Where can I shop for a semi-formal dress?

You can find a wide selection of semi-formal dresses at department stores such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, or Macy’s. In addition, brands like Reformation, Lulus, and Revolve are also great options for this dress code.

How should I style my semi-formal look?

Accessories play an important role in semi-formal attire because they can completely transform a look. If you’re worried that your ensemble may be too casual, add a statement clutch and heels . On the other hand, if you're hoping to dress down your look, you may want to opt for flats or chic sandals, depending on the time of day and the location of the wedding.

Is there a difference between cocktail and semi-formal attire?

Semi-formal and cocktail attire have been known to be interchangeable, but in some cases, a cocktail dress is a small step above a semi-formal dress. While semi-formal can include elevated sundresses, this may not be appropriate for a cocktail dress code. If you are genuinely stuck on whether your dress is suitable, consult with the hosts to see what they recommend.

What colors should you wear to a semi-formal wedding?

Unlike black-tie events , semi-formal weddings don’t adhere to a strict color palette. If you’re attending a fall or winter wedding, you might want to choose darker colors and solid patterns. For spring and summer nuptials, prints and florals, are completely appropriate. Steer clear of traditional bridal colors like white and off-white, and if you’re in doubt about what colors are appropriate to wear, ask the engaged couple.

The 17 Best Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Dresses of 2024

In This Article

Our Top Picks What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Brides

Perhaps one of the most popular wedding dress codes is "semi-formal" attire, but searching for a dress that fits this ambiguous label can be hard to pin down. Is a sundress too casual? Is a satin midi too dressy? What hemline is appropriate? The good news is while there are many interpretations of this dress code, popular online retailers have pages upon pages of semi-formal dresses to peruse.

Keep the season and venue in mind when shopping for a semi-formal wedding guest dress. For winter or fall nuptials, break out the jewel-toned dresses in lush fabrics like velvet. While a spring or summer wedding is a great opportunity to play with brighter colors, lightweight fabrics, and fun patterns. Dressing for a semi-formal wedding also allows for diverse dress lengths, as mini, knee-length, midi, and floor-length frocks are all acceptable, depending on the design. To help narrow down your search, we selected the best options available for every style and season.

Our Top Picks

Best Affordable: Lulus Tiered Midi Dress at Lulus
Best for a Fall Wedding: A.L.C. Bianca Dress at Revolve
Best Wrap Dress: Zimmermann Silk Wrap Mini Dress at Zimmermann
Best for a Spring Wedding: Lulus Tiered Bustier Midi Dress at Lulus
Best Metallic: Petal & Pup Santiago Metallic Midi Dress at Nordstrom
Best Color: Ulla Johnson Carine Dress at Rent the Runway
Best for a Daytime Wedding: Yumi Kim Petra Dress at Yumi Kim
Best Mini: Hello Molly Strut All Night Dress at Hello Molly
Best Cutout: Significant Other Jacy Dress at Revolve
Best Slip Dress: BHLDN Cali Satin Cowl-Neck Midi Slip Dress at Anthropologie

Best Affordable

Lulus Celebration Time Tiered Midi Dress

PHOTO: Lulus

$79 at Lulus

Shopping for multiple dresses to wear to different weddings can get expensive, but luckily there are tons of affordable options out there. Consider this stylish and under-$100 tiered midi dress from Lulus, available in six gorgeous colors. We especially love this sweet lavender option for spring.

Size: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi

Best for a Fall Wedding

A.L.C. Bianca Dress

PHOTO: Revolve

$695 at Revolve

A simple, sweeping tube-style gown is made fancier with gathered detailing that contrasts with the horizontal pleats on the top. The boned sides add structure and the cool satin fabric is ideal for winter or fall nuptials as this style can easily transition from day to night.

Size: 0-10 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Maxi

Best Wrap Dress

Zimmermann Silk Wrap Mini Dress

PHOTO: REVOLVE

View on Revolve View on Zimmermann.com $560 at Shopbop.com

A classic wrap dress is always a go-to for semi-formal occasions, and we love this pink blush option from Zimmermann—though it's also available in other colors. Style this feminine frock with gold jewelry and a pair of nude pumps.

