Semi casual attire is a popular choice for nearly any occasion, and for good reason—it strikes the perfect balance between formality and comfort. Ideal for everyday social gatherings, it also transitions seamlessly into the workplace.
However, not everyone really makes the most of this attire. In this article, we’re going to look at what exactly semi casual dressing looks like, for both men and women. We’ll take you through all of the best clothing options and provide styling tips and advice on accessorizing the outfit you choose.
By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to put together stylish outfits that easily transition from work to party.
Semi Casual Attire for Women
You might already have a lot of options in your wardrobe, but it can be tricky getting the right combination for a truly versatile semi casual outfit. In this section, we’ll outline our favorite options.
Tops
Semi casual outfits are all about being stylish and comfortable at the same time, and there are a lot of tops that can accomplish this for you. Blouses and shirts are classic options here, and these can be paired with your choice of skirts, pants, or jeans.
Cardigans and pullovers are a practical choice if the season is a bit chilly, and they always bring a touch of sophistication along with them.
If you’re going for t-shirts, keep in mind that your attire will lean more towards the casual side. These can be dressed up or down as well, but may not be the best option if you have to clock in to work at 9:00 before a brunch with friends at 12:30.
Bottoms
Like tops, you have plenty of options in bottoms as well, each one for a different style and occasion. Skirts are a popular option; we recommend pairing these with a blouse or sweater of choice.
If you’re more of a pants and jeans person, you’ll have a lot more to choose from — dress up or down as needed. Go with wide-leg pants and culottes if you’re looking for a trendy vibe.
Dresses
Semi casual attire doesn’t have to be a pair of tops or bottoms, dresses are a good alternative in a lot of cases too. For a simple and classic look, try a shift dress, or wrap dresses if you want something more flattering and feminine. A-line dresses are also a classic choice and can be dressed up or down kind of like pants and jeans.
Footwear
Like the rest of your outfit, your footwear should match your style and occasion as well. Flats are comfortable and fairly versatile, but they’re not quite as formal as any pair of heels. Neutral ankle boots bring the best of both worlds; you can pair them with skirts, pants, or dresses for a more elevated look.
With footwear, we always emphasize comfort along with style – you should not have to compromise on either of these factors in your choice.
Accessories
Accessories are always a good idea to personalize your outfit, whether it’s casual, semi casual, or a black tie ensemble. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are all good options for semi casual outfits.
Besides jewelry, handbags can be that one practical and stylish accessory that can really complete your outfit. If the weather allows it, you can never go wrong with a fashionable scarf or hat. They’re practical, and they’ll make you look that much nicer too.
Semi Casual Attire for Men
If you’re new to semi casual attire, you might be pleasantly surprised by just how many options are available for men.
Tops
Semi casual tops have a lot of both comfortable and stylish options. For the classic choice, go with button-down shirts. These are always available in a range of fabrics and patterns, so you can pick what you like.
You can also go with polo shirts for a more relaxed look and feel or flannel shirts if the weather is a bit cooler. For winter, sweaters like cardigans and pullovers are the perfect choice.
Bottoms
As far as semi casual bottoms go, chinos are some of the most versatile options you can go with. They can be dressed up or down to suit your style. Jeans are also a timeless classic that you can pair with almost any top. If you want to go for a more formal look, try slacks worn with a button-down shirt or sweater.
Though almost every semi casual outfit is versatile, we still recommend considering the occasion before picking out your bottoms.
Footwear
Footwear is subtle but nonetheless a hugely important part of any outfit. For semi casual outfits, we recommend loafers. Like jeans and button-downs, these are a classic in their category and can easily be dressed up or down as preferred.
If you’re leaning on the casual side, go for sneakers. While most people keep them reserved for formal outfits, you can also put on a pair of dress boots with a semi casual outfit if you’re looking for a bit of sophistication. If you haven’t done so yet, remember to select the most comfortable pair of shoes, no matter which style you choose.
Accessories
Accessories with any outfit are your chance to add a personal touch to the look. Start with belts – they’re practical and can be a stylish addition as they cinch your waist. In colder weather, look at your choice of hats and scarves to get both warmth and style in one go.
Lastly, pick an everyday beater watch to go with the outfit. Something like a Tissot or Seiko can make for an excellent addition.
Tips for Styling Semi Casual Outfits
With your clothing options sorted, how do you choose the right colors? Should you layer your outfits? We’ll cover these questions (and more) in detail here:
Color Coordination
Color coordination is an often underrated part of any outfit, and this goes for semi casual attire as well.
As a general rule of thumb, you should choose colors that complement each other. This helps you create an outfit that doesn’t just look good but well put together, too. For instance, while blue and orange or green and purple might not be your go-to combinations, they can work well for many outfits.
If you’re more of a monochromatic outfit person, where you wear different shades of the same color, you’ll be fine with more or less any combination. Still, try experimenting with different shades and maybe throw in a bit of color to see if you can’t add something unique to your everyday wardrobe.
Layering
People often forget just how much better layering can make an outfit. It adds a ton of depth and dimension and lets you increase your styling options by multitudes. Essentially, you’ll be combining different pieces of clothing to create a look that, well, has layers to it (at least two).
The best time for layering is the changing of the season; it’ll help you adapt easily to the changing weather conditions. For instance, try a button-down shirt over a t-shirt on a cool day, and maybe even add a sweater or jacket for extra warmth. It’s practical and if done right, can make for a fantastic outfit at the same time.
Fit
How your clothing fits is important in every type of attire. It’s non-negotiable, your clothes have to fit well. Unless you’re going for a completely casual look with oversized clothing, you’ll want the polished and stylish impression that only comes with well-fitting clothes. Pay attention to the fit of your tops, bottoms, and outerwear to get the most out of your look.
The general guidelines here are to make sure your garments fit without being too tight or too loose. If anything is loose and drooping where it shouldn’t, it’s too loose. If it feels like it might tear at the slightest of awkward movements, it’s probably too tight.
The best way to get well-fitting clothes is to get them properly tailored. It’ll accentuate your silhouette and make you look and feel your absolute best.
Experiment With Semi Casual Attire
Semi casual attire is a wonderfully versatile and stylish option for pretty much any occasion. Once you understand what it’s all about and follow the tips we outlined in this article, you’ll be able to put together outfits from your current wardrobe that keep you comfortable, look good, and fit right into any theme.
Remember to experiment with all the different colors you have in your wardrobe (if it’s only monochromatic, it might be time for something new). With a little effort, you’ll be an absolute master of the semi casual style and create countless timeless looks for your personality.
