Casual garden party invitation, simple right?? erm… not really. what to wear to. what to wear to a garden party
Party invitations can be tricky to decipher….
It is very bad manners to under-dress. It seems like you are not giving the occasion enough respect… I went to a christening a few years ago and some of the party were in jeans! Not cool.
However, it can be equally embarrassing to over-dress, especially as a more mature woman. We can be thought of as ‘trying too hard’, frumpy (too mother-of-the bride-ish and matchy matchy) or Mutton dressed as lamb.
So, what DO you wear to a garden party, over 40?
The invitation says “Casual” but I don’t want to look like I’m popping out to the shops…. and, although it is summer, it can be unpredictable weather-wise…Tricky.
I decided on this vintage-inspired tea dress with a quirky bird print (I know bird prints are just about over, but I like this one).
I threw on a striped blazer as a smart-ish layer and belted it…partially to make it more casual and partially to make it fit 😉
My shoe choice was easiest of all.
I needed comfort (standing around for hours) and no heel (I don’t want to sink into the lawn). So I picked these old friends. The red stripe was a good contrast with the blue and the whimsical bow gives them a girly touch… see my twitter feed for a close-up.
Finally, this bright blue clutch was perfect. A great colour and the perfect size, it holds a surprising amount….I am going to pop a compact umbrella into it before we go…..and maybe a scarf??
XXX
Dress: Fever London
Shoes: George at Asda
Bag: Linea
Jacket/Blazer: Primark
Perspex Cuff: Boden
Bangles: People Tree
