Semi-formal Dresses – Occasions
There are many occasions which may call for semi-formal dresses. These are events that do not really require you to wear something that is over the top in terms of excessive beautification. However, you are still required to wear something that is formal. Let’s define semi-formal dresses (in this instance) as something formal but functional. These are times where you still want to make an impression but do not feel the need to compete for the attention of others in a room full of other women who have out done themselves in regards to dressing formally. It won’t also require you to go above and beyond the call of duty in regards to accessorizing or getting your hair perfect.
Events that warrant the use of semi-formal dresses include dinner parties, work functions, work, dates and any social occasion where you need to look good. However, if the event is a formal dining event where men are required to wear a suit and tie, then it doesn’t qualify as an event where you would wear semi-formal dresses. If you were going to the beach or hiking, this also would not qualify as an event where you would wear semi-formal dresses (more emphasis on the practical aspect of what to wear in this regard – in fact you wouldn’t wear a dress at all).
If you are ever unsure of whether or not the event is something that is likely to require you to wear clothing that is semi-formal, ask the organizer or partner about what you should wear. It is sometimes better to be under dressed than over dressed. Don’t go all out on your appearance if it is an event that is likely to be nothing more than a simple social function without. If you over dress then you will probably look out of place – under dress and you might have the same problem.
Occasions For Semi Formal Dressing
A red semi formal dresses would just be fine for an official engagement party where you are a guest. Generate your own style element with the right kind of hair cut. Essentially teaming the look with accessories is also a great job for semi formal dressing.
Too formal an attitude is not acceptable always. If you are lecturer in an institute or a teacher at preschool one would require a decorum in terms of standards. This calls for not too formal clothes. Go for cotton pants and also Capri styles. Team the same with formal button down shirts.
If you are going for a casual chat in your neighborhood it would still be wise not to show up in the housecoat or in a casual jeans. Use some good blouses in prints or geometric designs over the black trouser. Do not overdo with jewelry. Garden parties that are informal still need semi formal dressing. Use hats with bonnets and trimmings. Lace is again employed to get the right look. Use coloured lace and minimalise the look.
If the girls-night-out party this time is at a formal restaurant, one has to maintain the dress code. Go for skirts and open hair look for the girlie feeling. Night parties can be experimented with lot of nail and lip colours. Go for elongated eye shapes or highlight your best feature. Layered hair or shag hair styles can be adopted for night parties in still a semi formal attire.
An official meet at the lounge calls for a semi formal dressing. Do not wear the coat and roll up your sleeves. You could still be wearing the tie or go for a casual tie this time. Arrange to polish your shoes and grooming is very important for men. Golf course meets or the annual party at your club are better met in semi formal ones.
The PTA or parent teachers meet is again a meeting where things are not very casual. Use ethnic wear in tunics and capris that are beige or black. Avoid flowery and geometric prints to meet your child’s teacher. Attending school functions or workshops is also about perfect grooming.
Allow yourself a comfort level but do not get too casual about your dress. Maintain colours that are bright yet formal in terms of cut and pattern.
In laws and get together are not very casual, at least the initial times. Use the gown style formal dinner party gown for an occasion that is not too lady like. Include skirt styles as they are very feminine and go for a neat hairstyle. If you meeting acquaintances then it is better to coordinate in pants or something that speaks about your personality.
If you have lined a meeting straight after your flight lands then semi formal dressing is recommended. Do a touch of your make up and use a hair spray to avoid frumpy looks. Beige suit piece and a printed shirt would just be fine.