As spring turns into summer, so does an uptick in our social calendar. With the recent rise of garden party themes, there’s a growing interest in how to style the perfect garden party attire.
First of all, the garden party style blends polished elegance with a comfortable, airy feel, making it ideal for outdoor events. So, choosing breathable fabrics is essential as well as choosing the right colour palettes, prints, footwear, and accessories all play a key role in achieving the right balance.
But that’s not all. Garden party dress codes can vary depending on the occasion, whether it’s a garden wedding, a brunch, or a backyard soirée. So, what’s the best way to style each event, and how do you avoid common fashion faux pas?
Here’s the complete MAYFEYR guide to embracing the full garden party sartorial code.
Garden Party Style for the Ladies
As we know, a garden party invitation is the perfect opportunity to embrace a more romantic and feminine approach to fashion. Typically held during the daytime in outdoor settings such as backyards, estates, vineyards, or country clubs, the dress code calls for a polished look, but one that is also less formal than a black-tie event.
For ladies, the key to attend a garden party is to opt for a semi-formal dress code that blends spring or summer whimsy in an elevated casual wear. From elegant dresses and jumpsuits by Valentino and Gucci to flowy maxis and sundresses from Zimmermann, Etro, and Balmain, there is a silhouette for every style. For a more structured approach, look at tailored separates from Prada, Max Mara, and Marni to find the perfect fit for the occasion.
Since it is an outdoor event, choosing breathable materials is essential to stay cool, such as linen, cotton, and chiffon. How about colours and patterns? The rule is to always lean towards soft, romantic shades and pastel tones like sage, blush, lavender, and butter yellow, along with cheerful floral prints.
To complete the look, opt for comfortable footwear like block heels, wedges, or dressy flats from coveted labels such as Fendi, Roger Vivier, and Giuseppe Zanotti, these brands are perfect for navigating garden parties without sinking into the grass.
Complete your ensemble with a protective wide-brimmed sun hat paired with a signature handbag. Whether you opt for a bucket bag by Loewe, a tote by Bottega Veneta, or a chic clutch by Alaïa, these accessories create a perfectly polished and graceful finish.
Garden Party Style for the Gents
Don’t worry gents, attending a garden party means you don’t have to dress to the nines; you can opt for a more relaxed, smart-casual style instead.
Whether it’s a wedding, brunch, or garden cocktail party, you might choose tailored blazers and chinos from Brunello Cucinelli, stylish suits from Tom Ford and Emporio Armani, or high-quality polo shirts, striped shirts, and paired them with tailored shorts from Kenzo and Jacquemus. Of course, the latter strictly depends on how casual the event is.
Since you’ll be wearing stylish blazers and suits, always pick the ones with gentle fabrics made of linen, cotton, or seersucker and lightweight wool to stay comfortable during the event. For colour choices, always remember to go with light-toned for suits like beige, light grey, or pastel hues, rather than dark options. If you want more colour, you can always go for light blue or sage green.
Now it’s time to complete your look. As you know that you will be standing on your feet, opt for cosy shoes such as suede loafers, loafers, or smart brogues from brands like Christian Louboutin, Dolce & Gabbana, and Ferragamo.
Add a touch of personality with designer accessories, such as cool sunglasses by Rick Owens, a pocket square, a straw fedora, or even stylish compact crossbody bags from Burberry and Saint Laurent.
Shop your must-have garden party attire only at MAYFEYR.
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