What To Wear Apr 11
Written by Stephanie Patterson Read about our editorial guidelines 
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
With the arrival of spring and summer come the invitations to garden parties, and it can be challenging to decide what to wear. As someone who has attended many garden parties, I have learned that the key is to strike a balance between style and practicality. You want to look chic and put-together while also being comfortable enough to enjoy the outdoor setting.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing an outfit for a garden party is the weather. Depending on the location and time of day, it could be hot and sunny or cool and breezy.
It’s always a good idea to bring a light jacket or cardigan, just in case. Another thing to keep in mind is the terrain of the garden. You don’t want to wear stilettos and sink into the grass or dirt, so opt for comfortable shoes with a sturdy sole.
When it comes to the actual outfit, there are many options to choose from. A sundress is a classic choice for a garden party, and there are plenty of styles to suit different tastes and body types. If you prefer pants, a jumpsuit or wide-legged trousers paired with a blouse can be a stylish and comfortable option.
Don’t forget to accessorize with a hat, sunglasses, or jewelry to complete the look. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to enjoy a lovely afternoon in the garden with friends and family.
Dress Code
When it comes to garden party attire, there are a few different dress codes to keep in mind. Depending on the type of garden party you are attending, you may need to dress more casually or more formally. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Casual Garden Party Attire
For a casual garden party, you can opt for a more relaxed outfit. Think light and airy fabrics, such as cotton or linen, and comfortable shoes. Women can wear a sundress or a skirt and blouse, while men can wear khaki pants and a polo shirt. Avoid anything too revealing or too formal, such as a co*cktail dress or a suit.
Semi-Formal Garden Party Attire
If the garden party is semi-formal, you should step up your style game a bit. Women can wear a knee-length dress or a dressy skirt and blouse, while men can wear dress pants and a button-down shirt. You can also add some accessories, such as a statement necklace or a tie. Avoid anything too casual, such as shorts or flip-flops.
Formal Garden Party Attire
For a formal garden party, you will need to dress to impress. Women should wear a co*cktail dress or a formal gown, while men should wear a suit and tie. You can also add some elegant accessories, such as a clutch or a pocket square. Avoid anything too casual or too revealing.
Remember, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. If you’re not sure what to wear, it’s always a good idea to ask the host for guidance. And above all, make sure you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing.
Seasonal Considerations
When it comes to dressing for a garden party, it’s important to take the season into consideration. Here are some tips for dressing appropriately for a summer, spring, or fall garden party.
Summer Garden Party Attire
Summer garden parties are all about staying cool and comfortable while still looking stylish. Opt for lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton, and choose dresses or skirts that hit above the knee to keep cool. Avoid dark colors and instead opt for bright, cheerful hues like yellow, pink, or blue. A sunhat is also a must to protect your face from the sun’s rays.
For footwear, choose sandals or wedges that are comfortable to walk on grass with. Avoid stilettos or any shoes with thin heels, as they will sink into the grass and be difficult to walk in.
Spring Garden Party Attire
Spring garden parties can be a bit tricky to dress for, as the weather can be unpredictable. Layering is key, so consider wearing a lightweight cardigan or jacket over your outfit. Floral prints are always a great choice for a spring garden party, and pastel colors are also a popular option.
For footwear, choose closed-toe shoes like loafers or ballet flats to keep your feet warm in case of cooler weather. If it’s warm enough, you can also opt for peep-toe shoes or sandals.
Fall Garden Party Attire
For fall garden parties, it’s all about layering and staying warm while still looking stylish. Consider wearing a sweater dress paired with tights and ankle boots. Jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red are great color choices for fall.
Accessories like scarves and hats can also help keep you warm while adding a stylish touch to your outfit. And don’t forget to bring a jacket or coat in case the temperature drops as the sun sets.
Accessories
Accessories can make or break an outfit, and garden parties are no exception. Here are some essential accessories to consider when planning your garden party outfit:
Hats
A stylish hat is not only a fashionable accessory, but it can also serve a practical purpose by providing shade from the sun. Wide-brimmed hats are a popular choice for garden parties, as they offer the most protection from the sun. Floppy hats and fedoras are also great options for a more casual look. When choosing a hat, consider the color and style of your outfit. A neutral-colored hat can complement a bold outfit, while a brightly colored hat can add a pop of color to a more subdued outfit.
