Dress for a Night • Designer Dress Hire
The Garden Party Dress Code: Weddings and Casual Events
23 hours ago
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23 hours 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 Ophelia Lace Gown
The Aje Ophelia Lace Gown is a gorgeous tiered pink gown, perfect for garden parties. This dress features features a straight neckline, adjustable straps, and a layered four-tier design with lace trim, offering a modern and flattering silhouette. 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
Leo Lin Rosario Mini Dress
The Leo Lin Rosario Mini Dress is a sophisticated style perfect for garden party events. This dress features a sweetheart neckline and delicate floral applique detailing, creating the elegant and refined look that designer Leo Lin is known for. The fitted bodice and waist enhance your silhouette, while the A-line mini skirt adds a playful touch. Designed with an invisible back zip closure and full lining. Pair this stunning dress with flats and a handbag for all garden parties.
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.
Alemais Sage Midi Dress
Elevate your garden party event with the exquisite Alemais Sage Midi Dress. This sophisticated piece features a refined fitted silhouette complemented by an elegant square neckline and delicate spaghetti straps. The discreet invisible zipper closure at the center back ensures a seamless, polished appearance for your special occasion.
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.
Arcina Ori Serena Dress
The Arcina Ori Serena Dress is a stunning flowy dress, perfect for outdoor weddings. This gorgeous warm coral dress features a drop waist, georgette drape over the bust, and a flowing skirt from the hips. The halter neckline ties at the neck, with long straps trailing down the open back. Fully lined with an invisible side zip, Serena is ideal for sunlit events and seasonal occasions. Accessorising with heels and jewellery will elevate the dress and make it perfect to wear to your formal events.
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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