Size: XS-L | Materials: Silk charmeuse | Length: Mini

Best for a Spring Wedding

Lulus Cascading Crush Tiered Bustier Midi Dress

PHOTO: Lulus

$69 at Lulus

Heading to a semi-formal wedding with a spring floral vibe? You won’t want to miss this stylish pleated midi from Lulus. These pretty pink florals would look gorgeous for a garden ceremony, but the dress is also available in a variety of other colors and prints that work well for the season.

Size: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi

Best Metallic

Petal & Pup Santiago Metallic Side Tie One-Shoulder Midi Dress

PHOTO: Nordstrom

$89 at Nordstrom View on Victoriassecret.com $89 at Macy's

Add some subtle razzle-dazzle to your look with this chic one-shoulder option. With a tie waist, draping throughout, and a hem that hits mid-calf, you'll look sophisticated and ready to party. The side slit shows a pop of leg, giving the look a bit of dramatic flair that'll really stand out at an autumn wedding.

Size: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi

Reformation is known for its semi-formal dresses, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. However, this pastel purple floral print number is definitely a winner. It also comes in several other beautiful colors and prints worth considering depending on the season and venue.

Size: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose | Length: Midi

Best Color

Ulla Johnson Carine Dress

PHOTO: Ulla Johnson

View on Renttherunway.com

This midi dress comes in a striking deep purple color that is undeniably stunning. The eye-catching tiered detailing on the puff sleeves, the deep V-neckline, and the flattering tie waistband make it worth the splurge. We also love the tuberose option for a daytime summer wedding guest dress.

Size: 00-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi

Best for a Daytime Wedding

Yumi Kim Petra Dress

PHOTO: REVOLVE

View on Yumikim.com

This floral-printed mini is a sweet and romantic option for daytime wedding festivities. The puff sleeves add a bit of drama to the look, while the high neckline and tiered skirt add a flattering and unique touch.

Size: XXS-XL | Materials: Viscose | Length: Mini

Best Mini

Hello Molly Strut All Night Dress

PHOTO: Hello Molly

View on Hellomolly.com

This classic blue mini dress is elegant enough to wear to a semi-formal wedding while still having a bit of an edge. We love the delicate sweetheart neckline and the subtle side slit for a sexy flair.

Size: XS-L | Materials: Satin | Length: Mini

Best Ruffles

1.State Sheila Ruffle Tiered Maxi Dress

PHOTO: Bloomingdale's

View on Belk.com $89 $54 at Macy's

For a playful, summer semi-formal wedding ensemble, don’t miss this ruffled, strapless dress. The blush pink adds a romantic element to this already sweet silhouette. Pair it with neutral accessories for a simple yet pretty look.

Size: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi

Best Cutout

Significant Other Jacy Dress

PHOTO: Revolve

View on Revolve

While cutouts may be a daring choice for a wedding, we love the simplicity of this dress. The butter yellow color and bare shoulders make this sweet for summer.

Size: 2-12 | Materials: Viscose rayon | Length: Midi

Best Slip Dress

BHLDN Cali Satin Cowl-Neck Midi Slip Dress

PHOTO: BHLDN

View on Anthropologie

When in doubt, a slip dress is always a safe bet for a semi-formal affair. This midi comes in eight different colors, so there is an option for any and every style. No matter the season, this is a look you can wear again and again.

Size: 0-22W | Materials: Satin charmeuse | Length: Midi

Best One-Shoulder

Dress The Population Tiffany One-Shoulder Midi Dress

PHOTO: Nordstrom

View on Amazon View on Nordstrom View on Lyst.com

When the occasion is semi-formal, this one-shoulder figure-flattering dress is a stylish option. The sleeveless midi from Dress the Population has two panels that flow from the single-tie shoulder. Available in 13 colors, including burgundy, blue, orange, pink, and black, this classic midi dress is an elegant choice.

Size: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Midi

Best Plus Size

Azazie Lindie A-Line Pleated Chiffon Floor-Length Dress

View on Azazie.com

This elegant floor-length dress from Azazie can effortlessly take you from semi-formal to formal events. Made of chiffon, the dress has a fitted sleeveless bodice and a flowy pleated skirt with pockets on both sides. It has an A-line silhouette, a scoop neckline, and a slit that starts just above the left knee. The dress is available in an extended size range and can also be custom-made to order. There are over 60 colors available, from classic black to fuchsia, lavender, and jade, so you’re sure to find one to suit your taste and event.

