I don’t know about you, but the arrival of longer and warmer days is something I really yearn for. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy hunkering down and get practically giddy at the thought of Christmas, but I start to look forward to summer when it’s nothing but a mirage glistening in the distance. Not least because I so prefer socialising outdoors. For me, a garden party always trumps sitting inside. But what to wear when you’ve been bundled up in coats and boots for the last six months?
The truth is, any semi-formal dress code can be adapted to suit your style. A garden party doesn’t have to mean foregoing your favourite items of clothing; it’s all about what you wear them with. With that in mind, here are six outfit ideas lifted from the spring/summer 2023 collections for your impending summer events; from dresses over trousers to chic separates.
Stylish garden party outfit ideas:
A dress over jeans
The way you style an item can take it from mediocre to interesting as quickly as you can pull on a pair of trousers. And that’s exactly that I’m encouraging you to do here. Take a classic white sundress or a brightly coloured wrap dress or shirt dress and layer it over some jeans.
Not only is this a super-chic answer to your dress code dilemma, but you will also get infinite amounts of wear out of both items individually too. And, if you’re not feeling the denim love, you could style the dress over leather trousers or tailored trousers too.
Style this look with some chunky sandals or heeled mules and your garden party ready.
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Slouchy suiting
When looking for a suit for a summer party, I would advise opting for a slightly oversized style. A slouchy aesthetic will help banish corporate connotations. This green offering from Warehouse is case in point. The jacket is just the right amount of oversize and the trousers have an elasticated waist, which gives it a more casual spin.
I’d wear it over a little camisole or tank top with some strappy sandals and some seriously cute accessories.
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A mini dress
For me, the perfect mini dress for a garden party doesn’t cling, bunch or ride up, but sits comfortably on your upper thigh. I’m also an advocate for counteracting a high hemline with a sleeve (you’ll also be able to abstain from covering up in a jacket for longer once the evening chill sets in).
Pair yours with some comfy trainers or sandals or take it up a level and go for some edgy biker boots or cool cowboy boots.
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Easy separates
There are very few occasions that a pair of tailored trousers aren’t right for; ideal for styling up and down accordingly. For the event in question, I’d offset a plain tank top with a neutral pair of trousers, like this khaki Monki pair, with playful jewellery.
And then for the finishing touch, go for some espadrilles. This look will take you seamlessly from garden party to the cobbled streets of Palermo without so much as a shoe change.
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An all-in-one with pizzazz
There are jumpsuits, and then there are jumpsuits. This red, off-the-shoulder number from Kitri Studio is the latter- and perfect for a garden party. Add strappy sandals and some of your best jewellery to finish off the look, and you’ll be looking like the dancing señorita emoji in no time. Go for clashing accessories for maximum impact.
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Not your average skirt suit
It can pay to think outside the box when it comes to dressing for an event. Not only should this mean that you won’t turn up in the same dress as three other guests, but it might also encourage you to reimagine items you already own in a different setting.
On paper, it might feel a little strange to wear a suit skirt to a garden party. But, in reality it’s oh so right — especially when dressed down with trainers or boots.
This & Other Stories co-ord is exactly what you want for this occasion. It contrasts of the prim and proper tweed fabric with a plunging V neck and a mini skirt with slits, so it’s the perfect middle ground between party attire and classy family affair attire.
If you’re a fan of unexpected colour pairings like me, add random pops of colour with your accessories.
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