The Gentleman's Guide to Garden Party Attire

The sun is out and it's officially garden party season! That means languid afternoons spent sipping champagne and playing lawn games, surrounded by the magnificent plant life England has to offer. Is there a more peaceful way to spend your summer days?

However, as you look forward to your summer soiree, there's probably one question on your mind: what do you wear to a garden party?

From friendly barbecues to black tie galas, cracking the dress code is never an easy task. That's why we've put together this guide to garden party attire. So, you'll always look the part, whether you're making toasts or flipping burgers!

Depending on the type of event, a blazer might not be essential, but a tailored jacket will add a touch of sophistication to any garden party outfit.

Choose lightweight fabrics, like cotton or linen blends as these will keep you cool whilst reflecting the airy garden party atmosphere. Light shades and pastel colours will look right at home against bright flowers and blue skies.

Whether you're completing a suave three-piece or wearing it over a casual shirt and jeans, a colourful blazer is a fun and easy way to liven up your look.

If prim and proper isn't your style, and the dress code leans toward casual, you could replace the classic blazer with a leather jacket. This will give your outfit some edge, whilst maintaining the sleek structure of the traditional suit.

Opt for styles that'll fit nicely over your suit, like a leather shirt or a suede blazer, and stick to colours like black or brown which will naturally blend in with your formal attire.

There's nothing more suitable for a summer than a floral print shirt! From botanical prints to tropical designs, floral shirts have a vibrant energy that fits perfectly with the garden party setting.

Bright and bold florals are guaranteed to make you stand out, but they're also surprisingly easy to style! 

If the party has a casual dress code, you can pair your shirt with chinos or light wash jeans for a look that's effortlessly stylish. For formal occasions, like galas and weddings, tailored trousers keep the look refined. The key is to balance the vivid colours of your shirt with more neutral tones like white or beige.

When it comes to picking your prints, choose florals that reflect your personality. If your style is inspired by english country charm, go for earthy botanical prints. Those who like a bolder look might prefer exotic flowers in deeper hues like vivid reds and blues. 

Polo shirts and shorts are the ideal combo for semi-formal garden parties, striking that balance between casual and refined. 

Made from lighweight fabrics, like cotton and pique, polo shirts are comfortable and breathable, which makes them perfect for long days under the scorching sun.  Just like the floral shirt, polos are super simple to style. So, you're going to look sharp, whether you dress them up under a blazer or dress them down with an everyday jacket. 

Chino shorts are just as comfortable, designed to keep you cool without sacrificing on style. Though they bring a more laid-back mood than trousers, they still have a smart, tailored look that would suit any summer occasion.

When paired together, they create an effortlessly polished look that'll have you looking smooth and sophisticated.

When choosing your footwear for garden parties, it's important to prioritise comfort. As you'll be wearing them for most of the day, you'll need shoes made from high-quality fabrics with soft, supportive soles.

Remember, you'll be outdoors all day too, so go for durable footwear that isn't easily scuffed- and you might want to avoid white!

Suede pumps and brogues are ideal for garden parties. Embellished with dapper details, the material adds a touch of luxury without being too formal, whilst their design makes them sturdy, secure, and easy to wear. 

Accessories are a must for garden party attire!

Whether you're elevating a casual look or adding the finishing touches to your formalwear, accessories will tie the whole outfit together!

A hat is the most traditional garden party accessory. They're the perfect choice if you want to bring a distinguished, vintage feel to your modern look.

If you're wearing tailored trousers or chinos, a leather belt will really pull your outfit together. Choose classic colours like brown, black, or navy, and make sure to match your belt to your shoes for cohesion.

Jewellery is a great way to show off your individuality. For example, leather or beaded bracelets will add a fun, bohemian vibe that'll help you stand out from the crowd.