AMHS Semi-Formal Advice and Dress Ideas

What to know before semi!

Suzanna Carlsten, Co Editor for Student life

January 18, 2024

As semi-formal at Academic Magnet starts its rapid approach many are left wondering, what should I wear? While we are still a little less than a month out, and many think that semi is an issue for the future, in two-three weeks you may be panicking when realizing every dress is sold out. So why not go ahead and give you some great outfit ideas? I have created a price range below, to make your shopping experience a little easier.

Advice on semi:

For the new attendants to this great event, one thing to remember is comfort is key. Having an uncomfortable dress and shoes is the worst. Here is an example: last semi, a pair of Lulu’s shoes started to hurt AMHS Alumni Avery Voelkel’s feet, she then made the executive decision to take them off, like any normal person. But as she took off her shoes a foreign glass object broke across the ground, leading poor Avery to step into the glass. If you’re thinking about purchasing some uncomfortable shoes, think of Avery.
Check the weather! Last year I made the mistake of not looking to see if rain was in the forecast, and sadly I got soaked due to the mysterious disappearance of my umbrella! Make sure to see if there is rain in the area, and more importantly, label your umbrella.
Don’t spend too much of a pretty penny for a semi. One thing I always regret is overspending for a small high school dance. Pick one thing to splurge on shoes, dress, nails, or hair, but you don’t need all. While you may think a set of $120 nails will make you look amazing, I will tell you it won’t.
Always have a plan. Many people tell themselves around the semi-season, “Something will come up”. Well after three years of having quickly planned dinners and post semi-plans, I can promise you that nothing will come up. Don’t put off your plans and end up being upset at the end of the day. Also remember, be extra nice to your friends around this next month to hopefully finesse plans.
Don’t stress over a date. What’s worse: going to semi, awkwardly with a person you don’t know that well and being forced to take pictures when you will look back and want to barf. Or, going with your friends and having a great time, being able to avoid the awkward date things. Not having a date to semi isn’t the end of the world. While some may like it just to have the corsage in their Instagram pictures (myself included), others might not want to have to deal with the whole hassle added to having a date.
Don’t go if you don’t want to. While I would personally hate to miss a dance, for many dances aren’t their cup of tea. If you are feeling pressured to go to something, that at the end of the day you will be annoyed with, don’t go! But also if you plan on not going and decide it is weird to go to school dances, don’t make other people feel bad for liking them. I cannot tell you how many times I have either heard someone yelling at another person for not wanting to go to the semi or heard someone who hates semi-making people feel bad for liking it. Do whatever floats your boat.
Get a party bus or carpool. I feel like this is a given, but carpooling to a semi is #1 more fun and #2 ways easier. Not only can you all walk into the great event with all of your friends but you also all have to pay less for gas.
Make sure you leave on time. Semi is later in the night, so many forget how long dinners and pre-semi-events can last. While many do stay at semi for only around 30-45 minutes, you don’t want to have to run in and out. In my personal opinion, the dance itself is really fun! Don’t be like my friends and I sophomore year when we were there for around 15 minutes.
Get group boutonnieres or corsages. One thing you will soon realize is that while the small flower collections look cheap they are not. With a corsage going for around $30 a piece, I highly recommend either finding a parent who is skilled in corsage making(this is what I did) or placing a group order.
Have fun! Semi is a really fun and exciting event for many at Magnet. Even if you think you need to stay in and study, give yourself a night off. You never know, some of your favorite memories in high school might be from this great night!