Semi-Formal Dress Code, Defined: What It Is & How to Wear It

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Күн бұрын

Learn all about the semi-formal dress code, DOs & DON'Ts, and how to get the perfect look! gentl.mn/semi-formal-dress-code
#semiformal #dresscode #notsponsored
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GUIDES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:
→ The Formality Scale: gentl.mn/formality-scale-02
→ Black Tie & Dinner Jacket Guide: gentl.mn/black-tie-dinner-jac...
→ Why Did Men Stop White Tie: gentl.mn/men-stop-wearing-whi...
→ Should Dress Code Die?: gentl.mn/end-dress-codes
→ 8 Things Men Should NEVER Wear To A Wedding: gentl.mn/never-wear-to-a-wedding
→ Business Casual Shoes: gentl.mn/shoes-business-casual
→ 5 Must-Have Ties: gentl.mn/essential-ties
→ Definitive Guide to Cufflinks: gentl.mn/definitive-guide-cuf...
→ Flowers' True Meaning: gentl.mn/flowers-true-meanings
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→ Editing: Chris Dummer
→ Visual Supervisor: Preston Schlueter & Jack Collins
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00:00 Semi-formal Dress Code Introduction
Semi-Formal falls just under Black-Tie Optional and above Cocktail Attire on the Formality Scale. It possesses the same overall dignified and elegant effect of formalwear but with greater laxity, variety, and personal detailing.
01:28 The History of Semi-Formal
When the rules and conventions of Classic Style were first formulated in the 19th century, the standards of full formal attire were extremely strict.
During the close of that century, a new dress code emerged that was intended for occasions that were still formal. But because it was still relatively formal, this dress code was called Semi-Formal.
03:28 Why Semi-Formal Is Such a Confusing Dress Code
As dress codes have become less strict and defined, the popular understanding of what “formal” actually means can vary greatly. While Classic Style devotees recognize formal as morning wear, Black Tie, or White Tie, for many people, any kind of suit is effectively formal.
04:50 What Semi-Formal Wear Means Today
Within the realm of Classic Style, the definition of Semi-Formal is much more precise and consists of a medium or dark suit, dress shirt, and leather dress shoes. tasteful neckwear and elegant, unobtrusive accessories.
07:13 The Essential Components of a Semi-Formal Outfit
→ Should wear a single or double-breasted suit. At a daytime event, you could also wear an odd dark suit jacket with dark trousers as a combinational look.
→ Your shoes should always be leather dress shoes
→ Your dress shirt should usually be solid
→ neckwear is an essential component of Classic Semi-Formal Conventions.
→ Bow ties can be worn as part of a day Semi-Formal ensemble
→ When selecting a pocket square, anything that harmonizes with your necktie will look great
→ If wearing a French cuffed shirt, you’ll need cufflinks
→ For certain occasions, a boutonniere can definitely liven things up
→ Any dress socks are perfectly acceptable for day or evening Semi-Formal occasions
→ Wear a wristwatch
10:00 What Semi-Formal is Not
Any garment that is explicitly part of formal wear like a dinner jacket or morning coat, white or black bow tie, formal waistcoat, cummerbund, evening shirt, or formal trousers.
Conversely, formal is still in the name. So avoid any garments that are explicitly casual.
10:50 Where You Might Be Expected To Wear Semi-Formal Attire
→ As part of a wedding invitation
→ Major social events
→ Professional events
→ Public functions
11:30 Three Outfit Examples
12:47 Quick Tips for Mastering Semi-Formal
→ When it doubt, go more formal without becoming Formal
→ Emphasize quality materials and patterns over flashy and bright colors
→ Wear a necktie
→ Add personality with visually interesting but understated accessories
→ If attending a wedding, don’t draw undue attention to yourself
14:54 Outfit Rundown

Пікірлер: 110

@trueimage5297 10 ай бұрын

Once my husband and I were invited to a Masquerade ball. The invitation specified white tie so we showed up in tails with a white tie and a white and gold floor length gown. We were surprised to find nearly every level of dress! One gentleman was congratulating himself on dressing up so much that he actually had a tie on…. Tweed with a madras check shirt, there were even cowboy boots and tennis shoes on display! Pretty much everyone had followed was bringing some version of a mask. We impressed everyone with the effort we made and really enjoyed ourselves… but it certainly wasn’t a white tie event, not even formal. Moral of the story…. Maybe we should have read the company/general taste of the area. Though again maybe we set expectations a little higher for the next event!

