Going to s 'semi formal'

[jml90]

In a few weeks our school is having what they call a semi formal. I so far plan to wear navy 3pc suit with faint check ivory spread collar double cuff shirt. Now, I need options for tie pocket square and shoes. Her dress is a blueish green. The shoes I think I will wear are AE Byrons in Chilli. The recent thread on brown shoes has given me some apprehension to wearing these ,though. But, what I really want to know is what to do with the tie.

 

[Lucky Strike]

I'd prefer black shoes for a "semi-formal" evening event. With a navy suit, ivory shirt and black shoes, you're basically free to use more or less the entire colour spectre, I suppose.

Something greenish for tie or pocket square might be very good, but on the other hand, this risks getting too matchy with your girlfriend's/date's dress.

 

[Get Smart]

what do schools consider formal/semiformal/casual/etc these days?

I'd try to find out what is meant by that term lest you stand out negatively, which your date won't appreciate. Unless you're "that guy" who always dresses up, in which case I guess no one would look twice if you showed up in a suit to the football game.

 

[skalogre]

Originally Posted by Get Smart

what do schools consider formal/semiformal/casual/etc these days?

I'd try to find out what is meant by that term lest you stand out negatively, which your date won't appreciate. Unless you're "that guy" who always dresses up, in which case I guess no one would look twice if you showed up in a suit to the football game.

Seconded. The whole formal/business/et.c. nowadays is very murky.

 

[Jovan]

Semi-formal technically means dinner suit (black tie), whereas formal means tails (white tie). It is very confusing when everyone has their own definition nowadays, which is another reason I think Sartorial 101 should be a required course in high school...

 

[jml90]

Originally Posted by Get Smart

what do schools consider formal/semiformal/casual/etc these days?

I'd try to find out what is meant by that term lest you stand out negatively, which your date won't appreciate. Unless you're "that guy" who always dresses up, in which case I guess no one would look twice if you showed up in a suit to the football game.
Everyone wears a suit.(not to the football game)

 

[Ivan Kipling]

Bluish green, looks pretty against a rose beige.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by jml90

Everyone wears a suit.(not to the football game)
Is this a school where uniforms are required?

 

[acidboy]

i find the word "semi-formal" laughable. is it the same as "semi-casual"?

 

[Get Smart]

Originally Posted by acidicboy

i find the word "semi-formal" laughable. is it the same as "semi-casual"?

good point. it's like someone seeing the glass half full vs half empty

 

[Mentos]

Originally Posted by acidicboy

i find the word "semi-formal" laughable. is it the same as "semi-casual"?

In the context of high school and university events, at least in the U.S., "semi-casual" would certainly be more accurate.

Her dress color sounds slightly out of season (no offense intended--I'm sure she's a lovely lass), so you're a little stuck. I'd go with the red end of the spectrum for the tie, maybe burgundy--seasonally correct but it won't clash as much as something with an orange or blue hue. Not to businessy, however.

 

[jml90]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

Is this a school where uniforms are required?
Yes
Yes, the dress's color does seem a little out of season but, she likes it that's all that matters.