How to Dress for a Garden Party

Unlike going to a cookout where sneakers and t-shirts are commonplace, a garden party often commands attire that is semi-formal or even formal. It's not uncommon to have to wear a suit or a gown to a garden party, depending on the event, function and time of day. If you're hosting a garden party, give your guests a clue in the invitation as to how they should dress. This will help set the tone for the party and keep it sophisticated.

Instructions

1. Refer to your invitation when you choose how to dress. The invitation is your first and probably best clue. If it says the garden party is going to be formal, then you're going to want to wear a suit and tie. If it's going to be semi-formal, you can probably get away with wearing nice slacks and a shirt and tie, but leave the jacket at home.

2. Wear a costume, or clothing specific to a time period, for any garden party that has a theme. For example, if the garden party is Victorian-themed, you could find a nice period dress, or a good suit fitting that time. If it's an even more elaborate garden party (one featuring medieval themes), then you'll want to wear a costume fitting that time period. Again, refer to the invitation.

3. Put together an outfit that is comfortable and easy to wear. Since it's a garden party, it's going to be held outside. Seating at tables may not be an option, so you may have to rest your plate on your lap.

4. Wear a floral pattern, or choose light colors. For fairly standard, non-traditional garden parties, light, vibrant colors are a great complement to the flowers in the garden.

5. Match your partner. If you're going with someone else, coordinate your colors so you stand out in a crowd.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consider the weather when you dress for a garden party. If you really need to dress up, but the weather is warm, then consider wearing a suit made of a lighter material, or a breathable, flowing dress. Lighter, breathable shoes are also a good idea.

• Avoid wearing high heels if the garden party is going to be hosted mostly on grass, particularly if the ground is moist. Getting stuck in the ground is never fun, especially if you run the risk of falling! Consider wearing shoes with block heels no heels. Even for a more formal garden party, there can be sandals that are appropriate.