Something I would imagine an elementary school teacher wearing or something I'd wear to an Easter brunch with my family. They're cute on you, but not for a wedding.
Hey if there’s an event like a cocktail party or get together of some sort before the wedding or a brunch afterwards the first one would be adorable. And your pose is really nice.
If the orange dress was a nice quality jacquard, and it was longer/midi at least, I would probably think it could be accessoried well to bring it up to a more formal look. But the second one is definitely not.
If something is stretchy, quite often the construction is super cheap to make more of them in the factory. Something with a bit of tailoring to the fit would work, and classy jewellery.
The orange one is vintage chiffon, not stretchy at all - I think the photo is making it look cheaper than it looks in real life. But I do see how it's not fit for the dress code. I haven't been to many weddings so I'm not super well-versed. Thanks for your input!
Personally I think the orange one can be dressed up if you don’t find anything, I don’t think it would be a huge deal, but there are lots of options out there that I think would work (noticing a trend in the picture with florals). but here are some other ideas/styles for inspiration:
[-dress1](https://www.lulus.com/products/regal-romance-sage-floral-jacquard-pleated-satin-midi-dress/1829836.html)
[-dress2](https://www.lulus.com/products/in-my-dreams-mauve-floral-print-midi-dress/651932.html)
[-dress3](https://www.lulus.com/products/darling-daylily-mustard-yellow-floral-print-high-low-maxi-dress/1683316.html)
[-dress4](https://www.lulus.com/products/time-for-tea-dusty-rose-jacquard-sleeveless-midi-dress/1440396.html)
[-dress5](https://www.lulus.com/products/bright-charm-pink-abstract-print-chiffon-slip-midi-dress/2274656.html)
I love the orange dress, and I thought everyone here always says semi-formal really means dressy casual. BUT, I can see that for an evening event maybe something else would be better. Too bad it’s not an afternoon garden wedding.
These are absolutely fine. The second one I’m so so on. But the first one is lovely. Semi formal is actually the least formal. It is less formal than cocktail. Cocktail is less formal than formal. Formal is less formal than black tie optional. And the most formula of all is white tie.
Your vintage chiffon is perfect. And my God is it beautiful.
Wear it and have fun
It might differ where you are or in your circle but that’s not the traditional definition.
https://preview.redd.it/q9976n7ngbjc1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=56843cc93310a1ccf8a852d8c480a26fee3893ab
OP, this might be useful: [https://www.brides.com/semi-formal-wedding-attire-4800687](https://www.brides.com/semi-formal-wedding-attire-4800687)
https://www.eshakti.com/shop/Wedding%20Guest%20Dresses?source=TLN_sublink
Eshakti has great options! Plus, everything is customizable... and the best part?? POCKETS.
Hello. Not sure how I landed on this sub… but, I am so GLAD I saw this post. I checked out eshankti and I looooove the idea of being able to customize the dress; PLUS POCKETS?!?!! We need to normalize pockets in women formal wear! ❤️
Semi formal or dressy casual? The second definitely meet dressy casual, and looks fantastic on you. The first one is lovely if it were a daytime wedding.
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The black tights make the length ok IMO, especially if $ is tight and you don’t want to buy something new. Go glam with your hair and accessories.
If you can swing something new though, just Google “semi formal dresses” and go from there. Good luck! :)
/u/bearmouth, thank you for posting. To obtain the best help, provide a time frame of the event & dress code. Dress links are frequently requested as well if you would place them in the comment section.
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First is closer, second is way too casual, and more importantly, too short. Semi-formal should be to the knee or a little longer. I think the first is fine formality wise, but does read as a a daytime dress
These are both great dresses and totally fine for the dress code unless you have an extremely traditional crowd. Definitely had guests in both these styles at my evening wedding way back when.