@themoderndandy713 10 ай бұрын

If one doesn't wear white tie when it's not called for, when ever will one wear white tie? I'm no royal or Austrian, so I wear white tie when I feel the occasion fits rather than when the occasion demands it. Much more fun that way.

@Egilhelmson 9 ай бұрын

I see no mention of formal mask, here. Did you go with an 17th Century Domino mask, ala Venice or Paris?

@krausewitz6786 7 ай бұрын

I don't know where this was, but I've NEVER seen true white tie in America (outside of a small number of high state functions). So, when in doubt, assume Americans will slouch! ;)

@regsantotomas 10 ай бұрын

I love the historical evolution of semi-formal. I definitely think that deferring to the host/invitation will really help in distinguishing the precise level of formality that is expected for the event.

@E_Reich 9 ай бұрын

Dress codes were invented with the express purpose of making clear well defined descriptions/explanations of what you are expected to wear. If the term “semi-formal” has become unclear with conflicting definitions, then the term no longer serves its purpose.

@LewisSkinner 10 ай бұрын

Very interesting. In the UK, semi-formal is Black Tie. A lot of what you're describing would be "creative black tie" here.

@MrDanielWP 10 ай бұрын

It's just a matter of people being ignorant and unfamiliar with the dress codes.

@markbutler9442 10 ай бұрын

Well said and it does apply in the US too semi-formal is black tie, even if formal is sadly somewhere between rare to unheard of in the US. I attended two weddings in the last year and neither of them made the slightest mention of dress codes on the invites, I had to ask to insure I dressed appropriately.@@MrDanielWP

@justagerman140 Ай бұрын

@@MrDanielWP which is a shame that this channel now seems to have given up on keeping the traditions alive. I learned from GG that semi-formal is black tie only a few years back and now they list it explicitely as an example for what semi-formal is not.

@Grabehn42 10 ай бұрын

People around here call "formal" anything that involves wearing at least a dress shirt, and even then, it''s even more like wearing any kind of shirt whatsoever, it's always been a bit of a let down for me considering how much a enjoy wearing suits.

@bludheart 10 ай бұрын

Great video as always. Useful reference for day to day wear

@AliQ18009 10 ай бұрын

Well done guys. Keep up the good work

@JosephMoore-gc8me 10 ай бұрын

@15:06 Definitely digging the micro-houndstooth sports jacket with the patch pockets. Great look. (NOTE: In this day and age, most of the population would think that outfit is semi-formal) I also enjoy the reminder that darker colors tend to evening wear, while lighter colors more for day wear.

@MrBloopt 10 ай бұрын

And in tropical countries, this would be considered very formal….yes a shirt and slacks with no jacket somewhat constitutes as formal these days…

@JosephMoore-gc8me 10 ай бұрын

The heat factor definitely influences formality, principally when it comes to ties and waistcoats. I was at a wedding a couple of months ago - wearing a tie, waistcoat, etc. - and as the dancing progressed my fiancée looked at me starting to sweat and said "let's lose the tie so you don't suffocate." Letting the neck breathe is the first step towards relief, so in the absence of tradition/business demand, go figure the new status quo of formality is going without the necktie in hotter climates. @MrBloopt

@2kdesignstudios72 10 ай бұрын

I feel like there's no ambiguity at all when it comes to Men's "dress code". The ambiguity comes in the form of the female persuasion for me. Maybe someone could start a "Ladies' Digest" sister channel and take on that challenge.

