semiformal
Not quite formal
Semiformal describes a level of dress or occasion between casual and formal.
A semiformal event calls for suits or cocktail dresses rather than tuxedos or gowns: The invitation said semiformal, so I wore a blazer instead of a full suit.
The term often causes confusion since expectations vary by context and generation.
Semiformal tailored jacket
- slacksInformal leg garments
- chinosCotton twill trousers
- loafersLaceless slip-on shoes
- cardiganFront-opening knitted garment
brogues · culottes · vest · tweed · tunic · jumpsuit · khakis · cufflinks
Mixed alcoholic beverage
- champagneEffervescent celebratory wine
- aperitifPre-meal alcoholic beverage
- martiniGin-vermouth cocktail
- wineFermented grape beverage
prosecco · cosmopolitan · old-fashioned · highball · flute · toast · mimosa · sour
Act of receiving guests
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
- luncheonFormal midday meal
- fundraiserEvent collecting money
- galaFestive formal occasion
soiree · ceremony · awards · anniversary · graduation · reunion · brunch · commencement
blazer
Semiformal tailored jacket
cardigan · brogues · culottes · vest · tweed · tunic · jumpsuit · khakis · cufflinks · separates
cocktail
Mixed alcoholic beverage
- champagneEffervescent celebratory wine
- aperitifPre-meal alcoholic beverage
- martiniGin-vermouth cocktail
wine · prosecco · cosmopolitan · old-fashioned · highball · flute · toast · mimosa · sour · liqueur
reception
Act of receiving guests
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
- luncheonFormal midday meal
- fundraiserEvent collecting money
gala · soiree · ceremony · awards · anniversary · graduation · reunion · brunch · commencement · inauguration
- Semi- wordssemicircle, semifinal, semicolon, semiconductor, semitruck
- Greek lifefraternities, fraternity, sorority, sororities, frats
- campus eventsorientation week, open days, freshers week, campus tours, freshman week
semiformalstate dinner
Formal diplomatic reception meal
backyard barbecue · coronation · beach party · pool party · pajama party
formal, informal, formality, formalize, informally, informality, formalist, formalism, semi-