Garden Party Invite? 8 Outfits That Are Chic, Summery, and Easy
As we start to reemerge into the world and fill up our social calendars again, dressing for specific dress codes is something we're faced with navigating. One of them is garden party attire. Unlike more cut-and-dry dress codes like black-tie or cocktail attire, there's a pretty big gray area when it comes to putting together a look for a garden party. Are florals a must? Are high heels a bad idea? There's a lot to think about. Instead of navigating the dos and don'ts of the dress code, though, we went ahead and created an outfit guide to keep things simple.
The below eight looks encapsulate the cheery summertime vibe of a garden party while striking the right balance between dressy and casual. So if you have an outdoor function coming up on your calendar, simply take a look at these outfits and re-create them for yourself. Yep, we even completed each of them with shopping options, as we tend to do. Don't worry—you'll only find one floral dress in this whole story (okay fine, two). Continue on for all the garden party outfit inspiration you could need.
Midi-Length Floral Dress
Garden party attire immediately conjures an image of a lush, floral-filled backyard, and that's exactly the vibe this dress gives off—fresh, simple, and timeless. Look for sleeveless floral dresses that hit at a midi length to pair with simple flat sandals.
Simple Knits + Gold Jewelry
While bright colors are what come to mind, don't underestimate the effectiveness of a clean, neutral palette. We love the idea of wearing minimalistic knits like a tank and ribbed skirt that are simple but look really elevated, especially with a few pieces of gold jewelry.
Tailored Trousers + Airy Blouse
Nope, you don't have to wear a dress or skirt, necessarily. Instead, try high-waisted trousers with a delicate blouse—bonus points if you do a coordinated color palette.
Blazer + Bra Top + Jeans + Bright Accessories
Going to an event where the dress code may be less strict? For a trendier take, opt for trouser-like jeans with a bra top and blazer. Then, add in bright, eye-catching accessories to make the ensemble feel more special.
White Shirt + Printed Pants + Mules
Another non-dress outfit that would work well involves printed pants as the key piece and a polished poplin blouse and simple mules to anchor it.
Gauzy Dress + Western Boots
Grab the airiest flowy dress in your closet and pair it with Western-inspired boots. Not only do boots make for a cool contrast, but if you're attending a party in the grass, they're also a much more functional alternative to heels.
Wrap Dress + Bright Sandals
A boldly printed dress is a no-brainer for the occasion, but paired with bright-colored sandals, it feels fresher than ever.
Linen Suiting
Lastly, you can't go wrong with a suiting look, and this summer, it's all about styling a vest as a top with matching trousers. Go for a linen version and ditch the blazer altogether to make it hot weather approved.
Next, see our eight favorite ideas for a dinner date.
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach for These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to Wear
Ready in 10 minutes or less.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
French Women Are Wearing Socks With These Classic Shoe Styles This Spring
Chic as always.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion People
There's something for everyone.
By Remy Farrell
-
Found: The Only Shoe Style You Need for Expensive-Looking Spring Outfits
It's a classic for a reason.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
It's True—Designers Were Fashion Month's Best Dressed Patrons
Sometimes, the simplest outfits win.
By Eliza Huber
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024
Denim devotees, unite.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
I'm Saving This '90s Supermodel's Airport Looks for All My Travel Days in 2024
Each one is comfortable and super chic.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
After 5 Days in Aspen, I'm Officially Hooked on Western Pieces—5 I'm Loving RN
From cowboy hats to fringe accents.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua