Help me find a Buckingham Palace Garden Party Dress

[PrettyCherryBlossom]

My DS is taking me as his guest to a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award garden party at Buckingham Palace next month. It’s not quite as formal as one of the King’s garden parties - the dress code says hats are not required and looking at photos from previous years it was very much a sea of pretty summer dresses.

I’m a size 10 and 5ft 8 but with a slight tummy so I avoid anything that ties around the middle or adds volume there. I want to avoid the dress with a cropped jacket look, it doesn’t suit me. Colour wise, I like blues and pinks.

I think I might want longer sleeves - to protect me from sunburn if it’s sunny. I’m really not sure about how to wear jackets/shawls without it looking silly!

Please help me look stylish!!

this is pretty. also comes in a pale blue and white.

this is very pretty, lovely fabric

or this one with long sleeves? Although personally I’d go shorter sleeves with a lightweight cropped blazer (H&M has some nice looking little blazers)

ah sorry just saw you said avoid cropped jacket & dress!!

Ooh how exciting! If you’re a size 10 and 5 foot eight I imagine you’re going to have a good choice and look fabulous in most things! I would start by having a look on Mint Velvet, I got a couple of beautiful smart summer dresses from there last year for various family occasions. The other thing I would suggest is personal shopping in John Lewis – you need to book but there is no charge for the service and the staff in my local store are incredibly helpful. I didn’t feel any pressure to buy anything but it was really good in terms of getting me to look at outfits that I otherwise would not have considered. Have a great time!

If you’re up for something more eye catching you could look at Farm Rio or Rixo

blue

pinks/reds

white with flowers

We were in london last year and ended up in a crowd of people leaving a DofE garden party. So special to see everyone dressed up and looking so proud! Pretty pastel summer dresses were the most obvious choice, some informal straw sun hats and headbands. Monsoon might have something.

This is lovely and inexpensive, the ruffles will hide stomach area well.
Pretty Lavish have some lovely dresses (this was on the Very Website)

I would have a look at Hobbs. They have a big occasion section. Their sizing is generous so take a look at the size chart as you might need to size down.

Don’t be surprised if the dress code slips! Some women at a Royal Buckingham Palace garden party I attended kicked off shoes & slipped on flip-flops.

Clearly walking in heels on grass was a killer. So apart from a pretty dress, think about your feet too.

Wedges or flats all the way on grass.

Last May I was DGS's plus one!

It was bright sunshine but a bit nippy so I wore something very similar to this but it was 3/4 sleeve, plus metallic Geox trainers, and a cross-body bag

Mint Velvet Animal Print Ruched Waist Midi Dress, Gold/Multi

I didn't want to wear a jacket as it would have spoiled the look so I wore a Uniqlo base layer underneath for warmth

It's all very informal and enjoyable, definitely no hats - lots to see and do, especially walking around the gardens

I’d buy a second hand silk monsoon dress from eBay.

Don’t over think it.

Yes, go long with wedges and sandals for later.

But seriously don’t overthink. It’s just a garden party. On some grass.

Don't go overboard on spending too much. I went to one when the late Queen was alive and it was a lot more casual than I thought it would be.

In fact, I was a little disappointed in how low key it actually was in terms of the food and drink served. The quality wasn't great to be honest and definitely not posh! We got the vibe of the plebs behind the velvet rope watching the royals eating and drinking from China plates and cups whilst sitting in a tent. Felt like going to the zoo to see the endangered species really 😂🤣

We got some good photos and had fun but it was definitely an underwhelming experience. Just go with the thought of getting some nice photos and enjoying the day celebrating your DS achievements and you won't be disappointed.

I’m going with DD although not as soon as May, she’s just about to submit all her paperwork. I have a gorgeous me and em dress - orange, fitted with sleeves - which I’m planning to wear with flat tan sandals and a tan leather cross body / tote. Big hat if it’s sunny (am diligent about sun off the face as I career towards 50)

I know it's not the point of the thread, but when did you find out your DS had an invitation? My DC completed and submitted everything for the Gold award last month and I wondered if they might get an invite to the awards ceremony this year?

This is so true.

Basically it’s like being at a slightly crap wedding.

Thank you for all the ideas and advice so far. I’ll try not to overthink it and will definitely be wearing wedges or flats! I’m off to browse your suggestions 🙂

DS completed everything late last year but one of his friends only got it signed off last month and has got an invitation to the same event.

You’ll have a great time I’m sure!

My friend was invited to the main garden party & another linked event at St Pauls Cathedral a couple of years ago. She was panicking over what to wear and booked a free personal shopping experience at John Lewis. The stylist helped her find 2 gorgeous dresses and accessories (both dresses were from Hobbs). Is there anywhere near you that offers something similar?
This doesn't meet your briefing but I think it's very pretty https://www.hobbs.com/product/carly-floral-dress/0126-5675-9022L00-PALE-PINK-MULTI.html

Hobbs and Phase Eight are the two places I’d think of visiting. Thea John Lewis personal shopper is another good idea.

Thank you for the John Lewis suggestion. I’ve made an appointment with a personal stylist for next week. Should be fun!

Thank you. So there's a slim chance of an invite still appearing for this years ceremony - I'll keep my eyes peeled (for an invite, and a dress!).

Hope your JL trip is fruitful!

So pleased you've been able to book an appointment. I hope you find something fabulous! You'll have to come back and show us what you choose.

Sorry I am no use but it’s just shocked me at the realisation about the “dress with cropped jacket” look.

i can’t unsee it now! Cropped jackets absolutely would not suit me and i much prefer a soft cardi. I do also think leather biker jackets look great with dresses, although maybe not for a royal garden event!

i realise now though that this is what a lot of middle aged ladies wear to weddings. My sil in her 60’s seems very keen on it, and the last few weddings she has taken my very elderly mil out and bought her pretty much the same outfit in a different colourway.

for some reason I really dislike it. Can’t put my finger on why. Maybe because it’s almost a sort of uniform, it’s what everyone wears so it’s boring and not very interesting.