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Garden parties are among the most festive affairs of the warmer months—whether staged as weddings or birthdays or simply to make use of a manicured lawn and a bottle of chilled rosé. One thinks of Daisy Buchanan’s lawn luncheons in The Great Gatsby (1974), with their billowing white dresses and silver trays, or the pastel-drenched fêtes in Marie Antoinette (2006), where silk ribbons and parasols reigned supreme. But the true pleasure lies in dressing for them. A floral-print mini, a flowing chiffon maxi, or a crisp cotton set can feel just right when worn beneath a leafy canopy. This season, we’re eyeing Magda Butrym’s painterly off-shoulder mini, Khaite’s raspberry-hued tank, and La DoubleJ’s zesty yellow Penelope dress—all joyful expressions of garden-party attire done properly. In the guide ahead, discover what to wear (and what to avoid) for every open-air occasion on your calendar.
Vogue’s Garden-Party Essentials
- The Linen Maxi: Staud Laura linen maxi dress, $450
- The Floral Coordinates: Agua by Agua Bendita Reserva bustier top, $390, and Bergamota midiskirt, $890
- The Painterly Blooms: La DoubleJ Penelope dress, $1,640
- The Structured Mini: Khaite Pranta dress, $1,200
- The Printed Pouch: Loewe cotton-twill pouch, $375
- The Bohemian Set: Isabel Marant halter top, $795, and pant, $770
- The Festive Clutch: Prada fringed crochet clutch, $2,750
But what exactly is the garden-party dress code? It typically calls for elegant yet comfortable clothing suitable for an outdoor setting. Florals, of course, are fail-proof: romantic, timeless, and seasonally apt. But they are by no means the only path forward. Minimalists might favor a sleek slip dress with a straw hat and sculptural sandal; classicists might opt for crisp cotton in tailored silhouettes; even a dramatic monochrome look can feel right at home, provided it’s rendered in breezy fabric and tempered by a setting-appropriate shoe (read: no stilettos). The key is to let your personal style sing in harmony with the natural surroundings.
Below, our definitive Vogue guide to garden-party attire: what to wear, what to avoid, and the best pieces to shop now in every category.
Minidresses
There’s something irresistibly flirty about a minidress when worn beneath sun-dappled trees. Garden parties are among the rare occasions where a shorter hemline can feel both whimsical and refined—especially when styled. This season, consider Magda Butrym’s painterly floral off-shoulder silhouette or Khaite’s raspberry-cream Pranta slip with architectural lines. For a touch of play, Pucci’s print mesh and Staud’s pleated embellished poplin mini bring energy to the lawn. Style with a raffia clutch and block heel to balance whimsy with polish.
Midi-Dresses
Consider the midi-dress the true workhorse of garden-party attire. Neither too prim nor too revealing, it offers the ideal length for moving gracefully between lawn chairs and canapé trays. This summer’s highlights include Prada’s butter yellow pleated sheath, Stella McCartney’s lace-trimmed satin midi with boudoir undertones, and Bernadette’s painterly belted dress with a demure boat neckline. For a high-low moment, Mango’s strapless floral option strikes a sweet note. Pair these with kitten heels and a bit of glinting jewelry, and you’re well suited for weddings, showers, or any garden gathering that demands a touch of ceremony.
Maxidresses
If the invitation leans formal—or if you simply wish to make an entrance—there’s no greater ally than a floor-sweeping dress. Cara Cara’s pleated strapless gown in crisp floral cotton evokes the grandeur of an English conservatory, while Sir’s slinky silk slip dress printed with muted botanicals offers a subtler take. For those drawn to color, La DoubleJ’s Penelope dress in zesty yellow reads like a walking sunbeam. Prefer stripes? Try the Laura linen sundress for a casual but considered statement. These sweeping silhouettes require little else—perhaps a sleek bun and delicate gold jewelry to finish the look.
Separates
While dresses may dominate, separates offer a welcome alternative, especially for those looking to wear their pieces long after the party ends. This season, Cara Cara’s pleated cotton poplin skirt and matching tie-front shirt make a case for coordinated drama, while Simon Miller’s striped poplin button-up and Pia pants nod to playful minimalism. Isabel Marant’s tiered halter top and paisley-print miniskirt offer a more bohemian spirit—ideal for more relaxed affairs. Each combination can be just as garden appropriate as a dress, particularly when styled with personality: a bold hair clip, a vintage brooch, or oversized sunglasses.
Accessories
No garden ensemble is complete without the finishing touches, and this is where whimsy and utility meet. Staud’s ribbon-trimmed sun hat is both sculptural and practical, while Mango’s braided leather bag and Loewe’s floral cotton pouch bring texture without distraction. For evening affairs, consider Prada’s fringed crochet clutch in a grassy green. Add polish with Bottega Veneta’s cat-eye sunglasses and Lelet NY’s delicate claw clip—accessories that feel intentional without being overwrought. The rule here is simple: Your accoutrements should complement the garden, not compete with it.
