Difference Between Formal and Semi Formal

Key Difference – Formal vs Semi Formal
 

Formal and semi formal are two dress codes that are often used for similar occasions. They are worn for weddings, galas, charity balls, award ceremonies, and other formal events. The key difference between formal and semi-formal is their formality level – formal dress code is more formal than semi-formal dress code; it requires men to wear tuxedos and women to wear floor-length dresses.

What is Formal?

A formal event is a sophisticated and grand event that requires a specific dress code. Weddings, galas, charity balls, state dinners and other ceremonial events are examples of formal events. The clothes worn for formal wear is known as formal wear. Black tie and white tie are two dress styles in formal wear. However, formal traditionally refers to white tie.White tie is the most formal choice in formal wear. Men should wear black tuxedos with tails, white spread-collar shirt, waistcoat and black or white bow tie. Women should wear fancy, floor-length evening gowns. Women’s shoes are usually pumps or evening sandals with heels.

However, black tie code is more commonly used than white tie. In this dress code, men must wear a black tuxedo and white collared shirt, a long black tie or bow tie. The waistcoat can be replaced with a cummerbund. Although floor length dresses are traditionally worn by women, knee and mid-calf length dresses are also worn nowadays. These dresses are typically worn with jewelry and high heels.

What is Semi Formal?

Semi formal events are less formal than the formal events. Cocktail parties and corporate events are some examples of semi formal events. These events require a semi formal dress code. Tuxedos are considered to be too formal for this kind of events, but the guests must be elegant and sophisticated.

Men can wear dark business suits of high quality. A white dress shirt is the standard in these events, but it can be matched by a knit tie or a dark silk tie. During daytime or outdoor events, a lighter suit can be worn. Shoes should be dressy and match the leather of the belt. Black and brown are preferable colors for shoes. Accessories for men should remain understated.

This dress code allows a wider range of choices for women. They can choose an evening gown or a cocktail dress. They can even go for unisex tuxedo pants with a sequined top. Women usually wear heels for semi-formal events, but if you want to wear flats, make sure they are made from shiny material and embellishments.

What is the difference between Formal and Semi Formal?

Image Courtesy:

“Tuxedo details” By Nicogenin – (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia

“690048” (Public Domain) via Pixabay