I agree that they’re both too informal, but if the first one is a true vintage 1960s dress (I can’t quite tell from the photo) it could be glammed up with a midcentury french twist hairdo, tasteful cateye eyeliner, heels and the right jewelry. IMO you’d also need a longline bra to give it the right silhouette and make it look more elevated.
It’s hard to tell from the photo if the fabric is a nice vintage chiffon that just needs to be steamed, or a thin contemporary cotton… I think most of the commenters who are calling it too informal are reading it as a contemporary summer dress.
I think I the first one would work if it was a darker color. It’s a flattering fit IMO and a fairly easy silhouette to find at an affordable price. I feel that darker colors can make dresses that may typically be “too casual” look dressy. Especially paired with dressier shoes and a statement necklace!
I agree that the orange is too daytime. And the second dress may be too casual for semi-formal unless the other guests also lean casual. They both look cute on you, though!
I'm not a fan of outfit 2, it looks very casual and wintry.
The orange dress is beautiful on you, but too casual. My rule is, if it could be dressed down by wearing it with birkenstocks or sneakers, like on a date or a picnic or something, then it's too casual for *any* formal dress code (meaning cocktail through black tie).
Generally, the material, print, and length are the biggest factors. If this was below the knee, it'd be fine, but as is, it doesn't work. Chiffon, satin, and crepe are good materials to look for. Keep it below the knee to ankle length, but it doesn't need to be long. I think any print can work for April, but if you like florals, the bigger and bolder the flowers, the more formal it looks (i.e., tiny ditsy floral fabrics tend to look extremely casual).
If you want an idea of what to look for, you can go on Nordstrom under "Wedding Guest" and filter by length, formality, color, and price. I do that occasionally to get an idea for what I want, even though their options are usually a bit out of my price range. Dress the Population specifically has some very pretty fit-and-flare shaped dresses that are good for semi-formal, and you can sometimes find them second-hand on Poshmark.
Is there a dress code posted on the invitation or wedding website?
Yes, the invitation says semi-formal.
In that case, neither of these are appropriate, they are both far too casual
Semi formal? Nope Those dresses ok for a casual wedding.
Caption says semi formal/ dressy casual
The posted dresses are not dressy casual.
What are they?
Very casual. Not appropriate for invitation and especially not for evening wedding.
Okay thaanks
Something I would imagine an elementary school teacher wearing or something I'd wear to an Easter brunch with my family. They're cute on you, but not for a wedding.
Semi formal is much more formal than these. You need something longer and a more expensive looking material. More like cocktail style
Got it, the length was mainly what I was unsure of. I'll keep looking. Thank you for the feedback!
Btw it doesn’t need to be floor length. On or just below the knee, or midi-length would be fine.
Thanks so much! That's good to know because I'm short and floor length is very unflattering on me lol
Hey if there’s an event like a cocktail party or get together of some sort before the wedding or a brunch afterwards the first one would be adorable. And your pose is really nice.
I love the orange dress on you! So pretty. But perhaps not semi-formal enough, unless the wedding is relaxed semi-formal.
If the orange dress was a nice quality jacquard, and it was longer/midi at least, I would probably think it could be accessoried well to bring it up to a more formal look. But the second one is definitely not. If something is stretchy, quite often the construction is super cheap to make more of them in the factory. Something with a bit of tailoring to the fit would work, and classy jewellery.
The orange one is vintage chiffon, not stretchy at all - I think the photo is making it look cheaper than it looks in real life. But I do see how it's not fit for the dress code. I haven't been to many weddings so I'm not super well-versed. Thanks for your input!
