How to put the perfect garden party outfit together

In spring and summer, there are numerous outdoor events where you can enjoy the sun, such as pool parties, barbecues or workplace summer events. The most important question is what you should wear to a garden party or a summer party. Get inspired by our stylish outfit ideas and we will also give you some summer styling tips on how to look fabulous this summer.

5 tips for garden party outfits

Garden parties are a great opportunity to dress up. Here are the most important outfit tips for your summer garden party outfit to help keep you cool even on hot summer days:

1. Choose bright colours and patterns: light colours, floral patterns or botanical prints are perfect for creating a summery look as they look very bright and cheerful. Most people associate these colours and types of patterns with garden parties and summer festivals. Pastel colours and floral prints also evoke the feeling of spring and create a cheerful atmosphere.

2. Choose lighter materials and loose-fitting clothes: to avoid feeling sweaty especially during the hot summer months, you should choose light and breathable materials for your garden party outfit. Materials such as linen, lightweight cottons or viscose are more breathable, which helps to regulate your body temperature. Loose-fitting clothes also allow air to circulate more effectively, which will help you stay cool.

3. Be prepared for cool evenings: a lot of garden parties start in the late afternoon and will last until the late evening. When putting your summer party outfit together make sure to plan ahead as after the sun has set it can get a bit chilly. A light jacket, a thin cardigan or a scarf that you can drape over your shoulders will help you to stay warm.

4. Make sure to apply enough suncream: you are going to be spending a lot of time outdoors in the sun at a summer party, so it is important that you protect your skin from the sun's rays. A sun hat (e.g. a classic straw hat) and sunglasses are timeless and casual accessories that you can combine with almost any garden party outfit. Also make sure to apply sunscreen with a sufficiently high sun protection factor.

5. Wearing the right shoes: a lot of women consider high heels an important part of a chic party outfit. However, some shoes may not be the best choice for a garden party. Thin stilettos can be quite difficult to walk in on grass or garden paths. It is a good idea to either have a change of shoes with you or choose a different type of footwear. For example, wedges or sandals with block heels are an elegant alternative. Depending on the occasion, you could wear something more casual such as flat sandals, flip-flops, espadrilles or ballerinas.

Below you will find some helpful tips on how to put together a floral print outfit:

• To get a colourful or classy look, we recommend wearing dresses with a small floral print or with additional details such as lace or embroidery.

• Floral dresses in soft materials such as satin or chiffon are a great choice for outdoor weddings and they will make you look great.

• Loose-fitting maxi dresses and swing skirts will help you to stay cool on hot summery days. Sleeveless dresses or dresses with a carmen neckline are also good outfits for garden parties on hot summer days.

• For a more casual look with a real summer holiday flair, go for a dress or a jumpsuit with bright colours and a tropical print.

• For an elegant yet relaxed look, wear a plain blouse with some loose-fitting, patterned palazzo trousers.

• If you prefer a more understated outfit, there are also floral prints available in more subdued colours such as black and white, blue and white or red and white.

Below you will find some helpful tips on how to put together a colourful summery outfit:.

• Soft white and cream tones look light and airy. This works well with loose-fitting items of clothing and these shades will give your outfit a classy summer look.

• Pastel colours look lovely and they will also remind you of blossoming flowers. These types of colours are a stylish choice for an outfit for a garden party. To make them stand out you can combine them with earth tones and accessories made out of natural materials.

• Striking colours such as sunshine yellow, cherry red or turquoise are also suitable for a summer party outfit. However, if you would like to stick to a natural colour scheme you should avoid neon or garish colours.

• A combination of plain and patterned items of clothing is a good choice if you would like to create a simple yet stylish outfit for your garden party. Pastel colours and natural colours in particular can be harmoniously combined with floral patterns.

Below you will find some helpful tips on how to put together a nautical style outfit:

• White and shades of light and dark blue are typical of nautical styles. Accessories and make-up in red or burgundy complete the look and add the perfect finishing touches.

• Striped dresses, tops and blouses are typical of nautical style and can be wonderfully combined with any style and occasion thanks to their versatility.

• Nautical prints with anchors or small ships are also real eye-catchers and add a playful touch to the look. However, when putting your nautical outfit together make sure it doesn’t appear too busy.

• It is quite often windy near the coast so it’s best to go for a braided or loose updo hairstyle, which will complement your nautical look and you can finish off your look with a hat or a loosely tied casual scarf. This way you will also be prepared in case it is windy or if the weather isn’t great.

• For garden parties with family and friends that don't have a strict dress code you can usually do without a jacket. However, if you want to be prepared for cool evenings or a sudden change in the weather, light cardigans or summer jackets made from cooling fabrics such as linen are a good choice.

• Pastel colours like pale yellow, light blue or pink are ideal for a spring outfit. Jeans are a great choice for a garden party as they will give you a smart casual look. You could also opt for loose-fitting chinos, which will make your outfit look summery and elegant.

• A smart garden party outfit is the perfect opportunity to experiment with colourful patterns. Whether it’s a modern take on a botanical print or a retro Hawaiian shirt, patterned shirts always catch the eye.

• If you would like to still have an outfit with a bit of colour, but nothing too over the top then go for a layered look with a plain T-shirt and a colourful patterned shirt. This look is also a reliable evergreen.

Conclusion: summer outfits for a garden party

In the summer it is popular to throw a garden party, have a barbecue with family and friends or to get married at an outdoor venue. For special occasions such as weddings or birthdays, there is often a dress code that you can follow. When it comes to informal celebrations, you usually have more flexibility when planning your outfit and can generally base your choice on the occasion and, of course, the weather. Smart casual, light and airy materials and summery colours are essential for a summer party outfit but also give you plenty of freedom to express your individual style.

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The image sources in this text are in chronological order

Cover photo: halayalex – stock.adobe.com
1st Image in text: rh2010 – stock.adobe.com
All other images in the text: C&A