Semi-Formal After-Work Dinner Dresses for Parties

So, you’ve got a semi-formal business dinner on your calendar! How can you adapt your office wear for after-work parties or business dinners? Although having a few semi-formal party dresses in your closet is a great start, it’s best to know the expected dress code.

If the dinner invitation indicates semi-formal business attire, then protocol calls for a subdued dinner party dress or semi-formal business attire with a classy look. No dress code mentioned? It’s still a good idea to remain well-dressed in a modest career dress or a classic little black dress that’s perfectly acceptable for the office and after-work parties. When in doubt, just imagine yourself at the dinner when your boss strolls in . . . would you feel comfortable in your dress around your supervisor? If so, you’ve got a winner!

Does that mean you can wear a career dress to an after-work party? Absolutely! But, what if a potential new client or a co-worker suggests an upscale dinner party after hours? If you don’t feel that what you typically wear to the office is dressy enough and you don’t have the time to run home to change, here are a few tips on how to handle surprise after-work parties:

1. Keep a Spare Dress at the Office.

While it’s always smart to keep a change of clothing at the office, it’s quite genius to keep a semi-formal dress with a change of shoes at the ready for any spur of the moment business meetings or cocktail parties with co-workers after hours. The dress can be a bit fancier than your regular career wear in case the venue dress code is more upscale than your normal business attire.

2. Wear a Day-to-Night Dress to Work.

A party can pop up after work at any time, so be ready with an after-work dinner dress that easily takes you from a day at work to cocktail parties. When looking for a day-to-night dress, always look for versatility with a professional look and a dash of fun thrown in for added personality. As you leave the office, just swap out your shoes, add your favorite necklace or an armful of bangle bracelets, and you are ready for the evening!

3. Always Have a Statement Jacket Ready.

Along with the spare party dress in the closet, it’s a great idea to have a statement jacket that will jazz up even the most modest of career dresses when a business dinner materializes. A statement jacket can completely change the look of your after-work party dress. Try layering a short leather jacket or sequin jacket over your dress for a spicy, fun look!