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avoided.

    Confusions About "Semi-Formal" Dress Codes
    Of all the terms out there for standards of dress, semiformal (in its hyphenated and unhyphenated versions) is probably the most frequently misused.
    The confusion arises from people's perception of a dinner suit as "an outfit that is formal," which leads them to conclude that it is formalwear, and that semi-formal must perforce be more relaxed.
    It is not uncommon for people to say "semi-formal" on invitations when they really mean "black tie optional" (where the main participants will be wearing black tie, but guests may substitute a simple, dark business suit).  In some cases it may even be misapplied to still more relaxed events, where guests will be wearing dress casual attire.
    Be cautious when all you have to go on is an invitation, particularly to privately-planned and privately-hosted events. If your state Senator is holding a "semi-formal" dinner, he or she probably means it; your cousin or your best friend from high school may not be quite as on-target. Enquire discreetly of the hosts or someone who worked with them on the planning if there's any confusion.
     

C HAPTER 12: B USINESS D RESS
    Despite the name, most of the world doesn't wear "business dress" to do their professional work.
    The term refers to matched suits worn with neckties, which are only the default attire in a fairly small and influential chunk of the population. It is the go-to uniform in a few highly-paid fields like finance and law, and beyond that is mostly used for infrequent events where a high degree of formality is called for (like ceremonies, court dates, and presentations).

    Strict Business Dress: The Gold Standard
    Business suits come in a wide variety of colors and styles. They can also be worn a number of ways, with varying accessories.
    We'll start this section with a description of strict business dress. This is the business suit at its most formal: the outfit you wear when you need to look as serious and professional as possible.
    The best business suits will meet all of the following standards:
At least 98% high-quality wool (worsted is the most common)
A single solid, dark color (charcoal gray, navy blue, or black)
A single- or double-breasted jacket
Notch or peak lapels
Jetted pockets
No trouser cuffs
    Obviously, everything should be in good quality, and the fit should be tailored specifically to your body (whether that means from-scratch bespoke construction, made-to-measure, or alterations to an off-the-rack suit is largely up to your budget and preferences).
    The following items should be worn with your suit for strict business dress:
A plain white dress shirt (point or spread collar -- not button-down)
A dark-colored necktie (a bit of conservative patterning is fine)
A plain white pocket square in a horizontal or peak fold
Plain black balmoral oxfords
Socks in the same color as the suit trousers (or close to it)
A black leather belt with a small metal buckle (alternatively, suspenders)
A business watch (metal/leather should match your belt/shoes)
    Resist the temptation to play fast and loose with any of these accents. In other, slightly more relaxed business settings, go for it. But when you want the crispest, strictest form of "business dress" possible, stick to plain, solid colors everywhere but the necktie. Keep the accent items (watch, belt, etc.) slim and restrained, and any visible edges (like the fold of the pocket square and the shirt collar) crisp and straight.

    Typical Business Dress
    The above description will work great when you're presenting before the board of directors, or giving closing arguments in court, or interviewing for a high-powered position.
    Most of the rest of the time, even men whose jobs do require and expect business suits won't need the ultra-crisp, inflexible simplicity of strict business attire.
    For basic, day-to-day business attire, the required items stay the same: matched suit, dress shirt, necktie, and leather shoes/belt. But the