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
Azazie
azazie.com › semi-formal wedding guest dresses | azazie
Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Dresses | Azazie
Strike the perfect balance between casual and formal with our stylish selection of semi-formal wedding guest dresses. Tailored for every taste and occasion, these dresses guarantee you'll look fabulous at any wedding.
Lulus
lulus.com › categories › 2226_11001 › semi-formal-dresses.html
Semi-Formal Dresses - Lulus
Shop semi formal dresses for women at Lulus. We have semi formal attire for weddings, parties, and more. Shop short, midi and long styles. Free shipping on select orders.
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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.
Dress recommendations for a Fall, Semi-Formal wedding?
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. More on reddit.com
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August 11, 2025Spring wedding semi-formal dress options
Dress 1 is the only one that fits the DC. And it’s very pretty, but the sparkles make it lean towards cocktail. You may be on the dressier side of the guests. Long dresses are usually reserved for formal or black tie/BTO codes. More on reddit.com
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October 5, 2024What is summer semi-formal attire for a wedding
u/Alarming_Help_4660 , thank you for posting. To obtain the best help, provide a time frame of the event & dress code. Dress links are frequently requested as well if you would place them in the comment section. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. More on reddit.com
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June 4, 2025Trying again—semi formal dress suggestions?
i like all of these, so hard to decide! what color heels are you planning on wearing, and what color is your hair? More on reddit.com
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October 7, 2024Simply 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.
The Sixpence
thesixpence.com › home › blog › semi-formal wedding attire: a complete guide
Semi-Formal Wedding Attire: A Complete Guide - The Sixpence
February 20, 2025 - Pair with statement earrings and sleek heels for a contemporary, elevated look that’s perfect for cooler weather too! Semi-formal weddings call for luxurious fabrics and seasonal colors while steering clear of bridal whites and creams unless ...
Macys
macys.com › macy's › women's fashion, shoes & accessories › women's clothing › dresses › cocktail & party dresses
Women's Semi-Formal Cocktail & Party Dresses - Macy's
November 25, 2025 - Discover stunning semi formal dresses at Macy's. Elevate your style with our chic collection of Women's Cocktail & Party Dresses for every occasion. Shop now.
ASTR the Label
astrthelabel.com › collections › guest-of-wedding
Wedding Guest Dresses: Unique Women's Dresses for Wedding Guests - ASTR the Label
Floral dresses for wedding guest bring a romantic, fresh feel to weddings year-round. Opt for lighter prints in spring and summer dresses, and deeper, moodier florals for fall and winter celebrations. Semi-formal weddings strike a balance between dressy and relaxed.
Windsor
windsorstore.com › home › semi-formal dresses
Semi-Formal Dresses | Semi Formal Attire For Any Occasion | Windsor
Explore our stunning collection of semi-formal dresses, ideal for dances, sorority events, cocktail parties, and weddings. Our curated assortment includes a variety of lengths and styles, from the sophisticated elegance of midis to simple long flowy dresses made in chiffon, shimmery glitter mesh, and elevated crepe.
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.
Lulus
lulus.com › categories › 2042_2106 › wedding-guest-dresses.html
Shop Wedding Guest Dresses & Wedding Guest Outfits for Women - Lulus
Find the perfect wedding guest dress for every invite on your calendar. From semi-formal midis, to cocktail-friendly styles, to formal floor-length gowns, our collection features a range of options for every season, venue, and dress code. Whether you're headed to a garden party, beachside wedding, ...
Baltic Born
balticborn.com › collections › style-guest
Wedding Guest Dresses | Baltic Born
Formal · Semi-Formal · Cocktail · Destination · Home / Collections / The Guest Edit · Filter Filter · Clear All · Quick Add + 4.9 · Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars · 57 Reviews · Regular price $ 141 · Sale price $ 141 Regular price Unit price / per · 9 Colors Available ·
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.
Princess Polly
us.princesspolly.com › clothing › wedding guest outfits › wedding guest dresses
Wedding Guest Dresses - Mini, Max, & Midi | Princess Polly
Pastels and lighter shades work ... white unless said otherwise! Mini dresses feel playful for daytime or casual venues, midis are a go-to for cocktail and semi-formal dress codes, and maxis suit more formal or evening settings....
Adrianna Papell
adriannapapell.com › collections › semi-formal-dresses
Semi-Formal Dresses & Outfits for Women - Adrianna Papell
Shop semi-formal dresses for every event - weddings, parties, and evenings out. Discover trending styles, colors, and fabrics in chic women’s semi-formal designs.
Azazie
azazie.com › semi formal dresses | azazie
Semi Formal Dresses | Azazie
Azazie's semi-formal dresses will ensure you look your best whether you're attending a wedding, dinner, or cocktail party. Our semi-formal dresses are available in a range of designs, whether you're looking for a unique halter dress, a sassy mini dress, a long and spectacular burgundy gown, a flirting green mini, or a dazzling gold dress.
JCPenney
jcpenney.com › women › dresses
Formal Dresses for Women | JCPenney
You can explore the full assortment ... have formal options available. ... A semi formal dress is a polished style that falls between casual and full formal attire....
Adrianna Papell
adriannapapell.com › home › wedding planning › semi formal wedding attire ideas
Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Attire Ideas - Adrianna Papell
December 11, 2025 - Whether it’s a sleeveless A-line ... a range of settings, from a garden wedding to a ballroom celebration. Cocktail dresses, hitting just above the knee, work beautifully for semi-formal weddings, particularly if the event is ...
JCPenney
jcpenney.com › women › the wedding shop
Dresses for Wedding Guests | Women's Dresses | JCPenney
Each wedding calls for a specific kind of dress for wedding guests depending on the style, season, and the location of the event. Whether a classic cocktail dress for weddings or a floor-length statement piece is the goal, or if you need something a bit more formal like a jacket dress, JCPenney has many glamorous wedding guest outfits that will fashionably meet the requirement.
Petal & Pup
petalandpup.com › home › wedding guest dresses
Women's Dresses for Wedding Guests
Whether you are a bridesmaid or a guest, we invite you to get excited and shop these wedding looks. Petal and Pup has an endless selection of wedding guest dresses perfect for a formal affair. Choose from our curated selection of dresses that will stand out for any wedding theme without ever upstaging the bride.
The Knot
theknot.com › ideas & advice › fashion › guest attire
What Is Semi-Formal Wedding Attire? A Guide For Wedding Guests
November 13, 2025 - Semi-formal wedding attire is dressier than casual attire but not as dressy as formal attire. Sometimes referred to as "dressy casual," it usually requires some traditionally formal pieces but frees up the ways you can wear them.