You have been given an invitation to a semi-formal event. And fear you won’t nail down the best outfit.
You’re not alone. Many men feel confused about donning the right clothes for this particular dress code.
Maybe this is because it lies between the formal and casual spectrum. It’s sometimes hard to draw the perfect line.
We’ll give you 20 semi-formal outfits that will help you feel confident and sophisticated.
Table of Contents
Separates with Blazer and Pants
A great semi-formal look would be gray dress pants and brown shoes with a navy blazer combo.
An elegant yet classy outfit for modern men.
To look your best, opt for a white shirt to finish off.
You can also go fo
Navy Suit for a Semi-Formal Dinner Party
When it comes to semi-formal clothes, navy and blue suit outfits are popular choices.
They can be dressed up or down. Also offer an elegant look.
Then, a white or light blue shirt with a navy suit is the perfect finishing touch!
Don’t forget to rock on your shiny pair of dark brown leather oxford shoes.
As long as you keep your accessories simple, there’s no reason why you can’t rock this look like a pro!
Or Velvet Peak Lapel Blazer For Christmas Party
Planning your semi-formal outfit for a nighttime festive celebration can be a daunting task.
Dress outrageously stylishly in a burgundy blazer with a white turtleneck.
Make the look more formal with a pair of black leather Oxford shoes.
co*cktail Evening Events
A charcoal suit will help make an impression and set the tone for a sophisticated co*cktail evening.
Add complementary garments such as a white and navy vertical striped shirt and black dress shoes.
Brighten up this semi-formal outfit by adding a purple tie and pocket square.
Burgundy Suit for a Daytime Semi-Formal Wedding
Consider wearing a burgundy suit if you’re looking for a bright, polished look for a daytime wedding.
Not only will it stand out from the crowd, but this color will also pair well with a green shirt.
Add black shoes such as leather tassel loafers. A dark green tie will complete the look.
Tan Suit Without a Tie as an Alternative
When unsure what to wear, go for a brown suit outfit or even a tan suit without a tie!
The muted color will look great with any outfit.
Additionally, sport a navy shirt and brown shoes to create a savvy semi-formal outfit.
Or Double-Breasted Suit
Looking for an elegant, semi-formal outfit to wear to business formal occasion?
Look no further than a black double-breasted suit. This versatile piece is a perfect statement-maker.
Choose a stylish navy print tie and black leather monks to wrap things up.
You’ll look sophisticated and put-together in this smart outfit, perfect for displaying your sartorial skills!
Wear a Navy Overcoat for Cold Weather
Wear a navy overcoat during the fall season to stay warm and stylish.
This versatile piece can be styled with a red sweater over a white dress shirt.
Finish of with black leather lace-up boots.
For extra warmth, invest in some gloves and a scarf!
Or a Gray Trenchcoat
Another great option is a gray trenchcoat and a white dress shirt.
Complement your winter semi-formal looks with burgundy leather derby shoes.
Consider an orange print tie, black sunglasses, and charcoal socks.
Accessorizing these basics can take your look from simple to elegant in seconds.
Waistcoat
Styled in a smart navy waistcoat paired with a crisp white dress shirt, a combination that nods to classic tailoring while maintaining a modern silhouette.
The matching navy trousers keep the look streamlined, and polished black dress shoes provide a solid foundation.
The ensemble is topped off with a flat cap, adding a touch of personality and a hint of vintage flair.
This outfit is perfect for occasions that call for a dressy, yet not overly formal, appearance, such as a daytime wedding or a business luncheon.
Black Wool Three-Piece Suit
The three-piece suit is perfect for any formal event. Be it a wedding, funeral service, or presentation.
It’s always classy and timeless, making it ideal for any occasion.
Team up a striped wool three-piece suit and white dress shirt to achieve the highest sartorial standards.
Finish off this monochromatic look with burgundy dress shoes.
White Button-Up Dress Shirt
Something about dress shirts just screams semi-formal.
Nothing beats the elegance of a white button-up shirt. Whether you’re going for a more laid-back or formal look.
You can also wear light blue or gray for a semi-formal event.
Choose brown suede loafers instead of black ones to add an exotic touch.
For more formal occasions, stick to dark colors like navy or charcoal and wear leather shoes instead of suede.
Finally, ensure your hair is neatly styled and suitably groomed before leaving home.
