Definition of Semiformal Dressware
Many event invitations and announcements call for semiformal attire. Depending on the event and the time of day it occurs, the kind of clothes required will vary. Keep certain general rules in mind when selecting clothes for semiformal events to ensure that you'll fit in. When in doubt, choose clothes that are slightly more formal than casual. Does this Spark an idea?
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Context
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Understanding where semiformal dress falls on the scale of formality helps you understand how to choose your clothes. Semiformal refers to clothes less formal than eveningwear or black-tie, but more formal than cocktail attire and much more formal than business casual. Cocktail attire and business casual leave more room for personal interpretation and choice than semiformal, which implies certain rules.
Occasions
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Events that often require semiformal attire include daytime weddings or bar and bat mitzvahs, as well as graduations, award ceremonies and teen dances. Evening weddings call for a more formal version of semiformal attire. Only the wedding party must wear true formal attire.
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Men's Semiformal
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Men's semiformal attire traditionally includes a light-colored suit for daytime events or a darker suit for evening events. Pair the suit with a crisp button-down shirt and a tie, along with a vest if you wish. Wear dress shoes and black socks. "BellaOnline" etiquette editor Lisa Plancich suggests that men select semiformal attire in wool, polyester or gabardine.
Women's Semiformal
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Women's semiformal dress varies more than men's. Women can choose to wear a dressy pantsuit or a dress that falls to the knee or below. Pair semiformal dresses with matching dress heels or dressy flats. Lisa Pancich suggests semiformal wear in fabrics such as tafetta, chiffon, cashmere, satin or velvet.
Evolution of Semiformal Dress
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The meaning of semiformal attire has evolved over the years, becoming increasingly casual. In the early 20th century, semiformal attire required men to wear stroller jackets or cutaway jackets paired with a vest and tie and matching dress trousers. Looser interpretations of the term have become more common.
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References
- Photo Credit busines men at suit and tie image by Slyadnyev Oleksandr from Fotolia.com
