Daytime Semiformal Looks for Grown Women

My sister was invited to an event that had a dress code of semi-formal and took place during the daytime. She shared how hard it was to find a stylish look as a grown woman, especially with a good size range. Weddings, bar mitzvahs, retirement parties, political events… there are a lot of semiformal occasions that take place during the day where you want to show less skin, wear fewer sequins, but still fit the dress code. I thought I'd share daytime semiformal looks I liked that are available this season.

Daytime Semiformal Looks for Grown Women

A dress is the default choice for a daytime semiformal occasion. If the event starts in a house of worship (bat mitzvah, wedding, christening, etc.) consider a look that covers your shoulders. If in doubt, at least bring a shawl or topper that offers coverage that you can remove for the celebration.

Statement-making Daytime Semiformal Dresses

Top row, from left to right: one (0-20) | two (14-32) | three (XXS-XXL) | four (XS-XL) | five (XS-3X) | six (00-14)
Bottom row, from left to right: one (0-16) | two (00-16) | three (0-16) | four (14-36) | five (0-20) | six (0-16)

A skirt that is just above the kneecaps to bottom of the calf is the best length for a daytime semiformal occasion. Shorter or longer is best for evening festivities or dress codes that specify more formal or festive attire. A midi length is stylish, makes it easy to sit and reach something on the ground, and you don't have to worry as much about heel height and hosiery.

Daytime Semiformal Suits for Women

Top row, left to right: one (14W-32W) | two (P-XL) | three (2-16) | four (0-14) | five (00-18 & petite)
Bottom row, left to right: one (2-16) | two (00-16) | three (14W-32W) | four (XXS-XXXL) | five (XS-3X & tall)

A pantsuit is a stylish alternative to a dress. To have it semiformal, it should be a matched set (same color jacket and pants), a dressier fabric (crepe, silk, higher-end fine wool, something with a bit of shine), and the buttons either the same color as the suit or sparkly. Underneath, either go dressy with a camisole or shell in a silky fabric, or a button-front top in a dressy fabric (silk, crepe, chiffon) or a refined classic white dress shirt.

Daytime Semiformal Jumpsuits

Shop the collage, clockwise from top left: burgundy (0-18 & petite/tall) | green (0-14) | black with chain (00-18) | pink (16W-24W; link to misses) | black (10/12-30/32) | brown (0-26W) | floral (2-16)

Jumpsuits are an option but can often either be too dressy/festive or too casual. Look for one from a dressier fabric (crepe, silk, matte jersey) and for daytime, it should offer more coverage (nothing backless or with a plunging neckline, unless you know that's the vibe of the event host).

Tip: there are zipper tools to help manage a back zipper or consider attaching a safety pin to a piece of ribbon. Tuck in your bag to have at the event when you need to use the facilities.

Accessories can take that simple work dress and make it semiformal. Switch out your handbag for a clutch, your boots, pumps, and leather flats for a strappy low heel or a shoe from a formal fabric, your gold hoops for an earring with sparkle.

Tip: If you can't get a different pair of shoes, consider shoe clips to add glam to your favorite simple pumps and flats.

Daytime Semiformal Dresses With Belts and Defined Waists

Top row, left to right: one (10/12-30/32) | two (00-18 & petite) | three (2-14) | four (XXS-XXXL) | five (XXS-XXL)
Bottom row, left to right: one (2-16) | two (2-16) | three (XS-3X) | four (0-20/22 & petite/long) | five (0-18)

One of my favorite ways to glam up a dress is switching out the self belt or adding a belt with shine and/or sparkle. This is something I often find thrifting or at consignment shops, and you can often stock up on this kind of accessory during the holiday season when retailers carry more occasion accessories.

Shop Dressy Belts:

Sheer and Lace Overlay Dresses for Daytime Semiformal Events

Top row: leopard (XS-3X & petite/plus petite) | navy (0-28W) | red (0-14) | floral (XXS-XXXL) | burnout (2-16 & petite)
Bottom row: light blue (XXS-XXL & petite) | floral (14W-22W) | black (10/12-30/32) | purple (0-20/22 & petite) | red (14W-26W)

Chiffon overlay is an easy way to have a daytime semiformal vibe for most any style of dress. Often a slip dress with a sheer layer for the sleeves, bodice, and skirt, chiffon overlays can be printed, ruffled, have metallic threads, embroidery, and beading on them. A lace overlay will achieve a similar effect.

Daytime semiformal is a dress code that confuddles many. You will see a mix of workwear and cocktail attire. Trying to find a middle ground will be your best bet, and have you comfortable regardless of the crowd around you. Even if the suggestions in this article are not right for you, I hope they give you some direction to help you find a daytime semiformal outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident for your event!