Semi-Formal Attire For Men: What It Means And Where To Shop

When you show up to an event overdressed or underdressed, the only way you’ll have a good time is in spite of your clothes. You’ll battle embarrassment and awkwardness in the best of situations, and chastisement from the rest of the party in the worst. 

So, it’s vital to show up dressed in the right clothes. In this article, we’ll teach you exactly what a semi-formal event entails, and explain how to show up looking the part. 

What Is A Semi-Formal Event?

A semi-formal event is more casual than a formal event, and more formal than a smart casual or business casual event. Typically held during the day, semi-formal events come in a variety of packages, from holiday parties and weddings to business events and fancy dinner reservations. 

Christenings and funerals are also frequently semi-formal events. 

What Is Semi-Formal Attire?

More relaxed than a formal attire dress code where black tuxedos are required, semi-formal has more flexibility.

Semi-Formal Suits

For semi-formal events, a well-tailored two-piece or three-piece suit, a crisp dress shirt, and a stylish pair of leather shoes is pretty much all you need to meet dress code requirements. 

As far as color goes, keep the season in mind. Lighter suits are best worn at summer events, like beach weddings. Darker navy and gray suits are considered a bit more formal, perfect for wintertime parties or important dinners. 

It’s important to stay away from black suits, as this can lean into formal attire territory. 

Semi-Formal Jackets

A jacket is a must in a semi-formal setting, rounding off your entire outfit. If you don’t want to wear a full suit, here are the types of jackets you can pair with your dress pants: 

• Suit Jacket – a well-fitted suit jacket can be easily styled separately from its matching bottoms, creating a modern, interesting outfit. Just be sure to go for dress pants similar in material and tone to create a comprehensive look. 
• Blazers – similar in design to suit jackets, blazers are single-breasted and solid-colored, oftentimes with metal buttons. Typically blue or black, blazers look great with a wide variety of dress pants. 
• Sport Coat – unlike blazers, sport coats are usually patterned. A more relaxed option than suit jackets and blazers, go for a sport coat if an event errs on the more casual side of semi-formal, like some dinners or business events. 

Semi-Formal Dress Shirts

Dress shirts are a must for semi-formal events. Go for a long-sleeved button-up style in a white or blue color. If you plan on wearing a tie, make sure you button your shirt all the way up, and always wear your shirt tucked into your pants. 

Semi-Formal Dress Pants

If you’re styling suit separates, you have a couple types of dress pants to choose from. The following are all acceptable for a semi-formal environment: 

• Slacks – Slacks are your best option for semi-formal events. Keep the colors dark, depending on the occasion, but in the event of a semi-formal beach wedding, for example, feel free to lighten the color.
• Khakis –  khakis are perfect for the more casual side of semi-formal, paired with a suit jacket or blazer. Make sure to iron out any wrinkles, and complete the look with some dark brown leather shoes. 
• Chinos – A pair of sleek chinos is a great option for daytime or summer semi-formal events. Coupled with a sharp blazer, the look can be completed with a necktie and cufflinks to dress it up. Stay away from chinos with patterns, as this can often leave you looking underdressed. 

Read More: Slacks vs. Dress Pants Guide

Semi-Formal Dress Shoes

Ordered from most formal to least formal, the following shoes are all perfectly acceptable for semi-formal events: 

• Derbys – Suede derbies are available in a wide range of colors, making them a versatile choice of footwear that can be used in semi-formal and formal environments. Consider lighter colors for daytime events and darker hues as part of your semi-formal wear for daytime functions.
• Oxfords – while an Oxford shoe will look great at a semi-formal function, ensure the rest of your outfit doesn’t add to the feel of formality that these shoes often bring. If Oxfords are your choice of footwear, it might be a good idea to leave the tie at home so you don’t look overdressed. 
• Brogues – Broguing is a term describing the pattern of holes that marks the outer leather of shoes. The more broguing, the less formal the shoe. Similarly, the more detail on the toe and the lighter the color, the less formal the shoe. For semi-formal events, a semi-brogue is the perfect choice. 
• Loafers – Loafers can be either formal or casual, depending on the style you go for. In a semi-formal setting, you can wear these with a simple jacket and slacks, for an effortlessly elegant look. 
• Dress Boots – Dress boots are formal but not overly so, making them an easy choice for a semi-formal dress code. Dress boots come in a range of styles, like Chelsea and Chukka, and can be dressed up or down with just about anything. 

