Semi-Formal Vs. Business Casual

The term “semi-formal” refers to clothing appropriate for occasions such as graduations, bridal showers and engagement parties. The term “business casual” refers to clothing that would be appropriate for work occasions, but is not overly formal--clothing you could wear to a town meeting, a parent-teacher conference or job interview.

For women, semi-formal means knee-length dresses, light-colored skirts and blouses or skirt suits. For men, it calls for a suit with a light-colored dress shirt, or a sweater underneath a suit jacket and a well-fitted pair of slacks. Women's business casual choices include a blouse with a pair of slacks, or a plain, solid print knee-length dress or skirt; for men, it can be a dress shirt or nice sweater paired with slacks.

Silk is a timeless semi-formal fabric, but other acceptable materials include rayon, cashmere and velvet. Business casual can be made of those same fabrics, as well as cotton and polyester. Men can also wear silk and rayon for semi-formal occasions, and cotton-polyester blend dress shirts, blended cotton sweaters or cotton polo shirts for business casual. Stick to darker colors and bolder prints for semi-formal, and keep things light and simple for business casual.

In summer months, it is appropriate for women to wear tasteful sleeveless blouses in business casual settings. Semi-formal clothing is generally brighter in color and more ornate than business casual, which typically refers to neutral colors and simple patterns. Women shopping for semi-formal attire can find it in department stores or online under “cocktail dresses,” while those searching for business casual clothing may look in the women's department. Women shopping for business casual attire should avoid tightly fitting clothes and shirts which reveal too much cleavage.

For business casual and semi-formal occasions, men and women should avoid athletic shoes, rain boots, flip-flops and cowboy boots. Women can wear ballet flats or high heels for business casual and semi-formal occasions, while men can wear brown or black leather shoes. The main difference for women between business casual and semi-formal footwear is personality--shiny metallic shoes or high heels with animal print designs are OK at semi-formal events, but too loud for business casual settings. Women shopping for business casual occasions should focus on simplicity and elegance.