As spring and summer roll in, a host of outdoor events spring up where you can soak up the sun, such as pool parties, barbecues, and summer work gatherings. The key question is: what should you wear to a garden party or outdoor bash? Let our chic garden party outfit ideas inspire you! In this article, we'll also share some styling tips and garden dress code variations to help you look fabulous and feel great in your garden party outfit.

Garden Party Dress Code

The garden party dress code is semi-formal, which allows for some flexibility rather than strictly adhering to cocktail attire. This means you can have fun with colors, patterns, frills, and unique silhouettes. Since these events are held outdoors, choose outfits and accessories that prioritize comfort and practicality while maintaining a classy appearance. The semi-formal garden party dress code for women applies to various occasions, including casual gatherings and weddings.

Casual Events

The vibe of a casual garden party is usually laid-back, allowing you to choose sundresses, cool suits, or even a blouse with jeans in vibrant colors. Go for breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or light knits to keep comfortable while enjoying the outdoors in the heat. Pair your outfit with comfy sandals, espadrilles, or sneakers, perfect for strolling the lawn. Accessorize with a sun hat, elegant sunglasses, and minimal jewelry to complete your relaxed look.

Weddings

Choose a light, airy dress featuring floral patterns or soft pastel shades for a wedding. Maxi dresses, tea-length styles, or sundresses make for wonderful options. Opt for lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, silk, or cotton to feel comfortable in the outdoor setting. For footwear, consider strappy sandals, espadrilles, or comfy wedges, as they're perfect for walking on the grass while adding a hint of elegance. Keep your formal looks understated with delicate jewelry, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

Style Tips for Garden Party

Here are some essential fashion tips for ladies to help you stay cool and comfortable during those hot garden parties:

• Colors and patterns: Light colors and floral or botanical prints are ideal for a summery look, as they bring a vibrant and cheerful vibe. Many people link these hues and patterns to garden parties and summer festivals, evoking a sense of warmth and joy. Additionally, pastel shades and floral designs capture the essence of spring.
• Fabric and Fit: Opt for light and breathable fabrics for your garden party attire. Linen, lightweight cotton, thin cashmere, or viscose are excellent choices, as they allow air to circulate and help regulate your body temperature. Loose-fitting clothing promotes better airflow, keeping you comfortable throughout the event.
• Evening Layer: Garden parties often kick off late afternoon and continue into the evening. Plan your evening outfit ahead, as temperatures can drop once the sun goes down. To stay warm, throw on a light jacket, a thin cardigan, or a stylish scarf that you can wrap around your shoulders.
• Hats: Whether you choose a wide-brimmed straw hat or a snug beret, the key is to ensure it complements your style and suits the weather.
• Sun Protection: You're likely to spend plenty of time outdoors under the sun at a garden party, so it's essential to protect your skin from harmful rays. A sun hat and sunglasses are classic accessories, but don't forget to slather on sunscreen with a high SPF to keep your skin safe and healthy.
• Shoes: Many women view high heels as a key element of a stylish party outfit. However, some shoe styles might not be the best option for a garden party. Thin stilettos can make it quite challenging to walk on grass. If you really need your pumps for a formal garden party attire, bring a change of shoes. Yet we suggest opting for a different type of footwear altogether. Wedges or sandals with block heels serve as an elegant alternative. Depending on the vibe of the event, you might also choose something more laid-back, like flat sandals, flip-flops, espadrilles, or ballet flats.

Garden Party Outfit Ideas

We're now getting to the most exciting section of our article—discovering what to wear to a garden party and how to put together garden party outfits for various occasions. Keep reading and give it a go yourself!

Top

For a laid-back backyard gathering, we love the idea of styled tops and floral blouses in classic shapes and fun patterns. To stand out at your next garden party, pair a blouse with a coordinating skirt. Complete the look with simple sandals and delicate gold jewelry for a polished touch.

For a more relaxed vibe, pair your top with your favorite jeans and add a chain necklace or two for a chic look. We recommend the Floral printed linen blouse from 120% Lino and the Straight Cropped Jeans RILEY by Agolde. For shoes, opt for the Chunky-Sole Leather Flip Flops from Erika Cavallini—perfect for strolling along grassy paths.

Airy Dress

With a wide variety of shapes, prints, and colors to suit every style, airy dresses are the unsung heroes of any summer wardrobe. These slip-on-and-go designs made from lightweight linen and luxurious silk are perfect for tackling those heat waves. Simply pair your favorite leather slides with the dress, and you're ready to shine.

