This post was last updated in January 2023.
We recently got this request in from a reader about what to wear to a law firm event with cocktails and dinner… so let’s discuss: what is the correct semi-formal attire for business events?
Hi. I have a question about semi-formal attire I was hoping you and/or your readers could answer. I have been invited to attend a law firm event (cocktails and dinner) in early April and the invitation says attire is semi-formal. I was hoping for your thoughts on what is and is not semi-formal and maybe two or three suggestions for dresses that would fit the bill. I am still in law school, so I’m looking for something I could wear to more than one occasion. I’m hoping to keep the price to around $100. Thanks!
Semi-formal: the bane of everyone’s existence. It isn’t formal, it isn’t cocktail, and no one knows what to wear. So… where does that leave you?
I’ve always heard from readers who are concerned they might be giving up some of their earned respect if they dress too feminine, too girly, too risque — and you also don’t want to be the only one standing there in sequins when all the men are just wearing whatever suits they regularly wear to work.
So what’s a girl to do?
{related: what to wear to a business cocktail party}
General Tips on What to Wear for Semi-Formal Attire for Business Functions
Our advice here is to go on the conservative side of cocktail. Your goal is Jackie Kennedy, not Marilyn Monroe (or, ahem, Romy and Michele).
As general rules, shiny fabrics and anything bedazzled are out; we would also not recommend strapless (unless worn with a bolero jacket or shrug). Sleeveless dresses are harder to avoid, but you can make them more demure by wearing a wrap.
On the flip side, you don’t want to be too boring — a plain cotton or wool fabric will be too casual for the event. If you’re looking for something to wear for more than one occasion, black is your friend.
Furthermore, we have no problem keeping the dress itself on the cheaper side — you may even be able to borrow something from a friend at the firm. But you may want to consider splurging on accessories — shoes, clutch, a beaded wrap, a sparkly brooch, a cocktail ring, et cetera.
In reality, with your budget, we’d recommend hitting discount stores or and outlet malls. (Another idea: Rent the Runway.)
(Want $30 off your first Rent the Runway order? Here’s our referral code.)
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{related: here are some fancy but easy updos for the office or beyond}
Some Specific Suggestions for What to Wear for Semi-Formal Business Events
Some of Our Latest Favorite Statement Necklaces
Here are some fun statement necklaces as of Nov. 2022… Note that Alexis Bittar, Karine Sultan, Bauble Bar, Deepa Gurnani, Knotty, and even All Saints and Kendra Scott often have some nice options as well.
{related: what to wear to the wedding of a colleague}
Some Of Our Latest Favorite Cocktail Dresses
Hunting for great cocktail dresses for work functions? Some of the best brands to check include Dress the Population, CeCe, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Calvin Klein. Some of the reader favorites from Amazon might also work! Some other recent favorites include these:
{related: what to wear to summer cocktail parties for the office}
Hunting for generally affordable evening gowns for black-tie work events? Some of our favorite brands include Lulus, Dress the Population, Eliza J, XScape, and Alex Evenings.
Hunting for plus-size gowns for black-tie work events? For affordable options we like like Kiyonna, City Chic, Reformation, and eShakti — also check out bridesmaid brands like BHLDN and Birdy Grey. If you’re open to spending more, check out Marina Rinaldi and Lafayette 148 New York (limited options).
Readers, please weigh in, particularly if you have a recent sighting of an inexpensive but appropriate semi-formal dress!
Updated stock photo via Deposit Photos / sgorin.
{related: here’s our roundup of the best foldable flats}
anonymous
I think sleeveless/strapless is okay depending on where you live. I went to a semi-formal law firm event in Los Angeles recently, and sleeveless/strapless was the norm.
Nicole
I would agree that sleeveless / strapless is pretty acceptable on the west coast, no matter the event. I always side with something silk or satin, the natural gloss makes it look more formal and classic, even if it’s a short, simple dress. Banana Republic, JCrew and Nordstrom have some good picks. Look on their sale tabs for cheaper, but still great, finds.
Anonymous
I live in Las Vegas, and it seems that strapless/sleeveless is the norm here too, both at Bar Association events and law firm events.
Anonymous
I think the bottom 2 are too dressy. Black would also be more “formal” than semi-formal, I think.
Also, there’s nothing in “semi-formal” that says you have to wear a dress — a skirt/top would be fine.
Anonymous
I think the J. Crew website would be a good place to look. Last time I checked they were having a sale and had a few dresses in the $100 price range that would work.
GS
If you’re under 29 that Sutton Studio one is too old for you.
nobody
Shop online, at stores like Nordstroms or go a BCBG outlet store. These are the two places that I get pretty much all of my semi-formal attire and you can get really good deals at both places.
Jay
I agree with GS….that first dress makes me think of an older woman in the South holding a mint julep. I also agree with all the people who have said that sleeveless is entirely appropriate for the West Coast. C’s suggestions on the whole are a bit more formal/older than I’d think for “semi-formal.” I’d think black pants and a dressy sweater from BR or Ann Taylor with a sparkly brooch or fancier jewelry would be semi-formal.
Allison
Traditionally, semi-formal refers to the length of the hemline – semi-formal used to mean that it was acceptible to wear something knee length as opposed to a floor-length ball gown. It had nothing to do with what color your dress is. If you show up to a black tie event wearing a black knee length dress, you are technically committing a faux pas.
I agree that black is the safest choice but some people can pull off jewel tones or dark blue just fine and still be appropriate. (think of our First Lady) I’d avoid red, silver, gold, orange, yellow, pastels. In NYC where I live, everyone would wear black. If I wanted to stand out while remaining conservative and appropriate, I’d probably pick another seasonal color and keep everything else simple. Either that or choose a black dress that has an interesting shape or cut. (like a one shoulder dress)
I second everyone else that you probably can’t avoid going sleeveless and that’s fine. There’s sleeveless and then there’s sleeveless with a plunging neckline. One is good, one isn’t. Beware though – semi-formal is NOT a wool sheath dress.
I’m a huge fan of the Lauren by Ralph Lauren “Ford” one-shoulder silk dress at Bloomies – it’s $164. Anne Klein Dress Women’s Matte Jersey Drape Dress with Gem Brooch at Waist for $168.00 is also pretty.
Joyce
I realize nobody here is from Hong Kong, but if you were, the Giordano Ladies chain is the place to go. (It’s the dressed up big sister of the Giordano chain, which is GAP-like). It’s got reasonably priced, slightly quirky, clothes for “OLs,” or what we call “office ladies.” They use fluid, comfy fabrics, mostly neutral colors like white, grey and black, with only an occasional splash of red.
I’m wearing a sleeveless, knee-length, black sheath dress from them now, with a high cowl-neck collar. (Not high as a turtleneck of course). The material is soft, but not tight, slightly shimmery, but not shiny.
This is my “semi-formal” event standby.
I think it was about US $100. I’ve had it for years.
BTW, on this tropical island, sleeveless is fine for work functions like this. But strapless is definitely out. it would be considered too revealing.
Jen
Elie Tahari has served me very well for work appropriate dresses. The dresses are more expensive but there are outlets and you can find items on sale at Bloomingdale’s, Saks, etc. The dresses fit well, drape nicely, and most have sleeves. Additionally, the patterns are interesting so I always get compliments on them.
Jen
Agree that Nordstrom online is a best bet. They have a ton of dresses in a range of styles and lots on sale right now!