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!!

I’m really sad to see the “crap wedding” comments. We had a really magical afternoon when we went. Just about everyone was very dressed up and women without hats were a tiny minority. I wore block heels which were fine on the grass with a summer dress with bracelet length sleeves and a hired hat.

Despite the thread title, the OP is attending the DoE Gold Award celebration, not a 'Garden Party'. I don't know what event you attended

As I said upthread I went with DGS last May and it was definitely not a Garden Party. We were given a cup of tea and one cupcake

Women were smartly dressed in summer dresses/trousers, dads in suits; some of the young girls in very slinky dresses and the young boys mainly in suits as was my DGS, there were very few hats, and one or two fascinators

It was a nice afternoon out but certainly not one for hiring a hat or special outfit

I always err on the side of long sleeves as I think they absolutely transform the look. (I too would always avoid the female MP opening the fete look: flowery dress with blue blazer.)

For this D of E event, I’d look at Me and Em, Aspiga and Rixo with the caveat that the last is the dearest and the most bohemian look. You will probably get more wear out of the first two.

Be prepared not to care (a) when other attendees are less smartly dressed and (b) when the hospitality is well…..not flowing.

It’s a great achievement for the young people and well done to them all.

Minipie, please may I ask
how you found that nice cream
and black dress? I can’t get any reductions when I look. Thank you.

Separately, it’s a prime example of how a great look (picture 1) can be spoiled by the addition of a belt or coat (later pictures). You lose the cut of the dress - it’s a shame.

My only other idea is Pink City Prints BUT I’ve just had a look and their collection isn’t as eye-catching as previous years.

It was a garden party @Westfacing. I don’t know what the “crap wedding” posters attended.

I went last May with my son.

We had a lovely morning. I wouldn't call a military band playing the Beatles greatest hits a crap wedding. Edward was quite jolly and didn't hog the speeches. There were about 6 people doing little talks- I had a nice chat with Victoria Derbyshire. Larry Lamb was one of the others. Also some garden games and props for photos.
The portaloos are quite posh.
I don't remember many hats, and I saw quite a lot of trainers. it was a lot less formal than I thought it would be. Remember the main guests are young people, many still at school or students who aren't likely to have money for posh outfits.
My son did buy a suit because he has no other clothes than jeans and track pants and we decided it would do for graduation as well.
You do need comfy shoes as there is a lot of standing around and not many places to sit. And the gardens are huge so you will want to walk round.
I dont wear dresses normally so I just got a plain navy linen dress and added some colour with a bag. If I was to go again Id probably wear linen trousers.
There is nobody 'on the door' checking what you're wearing.