Learn English – Alternatives for Semi-Formal Attire

synonyms

Working on a wedding invitation, small conflict between interested parties resulting in the need for an alternative to the wording "Semi-Formal" Attire.
The conflict arises from the overall theme of the wedding being rustic. The key words would be "Not Jeans" that led to the use of semi formal in the first place.

Best Answer

You will find several places that define various dress code specifications, and most of them seem to be in close agreement. For instance Style-Caster or Emily Post provide this kind of information.

In your case it looks like Business Casual is a good match:

Most offices have a dress code that calls for business casual. For women, pants and a blazer or a pencil skirt and a fun blouse, is the way to go. Guys can wears slacks or chinos and a collared shirt. Absolutely no jeans or sneakers.

The problem you're going to find is that these definitions don't come to be understood as naturally as the words you might use to ask directions or order breakfast. The mere mention of business casual to some (me included) suggests work and not fun, but there you have it. Many people, I suspect, will think they know what it means. Some of them will be right and some of them will be wrong. A small fraction may look it up. A smaller fraction may wonder if you think it means the same thing that they think it means. If they love their jeans, they are going to err on the side of personal preference.

White Tie and Black Tie are something different all together. If someone doesn't know what that means, they are going to look it up and they will have no doubts that your meaning is exactly what their research tells them.

Read more: http://stylecaster.com/dress-code/#ixzz3UFcKQ74P

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