The summer season is in full swing, meaning garden parties are aplenty. Sunny afternoons, ice-cold champagne, splendid tablescapes and al fresco dining – what could possibly be better?
When it comes to garden party style, many of us tend to favour typically feminine design tropes – think frills, breathable silks and ever-flattering bias cuts. Gingham never fails to enthral, lace leans into picnic-chic and florals in any capacity are always a failsafe option. As for silhouettes, think flowing, frothy, vintage cuts that radiate old school retro glam. In short, anything that looks as if it has been plucked from a 1950s storybook is bang on the money.
When it comes to garden party dress codes, the world is your oyster - which is actually in fact less helpful than if 'garden party' had the same strict parameters as say, black tie. Light and airy is the best way forward, but this doesn't have to mean the quintessential florals and maxi dresses only (though both are more than acceptable). Gender-fluid lines promise a sense of composed comfort, while unbuttoned pinstriped shirts and longline skirts make for easy-wear, effortless picks.
This year, we've decided to take our cues from some of the celebs who have been nailing summer dressing in 2025 - and they've got you covered with looks that are bang on trend, versatile and wholly appropriate for parties en plein air. So, whether it's in your friend's walled garden in Dalston or a swanky event in South Kensington with London's glamorous socialites, we've put our heads together to conjure up ten modish moodboards for your next afternoon soirée.
From Meghan Markle to Jennifer Lopez, we share our A-list fashion muse-inspired garden party outfit ideas.
What to wear to a garden party in 2025:
A floral shirt and jeans like Alexa Chung
© Getty Images, Instagram@alexachungFlorals for a garden may not be groundbreaking, but Alexa Chung's take on the feminine trend is. This season she wore an embellished shirt from Bode, putting a botanical twist on the classic white shirt. Style yours with light-wash jeans or some floaty white trousers and your favourite pair of sandals.
Best brands for florals - Bode, Erdem, DÔEN, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Reformation.
A Y2K-approved belt like Rita Ora
© Getty Images, Instagram/@ritaoraBoho fashion has made a triumphant return this season - some have brought a contemporary edge reflective of Chloé's dreamy SS24 collection, and others, like Rita Ora, have championed the style in all its 2000s glory, adding a Sienna Miller and Kate Moss-approved low-slung belt.
Best brands for Y2K - KNWLS, 16Arlington, Chloé, Masha Popova, Blumarine, Miu Miu.
A linen two-piece like Meghan Markle
© Getty Images, InstagramThe Duchess of Sussex has favoured tailored two-pieces over dresses this summer, creating looks that are uniformed, versatile and timeless. The best thing about investing in a good quality minimalistic co-ord set is the unparalleled versatility. Layer the top with a blazer for winter, pair the skirt with a bikini for a beach day, or wear the two together with metallic heels and a matching bag for the ultimate elevated summer outfit, depending on what type of garden party you're heading to.
Best brands for linen - Deiji Studios, Reiss, The Frankie Shop, Johanna Ortiz, Zimmerman.
A collared midi dress like Jennifer Lopez
© Getty Images, Instagram/@jloJ.Lo has a penchant for feminine midi dresses during the summer, which is handy for garden party inspiration. Last year, she shared a photo with her child Max wearing an effortlessly chic collared printed dress from Dior that said 'summer sophistication' without a flower in sight. If you want the look but don't want to spend £2600 like Jennifer, opt for a belted shirt dress with a vibrant pattern to get a similar, sophisticated look.
Best brands for preppy collars - Dior, Miu Miu, Self-Portrait, Ralph Lauren, Sandro, Maje.
Polka dots like Sienna Miller
© Getty ImagesClassic polka dots have made a triumphant resurgence this summer, and the sheer number of spotty looks at Royal Ascot and Wimbledon alone is enough to tell us it's a style to have on your garden party outfits moodboard. From Sienna Miller in Prada to Lady Amelia Spencer in Holland Cooper, the inspiration from the socialites and celebrities is endless.
Best brands for polka dots - Dolce & Gabbana, Handover, Valentino, Ganni, Rixo, Nina Ricci, Alessandra Rich.
A statement maxi skirt like Zendaya
© Getty ImagesZendaya continues to prove the power of a statement maxi skirt - so we immediately put one on our wishlists. The star famously paired her patchwork piece with a simple white cropped vest top and white ballerina flats for the ultimate elevated casual look.
Best brands for maxi skirts - MaxMara, Alaia, Rick Owens, Farm Rio, Gabriela Hearst, Dior.
A summer slip dress like Victoria Beckham
© Getty Images, Instagram/@victoriabeckhamNot only has Victoria Beckham created some of the chicest slip dresses of the season, but the silhouette is her go-to for any occasion thanks to is effortless and timeless appeal. Give the classic silhouette a seasonal makeover by opting for airy fabrics like cotton or linen, or perhaps one with a cheerful yet elegant pattern like summer stripes.
Best brands for slip dresses - Victoria Beckham, Galvan, Acne Studios, Norma Kamali, Blumarine, Pucci.
Romantic ruffle dress and strappy sandals like Elsa Hosk
© Getty Images, Instagram/@elsahoskCeleb-adored FANCì Club added another famous face to its roster of fans in the form of ex-Victoria Secret model Elsa Hosk. The model wore a fuchsia sheer asymmetric dress paired with statement floral strappy sandals, looking the picture of free-flowing beauty.
Best brands for ruffles - FANCì Club, Blumarine, Molly Goddard, Rodarte, ShuShu/Tong, Yuhan Wang, Simone Rocha.
A mini dress and bright tights like Blake Lively
© Getty ImagesTights for summer? Yep, you heard us right. Gossip Girl icon Blake Lively championed summery tights shades this August and we're slightly obsessed in the H! Fashion office, particularly as our 'summer' here in London has been questionable, therefore some cheerful hosiery wouldn't go a miss. We love the injection of colour blocking, to create a truly striking look.
Best brands for colour - Molly Goddard, Pucci, Versace, Gucci, Jacquemus, Loewe, Missoni.
Tie-dye silk dress and mules like Emily Ratajkowski
© Getty ImagesEmily Ratajkowski opted for a blue and green tie-dye slip dress featuring an abstract pattern with rich blues, greens and a hint of indigo – colours very reminiscent of Van Gogh's The Starry Night.
Emily's exact dress was part of a special collaboration between Marc Jacobs and New York-based painter Loren Erdrich. The printed midi dress is always a great choice for summer, and yet paired with the flattering line of a round-toe mule elevated the ensemble and turned it into our official garden party uniform.
Best brands for tie-dye - R13, Collina Strada, Proenza Schouler, Dion Lee, Sinead Gorey, Anna Kosturova, Chloé.
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