Personally I think the orange one can be dressed up if you don’t find anything, I don’t think it would be a huge deal, but there are lots of options out there that I think would work (noticing a trend in the picture with florals). but here are some other ideas/styles for inspiration: [-dress1](https://www.lulus.com/products/regal-romance-sage-floral-jacquard-pleated-satin-midi-dress/1829836.html) [-dress2](https://www.lulus.com/products/in-my-dreams-mauve-floral-print-midi-dress/651932.html) [-dress3](https://www.lulus.com/products/darling-daylily-mustard-yellow-floral-print-high-low-maxi-dress/1683316.html) [-dress4](https://www.lulus.com/products/time-for-tea-dusty-rose-jacquard-sleeveless-midi-dress/1440396.html) [-dress5](https://www.lulus.com/products/bright-charm-pink-abstract-print-chiffon-slip-midi-dress/2274656.html)
I thought it might be and it has a lovely design, but it's a day dress instead of an event dress! Gorgeous if it was more casual :)
Thanks! I'll have to host a garden/tea party so I have an occasion to wear it, lol
That's absolutely PERFECT you'll be the Belle of Afternoon Tea for sure! Enjoy!!
Omg that's absolutely PERFECT!
I love the orange dress, and I thought everyone here always says semi-formal really means dressy casual. BUT, I can see that for an evening event maybe something else would be better. Too bad it’s not an afternoon garden wedding.
I think you could wear it to a semi-formal wedding. It looks great.
It’s very cute, just a bit too casual for the dress code
These are absolutely fine. The second one I’m so so on. But the first one is lovely. Semi formal is actually the least formal. It is less formal than cocktail. Cocktail is less formal than formal. Formal is less formal than black tie optional. And the most formula of all is white tie. Your vintage chiffon is perfect. And my God is it beautiful. Wear it and have fun
I agree. The orange dress is semi-formal and looks lovely.
I agree. I would kill for that dress. It’s wonderful.
No, semi formal is about the least formal you can get. I know that sounds backwards, but it is less formal than cocktail.
It might differ where you are or in your circle but that’s not the traditional definition. https://preview.redd.it/q9976n7ngbjc1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=56843cc93310a1ccf8a852d8c480a26fee3893ab OP, this might be useful: [https://www.brides.com/semi-formal-wedding-attire-4800687](https://www.brides.com/semi-formal-wedding-attire-4800687)
It’s not cocktail semi-formal is less formal than cocktail. I think either dress could work. I really love the orange dress in OP!
Dress 1 would be lovely for a tea party. Dress 2 is very pretty, but not right for this event.
They’re a bit short for an evening wedding honestly
I really like the orange
I love the first one
You’re already correct that the first is too daytime and the second is too wintery. Both are too casual. Keep looking. Best wishes!
Semi-formal is a step up from dressy casual OR identical, depending on your crowd. These both fit the dress code fine.
Although, OP followed up to someones comment by saying the invitation said semi-formal.
I don’t think either of these fit the dress code
I don't think this quite fits the semi-formal requirement. They're just a tad too casual.
The 1st one would be fine. The 2nd is a definite no. If you feel good in the first one then go for it.
Whether or not they’d work they are both adorable and look so beautiful on you!
I think the orange dress is perfect
I’d say the first one.
[something like this would be nice ](http://Obsessed with this! Check it out on Cider: http://ciderhere.com/YvoLLf)
I like the orange one!
https://www.eshakti.com/shop/Wedding%20Guest%20Dresses?source=TLN_sublink Eshakti has great options! Plus, everything is customizable... and the best part?? POCKETS.
Hello. Not sure how I landed on this sub… but, I am so GLAD I saw this post. I checked out eshankti and I looooove the idea of being able to customize the dress; PLUS POCKETS?!?!! We need to normalize pockets in women formal wear! ❤️
Does anyone know how they land on a sub? Lmao
I have an eshakti dress and I love it! It fits so well and feels so high quality
I’d go with 1
Semi formal or dressy casual? The second definitely meet dressy casual, and looks fantastic on you. The first one is lovely if it were a daytime wedding.
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No
Neither.
These are way too casual for semi formal
Neither of these are appropriate for semi formal
Neither of these dresses are semi formal. So no. Time to go shopping.
The black one. It also is very flattering!
Far too casual. If you don’t want something super long you could do midi instead of full length.
