Dress for a Night • Designer Dress Hire
The Garden Party Dress Code: Weddings and Casual Events
5 days ago
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5 days ago
·The Garden Party Dress Code
From florals and greenery to sophistication and elegance a garden party is a trending theme for weddings and other events. When it comes to choosing the perfect outfit for a garden party, there possibilities are endless. As a stylist at Dress for a Night, I’ve picked up plenty of tips and tricks to help you nail the garden party dress code and leave you feeling your best. Let's dive in!
What to Wear to a Garden Party Event
Let me be honest, the garden party dress code is one I’ve always struggled with. It sits somewhere between casual and formal, laid-back yet elevated. Too dressed up, and you feel out of place. Too dressed down, and you feel underdressed. If you’ve ever stared at an invite with "Garden Party Attire" and felt completely lost, you're not alone.
Over time, through plenty of trial and error (and more than one last-minute outfit changes) and styling hundreds of clients, I’ve learned a few key things that can help decode this dress code - especially when it comes to garden weddings and outdoor formal events.
The garden party dress code is semi-formal. What is a semi-formal dress code? You may ask. It means that it is open to interpretation rather than just being cocktail. The garden party dress code is fairly loose, so you can experiment with colour, patterns, and different sillhouettes. Think styles that feel effortless but are still polished. As they are outdoor events, opt for outfits and accessories that are comfortable and practical, but keep your look classy. You can always dress up your outfit with some statment jewellery or a bag to fit the theme.
What to Wear to a Garden Party
Weddings
When the invitation says "Garden Party" for a wedding, it generally implies a semi-formal dress code, but it always depends on factors such as the venue. My go-to guidelines are:
- Lengths: Midi and maxi dresses are perfect as they look elegant and keep you protected from any unprecedented winds.
- Fabrics: Light, breathable materials such as chiffon, lace, silk or satin.
- Prints and colours: Embrace florals, pastels or soft earthy tones to match the theme.
- Shoes: Avoid stilettos at all costs! You'll be sinking into the grass all day long. Opt for block heels, wedges or dressy flats.
Casual Events
Not all garden parties are weddings. Casual garden parties call for a fresh and put-together look without feeling overdone. Keep makeup minimal and take inspiration from the setting. For daytime birthdays, engagement picnics, baby showers or social brunches, here are my recommendations:
- Lengths: Mini and midi dresses work beautifully here. A wrap dress or flowy smock silhouette adds ease and comfort.
- Fabrics: Stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, jersey or crepe to keep you cool during daytime events.
- Prints and colours: Experiment with bright colours, gingham, florals or playful prints.
- Shoes: Opt for cute flat sandals or low block heels. Again, comfort is key, especially if you're on grass.
Now that we've covered the basic guidelines on what to wear to a garden party, let's dive into my top dress recommendations that will help you nail the garden party dress code.
Garden Party Dresses for Autumn
Aje Victoria Gown
The Aje Victoria Gown in Wild Hydrangea is a gorgeous tiered floral gown. This dress features an a-line silhouette with a simple sweetheart neckline, boned bodice and bright floral pattern. A stunning fun and flirty style that makes the perfect garden party outfit during the transitional seasons.
Leo Lin Annie Midi Dress
The Leo Lin Annie Midi Dress is the perfect edition to your Garden Party outfit. I love recommending this style to customers as it never fails to look amazing on every body type! The beautiful terracotta colour is the new colour of the season, especially going into autumn. The Midi length and A line cut go seamlessly together for a flattering and elegant silhouette. The off the shoulder frill is a distinct feature of the dress and adds a unique flair to your garden party look.
Manning Cartell Double Time Pleated Maxi
The Manning Cartell Double Time Pleated Maxi is so iconic! A versatile style with as it is suitable for a garden party during both either day or night. The soft pleated fabric moves beautifully with you, while the neutral nougat tone keeps things timeless and elegant - perfect for a garden setting. The gold hardware on the straps add a modern touch, and the cinched bodice flatters all body types. Paired with nude shoes, gold accessories, this dress brings a refined yet effortless look.
Available in Nougat and Black.
Summer Garden Party Dresses
House of CB Marcella Pleated Maxi Dress
The House of CB Marcella Pleated Maxi Dress is a gorgeous option and here is why. The style of this dress is elegant and sophisticated, it's versatility is perfect for day and nightime events. Altough the blue colour is not the norm for a garden party, this pastel colour is the perfect addition for your next garden party.
