'Semi-casual' is a dress code in the American context. It is less presentational than
Informal but not as loose, and potentially sexually suggestive, as full
casual dress.
Semi-casual dress may include:
★
Loafers or cap toe shoes.
Sandals may also be appropriate in warm
weather.
★ Dark
socks are still considered ''
de rigueur'' for
men. Women are given more leniency to wear light colored
stockings, especially in warm weather.
★
Trousers in a smooth material or
corduroy.
Women are allowed
skirts or dresses.
★ A button-down dress shirt,
sweater,
polo shirt, or sweater vest. Again, women are given more leniency, and are often allowed to wear a
T-shirt if it is of a luxurious material. Men may wear a
necktie, but it is certainly not expected.
★ Almost any kind of
coat or
hat may go with semi-casual dress in inclement weather. However, a
top hat or a woman's
Easter bonnet would be decidedly too formal.
★ In most contexts, excessive
jewelry is considered out of place with semi-casual dress. Traditionally, this has been especially true for men, though during the late
20th century, earrings and necklaces became everyday objects of
masculine attire for casual and semi-casual wear. More recently
noserings and
tongue piercings have become generally acceptable for both
genders in semi-casual wear, though
traditional offices still frown on them.
★ Hair dyed in artificial colors and heavy
cosmetics are generally considered inappropriate for semi-casual wear, although some offices exhibit leniency.
Usually means no jeans or gym shoes as well.
But jeans are okay if worn with a nice blouse and not a t-shirt.
See also
★
ceremonial dress