In bloom: What to wear to a garden party
From sunshine-ready florals to romantic pastels, here’s all the style inspiration you need for your next garden party
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
There’s nowhere like London in the summer – especially if you happen to find yourself invited to one of the capital’s elegant garden parties. While music festivals and picnics in the park are great for a casual day in the sun, for a more regal affair à la Buckingham Palace’s famous soirees, nothing beats a garden party. Imagine sun-soaked lawns, fresh florals and delectable feasts served on fabulous tablescapes – you can almost hear the Bridgerton theme playing in the background. Boasting royal roots, garden parties are truly glamorous affairs, so it stands to reason that your outfit should follow suit. Read on for our curated edit of the best breezy frocks, romantic florals, chic wedge sandals and cheerful jewellery so you know exactly what to wear to a garden party this summer.
Summer dresses
There’s no denying the easy, polished flair of an elegant summer dress for a garden party, especially one rendered in bright seasonal hues. Despite that over-quoted line from The Devil Wears Prada, florals are a great failsafe for summer. While Celia B and Charo Ruiz’s vibrant floral-print dresses come alive with playful ruffles and asymmetrical hems, Zimmermann offers an uber-feminine corseted dress emblazoned with floral and animal motifs. Elsewhere, Dolce & Gabbana’s pleated dress is covered in polka dots for a touch of vintage glamour. Not one for prints? Consider playing with textures. Rixo’s pleated broderie anglaise dress and Farm Rio’s magenta lace midi with cut-out detailing are both great options.
Matchy co ords
Co ord sets are as effortlessly chic as it gets. While we adore tailored separates in classic black and navy hues for work, there’s no better time to let loose with bolder choices than at a garden party. Zimmermann’s dopamine-inducing prints are an obvious choice – we love this paisley-patterned blouse and shorts combo – while Huishan Zhang’s broderie anglaise-detailed set is perfect for British summer time. Alternatively, La DoubleJ’s floral cotton tunic and miniskirt are a perfect match for strappy sandals and will work well for a smart-casual event.
Luxe layers
As they say, you can plan a pretty picnic but you can’t predict the weather, so it pays to be prepared for windy evenings and temperature drops come sunset. But that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice on style. Opt for a statement blazer to add a sophisticated touch – Dries Van Noten’s printed jacket is perfectly on theme while Burberry’s pink satin style is subtle enough to be worn to the office. For a more feminine approach, consider Etro’s paisley-printed silk jacket or Missoni’s statement multi-hued poncho.
Happy feet
Flip-flops and flat sandals are great for casual summer events, but for garden parties, heels just feel more appropriate. Put your flashiest foot forward in Jimmy Choo’s metallic wedge sandals, add a pop of colour with Christian Louboutin’s orange platforms or consider Roger Vivier’s kitten heeled slingbacks for a retro flair. Heels really not your thing? Ballet flats are a great formal alternative – and we can think of few designs better suited for garden party style than this chic bow-embellished Ferragamo pair.
Colourful jewellery
Jewellery is the icing on the cake of any outfit, so make sure to add a bit of sparkle to your garden party style. Sticking to the floral theme is a good starting point. Annoushka’s Tulips collection features an array of designs inspired by the delicate blooms. Our favourite? This 14ct yellow gold chain adorned with a handcrafted yellow gold and malachite tulip charm. Elsewhere, Oscar De La Renta’s gold tone earrings feature a bouquet of cascading blooms. Alternatively, stick to the classics – Monica Vinader’s diamond tennis bracelet is primed for stacking while Suzanne Kalan’s pink gemstone ring is great for adding a pop of colour.
Read more: What to wear to Wimbledon this summer