Aje Serendipity Reflection Midi Dress
The Aje Serendipity Reflection Midi Dress is a mid-length dress with a corset inspired waist, made from a glossy linen material. Made mostly from linen, it is extremely comfortable and in colours blush, champagne and navy. This style is perfect for those who want more coverage in a cocktail dress. This elegant dress can be dressed down with sandals for a more semi-formal look to your next garden party as a wedding guest.
Leo Lin Rianne Floral Applique Maxi Dress
The Leo Lin Rianne Floral Applique Maxi Dress in Rosa is a true showstopper. The gorgeous red tone paired with delicate 3D floral appliqué creates the perfect blend of whimsical but elegant. Its flattering A-line silhouette and structured bodice suit a variety of body types, making it one of my favourite recommendations for outdoor events. Pair it with nude heels and dainty accessories for a feminine, polished look.
Spring Garden Party Dresses
Leo Lin Odette Midi Dress
The Leo Lin Odette Midi Dress is a stunning A-line silhouette. The simplicity of this dress makes for such a versatile wear as it's perfect for a garden party paired with minimalistic accessories, or dress it up with a statement bag and bold jewellery for a semi-formal look.
In a gorgeous pastel blue, this colour works against all skin tones and beautifully complements the spring season atmosphere.
Aje Violette Bubble Maxi Dress
The Aje Violette Bubble Hem Maxi Dress is an icon for a reason. You may have seen her all over Instagram - you girls just can't get enough of this style and we understand why! The boned corset bodice hugs your body in all the right places, and its comfortable wear means you don't need a bra to keep everything in place. Fitted with a beautiful full skirt this gown like maxi speaks for itself. A definite statement piece for your next garden party event.
Available in magenta, pink, black, and lavendar print.
Nana Jacqueline Caroline Dress
If you are looking to elevate your next garden party outfit, you have come to the right place! The Nana Jacqueline Caroline Dress is utterly gorgeous. The sage green colour fits the theme perfectly and not to mention the fit of the dress - a tight fitted bodice with a mermaid style skirt that dress hugs you in all the right places - what a dream! The perfect dress for a more elevated garden party theme.
Garden Party Wedding Guest Dresses
Aje Pandorea Dress
The Aje Pandorea Dress is a gorgeous maxi dress that embodies femininity and class. This style features a voluminous silhouette with layered ruffles throughout, a halter neckline and adjustable straps with back ties. A sophisticated yet flirty style that is guaranteed to have heads turning. I love the fun take on florals and flowy silhouettes, which is why it makes the perfect garden party outfit.
This style is available in coral clay, silver blue and black.
House Of CB Persephone Corset Dress
The House of CB Persephone Corset Dress in Jade is our new favourite colourway of the famous Persephone Dress. This colour is the perfect fit for a garden party event, and featuring a structured corset bodice and satin skirt, this formal dress is guaranteed to have heads turn. Paired with soft accessories, let the dress do all the talking to nail the garden party dress code.
Sonya Moda Nour Dress
The Sonya Moda Nour Dress is a stunning one shoulder design made from a luxurious satin. This gorgeous maxi dress features an asymmetrical neckline, adjustable tie and exposed cutout at the waist that tapers for a figure-flattering fit, and a high split providing a sensual look. This luxurious fabric makes this maxi dress a perfect piece to wear to weddings as it leaves you feeling glamorous and confident! Accessorising with heels and jewellery will elevate the dress and make it perfect to wear to your formal events.
This style is available in colours ocean pearl, yarden floral, scarlet red and fiori di sambuco.
Finding Your Fit
Attending a garden party, whether it's a wedding or a casual gathering, is a wonderful experience. By following the garden party dress code guidelines outlined above, you can strike the perfect balance between style and comfort. Embrace the beauty of the outdoors, the vibrant colors of the garden, and the relaxed atmosphere as you select your garden party attire.
Now that we have covered the different occasions and seasons that celebrate the garden party dress code, it is now time for you to decide what dress is best suited to your garden party event! You can hire these garden party dresses at Dress for a Night for a fraction of the retail price while reducing your environmental footprint. It's time to get renting instead of buying, so you never have to outfit repeat again!
DFAN Tip: We have just added a personal styling appointment at our North Sydney Boutique, for $84.99 we will reserve two items of your choice for you to try during your appointment You'll receive a gift bag valued at $119 and a $20 cashback. If you thought it couldn’t get any better. It can. Further inclusions are:
- Boob tape
- Fashion tape
- One piece of 18k Gold Jewellery (your choice)
- Tim Tam treat
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