What to wear to host a smart summer garden party

[Thisismynewname123]

I really need some help to find something to wear to host a summer garden party in the evening. It's in a marquee so not muddy or worried about rain. I want something that feels really special, but don't want to be over the top. Budget up to about £300, but I really struggle with dresses as I'm curvy, with short legs, verging on a size 14 (but hopefully back to a size 12 by then).

Oh, this is fun!

It’s your party so you can wear exactly what you like.

You could keep an eye out for something by La Double J in the sales. The dresses are beyond your budget but there are always some reduced somewhere.

Dear god Totters why did you have to introduce me to that website?! Those clothes are utterly gorgeous.

www.joebrowns.co.uk

They have some lovely things that won't break the bank.

Yes … They’re not even the kind of thing I usually wear - but I spend an inordinate amount of time on the website trying to pick something that would work for me.

(I’m not allowed to say what I think of Joe Browns as a suggestion for ‘smart’ or ‘£300’ - which to me means up to about £k in the sales - am I?)

(Stupid me - ‘up to about £1k in the sales …’

How about this ? www.etsy.com/uk/listing/912195112/pleated-runway-design-long-sleeve-dotted?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_-clothing-power_seller&utm_custom1=k_1119b2bd3ae81c5f8924d09e071034b2_k&utm_content=bing_408847085_1309518654684493_81844981552096_pla-4585444530484387:pla-4585444530484387_t__912195112engb&utm_custom2=408847085&msclkid=1119b2bd3ae81c5f8924d09e071034b2

I think the nancymac jumpsuits look lovely
www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/jumpsuits-1/products/sable-jumpsuit-in-emerald-moss-crepe-1

Have a look on Silk Fred, they have some lovely dresses by independent designers and are my go to website at the moment.

Bargain! Orange! Only Size 14 left.

Tremendously elegant on the right person. (Someone with excellent posture.) Still seems quite expensive for what I can see on a screen. But the fabric, cut, lining and embroidery may be really special. Only a 14 left.

@TottersBlankly, that first link isn't really me. It's a bit out there. But I definitely appreciate being pointed to any different websites that I may not have thought of. I love that last one, but orange makes me look ill.

I think my problem is that I'm not even sure what I'm looking for and I need some validation and opinions on what others would wear for the occasion.

What are you thoughts on these?
www.karenmillen.com/cosmo-print-structured-midi-prom-dress/BKK01056.html

rixo.co.uk/products/sandrine-wave-mono

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/camilla/dresses/midi-dress/one-shoulder-tiered-tie-neck-printed-silk-chiffon-midi-dress/13452677152868770

or a jumpsuit?
www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/halston-heritage/jumpsuits/jumpsuits/draped-stretch-crepe-jumpsuit/5549023491919709

A rixo dress is an easy win and within budget

@TottersBlankly

Bargain! Orange! Only Size 14 left.

just noticed the original price on that. Love a big discount! Might be worth ordering to see what the colour is like IRL

Ghost has some lovely new dresses…

All depends on the expectations for the event. If I was holding or going to a garden party I would think flowing summer dress rather than too structured. The type of guests is all important, even as the host you don't want to be too overdressed compared to the guests, makes them feel uncomfortable

Huge discounts are a weakness of mine, too …

Never thought I’d approve a Karen Millen item over other choices - but the one you’ve linked does have presence. (It’s only that KM feels about 30 years out of date to me.) The Rixo and the other black frock are dull.

The Halpern jumpsuit. Maybe … If your garden is in Eaton Square. It’s a bit uptight for a relaxed country garden vibe.

My idea of smart is luxurious fabric, simple cut and either vintage or bang up to date. So I’d be inclined to hover over the next round of sales - for something designed for this S/S season.

You’ve chosen four completely different looks.

Love the jumpsuit you’ve posted.

gina

phase eight

Gina 2

adrianna

adrianna 2

Someone posted this dress on another thread and I am totally in love with it but have no occasion to buy one. But it might be just the thing for a summer garden party:

Free People Soa Dress

[quote RunnerDown]I think the nancymac jumpsuits look lovely
www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/jumpsuits-1/products/sable-jumpsuit-in-emerald-moss-crepe-1[/quote]
Just checked this out properly. Some very pretty dresses on here, although maybe not wow enough. I'm going to bookmark it though

@BobblyBlueJumper

Someone posted this dress on another thread and I am totally in love with it but have no occasion to buy one. But it might be just the thing for a summer garden party:

Free People Soa Dress

With my boobs I'd look pregnant in a dress like this!

A really fabulous DvF wrap dress would be my go to. Look great if you're curvy.

Maybe not for you, OP, but I’d want all my garden party guests to be dressed like these three.

Karen Millen have upped their game lately. I love these:

green one:
www.karenmillen.com/lydia-millen-cutwork-emboridery-woven-maxi/BKK00174.html

White one:
www.karenmillen.com/embroidered-cornelli-tape-woven-dress/BKK00446.html

I have bought this one for a summer marquee event:
www.karenmillen.com/petite-apotheosis-piped-woven-shirt-dress/BKK00877.html