What does "semi formal" mean these days? ETA with potential find

I'm going to a wedding in May where the attire is listed as "semi formal." I was thinking that meant cocktail attire, and that short dresses would be ok, but now I've learned some of my fellow guests plan to wear long gowns!

The reception is at a vineyard and starts at 5pm... I'm probably ok with a short dress but a highly polished look, yeah???

I am a bit "shopped out" after replacing so much of my wardrobe in the last few months, and think I need to have a targeted search to keep this simple.

(This will be the first of four weddings this season... but no time to think of the other events just yet...)

ETA: So I've split the difference between short and long and am thinking I'll wear this Vince Camuto midi dress! It fits well and feels spring-appropriate but can work for the evening reception. I'm thinking pink shoes and one of those trendy straw clutches?

And I got the Eliza J dress to wear to the rehearsal dinner, though I may have the back modified to have a simple hook and eye closure since the second bow on the back feels too fussy to me. Barring any other lucky finds, I think I'm squared for Wedding Weekend #1 of 4 this season!

Nordstrom

Vince Camuto Floral Embroidered Mesh Midi Dress

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Nordstrom Rack

Eliza J Floral Bow-Back Sundress

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5 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I am not in the US so it may mean something different - but I would tend to go for a lovely summer dress - short or long - or a jumpsuit - or pants and a blouse.

There is no need for a ball gown, or even a proper cocktail dress for semi formal - but I think refined shoes and great accessories.

I think long, midi or short could all work.....

If you have five weddings I would plan ahead that you can wear it again.... one summer I had three weddings and I wore the same outfit three times.

Cardiff girl

I would guess,and it is a guess that this means not casual in any way but not ball gowns so. I would think that cocktail would hit the mark nicely

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Cocktail dress is just fine for semi-formal. Dress it up, and pretty and polished you are going to be the belle of the ball

The Cat

Cocktail attire sounds fine. So does a more simple dress worn with elegant shoes and jewellery plus a party wrap.

Long gowns do not sound as semi formal, unless they are in more casual fabrics and/or styles. Personally, I love long skirts. A long skirt worn with a nice but simple top would read "semi formal" in my book.

always trying

I always thought long gowns were for black tie formal, unless it was a more casual maxi. i would wear more cocktail attire.

Anonymous

Fun Agreeing with the others, that a coctail type dress or jumpsuit would work! Dresses seem dressier than seperates to me.

Jenni NZ

I think maybe those wearing long gowns just want to take the chance to dress up. It’s usually OK to go more formal than an invitation says if you carry it off with confidence. But cocktail attire is what I think it means, just dress up a shorter dress.

JuniperGreen

Updated with a find... neither short nor long!

Nice-love the VC especially

Sara L.

Ooh, I love the VC dress - so pretty and interesting with the sheer skirt. I think it will be perfect for semi-formal.

Fantastic. That looks perfect for the event and dress code.

Thanks ladies! Now to accessorize... I would usually go just neutral with the shoes and bag but want to try something a little bolder. I'm thinking blush pink heels and a sour green purse (channeling my inner Angie)

Enzo Angiolini Addalyn Strappy Sandal

Topshop Miesha Statement Handle Faux Leather Satchel

unfrumped

I love how the bag and shoes coordinate.
Since it is evening, you could do more bling for bag if you wished and if you already had items, , but spring/ vineyard and the flower print lend themselves so well to those colors and styles that it would be a great outfit. Especially if you can wear again to other events or with your wardrobe.

Bijou

I love your choices and the shoes and bag look perfect for the event.

Fabulous, and the support act makes me happy.

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