So you’ve been invited to an upcoming event and the dress code attire is dressy casual or semi-formal. What should you wear? I have you covered with a few dress recommendations. But first… 

What is dressy casual attire?

The dress code “dressy casual” might sound a little confusing, but it just means something that’s in between casual and semi-formal. It’s a style that’s appropriate for special events, but still comfortable and stylish. Think of it as something that’s a step up from what you would wear to work, but not as formal as what you would wear to a black-tie event. Some other terms that mean the same thing are “smart casual,” “upscale casual,” and “fancy casual”.

What is semi-formal attire?

Semi-formal is a step up from dressy casual wear, but not as formal as black tie. It’s a good option for events like cocktail parties, weddings, or date nights. When dressing semi-formal, you’ll want to avoid anything too casual, like jeans or sneakers, obviously. But you also don’t need to wear a full-length gown or tuxedo. A nice dress or skirt and blouse, or a suit and tie, would be perfect.

Dressy casual/Semi-formal dresses are a great option for a variety of occasions, from cocktail parties to date nights to weddings. They are more dressy than casual wear, but not as formal as black tie attire.  

When choosing a dressy casual/semi-formal dress, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Choose the right shoes. Heels are always a good choice for dressy casual/semi-formal occasions, but you can also wear dressy flats or sandals if you prefer.
  2. Don’t forget the accessories. The right accessories can really make a dressy casual/semi-formal dress stand out. Choose jewelry and a handbag that complement the dress and your personal style. Keep the accessories pretty simple. Too many accessories can overwhelm a formal dress. 
  3. Get it tailored. A well-tailored dress will make you look and feel your best. If possible, take the dress to a professional tailor to get it fitted to your body.

8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful

Shop the Dresses

Surplice V-Neck Satin Midi Dress by Chelsea28

1,Surplice V-Neck Satin Midi Dress

Floral Ruched Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress by Eliza J

2.Floral Ruched Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress

Donna Pleated Handkerchief Hem Satin Dress by Steve Madden

3.Donna Pleated Handkerchief Hem Satin Dress

Bustier Satin Dress by ASTR the Label

4.Bustier Satin Dress

Plunge Neck Long Sleeve Metallic Lamé Dress by WAYF

5.Plunge Neck Long Sleeve Metallic Lamé Dress

Floral Puff Sleeve Dress by Chelsea28

6.Floral Puff Sleeve Dress

Print Tie Waist Long Sleeve Minidress by Charles Henry

7.Print Tie Waist Long Sleeve Minidress

Abstract Print Long Sleeve Midi Dress by Maggy London

8.Abstract Print Long Sleeve Midi Dress

So you’ve been invited to an upcoming event and the dress code attire is dressy casual or semi-formal. What should you wear? I have you covered with a few dress recommendations. But first… 

What is dressy casual attire?

The dress code “dressy casual” might sound a little confusing, but it just means something that’s in between casual and semi-formal. It’s a style that’s appropriate for special events, but still comfortable and stylish. Think of it as something that’s a step up from what you would wear to work, but not as formal as what you would wear to a black-tie event. Some other terms that mean the same thing are “smart casual,” “upscale casual,” and “fancy casual”.

What is semi-formal attire?

Semi-formal is a step up from dressy casual wear, but not as formal as black tie. It’s a good option for events like cocktail parties, weddings, or date nights. When dressing semi-formal, you’ll want to avoid anything too casual, like jeans or sneakers, obviously. But you also don’t need to wear a full-length gown or tuxedo. A nice dress or skirt and blouse, or a suit and tie, would be perfect.

Dressy casual/Semi-formal dresses are a great option for a variety of occasions, from cocktail parties to date nights to weddings. They are more dressy than casual wear, but not as formal as black tie attire.  

When choosing a dressy casual/semi-formal dress, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Choose the right shoes. Heels are always a good choice for dressy casual/semi-formal occasions, but you can also wear dressy flats or sandals if you prefer.
  2. Don’t forget the accessories. The right accessories can really make a dressy casual/semi-formal dress stand out. Choose jewelry and a handbag that complement the dress and your personal style. Keep the accessories pretty simple. Too many accessories can overwhelm a formal dress. 
  3. Get it tailored. A well-tailored dress will make you look and feel your best. If possible, take the dress to a professional tailor to get it fitted to your body.

8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful8 Semi-Formal Dresses That Will Make You Feel Confident and Beautiful

• If you’re not sure what to wear, err on the side of caution and choose a more conservative dress.

• The most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing. So have fun and enjoy your special occasion!

With these tips in mind, take a peek at the 8 dressy casual/semi-formal dresses below that will be perfect for your next special occasion…

Shop the Dresses

Surplice V-Neck Satin Midi Dress by Chelsea28

Chelsea28

Floral Ruched Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress by Eliza J

Eliza J

Donna Pleated Handkerchief Hem Satin Dress by Steve Madden

Steve Madden

Bustier Satin Dress by ASTR the Label

ASTR the Label

Plunge Neck Long Sleeve Metallic Lamé Dress by WAYF

WAYF

Floral Puff Sleeve Dress by Chelsea28

Chelsea28

Print Tie Waist Long Sleeve Minidress by Charles Henry

Charles Henry

Abstract Print Long Sleeve Midi Dress by Maggy London

Maggy London

Shop the Dresses

Surplice V-Neck Satin Midi Dress by Chelsea28

Chelsea28

Floral Ruched Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress by Eliza J

Eliza J

Donna Pleated Handkerchief Hem Satin Dress by Steve Madden

Steve Madden

Bustier Satin Dress by ASTR the Label

ASTR the Label

Plunge Neck Long Sleeve Metallic Lamé Dress by WAYF

WAYF

Floral Puff Sleeve Dress by Chelsea28

Chelsea28

Print Tie Waist Long Sleeve Minidress by Charles Henry

Charles Henry

Abstract Print Long Sleeve Midi Dress by Maggy London

Maggy London

Shop the Dresses

Surplice V-Neck Satin Midi Dress by Chelsea28

Chelsea28

Floral Ruched Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress by Eliza J

Eliza J

Donna Pleated Handkerchief Hem Satin Dress by Steve Madden

Steve Madden

Bustier Satin Dress by ASTR the Label

ASTR the Label

Plunge Neck Long Sleeve Metallic Lamé Dress by WAYF

WAYF

Floral Puff Sleeve Dress by Chelsea28

Chelsea28

Print Tie Waist Long Sleeve Minidress by Charles Henry

Charles Henry

Abstract Print Long Sleeve Midi Dress by Maggy London

Maggy London

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