If you’re getting invited to more upscale events and gatherings in 2025, then it’s time to take your outfits up a notch. Expand your fashion palette and research the different styles of formal dressing, including semi-formal. Between black tie, semi-formal, business casual and more, it’s easy to confuse the three.
What Is Semi-Formal?
The semi-formal dress code refers to styles of clothing that are polished, yet not exactly evening dressing. Black tie dressing means tuxedos and gowns, while semi-formal clothing usually involves pantsuits and blazers. It’s important to not equate semi-formal with more lax dress codes, like business casual.
The Elegant Cold Shoulder
Instead of wearing a boring black dress, experiment with more neutral shades and silhouettes. This example is a chocolate colored gown with a cutout one-shoulder detail. The cold shoulder feature adds a hint of creativity to your outfit. Colors including chocolate and bronze shine bright on Black women.
A Black Tie Twist
Turn the idea of men wearing a tuxedo on its head for your next semi-formal event. Adorn a fitted suit yourself, which will cinch your waist and accentuate your curves. You can even wear a strapless, busty corset underneath to add more allure to your look. This look is especially perfect for semi-formal gatherings in the winter. Layer your fitted look with a trench coat.
Dainty Drop Waist Dresses
The drop waist detail, which extends the waist of a dress, is trending everywhere in 2025. Embrace the trend with a midi drop waist dress to your next semi-formal outing. These dresses are loose-fitting, so you’ll be comfortable all night. They add a feminine, flirty touch to formal wear. In addition, a drop waist dress such as this will add more length to shorter women.
Drape White Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are a cheat code for semi-formal dressing. They’re comfortable enough to mingle in and include features that are sure to make you look stylish. This jumpsuit includes a cowl neckline, which brings attention to your chest. Simply pull out your pantsuit, add a few minimalist accessories, and your outfit is complete.
Balloon-Inspired Ballgown
Formal gowns don’t always mean Cinderella-inspired ball gowns. Think outside of the box for your next semi-formal outfit. Dresses like the example above feature a mermaid-style silhouette that shapes your curves, but is still modest. This example, in particular, showcases a trendy balloon-style hem and a contrasting black and white color way.
Textured, Artistic Mini Dress
When it comes to semi-formal dressing, you don’t always have to cover up. You can still look formal and showcase your stunning legs. Invest in mini dresses with artistic details that create conversation. Textured mini dresses add dimension to your outfit and a unique flare. Some artistic mini dresses incorporate handmade details that tell a story.
Fiery Red With Feathers
You can definitely incorporate some color into your semi-formal outfit. From deep burgundy to cherry red, the color red is trending as the new sharp statement shade of 2025. This outfit features a long sleeve red mini dress with feather trim. The textured, fuzzy additions are fun, but still within the semi-formal dress code. Create a monochromatic look with your red outfit by adding matching tights, pumps and accessories.