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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be bummed that " a semi formal event" is not formal at all?

33 replies

Onlyrainbows · 08/02/2022 17:47

I'm going to a business corporate event and the dress code was "semi formal" so I thought it would be "cocktail" but it just needs no jeans :(

OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 08/02/2022 17:48

Semi formal was never going to mean cocktail though was it Hmm semi formal is pretty much the same as smart casual.

UndertheCedartree · 08/02/2022 17:51

I must admit if I thought I would be going to a formal event (and had the money to buy a dress) I would be very excited as I never go anywhere like that! So yes, I'd be disappointed if I then found out it just meant no jeans! Grin

Hellocatshome · 08/02/2022 17:53

Ah I forgot the AIBU yes I would also be annoyed if my envisaged cocktail dress event turned into a run of the mill no jeans event.

Original poster
Onlyrainbows · 08/02/2022 17:56

The event is supposed to be an "awards gala dinner" that + semi formal means party/cocktail dress not just "no jeans".

OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 08/02/2022 17:58

Are you going with other women? Why not just wear your party dresses anyway life is too short.

daimbarsatemydogsbone · 08/02/2022 17:59

YABU All dress codes are ridiculous.

daimbarsatemydogsbone · 08/02/2022 17:59

YA also BU to use the term "bummed"

Original poster
Onlyrainbows · 08/02/2022 18:09

The only three I know are my boss, and some other lady (who like to be comfortable above anything else) and another lady who I would assume would wear a cocktail dress, but I'm sure given the announcement today nobody will line to "overdress".

OP posts:
LockdownLisa · 08/02/2022 18:11

Honestly, just wear it and look fabulous. Who cares if people think you're overdressed?

BrioNotBiro · 08/02/2022 18:26

Isn't it supposed to be, "Better overdressed than underdressed"? Wear your nice dress - it's not as if you're going in a ball gown and tiara.

Original poster
Onlyrainbows · 08/02/2022 18:37

It's this dress (for reference)

To be bummed that " a semi formal event" is not formal at all?
OP posts:
OnwardsAndSideways1 · 08/02/2022 18:42

I was all intent on saying wear what you like and just overdress, I mean I overdress in daily life all the time. Having said that, that is quite a distinctive evening/cocktail dress and unless you are pretty sure it's that type of event, I'd probably go for something dressy, like little black dress with heels, but which could also look less formal. That really is quite dressy unless you know others are going to be at least slightly dressed up.

PaintYourDreams · 08/02/2022 18:44

Lovely dress but it's too short to be a formal 'cocktail dress' so you will be fine. Just wear what you want anyway! Better to be overdressed than underdressed. Enjoy!

andysgirl22 · 08/02/2022 18:44

Just wanted to say that dress is gorgeous OP. Just wear it anyway look fabulous, feel fabulous, have a fabulous time. As pps have said life is too short, enjoy it to the max, and hope u win xx

stuntbubbles · 08/02/2022 18:48

That dress doesn’t say formal or semi-formal or cocktail to me – too short!

LadyLolaRuben · 08/02/2022 18:55

Semi formal isn't cocktail, its smart casual

nocoolnamesleft · 08/02/2022 18:57

I would definitely think semi formal meant cocktail dress. That's certainly what it always meant on cruises: 3 categories - formal, semi formal, and elegant casual. But I also agree that dress is rather short for semi formal.

chilli1212 · 08/02/2022 18:57

I'd say that's a party dress, not a cocktail dress.

Skiptheheartsandflowers · 08/02/2022 18:59

How can an awards gala dinner be 'semi formal'? Makes no sense. The organisers are weird.

ABCDEF1234 · 08/02/2022 19:05

Whatever the dress code that is not work appropriate - it's far too short

Original poster
Onlyrainbows · 08/02/2022 19:13

I'm short, so I'm sure it will be longer on me!

To be bummed that " a semi formal event" is not formal at all?
OP posts:
iklboo · 08/02/2022 19:15

That's definitely not a formal dress even if it is longer on you. Lovely dress, just not formal.

ShirleyPhallus · 08/02/2022 19:16

They say this so that men can wear their work suits to the event or chinos and a jacket and not have to hire a tux

The cocktail dress is ok, but that jumpsuit is better

Original poster
Onlyrainbows · 08/02/2022 19:17

With photo! Of the previous

To be bummed that " a semi formal event" is not formal at all?
OP posts:
SpaceDetective · 08/02/2022 19:18

If a cocktail dress is semi formal what would formal be?