado-fit-and-flare-midi-dress-with-v-back-in-electric-ice-04189907 https://www.asos.com/us/asos-design/asos-design-high-neck-ruched-belt-detail-maxi-dress-in-dark-slate/prd/206720345 https://www.nordstrom.com/s/floral-balloon-sleeve-asymmetric-maxi-dress/7657936 https://kayunger.com/products/brigid-tea-length-dress-in-dark-purple https://www.dillards.com/p/maggy-london-floral-embroidery-halter-neck-sleeveless-v-back-midi-dress/514602277 https://www.adriannapapell.com/products/foil-blouson-midi-dress-with-faux-wrap-skirt-in-dark-ivy-adae211466 https://www.adriannapapell.com/products/floral-printed-high-low-organza-halter-dress-in-navy-multi-ap1e211082 https://www.nordstromrack.com/s/sam-edelman-violet-twig-cap-sleeve-wrap-maxi-dress/8156715 https://www.nordstrom.com/s/nova-flutter-sleeve-midi-dress/7853334 https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/sleeveless-chiffon-ruffle-dress/570375594 https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/draped-midi-dress/570378572 https://kayunger.com/products/lottie-midi-dress-in-dark-midnight
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The Knot
theknot.com › ideas & advice › fashion › guest attire
The Semi-Formal Wedding Dress Code, Decoded
November 13, 2025 - Lean into soft colors and light, airy fabrics like chiffon or crepe for daytime weddings, and stick to richer colors and textures for evenings. Last but not least, use accessories to your advantage.
JJ's House
jjshouse.com › home › semi-formal wedding guest dresses
Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Collection | JJ's House
Dress to impress at semi-formal weddings with JJ's House guest dresses. Shop a variety of sizes, silhouettes, and fabrics to find the perfect outfit.
Brides
brides.com › semi-formal-wedding-attire-4800687
What Is Semi-Formal Wedding Attire?
August 20, 2025 - She also worked at Vogue Magazine, then later as a talent manager for social media influencers in the fashion and beauty space. ... For women attending a semi-formal wedding, choose a mid- to knee-length dress or a chic pantsuit.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/weddingattireapproval › is this dress wedding appropriate for a semi formal dress code?
r/Weddingattireapproval on Reddit: Is this dress wedding appropriate for a semi formal dress code?
April 22, 2025 -
Is this dress appropriate? The dress code is semi formal, pastels, garden. I planned on getting it hemmed so it’s not floor length. Is it too fitted?
Pinterest
pinterest.com › dressforwedding › semi-formal-and-cocktail-dresses
Semi Formal and Cocktail Dresses
Semi-formal dresses and cocktail dresses. Semi-formal attire and outfits for weddings, parties and other celebrations.
Pinterest
pinterest.com › explore › weddings › wedding outfit › semi formal wedding attire
Semi Formal Wedding Attire
Discover Pinterest’s best ideas and inspiration for Semi formal wedding attire. Get inspired and try out new things. ... October 2024 vs. 2025 Trends: What’s New in Fall Wedding Guest Dress Ideas & Black Tie Optional
Reddit
reddit.com › r/wedding › semi-formal guest attire?
r/wedding on Reddit: Semi-formal guest attire?
March 12, 2022 -
My husband and I are guests at my cousins wedding in June and we got the invite today and it says semi formal attire. My husband is a farmer and I WFH and wear leggings and t shirts daily. We both were going to buy a new outfit for this wedding since we really don’t have any nice clothes but I’m unsure of what semi formal is exactly since we are causal dress people lol. Can someone let me know what is considered semi formal for both men and women for a wedding? I just want to make sure I get us both outfits that are appropriate for the wedding. Thanks! ☺️
Top answer 1 of 7
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To me, semi formal means a man wears a suit and tie, and a woman wears a cocktail type dress that need not be especially flashy. Dress shoes, although the woman can obviously wear low heels or flats if that's what she is comfortable in. Again, they need not be super fancy but just not running shoes or something of that sort. Exception would be if there are foot or mobility problems involved, in which case you wear the footwear that meets your needs.
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Slacks, button up and tie for your husband, a dress that’s past knew length and a little satiny for you. You won’t need a lot of jewelry or accessories but dressier shoes might be good. Do you know the venue? I tend to dress for that as much as the attire suggestion. Like if it’s outdoor or in a barn then you can go a little more casual, if it’s in a church or nicer venue then I would glam it up/ add a jacket to your husband’s outfit.