Shoes
Comfort is key when it comes to garden party footwear. You’ll likely be spending a lot of time on your feet, so choose shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. Flat sandals are a popular choice for garden parties, as they are both comfortable and fashionable.
Espadrilles and wedges are also great options for a more elevated look. When choosing shoes, consider the terrain of the garden party. If the party is taking place on grass or uneven ground, avoid stilettos and opt for shoes with a wider heel or a flat sole.
Jewelry
When it comes to jewelry, less is often more. Avoid wearing large, bulky jewelry that can weigh you down and detract from your outfit. Instead, opt for delicate pieces that complement your outfit without overpowering it. Simple stud earrings or small hoops are a great choice for a garden party.
A delicate pendant necklace or a stack of thin bangles can also add a touch of elegance to your outfit. Remember, the key to accessorizing for a garden party is to keep it simple and understated. Let your outfit be the star of the show, and use accessories to enhance your overall look.
Dos and Don’ts
Dos
When it comes to dressing up for a garden party, there are some dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind. Here are some dos that you should consider:
- Do wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking on grass and uneven surfaces.
- Do wear lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk, especially if it’s a hot day.
- Do accessorize with a sun hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Do wear floral prints or pastel colors to match the garden theme.
- Do wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes that allow you to move around and enjoy the party.
Don’ts
While there are some dos that you should follow, there are also some don’ts that you should avoid:
- Don’t wear high heels or shoes that can sink into the grass.
- Don’t wear dark colors or heavy fabrics that can make you feel hot and uncomfortable.
- Don’t wear anything too revealing or inappropriate for a family-friendly event.
- Don’t wear anything too tight or restrictive that can make it difficult to move around or sit comfortably.
- Don’t over-accessorize with too many pieces of jewelry or accessories that can be distracting or uncomfortable.
With the arrival of spring and summer come the invitations to garden parties, and it can be challenging to decide what to wear. As someone who has attended many garden parties, I have learned that the key is to strike a balance between style and practicality. You want to look chic and put-together while also being comfortable enough to enjoy the outdoor setting.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing an outfit for a garden party is the weather. Depending on the location and time of day, it could be hot and sunny or cool and breezy.
It’s always a good idea to bring a light jacket or cardigan, just in case. Another thing to keep in mind is the terrain of the garden. You don’t want to wear stilettos and sink into the grass or dirt, so opt for comfortable shoes with a sturdy sole.
When it comes to the actual outfit, there are many options to choose from. A sundress is a classic choice for a garden party, and there are plenty of styles to suit different tastes and body types.
If you prefer pants, a jumpsuit or wide-legged trousers paired with a blouse can be a stylish and comfortable option. Don’t forget to accessorize with a hat, sunglasses, or jewelry to complete the look. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to enjoy a lovely afternoon in the garden with friends and family.
Dress Code
When it comes to garden party attire, there are a few different dress codes to keep in mind. Depending on the type of garden party you are attending, you may need to dress more casually or more formally. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Casual Garden Party Attire
For a casual garden party, you can opt for a more relaxed outfit. Think light and airy fabrics, such as cotton or linen, and comfortable shoes. Women can wear a sundress or a skirt and blouse, while men can wear khaki pants and a polo shirt. Avoid anything too revealing or too formal, such as a co*cktail dress or a suit.
Semi-Formal Garden Party Attire
If the garden party is semi-formal, you should step up your style game a bit. Women can wear a knee-length dress or a dressy skirt and blouse, while men can wear dress pants and a button-down shirt. You can also add some accessories, such as a statement necklace or a tie. Avoid anything too casual, such as shorts or flip-flops.
Formal Garden Party Attire
For a formal garden party, you will need to dress to impress. Women should wear a co*cktail dress or a formal gown, while men should wear a suit and tie. You can also add some elegant accessories, such as a clutch or a pocket square. Avoid anything too casual or too revealing.
