Decoding Wedding Dress Codes: Semiformal

There are two seasons in my life, football season and wedding season. Engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and weddings, oh my! My spring and summer calendar is full of wedding celebrations. Though I enjoy reuniting with old friends, sharing memories, and celebrating the unity of marriage, my bank account takes a hit from my wedding season wardrobe. This inspired me to create looks for popular wedding dress codes, with the help of Goodwill of course. Without further ado, here’s Part 3 of Decoding Wedding Dress Codes: Semiformal (Check out earlier posts on  Black Tie and Black Tie Optional!)

Dress: Goodwill (Similar Splurge // Save); Clutch: Elaine Turner; Earrings: House of Harlow via Rocksbox (first month free with coupon code betsyappletonxoxo); Shoes: Steve Madden, old (Similar Here)

Not that I have deemed myself the queen of wedding dress codes  (I’ve been to enough weddings to qualify for the title), Semiformal, AKA cocktail, is one of the most popular and versatile wedding dress codes. A cocktail dress in a light fabric or dressy skirt or top is perfect for the occasion. Feel free to incorporate bright colors for a daytime or afternoon wedding, but steer to the darker end of the color spectrum for late afternoon and early evening events.

Please ladies, this is not the time to break out that fuchsia bodycon dress you wore once in 2010 to a sorority formal. Be respectful of the bride when choosing length and neckline. All of the guests should whisper about the beautiful, glowing bride and not your Janet Jackson-esque wardrobe malfunction while you whip and nae-nae across the dance floor.

This royal blue Goodwill find (Similar) is a perfect transition piece for either a day or an evening soirèe, and it cost less than $10. Updating the accessories with a gold clutch and statement earrings transforms this dress for an evening wedding. The length and neckline err on the conservative side, but the ruffles mask sassy sheer panels on the sides of the bodice. Bonus points for the ruffles also hiding that extra piece of wedding cake! 🙂

Now that we are heading for the heart of wedding season, what is your go-to wedding look? Leave me a comment below!