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The term "semiformal" may bring to mind dull cocktail dresses and staid business suits. Even etiquette guru Emily Post says you can break out of the mold of the little black dress and wear dressy separates. Leggings and a tunic qualify as separates, but before throwing them on for a semiformal event, consider the venue, the other attendees and the purpose of the event. Victoria Beckham and Mischa Barton may look fashionable sporting leggings, but you don’t often see these divas donning them on the red carpet.
Semiformal Definition
Semiformal attire is usually just one step down from formal -- which implies long gowns and tuxes. Wedding receptions, proms, bar and bat mitzvah receptions, charity events, cotillions and some holiday parties are places where semiformal dress is expected. "Nighttime semiformal" usually means a knee-length cocktail dress. You are always safe with a little black dress. For daytime, semiformal rules are a bit more relaxed; a long dressy skirt with an intricate blouse or a fancy sundress might do.
Venue
Although Emily Post says that dressy separates are okay for semiformal events, she probably means a long flowing satin skirt with a sparkly tank top or modest cashmere tee. For a lot of events, body-hugging leggings, a tunic and boots may be a bit too edgy or casual to fulfill semiformal expectations. For example, a church wedding followed by a traditional reception at a catering hall calls for more traditional semiformal attire. If you are attending a semiformal New Year’s Eve event at a club, however, your leggings outfit may fit right in.
Styling
Leggings, tunics and boots come in a variety of styles -- many of which have no business at a semiformal event. Glitzy leggings with a dressy tunic and shiny stiletto boots can look dressy enough for a semiformal party, but matte leggings with a sweater-fabric tunic and flat cowboy boots is probably a no-no for semiformal. Don't even think of wearing "jeggings" for semiformal.
Considerations
Consider the other people attending the event. If it is a business party or a family reunion with lots of older generations, even a dressy combination of leggings, tunic and boots would most likely elicit glares of disapproval. Wearing a fashionably daring outfit calls attention to you regardless of the event, so be prepared for some critiques of your attire. If you aren’t sure whether your outfit will fly at the event you are attending, you should probably rethink it.
