With warm weather officially here and summer activities in full swing, garden parties and outdoor events are becoming more and more frequent. Are you attending an upcoming get-together and finding yourself wondering what to wear to a garden party? Garden parties are the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, gather with friends, and showcase your personal summer style…but navigating the garden party dress code can be tricky! Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive style guide to help you put together the perfect outfit for any garden party that’s on your calendar.
This post is sponsored by Tuckernuck.
Understanding the Garden Party Dress Code
Navigating the dress code for garden parties doesn’t have to be a puzzle wrapped up in a mystery. Picture yourself sipping sparkling water under the shade of vibrant green trees or laughing with friends surrounded by candles, flowers, and good food. Perfect, right? The scene is perfectly set for casual chic to semi-formal attire that blends comfort with elegance!
Tuckernuck is a great destination to help you find the clothes you need for your summer events – whether it’s a summer wedding, cocktail hour, or beach day.
Recently, Cassie and I got together to throw a garden party. You may recognize her as the Content Coordinator for MCO! Since we spend a lot of our time online browsing clothes, we often talk about all the new arrivals we’re eyeing at Tuckernuck. Since their clothes are perfect for summer events – dinner parties to weddings to cocktails – it was the perfect choice to wear Tuckernuck for our elevated summer garden party.
You may be wondering, “How elevated do you need to be for an outdoor party?” More elevated than cut-offs and flip flops and less formal than your little black dress and structured blazer, garden party style is balanced between the formality of indoor events and the casual vibe of outdoor barbecues.
Though garden parties can most certainly be for special occasions, thanks to the outdoor setting, it calls for an ensemble that’s light, airy, and oh-so-pretty. Overall, the right garden party look strikes the perfect balance between what you’d wear to formal events and casual gatherings.
Still sound complicated? Let’s break it down every more – now we’ll get into the ins and outs so you can craft the perfect look for your upcoming garden party.
What to Wear to a Garden Party: A Style Guide
1. Embrace Color and Pattern
A garden party presents the perfect opportunity to embrace hues and patterns that celebrate summer and all that comes with it!
Black is probably my favorite color (followed by brown – yes, I’m very exciting), but now is the time to leave your dark hues at home, and showcase pastel colors, floral patterns, and lighter hues.
When in doubt, look to nature to guide you. Delightful examples of colors mirror the garden’s own palette such as the soft blush of roses, the calming blue of the sky, the serene lavender of lilacs, and the refreshing green of new leaves. These not only harmonize with the setting but also bring out a joyful side of your style.
Floral patterns are a natural and obvious choice, yet don’t shy away from wearing them as they are always a good idea! Other patterns that are slightly unexpected (yet would be perfect for your next garden party or even a garden wedding) are toile or chinoiserie.
This toile dress from Tuckernuck is a darling choice. The classic pattern (which also happens to be trending right now) is the epitome of summer garden parties, while the puff sleeves personalize the look and add a feminine touch!
Whether it’s bold floral patterns or colors that make you feel happy, by thoughtfully selecting colors and patterns that reflect the beauty and atmosphere of a garden setting, you not only pay homage to the occasion but also craft a look that’s brimming with personality and charm! Just let the vibe of the garden inspire you and guide your color choices.
2. Opt for Lightweight Fabrics
When it comes to selecting the perfect ensemble for a garden party, the key lies in finding the right fabric and fit. When you think of what you love most about the outdoors (the warm, gentle breeze and the soft, grassy areas), you want your outfit to complement this natural setting, so you don’t look out of place in the outdoor venue.
Opt for fabrics that “whisper” rather than “shout”; lightweight and breathable materials such as cotton, linen, and chiffon will be your go-to for comfort and style. These breathable fabrics are not only more comfortable to wear under the hot sun, but they also add a ‘floatiness’ to your look, striking the right balance for a summer garden party.
Cassie is wearing the Cassie skirt (meant to be) with the Sofia Shirt and the 100% cotton material in both is just what you want for sweltering summer days (and even nights).