Size: 0-30 | Materials: Chiffon | Length: Floor

Most Dramatic

Sau Lee Esther Gown

PHOTO: Courtesy of Revolve

View on Revolve

Prepare to make a sweeping entrance in this classic yet on-trend black gown that features a cutout bow embellishment. The bottom half of the dress is slinky and form-fitting, while the low back and slits make it even sexier.

Size: 00-12 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

Best Silk

DÔEN Alouette Asymmetric Ruffled Floral-Print Silk-Georgette Midi Dress

PHOTO: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

$500 at Net-A-Porter

With its asymmetric hem, sheer bodice, and ruffle detailing, this isn't your average floral midi. The georgette silk is stunning. It's a romantic option with the perfect color palette for a fall wedding and would pair perfectly with an outerwear piece like a leather jacket and of-the-moment ballet flats.

Size: XXS-XL | Materials: Silk | Length: Midi

Best Leopard Print

SNDYS x Revolve St. Barts Dress

PHOTO: Revolve

$93 at Revolve

We love this sassy style for a spring, summer, or destination wedding guest look. The clingy, ruched style creates a sleek silhouette with a mock neck. The pull-on style, in mesh, keeps things light and breathable.

Size: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Ankle

Best Details

Eliza J Ruffle Sleeve Sheath Dress

PHOTO: Nordstrom

View on Nordstrom View on Macy's

Create a fanciful silhouette with this frock that features dramatic ruffle sleeves that add volume. The bateau neck and scuba style keep the rest of the dress form-fitting and simple, so you can have some fun playing with a dramatic makeup look or unique jewelry.

Size: 0-18 | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Midi

What to Look for in Semi-Formal Guest Attire

Time and Setting: When it comes to semi-formal affairs, it's important to consider the setting and time of day. This dress code can have many different interpretations, so these details can help you determine which semi-formal dress is appropriate. Opt for brighter colors, shorter hemlines, and fun patterns during the day. For evening nuptials, cocktail dresses, floor-length dresses, and polished jumpsuits are all appropriate options. Essentially, you want to look elevated yet understated—which is why little black dresses are a classic choice.

Season: If you’re invited to a wedding in fall or winter, look for semi-formal dresses with three-quarter or longer sleeves and heavier fabrics. You might want to consider a longer hemline and darker fabrics for fall and winter as well. If the semi-formal wedding is planned for spring or summer, you can choose shorter hemlines, lighter fabrics, and florals and pastel colors if you wish.
Material: Satin fabrics, lightweight chiffon, or viscose are good choices for semi-formal attire. Cottony materials may be too casual for the occasion, while overly embellished fabrics will likely be too dressy. It's all about finding a balance.

FAQ

Where can I shop for a semi-formal dress?

You can find a wide selection of semi-formal dresses at department stores such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, or Macy’s. In addition, brands like Reformation, Lulus, and Revolve are also great options for this dress code.
How should I style my semi-formal look?

Accessories play an important role in semi-formal attire because they can completely transform a look. If you’re worried that your ensemble may be too casual, add a statement clutch and heels. On the other hand, if you're hoping to dress down your look, you may want to opt for flats or chic sandals, depending on the time of day and the location of the wedding.
Is there a difference between cocktail and semi-formal attire?

Semi-formal and cocktail attire have been known to be interchangeable, but in some cases, a cocktail dress is a small step above a semi-formal dress. While semi-formal can include elevated sundresses, this may not be appropriate for a cocktail dress code. If you are genuinely stuck on whether your dress is suitable, consult with the hosts to see what they recommend.
What colors should you wear to a semi-formal wedding?

Unlike black-tie events, semi-formal weddings don’t adhere to a strict color palette. If you’re attending a fall or winter wedding, you might want to choose darker colors and solid patterns. For spring and summer nuptials, prints and florals, are completely appropriate. Steer clear of traditional bridal colors like white and off-white, and if you’re in doubt about what colors are appropriate to wear, ask the engaged couple.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Melony Forcier is a recent graduate starting her career path in beauty and fashion journalism. Before graduating, she interned with both Boston Magazine and Foundation PR. Additionally, she served as a fashion editor for Boston University's lifestyle magazine, The Buzz.