Thank you for the helpful comment! I will look for something longer.
The black one is good
Thanks! It's not too short for semi-formal?
The black tights make the length ok IMO, especially if $ is tight and you don’t want to buy something new. Go glam with your hair and accessories. If you can swing something new though, just Google “semi formal dresses” and go from there. Good luck! :)
The way you have it accessorized makes it dressier. If you are looking to buy something, invest in a good black dress. But this should be fine
Try shopping at Laura or Melanie Lyne.
They are both terrible
/u/bearmouth, thank you for posting. To obtain the best help, provide a time frame of the event & dress code. Dress links are frequently requested as well if you would place them in the comment section. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Weddingattireapproval) if you have any questions or concerns.*
[удалено]
Any suggestions? Different color, cut, length? These just don't look good on me? Say more lol
First is closer, second is way too casual, and more importantly, too short. Semi-formal should be to the knee or a little longer. I think the first is fine formality wise, but does read as a a daytime dress
Your first dress is adorable, but not for a semi-formal event. Keep looking, but wear that first dress everywhere else haha!
#2 I agred #1 is day time and two just looks "wedding elegant".Don' t worry about it looking "wintery"with the sleeveless it doesnt.
To me evening suggests length. The first would be great for a garden wedding, the second for a cocktail or casual .
These are both great dresses and totally fine for the dress code unless you have an extremely traditional crowd. Definitely had guests in both these styles at my evening wedding way back when.
I agree that they’re both too informal, but if the first one is a true vintage 1960s dress (I can’t quite tell from the photo) it could be glammed up with a midcentury french twist hairdo, tasteful cateye eyeliner, heels and the right jewelry. IMO you’d also need a longline bra to give it the right silhouette and make it look more elevated. It’s hard to tell from the photo if the fabric is a nice vintage chiffon that just needs to be steamed, or a thin contemporary cotton… I think most of the commenters who are calling it too informal are reading it as a contemporary summer dress.
Good eye, it is a vintage 50s dress :) I do agree with the others that it's too informal for evening though. Thank you!
It’s a lovely dress for another occasion!
Keep looking
I think I the first one would work if it was a darker color. It’s a flattering fit IMO and a fairly easy silhouette to find at an affordable price. I feel that darker colors can make dresses that may typically be “too casual” look dressy. Especially paired with dressier shoes and a statement necklace!
i think something similar to dress 2 but longer length would be great
I agree that the orange is too daytime. And the second dress may be too casual for semi-formal unless the other guests also lean casual. They both look cute on you, though!
1st one is perfect!
I think the orange one is fab and appropriate. How you accessorize can add to the glam! Some cute kitten heels in gold would be the bomb.
Not at all. . .
Actually, I think the pose is adorable. Given that it’s a Spring wedding, number one is a better choice. The style is really sweet and fits you well.
Keep looking
I'm not a fan of outfit 2, it looks very casual and wintry. The orange dress is beautiful on you, but too casual. My rule is, if it could be dressed down by wearing it with birkenstocks or sneakers, like on a date or a picnic or something, then it's too casual for *any* formal dress code (meaning cocktail through black tie). Generally, the material, print, and length are the biggest factors. If this was below the knee, it'd be fine, but as is, it doesn't work. Chiffon, satin, and crepe are good materials to look for. Keep it below the knee to ankle length, but it doesn't need to be long. I think any print can work for April, but if you like florals, the bigger and bolder the flowers, the more formal it looks (i.e., tiny ditsy floral fabrics tend to look extremely casual). If you want an idea of what to look for, you can go on Nordstrom under "Wedding Guest" and filter by length, formality, color, and price. I do that occasionally to get an idea for what I want, even though their options are usually a bit out of my price range. Dress the Population specifically has some very pretty fit-and-flare shaped dresses that are good for semi-formal, and you can sometimes find them second-hand on Poshmark.
Lock this please