What does semi-formal even mean!?

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Diana T.

Dec 12, 2015

Diana T.

Hey beauties - I'm having a hard time discerning what "semi-formal" attire really means... Especially for a winter/Christmas party!? So my hubby is wearing his suit and I have no idea what I should wear... I have a few black wrap dresses made of jersey material but I feel like that is too casual - I also have a maroon colored sweater dress that I think might be more appropriate but not sure if that would also be too casual... Otherwise I have a lot of bodycon type of short dresses that are appropriate for like a club... But not sure if they would translate well at a military Christmas dinner party... Any thoughts or ideas? Please help!

Sam R.

Dec 12, 2015

Sam R.

Semi formal is between casual and formal... so nothing appropriate for a club but not over dressed, I don't have winter in my country so I can't really help you with clothes...nothing to revealing, I hope I helped

samraat singh f.

Dec 12, 2015

samraat singh f.

Hi Diana, military Christmas party would be required little smart, chic, sharp attire...where every male will be dressed with their bold stiff sharp suit; you never want to be dissolved there. so a little length with stiff material you can go for...your club dress can be appropriate but please upload pictures so we can help you more...semi formal is very easy. it won't be so formal that you won't feel like going to work and won't be so casual that you will not feel messy.

Kailey L.

Dec 12, 2015

Kailey L.

I don't know what branch, but when my husband was still in (usmc) the parties were also semi-formal. Which basically meant, no need for a gown like at the ball, but more formal than jeans. I would personally avoid a bodycon dress unless you wear opaque tights and a sweater over it. At our party, people went as casual as slacks and a dress top, or as formal as a cocktail dress. I would just try to match what your husband is wearing. Since he is wearing a suit, I'd wear a cocktail dress if you have one. Your sweater dress may work too. But if it's anything like the marine's party, it was a very relaxed environment compared to other events, so at the end of the day, as long as you aren't wearing jeans, I wouldn't worry too much!

Diana T.

Dec 12, 2015

Diana T.

Thanks for all the advice beauties and kailey mine is Air Force so I'm hoping the sweater dress will work - maybe I'll just get a nice belt and jewelry to dress it up a little more with heels.

Breeze T.

Dec 12, 2015

Breeze T.

Personally I wouldn't exclude a bodycon, but I wouldn't choose a short one. The best length would be below the knee, maybe with a slit. Something along these lines: (picture from google images)
Perhaps with a nice blazer over top and heels.

I wouldn't choose sandals, sneakers or boots for footwear, and I'd pair it with sheer black pantyhose to keep it classy - so no open toed shoes either if you choose to wear tights/stockings!

I agree with Kailey on "not ball gown, but not jeans either" idea of semi-formal.

I'd stick with black to keep it safe.

If it's an option, contact other people who will be attending or who have been at one of these evenings before and find out what they'll be wearing (or wore), that way you'll have a general idea on what you're expected to wear.

Diana T.

Dec 12, 2015

Diana T.

Thanks breeze - yeah my bodycon dresses I think are too short for this occasion

Diana T.

Dec 12, 2015

Diana T.

Okay so here is what I have - feel free to cast a vote for which one you think would be most appropriate - this first one is a black jersey wrap dress that hit me at the knees so I'd probably wear black lace tights underneath.

Diana T.

Dec 12, 2015

Diana T.

This is my sweater dress I would probably wear a belt and nice jewelry to make it more formal with opaque black tights and heels.

Diana T.

Dec 12, 2015

Diana T.

This is a red halter dress - I'd probably wear tights under it.

Diana T.

Dec 12, 2015

Diana T.

This last one is a black dress with a fishtail bottom and some sparkle detail in the straps and the neckline is a deep v-neck with a rouched bodice.

Bre H.

Dec 12, 2015

Bre H.

I like the first black one and the red 1.

Jen C.

Dec 12, 2015

Jen C.

I like the sweater dress out of all of them.

Angela J.

Dec 12, 2015

Angela J.

I vote the first one. It's pretty but not too much if that makes sense.

Angela J.

Dec 12, 2015

Angela J.

Also Breeze had a great idea. If you live in a military community and don't know many of the other wives, this would be a good excuse to talk to your neighbors! No reason to be worried they are probably wondering the same thing and you may end up with some new friends to chat with at the event:) When my man was in the Navy we always lived in areas where pretty much everyone around us were in the same situation so it really is nice to get to know them:)

Diana T.

Dec 12, 2015

Diana T.

Well we don't live on base and my neighbors are German - and I'm not comfortable enough with my German to talk to them yet :P we are stationed in Germany so it's a little different... But I'm not sure who out of our friends will be going but I'll ask them to see if they are and what they will be wearing - thanks for the suggestions beauties you've all been very helpful!

Kailey L.

Dec 12, 2015

Kailey L.

I'd go with the first black one or the red halter dress. Though you could totally dress up that sweater dress!

Darlene V.

Dec 13, 2015

Darlene V.

1 or sweater dress

Parnika J.

Dec 13, 2015

Parnika J.

My vote goes to the sweater dress.. I think a sleek black or gold belt will go with.. :)

Jane C.

Dec 14, 2015

Jane C.

Is the first one off the shoulder? If it is not then I would go with that one. Otherwise I think the red would work with tights but nothing opaque. Good luck and let us know.

Mari E.

Dec 15, 2015

Mari E.

I would go with the 1st one.

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Diana T.

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