I'm a Shopping Editor—5 Summery Outfits I'm Eyeing for a Garden Party

garden party

(Image credit: @jetlaggedlovers)

It's summer, so you know what that means: time for outdoor celebrations. From welcome dinners to wedding weekends to park picnics to vacations to brunches, once the weather gets warm, the dining venues take advantage. While we all might have a good idea of what to wear to an outdoor dinner, what happens when you get an invitation that reads “garden party”? I know what you’re thinking: Does this mean I have to wear tons of florals and frills? Not necessarily. Although I don’t personally mind the idea of florals and frills, I found five chic outfits that are so fresh and stylish and perfectly appropriate for a garden party.

Keep scrolling to take a look at the five garden party–ready outfits I'm re-creating this summer.

Polka-Dot Maxi Dress + Oval Sunnies

polka dot mazi dress

(Image credit: @emmaleger)

Polka dots might not be the first thing you think of when you think of a garden party, but I have been loving this print for summer. The black-and-white color combo looks so classy, and I can totally picture myself having a glass of rose in a lush garden wearing a pretty polka-dot maxi dress. If it were me, I'd add a sun hat, too.

Floral Minidress and Flat Sandals

pretty summer dress

(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Of course when you think of garden party attire, your mind immediately goes to one place: florals. I say when you’re going for a floral print, opt for a shorter hemline. It adds a little flirtation to the otherwise dainty print. A trendy bag and flat sandals make this outfit garden-party ready. Plus, the fruit earrings are a fun touch.

Pearls + Little White Mini

white dress

(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

If there were ever an event to bust out the pearls for, it’s a garden party. I love the idea of dressing up a classic summer white minidress with lots of pearls as your garden party look, especially paired with ballet flats.

Strapless Top + Capris + Ballet Flats

capris outfit

(Image credit: @leximars)

If dresses aren’t really your thing but you still want to attend a garden party, not to worry. Capris are here for you. Not only are they here, but they are trending, and they are the perfect pretty cropped pants to pair with your growing collection of stellar tops for summer.

Drop-Waist Dress + Raffia Bag

pretty white dress

(Image credit: @indyabrown)

Drop-waist dresses are having a moment right now, and I, for one, am thrilled about it. This silhouette looks so elevated and chic. Plus, it's so easy to style.

Assistant Editor

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Grace has always been a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Upon receiving her first degree in visual communications from FIDM in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City and continued her education at LIM College, majoring in fashion media with a minor in society and culture. Grace has worked for PhotoBook magazine, Insider, and Harper's Bazaar. As a writer, Grace has had pieces published covering topics including racial justice, fashion, politics, and current events. During her free time, she loves wine tasting, creating content for her social media, spending time with friends, traveling to new places, and Pilates, and has a love for reality television, especially The Real Housewives. Grace is the person in your friend group everyone goes to for recommendations for the best place to grab drinks in NYC on a Friday night or the best hotels and restaurants to try when traveling to a new city. While fashion is her main love, she loves all things wellness and lifestyle as well. Her ideal sunday is brunching with friends then walking around furniture shopping and listening to a podcast. As the assistant shopping editor at Who What Wear, Grace loves finding the best buys out there for the WWW readers.