How to dress for a summer garden party

 

Out of all the getting-dressed dilemmas of summer, what to wear for a garden party has got to be the most difficult. From figuring out how fancy or dressed-down to be to debating which shoes won't have you sinking into the grass, not to mention steeling yourself for whatever British summer weather might crop up on the day – it really is a minefield to navigate. From BBQs in the garden to glamorous soirées, we've rounded up an assortment of chic and outdoor-friendly looks to make dressing for your next alfresco fete hassle-free.

Smart-casual

It's safe to say that the slip skirt has had a storming comeback as of late and there’s really no limit to how creative you can get with styling this number. For a smart-casual look, try styling with an oversized white shirt tied at the waist, low block heels and a mini shoulder bag to really lean into the ‘90s aesthetic. To dress it up for a formal gathering, pair with a slinky cami and strappy heels and keep a cropped cardigan handy for chilly evenings.

Laidback

Our love for summer florals isn't fading, and who can blame us when we're serving styles like this?  Go as heavy on the romance as you like with bold blooms and ruffles galore. Double down on the summertime accessories by adding a straw tote, platform sandals and statement earrings. We admit that wearing florals for a garden party may not be groundbreaking, but it also never fails.

Formal

Move over the little black dress, when it comes to dressing for more formal summer soirees, red demands your attention. While rocking the fiery hue can be slightly more intimidating than wearing a neutral one, everyone needs at least one red item in their wardrobe. Why? Because it's fun, eye-catching and an instant confidence booster. Just add wedge espadrilles, a small shoulder bag, and some classic oversized shades.

Swanky

Effortlessly elegant and timeless, the trouser suit is arguably easier to style than conventional floor-sweeper frocks. Plus, your footwear will be on full display which means you’ll need to award them special consideration, so choose a statement pair to make your overall ensemble even more memorable. These Kurt Geiger mules double as a comfy day-to-evening shoe and a conversation starter - who knew flats could be so fancy?



 
 

Smart-casual

 
 
 

Laidback

 
 
 
 
 
 

Formal

 
 
 
 
 
 

Swanky