Semi-Formal Accessories

Accessories allow you to level up an outfit, add a sophisticated spark, and show off your personality. Some of the most common accessories for men to pair up with semi-formal attire include the following:

• Neckties – neckties are largely viewed as optional when dressing for a semi-formal dress code. While they are usually more suited for nighttime events as part of semi-formal attire, if you are attending any event and want to appear a little more dressed up, a necktie is a great way to make it happen. Consider a thin, understated tie, and keep away from flashy and bold colors or patterns,
• Bow ties – a bow tie tends to suggest a sophisticated and formal affair, so you don’t need to enhance this feeling by wearing a suit with it to a semi-formal. Again, consider simple colors and materials that will match the theme of the dress code.
• Belts & Suspenders – first things first, belts and suspenders should not be worn together. While both are perfectly acceptable as part of semi-formal attire, a belt has the ability to somewhat dress down an outfit, ideal for a work party, whereas suspenders emphasize formality and would be appropriate for weddings and funerals.
• Pocket Squares – pocket squares are considered a must by many men when it comes to semi-formal attire. While not a requirement, a two-point or a presidential fold are excellent additions to semi-formal attire.
• Cufflinks – cufflinks add a personal touch to semi-formal attire. Subtlety is the key with cufflinks; anything too big or flashy will look out of place in semi-formal settings. 

Semi-Formal Attire vs. Formal

A formal dress code refers to black tie or white tie affairs, where black tuxedos or evening tails, bowties, and derbies are required. Semi-formal events are much more relaxed, as you have the freedom to choose your suit style, color, pattern, shoe type, and accessories from a longer list of choices. 

Read more: Formal vs. Semi-Formal Menswear Guide

Semi-Formal vs. Business Casual

Business casual is one of the most casual dress codes you’ll come across – the only clothing off limits are ripped jeans and t-shirts. Polo shirts, jeans, and even sneakers can be appropriate, while that’s never the case at semi-formal events. 

Where To Find The Best Semi-Formal Attire

Below are five great options for where to buy semi-formal attire for men

• Brooks Brothers – As the oldest clothing brand in the country, Brooks Brothers are known for its quality materials, including cashmere and Italian wool. Ideal if you are looking for traditional hand-crafted suits, the company offers a 60-day return if you aren’t happy or require alterations to any suit bought online.
• Nordstrom – Nordstrom offers a wide range of designer pieces, including big names like BOSS, Ted Baker, and Jack Victor. A bonus for Nordstrom is their sales, where suit prices are slashed every few months, so you can pick up a designer suit at a heavy discount. 
• Indochino – Indochino is an online custom suit retailer. You can design your entire suit, made to your exact measurements. Pick from high-quality cotton and wool fabrics, choose your pattern, send in your measurements, and you’ll have a new suit in 4-6 weeks. 
• Bonobos – Bonobos’ suits are timeless, and as an upscale brand, you’ll always get quality. The price is slightly higher than some other online stores that provide semi-formal attire for men, but we think the investment is worth it nonetheless. 
• Macy’s – Known for its quality and pricing, Macy’s continues to be a popular option for semi-formal wear. You can buy everything you need here – full suits, separates, dress shoes, and every accessory, bar none. 

Semi-Formal Attire Tips: How To Look Great Every Time

Opt For Tailoring

As you build out your wardrobe, finding a great tailor is one of the best things you can do. Quality tailoring makes any outfit sharper and more polished, eliminating any bagginess that ruins your silhouette. 

Wear An Undershirt

Your undershirt is as important as the rest of your clothes – ill-fitting undershirts can give you ‘undershirt gut,’ adding lumps and bulges where there would be none otherwise and making you look heavier than you actually are. 

Go for an undershirt that hugs your body, enhancing your shape and streamlining your entire look.

In the summertime or at more lively events with lots of movement, undershirts are also a great way to protect your clothes from sweat stains and odor, so you stay looking fresh the whole night.  

Read more: How To Choose an Undershirt for Hot Weather

Show Off Your Personal Style

There’s a lot of value to be had from tastefully showing off your personal style; it can add to your confidence and make you feel like yourself, regardless of the occasion. Consider watches, pocket squares, and belts or suspenders to add a touch of charm to your look.  

Semi-Formal FAQs:

Can You Wear Jeans To A Semi-Formal Event?

It is rare that jeans make the cut for semi-formal. Darker jeans might be okay for some events, but to play it safe, it’s best to avoid jeans and instead opt for slacks. 

Are Chinos OK For Semi-Formal Events?

Yes, chinos can be a stylish part of semi-formal wear. Pair them with a smart suit jacket or blazer over a crisp dress shirt to finish off the look. 

Do I Need A Jacket For Semi-Formal Events?

Jackets are a must for semi-formal occasions. Make sure your jacket fits well, and pair it with a white or blue dress shirt, matching slacks or khakis, and leather dress shoes. 

Look Your Best For Every Occasion

A semi-formal dress code is one of the most complicated forms of dress code there is due to the apparent ambiguity, which often – understandably – confuses many men. However, once you know the rules, feel free to play around with your style, adding personal flourishes here and there in the form of subtle patterns or accessories.

For any occasion, don’t forget the importance of a good undershirt, which can save the day if nerves and sweat come into play. UnderFit specializes in making undershirts that bring shape, comfort and ease of mind, so all you have to worry about is getting dressed and showing up. 

Shop our collection of premium men’s undershirts and choose the best option for you and your needs.

About Leigh McKenzie

Leigh is the owner of UnderFit, a premium men's undershirt brand based in Philadelphia, PA. You can follow Leigh on LinkedIn and Twitter.