Dress for a Posh Garden Party Type Event

[Handsfullofholes]

I’ve been invited to hospitality at quite a “posh” event at the end of June. Think Henley/Wimbledon type of thing, more daytime dress than evening dress.

I was just wondering if anyone had any thought about what I could wear?

I’m 6ft, size 6-8 and in my mid 20s. I prefer shorter dresses normally but I think this is a mid to long type occasion.

Accessories - I’ll need to buy a new clutch, but I’ve got some wooden style wedges that I’d quite like to wear.

Colour-wise I’m thinking white, pastel blue, type colours, but open to thoughts! Budget around £100 but could go higher for the right dress I’d wear again.

I had found this one: https://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/products/zoe-print-bandeau-midi-dress?variant=42926744076447 but not sure I’m 100% happy with it.

Thanks in advance for any help!

It’s a pretty dress but I find strapless to be annoying for the whole day!

& Other Stories have some really pretty dresses - I’d try there! Abercrombie, Nobody’s Child, Silk Fred, French Connection, NA-KD and Boden are good for dresses too.

Or you could try to get something from LK Bennet / Reiss / Reformation on eBay/Vinted?

https://www.lkbennett.com/product/DRPHELIACOTTONELASTANENaturalCream%20Tan%20Multi~-Cream

This is sooooo pretty
https://www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/day-dresses/fs-collection/double-sided-v-neck-white-lace-dress-in-ivory-white

I went to a Buckingham Palace garden party recently through work (go me!) and I expect the dress code will be much the same so lots of Hope and Ivy dresses, a few self portrait style from people who's really splashed out. Lots of midi florals with white jackets.

@GettingStuffed love thus dress and think it's perfect

I've been to lots of posh garden party type events. It's knee length, or midi summer dresses. Maybe a jacket depending on the weather. Hats are normally worn if it's daytime. No hats after 6pm.

@GettingStuffed @Whenwillitallmakesense Thank you, I really like that dress! My only worry is if it’s 28 degrees or the like, I might get too hot.

Do you think the sleeveless version works?https://www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/day-dresses/fs-collection/lace-embroidery-anglaise-maxi-dress-in-white

@doglover90 thank you, that dress is really pretty but I just don’t think it would suit me.

@PurplePear7 good shout about Vinted. I did have a look but i hadn’t thought about looking for the more expensive brands! https://www.vinted.co.uk/women/clothes/dresses/long-dresses/3085185243-reformation-floral-dress I quite like this but not sure I can splash out £150 on a dress that might not fit and I won’t be able to return 😬

@Winterisalmostover @jotunn thank you for the advice!

If it is a genuinely smart event you may be expected to keep your shoulders covered ie no strapless no sleeveless. Like ascot royal enclosure for eg.

@Delphigirl good point.

I’ve just had a look on the website and found this.

(don’t want to paste the name of the event as it could be quite outing, but if you Google the below it will come up!)

XXX has a dress code of ‘Smart Casual’, however we kindly ask that no jeans are worn on the date of attendance. We would encourage our guests to dress for a glamorous summer garden party.

Search for the hashtag on Insta and see what everyone was wearing last year. I'd find a clutch bag irritating for an event - shoulder or even just handles is easier, IMO, as it frees up a hand. Also, whether I was being entertained by work clients or friends would have some bearing on the style of dress I'd choose.

Oh well that’s nice and open then! Just thought you should check.

It sounds like you could wear rags and look fabulous!

In my humble opinion, cover your shoulders with wide straps or a nod to a sleeve perhaps?

Your first choice is a bit “too much flesh?”

Some of the links on here are beautiful. I’m sure you’ll find something amazing and just right.
Have fun.

Try Crew Clothing, they have really lovely 'day' special occasion dresses.

@Stratocumulus that’s very kind, but it’s actually quite hard finding something when you have a 36 inch inside leg!

@Lagershandy thanks! Crew is a good shout

I think part of the issue is that I need to try them on. Maybe a trip to a John Lewis or somewhere is a good idea.

How about this one

https://www.zara.com/gb/en/share/-p07694101.html?v1=267147056&utmcampaign=productShare&utmmmedium=mobilesharinggiOS&utmsource=reddsocialmovil

I’ve just ordered this which might fit your bill?

https://www.cevaf.com/products/dw3pllevjepov

Self portrait has a great sale on at the moment

https://www.self-portrait.com/products/blue-floral-watercolour-stretch-crepe-midi-dress

https://www.self-portrait.com/products/white-cotton-broderie-anglaise-midi-dress

They are over budget but you’d definitely be able to resell or wear again.

I’d say you will look fabulous in your first choice - just cover your shoulders with a wrap or cropped cardigan

I like your first choice a lot but here are some other options:

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/printed-dress-with-asymmetric-hem-p07694019.html?v1=267208826&v2=2184277

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/printed-corsetry-inspired-dress-with-knot-p03434517.html?v1=272088145&v2=2184277

PSA - do not order from Silk Fred 😑 I ordered the dress above and it has arrived today and looks so cheap 😩.

Back to the drawing board!

i was literally about to check out Silk Fred because of this post so thanks for the heads up xx

I saw someone wearing that new pink and white stripe Boden skirt with heels and silky white top to a similar event last weekend and thought they looked amazing. It was a random instagram influencer but it sounds like you could pull it off with your figure.

I can’t usually stand boden grown up clothes but it looked fantastic on!

What I was coming to say. The white sleeved silk Fred dress is too beach glam for an event like that I think?
I suspect you might have to wear something sleeved

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/mia-satin-embroidered-maxi-dress-5408071112.html

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/sarah-embellished-wrap-dress-in-recycled-polyester-5408066814.html

these are both lovely and with your height and figure would look fantastic.
also work with wedges I think especially the second one