Or a Printed Short-Sleeve Shirt for Summer
When it comes to summertime fashion, there’s no need to overdo it.
In fact, you can go with a very subtle print that will still look stylish and modern on any man.
For everyday wear, stick to light colors like white or cream or a multi-colored print short sleeve shirt.
Additionally, marry brown dress pants and dark brown shoes.
And, of course, make sure to dress your waistline with a belt!
Light Blue Dress Shirt
Looking sharp is essential when dressing for a semi-formal dress code for men.
That’s where the light blue dress shirt comes in!
Think about pairing it with gray dress pants and black dress shoes for an added dose of refinement.
Suspenders
If you’re looking for a semi-formal outfit that will really send a message, try out charcoal suspenders.
They go great with any semi-formal event and can add class to your look.
Tie accessories such as cufflinks and ties can give the outfit some extra pizzazz.
Pinstriped Navy Suit with a Colorful Pocket Square
Pocket squares are a great way to dress up any semi-formal outfit. This combo is perfect for a wedding.
Pocket squares can also brighten up any ensemble.
Also adding an extra touch of sophistication and class.
So go ahead and pull out a pink pocket square with your navy pinstriped suit!
Or Black Print Pocket Square
In today’s style-conscious world, accessories are key to any outfit.
From black neckties to white cufflinks, there’s an accessory for every occasion.
Therefore, a black pocket square can be the perfect finishing touch to almost any semi-formal outfit.
Gray Sweater over Shirt
Wearing a white dress shirt and gray crew-neck sweater outfit with a gray blazer can create an elevated look.
This attractive combination is perfect whether you are going out for dinner or creating semi-formal looks.
Choose gray dress pants and black shoes such as leather tassel loafers.
Wear a tie if you want to go for a more dressy appearance.
Make sure the sweater is light and airy so it doesn’t overpower your outfit.
Brown Cardigan Vest and Print Tie
This pairing of a blue blazer, brown cardigan vest, and white dress shirt makes any gentleman handsome and elegant.
If you’re puzzled about how to finish this semi-formal outfit, a pair of dark brown suede oxford shoes is a wise choice.
Staple Clothes for Semi-Formal Outfits
Avoid wearing jeans. It is something you should save for your smart casual outfits.
Also, steer away from white sneakers. Even though contemporary fashion allows wearing minimalistic leather sneakers with suits.
Consider suit with turtleneck outfits only for some semi-formal settings.
Turtlenecks can be perceived as formal garments. Just be careful with what you pair them with and when.
A Tailored Suit or Separates
First and foremost, choose a tailored suit with a perfect fit.
This is especially important for people with different body types.
A high-quality fabric suit may be the focal point of your semi-formal outfit.
It is the simplest option for semi-formal wear, doing all the hard work for you.
You may want to avoid the black suit and go for gray, brown, burgundy, or navy suit outfits.
Sleek chino outfits are a wise idea for the semi-formal dress code when paired with a blazer.
Dress Shirt
When it comes to dress shirts, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Avoid anything too bright or flashy.
A well-fitted white dress shirt is a must-have if you want to look classy.
Light-colored shirts such as pink, light blue, and gray work as well.
You can experiment with different patterns in the shirt department too.
Dress Shoes
Dress shoes can add a touch of sophistication and formality to any semi-formal outfit.
Black or dark color is perfect, providing a more serious look.
Explore different types of shoes and find the right pair that will complement your outfit.
For semi-formal outfits, polished shoes such as Oxfords, Derbies, monk straps, Chelsea boots, and loafers are a staple.
Play Around with Ties & Other Accessories
There are a few different types: striped, check, solid, crochet styles, and textured ties.
It is important to match the tie with the outfit and take time to get it fitted just right!
A well-fitted tie makes any semi-formal outfit look perfect.
Finding the correct length for your body and style is essential.
Accessories can really add to the look of a semi-formal outfit. However, choose them wisely.
For example, a simple pocket square can amp up the whole outfit and add a touch of sophistication.
A belt is also great to have as it gives your semi-formal outfit a polished finish and helps break up the waistline.
Also, match your belt with your shoes. Consider a more practical yet old-school alternative like suspenders.
Don’t be afraid to spice things up and introduce playful colors to your otherwise dull outfits!