The Linen tie-waist tunic from 120% Lino is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down with the right accessories, making it suitable for casual outings and more formal occasions. For a classy garden party, the Printed halterneck maxi dress offers a delightful floral print and a graceful flowing length. Meanwhile, House of Dagmar's black Linen twist dress is ideal for fall garden gatherings or themed events.

Wide-leg Trousers

If dresses aren't your favorite, don't feel pressured to wear one just to fit a garden party dress code. Instead, opt for a pair of loose dress pants in a light, neutral color. Trousers are also a practical choice when the weather looks like it might turn cloudy.

The linen suit from House of Dagmar is a perfect option. Pair the Linen drawstring trousers with a Linen strap top for a solid base, and add the Oversized flowy shirt for extra coverage if needed. To complete your look, throw on a pair of Padded fisherman sandals CABERSA from Hereu.

Lightweight Jacket

Unpredictable weather is to be expected, even during the warmer months, so it's wise to be prepared for sudden changes. If it's chilly at a garden party, a lightweight jacket is an excellent layering option to ward off a slight breeze. Choose from materials like linen or denim, or opt for a blazer—simply drape it over your shoulders when the temperature drops to keep your style intact without concealing your entire outfit.

The Oversized vintage denim jacket WAYNE from Agolde makes for a perfect addition to a garden party ensemble. Throw it over the Striped crop top from Erika Cavallini and the Linen buttoned skirt to create a cohesive look. Finish off the outfit with white Cross-strap leather sandals for a stylish touch.

Pastel Colors

Dressing in pastel colors is a great way to stay cool at outdoor events. Add shades like rose, serenity blue, or beige to your wardrobe, and team them up with neutral-toned accessories. A monochromatic outfit in one of these soft hues truly embodies chic female style!

For a standout look, we recommend the light beige linen suit from Erika Cavallini, which includes Straight linen trousers and a Belted linen blazer. Pair this ensemble with some stylish ballet flats, and you're set to enjoy a fashionable day out!

Nautical Theme

Many people enjoy themed birthday celebrations, so if the theme is coastal, you'll want to be ready. Classic colors like blue, white, and navy, along with stripe patterns, embody a timeless marine style that can be adapted for casual and elegant looks. These outfits will certainly evoke that delightful summer holiday vibe.

For our nautical ensemble, we've chosen the Cropped Tee from House of Dagmar, featuring a stylish stripe pattern. We pair it with the light blue Denim Maxi Skirt HILLA from Agolde and finish the look with Hereu's Fisherman Sandals PESCA for that added coastal flair.

White

Choose a fresh white ensemble with black accents for a stylish, formal garden party look. White is a timeless choice, effortlessly creating a celebratory atmosphere regardless of outfit style.

In this outfit, we pair the Rouched Cotton Blouse from House of Dagmar with Straight-Leg Linen Trousers from Erika Cavallini. Both pieces offer a relaxed fit, helping to keep you comfortable in warm weather, while the white color naturally reflects heat.

Knitwear

Yes, light knits made from breathable cashmere are perfect for garden parties, as they help regulate body heat, wick away moisture, and allow you to fully enjoy the outdoors! Opt for high-gauge pieces to elevate your summer wardrobe—you won't regret it.

For a stunning knit ensemble suitable for the occasion, consider Lisa Yang's Fine-knit V-neck top JANE in a lovely lilac paired with the Fine-knit midi skirt RONJA in ivory. The soft pastel shades, the paper-thin fabric, and the minimalist design create a genuinely win-win outfit.

Accessorize

Once you have your base outfit set, it's time to accessorize and add that extra touch of chic style.

If your look leans towards cocktail elegance, consider the Plaited-handle crossbody bag BOMBON RAFFIA from Hereu for a perfect finishing touch.

For a more casual and whimsical vibe, the Straw tote bag CABAS M by Hereu is a fantastic choice. It beautifully blends a cottagecore aesthetic with the practicality of a spacious tote.

If you're after a versatile bag that can easily transition from day to night, take a look at the Flat square crossbody bag TRENA. It pairs well with both dresses and jeans.

And don't overlook the charm of a Silk scarf for that classic old-money feel! Wear it around your neck, tie around your waist as a belt, or even style it as a hairband—your creativity is your only limit.