I'm pretty sure that "formal" means wearing a tux, but does "semi-formal" mean I have to wear a suit? I assume we're talking about a coat and tie, but could I just get away with an oxford shirt, khakis, tie and blazer instead of a full-on suit with matching trousers and jacket? The occasion is a high school reunion, by the way.

Jeans and a T-shirt, but put a bow tie on your wang.

Quoted: Jeans and a T-shirt, but put a bow tie on your wang.

That's kind of what I had in mind, but for a second there I thought that might be pushing it!

Suit and tie for men
cocktail dress for women.

The occasion is a high school reunion, by the way.

Hmm..is it realy worth it to get dressed up and go see people you haven't seen in however many years and  have no interest in seeing ( after all, if you wanted to see each other, you'd have stayed in touch)?

Flip flops and spandex.

Quoted: I'm pretty sure that "formal" means wearing a tux, but does "semi-formal" mean I have to wear a suit? I assume we're talking about a coat and tie, but could I just get away with an oxford shirt, khakis, tie and blazer instead of a full-on suit with matching trousers and jacket? The occasion is a high school reunion, by the way.

High school reunion, eh? Basically, they don't want people to show up as complete slobs. Yes, you could wear what you just described and it would be acceptable as semi-formal.

Semi-formal HS reunion?



Not at my school. More like jeans & a t-shirt and a couple of 12 packs.

Black Tie - Tux / bow tie

Semi-Formal - Ranges from suit / tie to just a jacket.

IMO semi-formal always means a suit (for men).

Sportscoat and slacks = business casual, not semi-formal.

Again, my opinion only.

It could be suit and tie or it could be Black Tie.

Formal actually refers to White Tie (a tailcoat, white pique-front vest, shirt, and tie, trousers with two satin stripes on each leg rather than one), but this is so rare (I believe about 19 events in the US each year with a few non-repeating ones; it's used for the higher-class Mardi Gras balls, debutante balls, premier nights at high-class opera houses, etc.) that usually Formal tends to refer to Black Tie.

Khakis, tie, and blazer usually would be Business Casual.

Ask for clarification, but if you'd rather assume, go with a conservative suit (grey, black, or navy, no patterns besides faint pinstripes), a solid white shirt, and a solid or Repp stripe tie. All your leather should match in color, as should all your metal, but the metal is more optional these days. With a black suit, only wear black leather; with navy, black, brown, or reddish (I forget the color); and with grey, black or brown. Black would be preferred for a semi-formal occasion. As to socks, they match the color of your trousers. Do NOT wear white socks or any manner of athletic socks.

Quoted: It could be suit and tie or it could be Black Tie. Formal actually refers to White Tie (a tailcoat, white pique-front vest, shirt, and tie, trousers with two satin stripes on each leg rather than one), but this is so rare (I believe about 19 events in the US each year with a few non-repeating ones; it's used for the higher-class Mardi Gras balls, debutante balls, premier nights at high-class opera houses, etc.) that usually Formal tends to refer to Black Tie. Khakis, tie, and blazer usually would be Business Casual..

Bingo.

These guys have it right

One of those t-shirts that make it look like you are wearing a tux.

Quoted: It could be suit and tie or it could be Black Tie. Formal actually refers to White Tie (a tailcoat, white pique-front vest, shirt, and tie, trousers with two satin stripes on each leg rather than one), but this is so rare (I believe about 19 events in the US each year with a few non-repeating ones; it's used for the higher-class Mardi Gras balls, debutante balls, premier nights at high-class opera houses, etc.) that usually Formal tends to refer to Black Tie. Khakis, tie, and blazer usually would be Business Casual. Ask for clarification, but if you'd rather assume, go with a conservative suit (grey, black, or navy, no patterns besides faint pinstripes), a solid white shirt, and a solid or Repp stripe tie. All your leather should match in color, as should all your metal, but the metal is more optional these days. With a black suit, only wear black leather; with navy, black, brown, or reddish (I forget the color); and with grey, black or brown. Black would be preferred for a semi-formal occasion. As to socks, they match the color of your trousers. Do NOT wear white socks or any manner of athletic socks.

+1 but sometimes I'd wear white socks just to mess with people.

A suit.