Receiving an invite to a garden party is always good news. There is nothing better than an outdoor event to have a couple of drinks and get those light colored, non-business like clothes out of the closet for a spin.

A garden party is by definition a social gathering that takes place in a park or garden, and it tends to be more formal than just a barbecue or a picnic. Take Buckingham Palace garden parties for example, these events hosted by the Queen since the 1860s, are attended by over 30 000 people and attract the cream of the crop of London’s socialites. The French also have their version of high society garden parties, and every year the prime minister hosts one in the Palais de l’Elysee. However, garden parties can also be more relaxed events, like a networking cocktail or barbecue with your close friends. Whatever the occasion, it’s an opportunity to wear something a bit more fun and be creative with your combinations, especially with lighter colors and fabrics, which are appropriate for summer season.

In the next section we will give you a few ideas to help you fit in at a garden party, let it be tea with the Queen, a cocktail party or a great Sunday barbecue with friends.

If you are invited to a formal event it is best to wear a suit, and an elegant three piece is the perfect option for occasions in moderate heat. The extra layers will offer protection if the evening gets cool, the waistcoat can be used to hide your shirt creases towards the end of the day, and you’ll still look smart when offering your jacket to your date. Avoiding black during daytime is recommended, and linen is the way to go if you really want to keep cool. To add an extra note of summer, you can accessorize with an interesting tie and play with different colors, throwing a pocket square in the mix.

If the event is less formal, you can tune your attire to a more casual note by not wearing a waistcoat and losing the tie. Once again, garden parties scream summer, and you should not be afraid to use bright colors. Wearing a light linen suit or a blazer, and giving it a playful spin by adding a bow tie or a pocket square is an option, or wear a lighter cotton or linen tie and set the summery tone with bright, colorful patterns.

Garden parties are often not formal occasions, and if the event calls for a more dressy-casual look you can let your creativity inspire you. Wearing chinos combined with an elegant shirt and loafers is a good way to go. If you are around the barbecue with your friends, knocking down a couple of beers in the summer sun, a pair of tailored shorts and a short sleeved shirt will keep you looking cool.

Garden parties can be hosted to celebrate a variety of joyful events, and they are the ideal setting to unwind and have fun with your wardrobe. Drop us a line if you need advice on how to dress for your next event, or read on for more inspiration.