@JozuaSijsling 10 ай бұрын

While watching this I keep thinking about what I would want to achieve with a semi formal attire. I think I'd want to come across as approachable, warm and inviting while still dressing formal. Like Rafael at 3:46 wearing a dark magenta jacket. Or Kyle at 4:03 with a lighter gray-brown.

@MarcelGomesPan 7 ай бұрын

In Scandinavia this dress code is common at lodge meetings unless the occasion or degree is special in which case it is full white tie. So at lodge there will be a lot of charcoal, dark blue or even black suits ( though i prefer leaving black for tuxedoes etc ). These darker hues also emphasizes the regalia of the degree ( sashes, aprons or what have you ) since there are no distracting colours competing with the symbolism. Usually the ties and pocket squares are also of a more subdued colour.

@XavierDCarr 10 ай бұрын

Incredible Video as usual, I would also love to see a video about the Two-Tone Jackets And Sport coats of the 1930's/1940's.

@andreleverettejr3747 10 ай бұрын

If going to an opera I will NEVER wear anything other than White Tie, unless they forbid it I'm wearing it, i dont care what the "modern times" says😊

@themoderndandy713 10 ай бұрын

Agreed, sir! The same goes for ballet for me. The only exceptions for me are matinees, in which I'll wear morning dress (obviously), or certain casual opera events, like recitals or small parties, in which I'll usually wear black tie or a dark suit. I've recently taken up going to an opera house in the Rockies (Central City in Colorado) during the summer. It's during the daytime, hot out, and in what's essentially a Western mining town, so I'm skipping the formalwear there. Any opera or ballet performance at my local, urban opera house, meanwhile, is white tie or morning dress-obligatory!

@spaghettiking7312 10 ай бұрын

I live in a small city, so if I attended my local symphony in top hat and tails I'd be far too overdressed. A suit would do fine. But if I were attending a proper opera in the city, for the opening day, it's a perfect opportunity to wear white tie.

@yazdan7774 9 ай бұрын

Same honestly , I'm going to get a bespoke white tie ensemble when the time comes.

@nurse.christian 9 ай бұрын

I’m going to a musical this weekend and suggested for our group to wear black tie. Sometimes you have to make the event meet your level of dress instead of dressing down like everyone else. ❤️🔥🔥

@connorbrohl 5 ай бұрын

Modern times say to do you brotha!

@Molach101 10 ай бұрын

I've heard it said that traditionally pinstriped suits, also chalk stripes etc should only be worn for day events and not in the evening. Likewise checked suits were also daywear but more for sporting occasions like a day at the races. At 10:43 you mention light coloured suits but I would also suggest that light grey, or "dove grey" suits, morning grey etc can be worn for daytime events such as a guest at a wedding. My grandfather wore one to my parents' wedding

@elfurrohetero3518 10 ай бұрын

I love the white tie, Morning Dress and Stroller :)

@dvdahrns 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, great work!.

@Alithia451 10 ай бұрын

Please an updated video on waistcoats and rugby shirts.

@roberthoffhines5419 10 ай бұрын

Nice info! Difficult to pin down. But if you consider each part of your wardrobe on a spectrum of denim informal to full out white tie and tails formal. Say shoes from leather sneaks, through loafers, derbies, cap toe oxfords to whole cuts, and then shirts from white, through solid colors, patterns then chambray and polos. Then suit/coat fabrics/patterns. I know...assign each level a number. So a 7-color suit, with a 4-shoe and 9-shirt. Okay, I'm overthinking this...which is part of the conundrum of semi-formal after all.

@dandiehm8414 10 ай бұрын

I think this is Nathan's best video so far. He seems so much more at ease in this video. Well done! But would somebody (or 2 or 3 people) please tackle Kyle and get him to wear clothing that fits! EVERYTHING he wears appears way too tight on him. Kyle's physique is much more impressive than Sven's, but Sven's clothes fit him so much better that his silhouette looks better than Kyle's.

