Semi-formal Evening Wear

[Fuuma]

I would interpret it as a non-businesslike suit and shirt combo, probably with a tie but I'm sure many will be tieless and survive the evening without the smallest bit of humiliation.

 

[penguin vic]

The 'modern' take on dress codes causes more confusion than it solves.

Hazarding a guess as a fellow Melburnian, I'd say it just means don't wear jeans. Depends a bit on what your workplace is like I guess. If the workplace is in suit and tie everyday the interpretation of semi-formal would be quite different to a workplace that is more casual.

I'd tend to go with a suit and tie if an invitation said 'semi-formal'.

A party's a party though and while I reckon you'll see a wide of dress code interpretations, none of them will spoil anyone's night.

 

[bowtielover]

This used to mean black tie or black tie equivilant but now a days one can never be too sure, I think a lot of people go with a nice suit not bisnuess style and a white shirt and solid tie you can go with a tux if you like I would but that is just me, you may even see a few there but the majority will be in suits.

 

[LabelKing]

Here's what I wore to a bondage nightclub:

 

[Cantabrigian]

That's pretty scary.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by Cantabrigian

That's pretty scary.

It's very classic. I think sartorialists like Manton would approve.

 

[Ringo]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

Here's what I wore to a bondage nightclub:

Interesting look there. Not sure how I feel about the combo of what appears to a crooked bow tie, the "loud" banana peel style PS, and the somewhat effeminate pose. Did you at least get lucky at the club?

 

[JBZ]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

Here's what I wore to a bondage nightclub:

The cocktail in the platic cup kind of ruins the aesthetic of the photo.

 

[Cantabrigian]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

It's very classic. I think sartorialists like Manton would approve.
Minus the exploding pocket square (which I do like) I think the outfit is quite classic.

I'm talking about the corset-like fit, awkwardly stiff pose and the fact that you bothered to mention that you were in a bondage club.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by Cantabrigian

Minus the exploding pocket square (which I do like) I think the outfit is quite classic.

I'm talking about the corset-like fit, awkwardly stiff pose and the fact that you bothered to mention that you were in a bondage club.

I like my double-breasted things cut tight on the waist so as to pull slightly.

 

[Krawczak]

If there's going to be clarification on the next announcement, it's a moot point - however, if I hadn't gotten clarification, I would have definitely gone with black tie. Two reasons: First, how often do you get to wear black tie? And second, if there's anything funnier than making people angry simply by wearing certain clothes, it's doing so while remaining strictly correct.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by JBZ

The cocktail in the platic cup kind of ruins the aesthetic of the photo.

It's sort of like slumming, isn't it?

 

[DouggiePhresh]

if semi-formal means black tie, then what is formal? white tie? because i recieved an invitation to a "formal" wedding, on engraved invitations. cocktails starts at 6pm. But when I asked the host for clarification, I was told Black suit. And so far, everyone I have asked about the ceremony says they are wearing suits.

 

[HomerJ]

Originally Posted by DouggiePhresh

if semi-formal means black tie, then what is formal? white tie? because i recieved an invitation to a "formal" wedding, on engraved invitations. cocktails starts at 6pm. But when I asked the host for clarification, I was told Black suit. And so far, everyone I have asked about the ceremony says they are wearing suits.

Formal evening dress is white tie so the host is misusing the term.

If your host expects black suits and everyone you've asked is wearing a suit, then there's your answer, a dark suit. You might consider wearing a tuxedo but I get the impression that black tie is de facto reserved for the wedding party.

Do post some pics of your selection and your date

. I love weddings!