As for the fit, choose clothing that hugs you just right, while still offering both freedom and flattery. Avoid anything too tight or constricting – garden parties are about ease and enjoyment, after all!
Ideally, you’d have silhouettes that flow and drape beautifully, embracing your form without clinging. This could mean breezy maxi dresses, flowy skirts, wide-leg trousers, midi dresses in flowy fabrics, softly tailored shirts, midi skirts, or flirty dresses – all of these capture the essence of laid-back elegance.
3. Accessorize Your Outfit
earrings (left) | earrings (right)
Accessorizing for a garden party is the secret sauce that brings your ensemble from lovely to unforgettable.
A wide-brimmed hat is not just a stylish statement, but also your personal shade provider, keeping you cool and protecting your skin from the sun. A sun hat is both functional and fashionable – a true garden party staple!
Jewelry plays a pivotal role, too. Opt for pieces that echo the garden’s natural splendor – think floral motifs, leaf designs, or woven materials. Or stick with classic styles, such as gold stud earrings or dangly pearls, as classic style works for every occasion.
Don’t overlook the power of a clutch or a small handbag, either. Choose one that holds your essentials and matches the tone of your outfit, acting as the cherry on top of your garden party attire. Whether it’s a pastel pouch or a floral clutch, it should feel like the final piece of your outfit, pulling your entire look together seamlessly.
4. Select the Right Outerwear
Since you may not want to commit to long sleeves all day, a light wrap, pashmina, or shawl can provide the coverage you need for a late afternoon party – along with the flexibility. (Take it on or off depending on how you feel!)
A light jacket, such as a linen blazer or cotton lady jacket, can also be a great choice for an evening garden party.
The formality of outdoor gatherings varies, of course, so take your own event into consideration when choosing your final outerwear. If this is a casual gathering in the backyard, then a denim jacket can be a great choice. If this is a business garden party at Schrute Farms thrown to impress your boss (any The Office fans out there?), then choose a linen blazer, lightweight lady jacket, or something similar.
5. Choose the Right Shoes
When choosing the right shoes for an outdoor get-together, block heels, flat sandals, woven flats, or espadrille wedges are your go-to choices here. They combine style with practicality, ensuring you can navigate grassy terrains without a hitch, all while adding an elegant touch to your look. This is not the time for high heels!
Consider the textures and colors of your footwear as an extension of your outfit, complementing rather than competing with your overall look.
What Not to Wear: Garden Party Faux Pas to Avoid
Amidst the excitement of dressing for outdoor parties, it’s easy to misstep. There are a few garden party no-nos to keep in mind. First off: stilettos. While fabulous, they’re best left at home. Who wants to have a visible struggle each time you try to take a step?
Also, while the outdoors invites a certain casual flair, resist the urge to veer too casual. Athletic wear, denim shorts, and flip-flops might underplay the event’s setting. (Especially if it’s a garden party for summer weddings.)
And remember, the sun’s rays will most likely be in full force, so though it may sound tempting to cool down by wearing less, overly revealing attire might not result in the kind of attention you’re seeking. Aim for a blend of modest meets summer charm.
Lastly, while individual style through fashion is always encouraged, consider the location, weather, and occasion of your party. Is the summer party in a backyard or a place that mimics Buckingham Palace? Is it a casual gathering or a royal garden party? Are you going to have to survive hot weather that day or is it predicted to be cooler temperatures? All of these factors should be taken into account when crafting your individual look!
Outfits that clash with the natural surroundings, weather forecast, and occasion can seem out of place. Keeping these faux pas in mind helps you craft perfect garden party outfits!
What to Wear to a Garden Party: Answered
Following this style guide will have you stepping into your next garden party with confidence and style. Whether you’re gracing a casual backyard gathering or a high-society affair on a manicured lawn, the key takeaways are to choose light fabrics, opt for summery silhouettes, accessorize with natural materials, and don summer prints. When in doubt, wear a sundress!
Do you feel ready to throw your own garden party now? Now that you’ve got the outfit, try out this recipe that’s perfect for hosting: Upgrade Your Hosting Game With This Charcuterie Board With Honeycomb Recipe