@domepiece11 9 ай бұрын

Yes, he needs a larger size blazer. A suit should not be skin tight on the arms.

@Samuel_Chilcott 10 ай бұрын

would you be able to make a video on what events a top hat would be appropriate for?

@ajmayowskijr 10 ай бұрын

Very informative

@kaiyusun9222 10 ай бұрын

love you guys

@rlstowe3 10 ай бұрын

The classical definition of semi-formal is a dinner jacket with black tie. Formal is full dress tuxedo (tails) and white tie. Casual is sport coat with tie.

@FlyingTigersKMT 10 ай бұрын

People nowadays have no idea of what is dressing up. They think buttoning up a button collar shirt with no iron khakis is dressing up.

@tewhareatapurangi-hf2gd 10 ай бұрын

Hey gentlemen im from The Great Country Of New Zealand and im 13 can u do a video on boarding school and how to wear an school blazer etc. i really love your guys videos keep up the great work God Bless You❤

@alangazeley5497 10 ай бұрын

Marvellous !!

@AntPDC 10 ай бұрын

Bring back capes with silk linings for gentlemen!

@karlr750 10 ай бұрын

Around here, very few people know the definitions of *any* of these terms. On multiple occasions, I have reached out to a host to clarify what *they* wish the dress code to be.

@HunterPhenomMakoy 9 ай бұрын

I need to get a jacket and trousers in both grey and brown. Should I buy just trousers and sports coats or buy two suits and use them as separates as well?

@BondUpNorth 10 ай бұрын

You have the Aqua Terra on, did Federico talk you round?

@jonstern7511 9 ай бұрын

Hmmm... While I wouldn't want to doubt or criticise your expertise and accept you know far more than me I was hoping for a video on my favoured dress style of more relaxed smartness. So without a tie or possibly some boots rather than shoes, all while wearing a jacket. Or me wearing a suit more casually (check some of the tieless photos of the Saville Row Tailor Oswald Boateng). Maybe what I'm talking about is smart-casual or semi formal, semi casual and a different video??

@AssoziationHmH 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for uncovering this topic so comprehensively. I always felt confused by the dress code, even though I have yet to encounter it. I did notice, that a lot of ties shown in this video were not tied with a dimple, but rather flat. Are you changing your opinion on the topic or was that just a coincidence?

@gentlemansgazette 10 ай бұрын

While we certainly appreciate the look of a good tie dimple, and encourage men to learn how to tie one (using the video linked below), we also believe there's room for a more nonchalantly tied tie if one desires a bit of sprezzatura. Thanks for watching! -Preston www.gentlemansgazette.com/tie-dimple-how-to-guide/?

@Blumx1 10 ай бұрын

I recently received a wedding invitation with the dress code being semi formal. It was mostly an outdoor event in hot weather and decided to phone the bride for clarification - it turns out her idea of semi formal is actually smart casual. Are the young redefining the code?

@urhor 10 ай бұрын

Yes, formality seems indeed to be modified to suit the conceptions of the age-group.

@elliottmcfadden6261 6 ай бұрын

In the US, everything is so casual that anything not a T-shirt and jeans is considered “formal” for the vast majority of the public. Just wearing a sport coat or a tie passes for form these days.

@stylesproductions2021 8 ай бұрын

Hello, I'm going to my first homecoming, and I our dress is semi-formal. However, I wanted to wear a black jean jacket with patches on it. Is that acceptable?

@caraboska 10 ай бұрын

I personally would have defined semi-formal as black or midnight blue suit (without satin lapel facings and galons) + long tie + dark dress shoes. All of the other options I see here strike me as the upper end of business casual. But then again, I'm nearly 60 years old, so what do I know, right?

@MrDanielWP 10 ай бұрын

"Bow ties are too casual for evening events." You mean, aside from black tie and white tie?

