Semi-Formal Vs. Formal

[morgs]

Ok,,,need some advice on another issue. After googling, dog-piling, ask.com, and yahooing, I CANNOT get a straight answer on what it means to dress 'semi-formal'
As a result of working as a radio rep. and announcer, we're often times asked to attend events in our area. We have a Wine Promanade comming up this weekend and after reading the ticket stubs for times and location, I also read that it stated 'Semi-Formal Event'
I have an idea on what it means, but my biggest concern is to show up with the appropriate attire so as not to insult. This is a non-profit event as well , which one of my Clients is a major sponsor of so it's pretty important to me. I get that we can't just show up looking like skids , but I also don't want to show up looking like I am about to walk the Red Carpet. I have narrowed my choices ( which is about the closest I have in my wardrobe to 'Semi-Formal) to three items.

*A Dark Navy Sheeth Dress , Side Slit with an Ivory/Silk Crop jacket. ( Ankle Length )
*A Black Empire Waist V-Neck Cocktail dress ( Above the Knee Length )
*A Black Rhinestone Strap -Floor Length Dress.

My question. Go with the Knee Lenth, Ankle Length ,or Floor Length? I really want to wear the Cocktail dress, BUT, I fear that since it's still a little chilly ( 60 degrees max )and going to be cloudy and rainy here in Minnesota , I may look too Summery. I do have a conservative black shawl that I can bring with too, but I just need some opinions on what to wear so I don't stick out like a sore thumb.

I considered one of my black pant suits to wear, but also fear that may look to 'office-chick'.Like I'm about to do some cold calling.

Make Up : I am a chick who loves to wear it all. I am pretty done up all the time. But have heard that it's best in these cases to play up one feature and leave it at that. Naked eyes with bold lips, OR bold eyes and naked lips.
Again as always, some advice from the more experienced in this category would be greatly appreciated. I still have a few days ( it's this Saturday ) to ponder it.
I have also decided that no matter what I wear, it's probably best to keep jewlery very simple.


Thanks again ! We'll see how this goes.

Morgs

 

[NY25]

Good news - - Cocktail dress!! Bring a wrap, or, as the dress is empire waist and you say the ivory jacket is cropped, see if they work together. Ankle length is also fine. The black, full-length is for more formal events.

For makeup, don't go with naked anything, but go either a smoky eye and a subtle lip, or a subtle eye and a bold lip.

Jewelry is flexible. I always like the look of one bold piece - a great pair of earrings or a cool necklace or something. But definitely keep it simple.

Have fun!!

 

[dr.mel_PT]

I agree, def go for the cocktail dress! Considering you have the shawl, I think you should opt for a great bold pair of earrings and a nice watch or bracelet.

 

[mspina]

Without a doubt, cocktail dress + wrap. You can't go wrong with the little black dress! I think the longer dresses cross into formal territory. They MIGHT be totally fine, but .... you also might stick out as looking *really* dressy and then might feel uncomfortable. The black cocktail dress is something that can really go either way - semi-formal through formal, so I think it's your safest bet. Wear really nice heels and accessorize and you'll be all set.

 

[Jane A]

Yup, cocktail dress. Save the floor length for the opera (picture Cher in Moonstruck -- that's formal). Ankle length is a very good second choice.

As a radio announcer, you want to look hip, though. So I wouldn't hold back on the accessories too much just because it's non-profit. You need to look a little bit like a celebrity.

If you can wear a cropped jacket I would choose that over a shawl. I love to wear shawls, but if this is a stand-up party, a shawl may become a nuisance.

Enjoy it!

 

[maddiesmum]

Good news - - Cocktail dress!! Bring a wrap, or, as the dress is empire waist and you say the ivory jacket is cropped, see if they work together. Ankle length is also fine. The black, full-length is for more formal events.

For makeup, don't go with naked anything, but go either a smoky eye and a subtle lip, or a subtle eye and a bold lip.

Jewelry is flexible. I always like the look of one bold piece - a great pair of earrings or a cool necklace or something. But definitely keep it simple.

Have fun!!

NY25 nails it in her answer.

Can you wear the ivory cropped jacket with the cocktail dress? If not, definitely go with the shawl.

I'd go with the subtle eye and bold lip: the smoky eye is more suited to evening/formal because it pulls out all the stops.

Great earrings and watch: or fab necklace that sets off the cocktail dress. But if the dress itself is quite embellished, stay away from necklace and keep earrings along simple but exquisite lines, a long gold drop for example.

Clare

 

[morgs]

Cocktail Dress it is !!

Thanks everyone for the quick and excellent responses.
I am going with the Cocktail Dress for sure. I agree that the Black Floor length would be a little to "Opra" style.

I think I am going with the Shawl. If it's nicer out and not too chilly, I can always leave it in the car. It is a standing event, so , Jane A you are right, the shawl may be a pain.
One of the guys here had a great idea: He said to ''go with the smokey eye look and leave lips a little more bare. He said that way I won't have to worry about touching up a 'good lipstick job' all night due to the fact that I'll be sipping wine all night" ( I work with the coolest guys ! )

Got the strappy heels, and a simple rhinestone bracelet with earrings. So, All I can do now is hope to God my hair turns out the way it's supposed to and I'm good to go. Thanks again for the support. Everyone here is SO COOL !

Ps: I'll see if I can get some pictures posted as well.

Morgs