Remember, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. If you’re not sure what to wear, it’s always a good idea to ask the host for guidance. And above all, make sure you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing.
Seasonal Considerations
When it comes to dressing for a garden party, it’s important to take the season into consideration. Here are some tips for dressing appropriately for a summer, spring, or fall garden party.
Summer Garden Party Attire
Summer garden parties are all about staying cool and comfortable while still looking stylish. Opt for lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton, and choose dresses or skirts that hit above the knee to keep cool. Avoid dark colors and instead opt for bright, cheerful hues like yellow, pink, or blue. A sunhat is also a must to protect your face from the sun’s rays.
For footwear, choose sandals or wedges that are comfortable to walk on grass with. Avoid stilettos or any shoes with thin heels, as they will sink into the grass and be difficult to walk in.
Spring Garden Party Attire
Spring garden parties can be a bit tricky to dress for, as the weather can be unpredictable. Layering is key, so consider wearing a lightweight cardigan or jacket over your outfit. Floral prints are always a great choice for a spring garden party, and pastel colors are also a popular option.
For footwear, choose closed-toe shoes like loafers or ballet flats to keep your feet warm in case of cooler weather. If it’s warm enough, you can also opt for peep-toe shoes or sandals.
Fall Garden Party Attire
For fall garden parties, it’s all about layering and staying warm while still looking stylish. Consider wearing a sweater dress paired with tights and ankle boots. Jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red are great color choices for fall.
Accessories like scarves and hats can also help keep you warm while adding a stylish touch to your outfit. And don’t forget to bring a jacket or coat in case the temperature drops as the sun sets.
Accessories
Accessories can make or break an outfit, and garden parties are no exception. Here are some essential accessories to consider when planning your garden party outfit:
Hats
A stylish hat is not only a fashionable accessory, but it can also serve a practical purpose by providing shade from the sun. Wide-brimmed hats are a popular choice for garden parties, as they offer the most protection from the sun.
Floppy hats and fedoras are also great options for a more casual look. When choosing a hat, consider the color and style of your outfit. A neutral-colored hat can complement a bold outfit, while a brightly colored hat can add a pop of color to a more subdued outfit.
Shoes
Comfort is key when it comes to garden party footwear. You’ll likely be spending a lot of time on your feet, so choose shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. Flat sandals are a popular choice for garden parties, as they are both comfortable and fashionable.
Espadrilles and wedges are also great options for a more elevated look. When choosing shoes, consider the terrain of the garden party. If the party is taking place on grass or uneven ground, avoid stilettos and opt for shoes with a wider heel or a flat sole.
Jewelry
When it comes to jewelry, less is often more. Avoid wearing large, bulky jewelry that can weigh you down and detract from your outfit. Instead, opt for delicate pieces that complement your outfit without overpowering it. Simple stud earrings or small hoops are a great choice for a garden party.
A delicate pendant necklace or a stack of thin bangles can also add a touch of elegance to your outfit. Remember, the key to accessorizing for a garden party is to keep it simple and understated. Let your outfit be the star of the show, and use accessories to enhance your overall look.
Dos and Don’ts
Dos
When it comes to dressing up for a garden party, there are some dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind. Here are some dos that you should consider:
- Do wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking on grass and uneven surfaces.
- Do wear lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk, especially if it’s a hot day.
- Do accessorize with a sun hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Do wear floral prints or pastel colors to match the garden theme.
- Do wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes that allow you to move around and enjoy the party.
Don’ts
While there are some dos that you should follow, there are also some don’ts that you should avoid:
- Don’t wear high heels or shoes that can sink into the grass.
- Don’t wear dark colors or heavy fabrics that can make you feel hot and uncomfortable.
- Don’t wear anything too revealing or inappropriate for a family-friendly event.
- Don’t wear anything too tight or restrictive that can make it difficult to move around or sit comfortably.
- Don’t over-accessorize with too many pieces of jewelry or accessories that can be distracting or uncomfortable.