@jadakowers590 10 ай бұрын

Would you consider semi-formal ware to be the same as what used to be called Sunday best. Would semi-formal in the classic sense be appropriate for a tea party or tea dance? The more dressy the dress code is, the more you get to wear the suits, jackets, ties, pocket squares and cufflinks that are owned, but also mostly forgotten about. I’ve seen jeans and flannel shirts worn at a wedding and at the opera. Neither was accompanied by a tie or a jacket of any sort.

@carlosbravo6744 10 ай бұрын

Yep, I'm confused. That's for sure.

@iainmc9859 10 ай бұрын

I'd beg to differ in the formality scale: Smart Casual - no tie required Semi-Formal - Tie required but not necessarily a suit. Formal - Appropriate Suit and Tie Black Tie - Appropriate Suit and Black Bow Tie Morning Suit - as per White Tie - as per Cultural/Regional variations may apply, in Texas I'm sure your best cowboy boots could be worn to a black tie event. I'd say what you were wearing falls firmly into the 'Smart Casual' category.

@dandiehm8414 10 ай бұрын

I've got to disagree here. Formal means AT LEAST a Tuxedo. White tie would be preferred.

@KieraQ0323 10 ай бұрын

I've always understood it as smart casual - no suit or tie required business casual - suit or tie business - suit and tie semi-formal - conservative dark suit and tie or black tie formal - white tie or morning dress

@rodolfolasparri 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for yet another great video. Constructive criticism: One man is shown walking, incorrectly wearing his brown double-breasted suit with the bottom button, buttoned. The jacket needs some tailoring, as there's puckering on the right shoulder at the seam.

@loveja1234 10 ай бұрын

It is not incorrect in itself to button the bottom button on a DB suit, as it is a traditional British way of wearing it. But I completely agree that the jacket is way too tight.

@dandiehm8414 10 ай бұрын

@@loveja1234If you are speaking of Kyle( the dark skinned gentleman) he always wears his clothes way too tightly. :(

@loveja1234 10 ай бұрын

@@dandiehm8414 i agree, it's unfortunate. His athletic silhouette would benefit greatly by the classic fit espoused by Raphael

@themoderndandy713 10 ай бұрын

Cary Grant and Fred Astaire have been seen with the bottom button of their double-breasted suit coat undone. King Charles typically wears his with both buttons done, but there is an image of him in an 8x3 double-breasted blazer with every button undone. I would say that if King Charles wears both buttons fastened, it's alright, as is the alternatives. Even the Duke of Windsor wore his double-breasted suits with only the bottom(!) button fastened.

@buyunzhang6083 10 ай бұрын

There is a piece of hair on the speaker’s shirt.😂

@pedrogarciarobleto 7 ай бұрын

Oh well... living in a country where Cocktail/Semi-Formal are the dressiest Dress Codes used, I like wearing Black-Tie anytime Semi-Formal is requested, except of course, when it's a wedding, just to not dress over the Groom.

@Kennybooy9 4 ай бұрын

Thinking about tails.. you forgot about Freemason meetings.

@Alex55455 11 күн бұрын

Formal to the average person these days would mean a conservative dark business suit, white shirt and a solid dark coloured tie. If you put semi formal then most people would be thinking of wearing things like suits with no ties and coloured shirts, lightered coloured suits or sports coats with odd trousers/chinos.

@dapperdan9573 10 ай бұрын

I'm confused

@elliottmcfadden6261 6 ай бұрын

How is a bow tie too informal for the evening?!?

@user-fo8ev2rq4x 10 ай бұрын

Those semi formal examples are formal wear for me.

@valariebrown3768 10 ай бұрын

Try parsing the formality rules in feminine clothes.😅😅😅

@karlr750 10 ай бұрын

If an occasion allows me to wear feminine clothes, then it's probably a Halloween party, so the rules go out the window.

@valdencorr2861 9 ай бұрын

Nowadays (at least in the US) most people think semi-formal is anything but jeans and a t-shirt. It's sad.

