What to Wear to a Garden Party

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Diary filling up with garden party invites but your wardrobe falling flat? Read our guide to how to dress for an English garden party to make sure you hit a sartorial high note, whatever the weather.

Need inspiration? Find dresses for every occasion here

What to Wear to a Garden Party

When it comes to British al fresco celebrations, it’s always best to dress with the weather in mind. A pretty umbrella and a lightweight jacket are an essential investment. But the centrepiece of any outfit should be a floral fancy, heavy on the romance. Shop our favourite pieces for garden party perfection.

The Floral Dress

Needle & Thread Garden Petal Wrap Gown, £250, needleandthread.com

When it comes to romance, nobody does it better than Needle & Thread. Choose from sequin or beaded embellishments, floaty styles and pretty floral prints.

Lisou Darcy Dress, £280, lisou.co.uk

If floral prints aren’t your bag, be the flower. This frilled silk dress by Lisou is summer perfection.

Camilla Asymmetrical Ruffle Dress, la Belle, £1,020, camilla.com

No dress captures the whimsical summer fancy of an English garden party quite like this stunning digitally printed silk dress by Camilla. The tiered maxi with flared sleeves is poetry in motion.

AlexaChung Floral-print crepe maxi dress, £226, theoutnet.com

This glorious retro-floral print maxi needs a tight top knot, a red clutch and some cat eye shades to create garden party perfection.

The Co-Ord

Song of Style Dallas Top, £156 and Eaton Midi Skirt, £194, both at revolve.com

Give your look an edge with a cute co-ord for your next garden party. Think printed shirt and culottes or wrap top and skirt with just a slice of midriff on show. This Song of Style Dallas Top and Eaton Midi Skirt is absolute perfection.

The Lightweight Coat

Burberry Relaxed fit tropical gabardine trench coat, £1,150, harveynichols.com

Hopefully you already have a wear-everyday trench in your wardrobe. If you don’t, garden party season is the perfect time to invest. Burberry make the best keep-forever styles, with this soft khaki wash making a great any-season colour choice.