tomorrow night I'm going to father/daughter banquet type thing at a church with my best friend and her dad. The invitation asks for semi-formal attire. I was wondering, what is semi-formal attire? does it include jeans? like, in general what are you permitted to wear? it's a candlelight dinner, and then there's a conference following. any serious answers would be much appreciated, thanks!
2006-11-16 13:36:08 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It is good that you are asking. If you are old enough to ask about different styles of dress then you are smart enough to learn what is appropriate to wear to any occasion. First, the edges on what "category" of clothing to wear to different occasions are somewhat more blurred than when I was young enough to go to father/daughter banquets, but everyone wants to look nice and not look lilke they are wearing the wrong thing.
Semi-formal usually refers to men wearing a nice suit or possibly even a tuxedo (which, after all is just a nice suit too!) The tuxedo is also referred to as "black-tie". So, when you are older and see an invitation that refers to "black-tie" attire you will know that the men there will be dressed in nice suits or tuxes (usually with a black-tie". When it says "white tie" it is a more formal affair and the men will be dressed in more dressy tuxes and these usually come with "white, satiny ties and tail coats" Now, that takes care of the men? You, being on the woman's side of things already have realized that there are not clear cut rules for us. Semi-formal can range from a simple dress to a cocktail dress (which you are probably too young to wear). I would say what would be appropriate would be something like a dressy church dress, or a nice party dress - although most of the young people I know don't wear dresses to parties anymore, but you probably know what I mean. Something that you would wear to a holiday party or that is a more formal material (not something you would wear to a ball game for instance). You might want to ask your friend what she is wearing or maybe she would come over and help you pick out something from your closet. I started to suggest that you ask your mom or another adult female but maybe there is no one available for you to ask right now so that is why you are asking all of us. Check with your friend. She would not steer you wrong since she obviously wants you to come along or she would not have invited you. Just wear something pretty and remember to use nice manners, be friendly with new people you meet, and most of all - HAVE A GOOD TIME, Cinderella!
2006-11-16 16:25:49 · answer #1 · answered by kathy s 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Semi Formal Attire
2016-10-28 10:43:10 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For men: semi-formal means nice, classy business attire. Formal means a tuxedo. For women, semi-formal means classy business wear or a dress. Formal means an evening gown.
2016-03-28 23:02:45 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means a dressy dress. Lacy, frilly, or made of more expensive materials like silk, velvet.. Heels.All of the above should be modest, since it is church.
An adult would call the dress a cocktail dress. And again, of the modest sort, since it is church. A party dress, if you're are younger.
Tell the saleslady at the store that you are looking for a semi-formal dress, suitable for a church father-daughter banquet. She will likely know what you should pick.
No jeans, and no casual clothes. You will want to do your hair, and wear make-up, if you are of an age.
2006-11-16 20:40:11 · answer #4 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No jeans!
Semi formal attire for a woman would mean to me a dress of sort but not a full length formal dress. A dress or nice skirt and top (sweater set w/ appropriate jewlery, trendy top etc) would be good. If you have something in your wardrobe with a little bit of sparkle that you could wear would be OK. Nude or black sheer hose with nice shoes w/ heel if possible would be appropriate. FYI, I would not include business attire in the realm of semi-formal.
2006-11-16 13:46:36 · answer #5 · answered by hollyberry 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
For a semi-formal at a church, you'd need a dress, first of all, knee length or long; nice style, not bare on top; stockings and medium heel shoes. Depending on the church, discreet makeup is appropriate. Some churches don't use/permit it, but if you're not a member, you should be ok anyway.
2006-11-16 14:02:32 · answer #6 · answered by Baby'sMom 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I would NOT wear jeans. Semi formal is one of those vague terms and people interpret it differently. You will probably see everything from casual pants to sequins but I would choose either dressy pants or a dress.
2006-11-16 14:43:03 · answer #7 · answered by 4Esme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Semi formal would rule out JEANS!!
Dressy but long evening gown formal I would say. A nice skirt and top or pants and top or even that little black dress.
2006-11-16 13:40:32 · answer #8 · answered by Mirowera 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a semi-formal attire is nice clothing, not jeans or shorts. it's like not something u would wear to prom, but not something u would wear to school.
2006-11-16 13:43:54 · answer #9 · answered by ♥ Sydd 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Semi formal generally means business casual. The type of clothing that you would wear to a job interview. If you would like to be taken serious. A nice dress. Or a nice pair of dress slacks and jacket. Kinda like Laura Bush would wear when she is with her husband when he makes a speech. Does that makes sense?
2006-11-16 14:09:29 · answer #10 · answered by Pat W 2 · 1⤊ 4⤋