@AntPDC 10 ай бұрын

Raphael has always said that a pocket square should never harmonise with a tie/bowtie. Whilst it may seem like the simplest way to coordinate your attire, matching your tie to your pocket square is breaking all style rules. The purpose of the pocket square is to complement the rest of your ensemble with a design that offers a contrast, in order to accentuate the look.

@dandiehm8414 10 ай бұрын

"Raphael has always said that a pocket square should never harmonise with a tie/bowtie" Noe, he said it should never MATCH or be the same. It should definitely "harmonize" (as opposed to clash with) your tie.

@AntPDC 10 ай бұрын

A gentleman does not sport a demi-Mohican on any occasion 🤣

@Stars-fj8tl Ай бұрын

Mia School Yes 👍 Alex School Yes 👍

@roodersclive8654 10 ай бұрын

Disagree about loafers. Depends on the type, colour etc and one of the clips clearly shows a pair of loafers being worn in this setting.

@kbalch 7 ай бұрын

My lifelong understanding (and the code to which I still hold myself) is that semi-formal is black tie (white or black dinner jackets, morning suits, etc.), while formal is strictly white tie and tails. There are, sadly, far too few occasions for which formal attire is required any longer and, seemingly day by day, fewer events for which semi-formal is specified. Nothing brings down an otherwise elegant environment quite so much as being surrounded by the underdressed, except for the presence of children. I'll continue to mourn the ongoing devolution of sartorial standards (and, unfortunately, every other sort) while nearly always being the best-dressed person in the room.

@BrandonE-ri4km 10 ай бұрын

Semi formal: What’s appropriate for church

@BobTheHatKing 10 ай бұрын

So are we gonna see a truck in a suit?

@johnrexgonzales2102 10 ай бұрын

1rst

@tonythetourist2025 10 ай бұрын

I almost understood what he said.Thank goodness, I am a common man that has no need for this type of attire. Love the role playing to get to dress up though.

@walterfoyt5985 10 ай бұрын

I enjoy your video but think you are “preaching to the choir”. The people that watch you video already know how to dress and people that wear jeans, tee shirts and trainers to the opera don’t.

@themoderndandy713 10 ай бұрын

"White tie at the opera might have been the thing back in the day, but things have certainly changed since then." Certainly not for me, sir!

@darthdiamo6902 10 ай бұрын

Outside of hosting your own event, it is the only place left that's open to the public to wear white tie. Any other event, you need to either be somebody, or be a part of something.

@themoderndandy713 10 ай бұрын

@@darthdiamo6902 True, with a small exception of ballroom dance. As a ballroom dancer myself, I greatly enjoy going to formal social dances - say, New Year's Eve dances, Mardi Gras balls, and other types of events. One doesn't even need to be an expert to go to those sorts of ballroom dancing things. Some competitions actually require white tie in the world of ballroom dance, too. I also would note that I consider any sort of formal ball or gala "white tie optional." (And for me, optional means obligatory.) For example, there's a 1940s-themed Christmas ball here in Denver, and I wear white tie to that. I also wore white tie to the Opera Colorado black tie gala - but maybe that's the same as opera.

@darthdiamo6902 10 ай бұрын

@@themoderndandy713 I forgot about ballroom dance. One of the hardest parts of men's wear is the info gathering: Brands, Events, Style rules, etc. It seems that these types of ballroom dance/gala primarily takes place during Christmas/New Year's season, and in big cities/state capitals. I'll try and find some events near me, but as stated, search engines can be, Less-than-useful, so unless you're, in-the-know, I feel it hard to find. Do you have any tips for when it comes to trying to find these events?

@karlr750 10 ай бұрын

@@themoderndandy713 , Where I live (Houston) tends to be on the casual side of attire. However, New Year's Eve dances (especially if ballroom is in the music mix) are one of the few places where people dress up. The last one I went to (2021-2022) there were four men wearing creative black tie. I went in a semi-formal kilt ensemble, so I didn't feel underdressed. On the other hand, I wasn't wearing my dressiest kilt, because my wife wanted me to wear the one that complemented her blue dress. Oh well. There will be other years.