Garden parties are some of the most delightful events of summer—whether they’re weddings, birthdays, or simply an excuse to enjoy a well-kept lawn and a chilled bottle of rosé. Think of Daisy Buchanan’s elegant luncheons in The Great Gatsby (1974), with flowing white dresses and silver trays, or the pastel-hued gatherings in Marie Antoinette (2006), where silk ribbons and parasols stole the show. But the real joy comes in dressing for the occasion. A floral mini, a breezy chiffon maxi, or a crisp cotton set can feel perfect when worn under leafy trees. This season, we love Magda Butrym’s artistic off-shoulder mini, Khaite’s raspberry-hued tank, and La DoubleJ’s vibrant yellow Penelope dress—all perfect examples of garden party style done right. Ahead, find our guide on what to wear (and what to skip) for every outdoor event on your calendar.

### Vogue’s Garden Party Essentials
– The Linen Maxi: Staud Laura linen maxi dress, $450
– The Floral Coordinates: Agua by Agua Bendita bustier top, $390 & Bergamota midi skirt, $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 & pants, $770
– The Festive Clutch: Prada fringed crochet clutch, $2,750

### What’s the Garden Party Dress Code?
Garden party attire should be elegant yet comfortable—perfect for an outdoor setting. Florals are always a safe bet: romantic, timeless, and seasonally fitting. But they’re not the only option. Minimalists might prefer a sleek slip dress with a straw hat and sculptural sandals, while classicists could opt for crisp cotton in tailored shapes. Even a bold monochrome look can work, as long as it’s in a breezy fabric and paired with the right shoes (hint: skip the stilettos). The key is to let your personal style shine while complementing the natural setting.

Below, our ultimate guide to garden party dressing—what to wear, what to avoid, and the best pieces to shop now.

### Mini Dresses
There’s something irresistibly playful about a mini dress under sunlit trees. Garden parties are one of the few occasions where a short hemline feels both fun and refined—especially when styled thoughtfully. This season, try Magda Butrym’s artistic floral off-shoulder mini or Khaite’s raspberry-cream Pranta slip with clean lines. For extra flair, Pucci’s printed mesh or Staud’s pleated poplin mini add energy to any lawn look. Pair with a raffia clutch and block heels to balance whimsy with polish.

Top Picks:
– Magda Butrym silk mini dress, $2,025
– Khaite Pranta dress, $1,200
– Pucci Marmo mini dress, $885
– Staud Wells poplin mini dress, $498

### Midi Dresses
The midi dress is the perfect garden party staple—not too formal, not too casual, just right for mingling between lawn chairs and appetizer trays. This summer’s standouts include Prada’s butter-yellow pleated sheath, Stella McCartney’s lace-trimmed satin midi, and Bernadette’s painterly belted dress with a boat neckline. For a budget-friendly option, Mango’s strapless floral midi is a great pick. Style with kitten heels and delicate jewelry for weddings, showers, or any garden gathering that calls for a polished touch.

Top Picks:
– Prada floral crepe midi dress, $5,200
– Alessandra Rich silk midi dress, $1,478
– Khaite Darby dress, $2,200
– Mango strapless floral dress, $90

### Maxi Dresses
If the event is more formal—or if you just want to make an entrance—a maxi dress is the way to go. Flowing silhouettes in lightweight fabrics like chiffon or linen keep you cool while looking effortlessly elegant. Opt for soft florals, delicate embroidery, or even a bold solid color for a striking effect.

Top Picks:
– Staud Laura linen maxi, $450
– La DoubleJ Penelope dress, $1,640
– Ferragamo Blossom funnel-neck mini, $1,750

Whether you prefer a playful mini, a versatile midi, or a dramatic maxi, the key is to choose pieces that reflect your style while keeping comfort in mind. Happy garden party season!When it comes to elegance, nothing beats a floor-length dress. Cara Cara’s pleated strapless gown in crisp floral cotton brings the grandeur of an English garden, while Sir’s sleek silk slip dress with muted botanical prints offers a softer approach. If you love color, La DoubleJ’s vibrant yellow Penelope dress shines like a ray of sunshine. For a more casual yet polished look, the Laura linen sundress with stripes is perfect. These flowing styles need little else—just a sleek bun and delicate gold jewelry to complete the outfit.

Dresses:
– Cara Cara – Montreal cotton-poplin maxi dress ($895 at NET-A-PORTER)
– Sir – Serene silk slip dress ($670 at MYTHERESA)
– Staud – Laura linen maxi dress ($450 at NORDSTROM & SHOPBOP)
– Mango – Asymmetrical satin dress ($400 at MANGO)
– Loewe – Jersey midi dress ($1,250 at NET-A-PORTER & MYTHERESA)
– La DoubleJ – Penelope dress ($1,640 at LA DOUBLE J)

Separates:
If dresses aren’t your thing, separates are a great alternative—especially if you want pieces you can wear beyond the event. Cara Cara’s pleated cotton skirt and matching tie-front shirt create a coordinated statement, while Simon Miller’s striped poplin shirt and Pia pants offer playful minimalism. For a bohemian vibe, Isabel Marant’s tiered halter top and paisley-print mini skirt are ideal for laid-back gatherings. Style them with personality—think bold hair clips, vintage brooches, or oversized sunglasses.

Separates Picks:
– Agua by Agua Bendita – Reserva bustier top ($390 at NET-A-PORTER)
– Agua by Agua Bendita – Bergamota midi skirt ($890 at NET-A-PORTER)
– Simon Miller – Loch button-up ($255 at SIMON MILLER)
– Simon Miller – Pia striped poplin pants ($245 at SIMON MILLER)
– Isabel Marant – Yickia halterneck top ($590 at NET-A-PORTER)
– Isabel Marant – Dova mini skirt ($795 at NET-A-PORTER)

Accessories:
No garden look is complete without the right finishing touches. Staud’s ribbon-trimmed sunhat is stylish yet practical, while Mango’s braided leather bag and Loewe’s floral cotton pouch add texture without overpowering. For evening events, Prada’s fringed crochet clutch in grassy green is a standout. Elevate your look with Bottega Veneta’s cat-eye sunglasses and Lelet NY’s delicate claw clip—accessories that feel intentional but effortless. The key? Let your pieces complement the garden, not compete with it.

Accessory Highlights:
– Mango – Braided leather handbag ($220 at MANGO)
– Staud – Rita ribbon hat ($195 at STAUD)
– Loewe – Cotton-twill pouch ($375 at NET-A-PORTER)
– Prada – Fringed crochet clutch ($2,750 at SAKS FIFTH AVENUE & PRADA)
– Bottega Veneta Eyewear – Cat-eye acetate sunglasses ($760 at NET-A-PORTER)
– Lelet – Paulina claw clip ($148 at LELET)