When people are told an occasion requires semi-formal attire, they may not know exactly what this means. Does semi-formal attire require a tux for a man and a full-length dress for women? Will a jacket and slacks be semi-formal attire or is that informal? Fortunately, etiquette experts are willing to define to the letter, exactly what semi-formal attire means, helping us all choose the items in our closet, or buy new ones that will make us “proper” at any given function.

For women, semi-formal attire is somewhat flexible. Women can wear a dress, pant suit or dress suit. Preferred fabrics for semi-formal attire for women include silk, velvet, rayon, cashmere, high quality polyester brocades, or velour. Usually, anything silky goes. Except for cashmere, a wool business suit is not considered semi-formal attire since it is not dressy enough.

Hem lengths in semi-formal attire dresses vary. Dresses can be cocktail dresses, no more than an inch above the knee, or they can extend to the ankle. Dress suits, for example, a silk suit, usually has a hem length slightly above, at or below the knee. Pants suits, again in silk, polyester, or cashmere, tend to be worn at the ankle. One can also wear dressy tops and tuxedo pants made out of appropriate fabrics and still fit into the semi-formal attire group.

Generally semi-formal attire also means dress heels for women, usually in colors coordinating with one’s outfit. However, a dressy flat or strappy sandal with the appropriate outfit is also considered semi-formal attire. Low, comfy flipflops are not dressy enough to be called semi-formal attire.

For men, semi-formal attire means wearing a full suit, with vest optional. A tie, either bow or straight, should be worn, and the shirt should be a simple button down. Suit fabric choices are primarily wool gabardine or cashmere. However, a wool blend will do. Linen or seersucker suits are not formal enough for semi-formal attire. Dress shoes like oxfords are worn. It is not necessary to wear a tuxedo, and one might be considered a bit overdressed for a semi-formal event showing up in a tux.