Semi Formal Wear

What you wear and how you carry it makes a certain impression on others. You might be a fantastic human being but if you are shabbily dressed, no one would come to talk to you and know how good you are. The point therefore is that it is important to dress appropriately, according to the occasion. Speaking of attire and clothing, there is formal or business wear, casual wear and then there is semi formal wear. The text below will un 'fold' what semi formal attire is all about!

Semi Formal Dresses
Semi formal attire as mentioned earlier can roughly be described as a cross between formal and casual dressing. Semi formal wear these days, more often than not, is used in reference to evening wear. Semi formal dresses are those which have a formal style but are combined with the comfortable feel of casual dresses. However, depending on the country and the area you are in, the connotation and interpretation of 'semi formal' may undergo a slight change. It also depends on what the person is comfortable in. So, basically it is a golden mean from the 2 extremes. Actually, it is a little tough to say what exactly falls in the category of semi formal attire. It depends a lot on the occasion. In the past, the semi formal dresses were applicable to both day and evening wear. But in the past few years, major part of evening wear is covered by semi formal attire.

Semi Formal Wear for Women
For the fairer sex, there are many more options as compared to the men. Women can select from a variety of dress suits, cocktail dresses or trouser suits. Clothes which fit well are a top priority. As far as the length of a dress is concerned, it can be short, but not more than an inch above the knee. If you are dressing for a day event or schedule, a suit or a dress which is not full length is perfect. If it is an evening event, a pretty cocktail dress or an elegant evening dress will be suited. But hey ladies, remember to avoid business suits made of wool. The ideal fabrics are silk, velvet, rayon, cashmere, high quality polyester brocades, or even velour for semi formal women's clothing. To add zing to the semi formal wear, team it with a clutch bag and funky and jazzy jewels. They are just fine to complete the semi formal look. It is advisable not to wear a woolen business suit but a cashmere sweater on a flowing blouse with a perfect fit A - line skirt, is great as semi formal wear.

Semi Formal Wear for Men
I feel a bit bad for the guys here, simply because there are hardly any choices for them in case of semi formal dressing. Apart from a proper suit, there is hardly any variation in men's clothing. Of course, to wear a tie or not with it, is up to the individual. A crisp, well ironed usual button-down shirt completes the semi formal look along with a nice trouser. Linen is a big no-no, if you are talking about the fabric of the attire. Dinner jacket is not mandatory. Teenagers need not wear a suit, a decent polo t-shirt with collar with khaki pants and dress shoes, gives a reasonably presentable look. Tuxedo is also very much in, when you are talking of semi formal wear for men in the evening. If an event is a day affair, a stroller, which consists of a single or double-breasted coat (gray or black), gray striped or checked formal pants, a necktie (gray or silver), and a vest is commonly worn.

Well, eventually it depends what you are comfortable in and are confident in. Footwear should neither be too flashy nor too low key. It should be towards the subtle side. Women should go for low heels or flats while men should go for classic oxford shoes. In case of an invitation, if you are confused as to what exactly is semi formal wear, ask the hosts directly.

That's it! Ultimately you should be graceful and confident enough to carry whatever you have worn!