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Semi-Formal Dresses

Semi-formal dresses are closet staples, perfect for a variety of special occasions. Available in a range of styles, colors, and price points, the semi-formal party dresses in this collection at PromGirl offer fashion-forward looks for every woman. When you get an invitation and see that the dress code is semi-formal, you’re in luck! You’ll get to be dressy for the party, but not too dressy. A semi-formal invite means that the event is not too casual and not too fancy -- just somewhere in between. Typical semi-formal dresses are short with a dash of fancy flair, but nothing too formal. Perfect for homecoming, Sadie’s Hawkins (or Twirp) dances, or wedding receptions, these dresses are fun and versatile styles that can easily be worn to more than one special occasion. For an affordable and chic look, shop PromGirl’s assortment of short semi-formal dresses to find a style or two that’s just right for you.
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How to Dress for a Semi-Formal Event

Dresses for semi-formals are dressier than a casual outfit, but not as formal as a long gown. So when you plan to attend a semi-formal event, skip the jeans, cute summer dresses, and fancy gowns, and go for a short semi-formal party dress. When choosing what to wear to a semi-formal event, you should take into consideration the time of day and type of celebration or event that you will be attending. An afternoon event usually calls for knee-length or short dresses in light hues or bright floral prints. If you are attending an evening event, consider a short semi-formal party dress in rich jewel tones, like ruby red, royal blue, or emerald green. For any semi-formal event, day or night, a little black dress is the ultimate go-to. Have a specific semi-formal event in mind? Check out the top five semi-formal events below for tips on dressing for each occasion.

Homecoming: Semi-formal dresses are perfect for homecoming dances and festivities. You can go trendy in a simple party dress with a v-neckline and head-turning statement back design, or plan to dazzle in a beaded or sequined semi-formal dress.

Sadie’s Hawkins Dance: For a Sadie’s dance, the hardest part is asking your date to the dance! The fun part is picking a semi-formal dress that suits you. Whether you prefer a sleek and tight party dress or a flirty and flattering a-line Sadie’s dress, a semi-formal style is the way to go.

Weddings: When the invite states the dress code is semi-formal, think refined and sophisticated for your wedding guest attire. Keep your look conservative, especially for religious ceremonies, with a modest neckline and sleeves. Your semi-formal dress can be any color, except bridal white, as long as the invitation does not call for a specific color for the wedding theme.

Junior or Senior Prom: Short semi-formal dresses for teens are just right for junior or senior proms, as long as the school’s dress code permits short styles. Keep it trendy with a burgundy red, mauve pink, or blue semi-formal dress, or step out in a bold print design. Whatever color or style suits you, there’s a semi-formal dress for junior or senior prom that’s just right for you.

8th Grade Formals: A perfect excuse to get dressy, an eighth grade formal dance calls for short semi-formal dresses with fun and flirty details. Go for a semi dress with sparkly embellishments, hints of lace, or twirl-worthy babydoll skirts, and don’t forget to have fun!

Whatever your budget, you are sure to find an ideal semi-formal dress for any special occasion at PromGirl. Shop this collection for an on-trend and affordable short semi-formal party dress for the next celebration on your social calendar.

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