noodle

Okay, there is this AWESOME menswear thread and I searched "semiformal" in the entire TFP and that's the only place it came up.
I have a dilemma.
It recurrs because I never quite get it.

I do get the basics...

Casual/relaxed evening event: jeans, capris, etc. with a decent top (read: no stains or bleach spots) and some sandals or whatnot.

Business casual: Nice pants/slacks/skirt, sweater or top, nice shoes, perhaps hosiery depending on the weather.

Formal: Dress, wrap, nice jewlery, nice shoes.

But then, I'm lost.... wtf is "semi-formal"? Are we talking little black dress? Skirt/sweater? Help!

I have a "Taste of Fancy City" fundraising dinner event at Fancy Island Plantation (rooms are upwards of $300/night in the hotel...) on Friday night. I have no freaking clue what to wear. I have knee high, nice leather boots, a black/olive/brown pattered knee length lined silk skirt with a cowl-necked black sweater, pearls and tights. I have a funky patterned, brightly colored, lower cut dress, knee length with same boots (The Boobie Dress)... I don't own the Little Black Dress because I have a Large White Ass and nothing right now fits for anything because things are "deconstructed" or very skimpily cut. Even the department stores are really odd right now with dresses. So are the really expensive boutiques I went into.

So, I'm curious, what do you consider "Semi Formal Attire"?

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jewels

Semi-formal = "cocktail" dress.

Formal = tux with tails for guys and for ladies it implies formal evening gowns. Supposedly semi-formal was a tux without tails and the ladies would tone down their opulent gowns for a less formal gown. Time has updated the original terms a notch or two, so it'd be a nice suit and tie for a guy, nice dress (or classy little skirt and blouse works) for the lady.

Maybe regional differences and varied workplaces make a difference in how we define it??

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Plan9

Was this supposed to go in the Ladies' Lounge? Well, it's not there... so...

I'm about as heterosexual as you can get before turning into a piece of beef jerky and I'm firm believer that all cowl-necked clothing should be shot into outer space. I don't think it looks good on anybody. It isn't flattering on any female build type. It looks like your torso is birth-squeezin' on your head.

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amonkie

I'm with jewels that semi formal is cocktail dress style.

A little dressier than business Casual and about on par with Professional dress, but not quite so office-y looking.

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snowy

I would definitely say this is an opportunity for the little black dress to make an appearance.

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mixedmedia

Yes, semi-formal is actually pretty formal by today's standards.

So I'd wear a sophisticated/cocktail dress (as in, not overtly sexy - not sure where the 'boob dress' fits into that) or dress slacks with a beaded/sequined top. And definitely hosiery.

---------- Post added at 12:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 PM ----------

and I like cowl-neck tops, but unless it is constructed from a dressy fabric, prob. not formal enough...definitely not boots.

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noodle

Yeah, that's what I thought.
And, no, Niner, it didn't need to go into Ladies' Lounge, I'm not excluding anyone's input.
Dammit. I don't have a Little Black Dress.
The sweater is Michael Kors and is quite dressy.
Dammit all.
I broke my gorgeous heels. Fuck me, I don't wanna go to this thing.
It's going to be 49 degrees out and my only "black dress" is floor length, somewhat sparkly, and sleeveless. With rhinestones under the boobs. In an empire style. I don't think it fits right anymore either. Grrmmrrrruummmfferer!

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mixedmedia

I sympathize with you. I never want to go to those things, either.

If the sweater is dressy, you can pair it with a black skirt and a pair of pumps or slingbacks. This is how I would think in a pinch like this:
I would first run to the Goodwill and try to snag a satin-y black skirt and then to Target for the shoes and a pair of black pantyhose. If Goodwill didn't have a skirt, then I would look for one while at the Target and then run to Ross if I had to. I've never been in a situation in which these three stores were not able to save my ass. And since we have these stores in common and all...

I'm not one to be a real stickler about clothes for an event that I really don't want to go to, though. As long as I've got something wearable and suitable, I'm happy. You might have a whole different take on it.

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Most people go through life dreading they'll have a traumatic experience. Freaks were born with their trauma. They've already passed their test in life. They're aristocrats. - Diane Arbus
PESSIMISM, n. A philosophy forced upon the convictions of the observer by the disheartening prevalence of the optimist with his scarecrow hope and his unsightly smile. - Ambrose Bierce

Cimarron29414

noodle,

In all the semi-formal events I've been to, the women always wear a skirt or a dress - never pants. If they were wearing a skirt, then the blouse or sweater was pretty fancy (sequins). If they were wearing a dress, then the sequins were minimal.

I think the outfit you listed in the OP would be fine, except I'd probably not do the boots. They don't seem semi-formal to me. I'd do a high heel. Also, get your hair done up professionally - that raises the formality a notch, even if your attire is closer to business casual. Oh, and go a little heavier on the make-up, especially if the people attending see you regularly in your everyday makeup. That trick will also let you get away with a slightly more casual dress.

I'm a dude. The difference between formal and semi-formal is my tux or my marryin'/buryin' suit.

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hunnychile

noodle, invest in great black shoes. That's a must. Make sure they're not too high & you can walk and mingle in 'em comfortably.

Do you have time to find the "LBD"......or as they're saying this year is the year of the little gray or dark maroon dress? Dressy sweater and shirt is ok, too only if they look fresh in style and are cut perfectly to flatter your bod. It's worth the spurlge esp. if you
might be making business contacts. And who doesn't want a great outfit to feel GREAT while wearing?

Good luck! The event sounds fun!!!!

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