What to wear to a garden party in 2024: 10 super chic outfit ideas

Here's exactly what to wear to your next al fresco occasion according to Jennifer Lopez, Sienna Miller, Meghan Markle and more

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Fashion and Lifestyle Writer

Updated: August 5, 2024Aug 5, 2024, 5:52 PM GMT+1

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.

What do I wear to a garden party?

Honestly? The world is your oyster - which is actually in fact less helpful than if 'garden party' had the same strict parameters as '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). This year, we've decided to take our cues from some of the celebs who have been nailing summer dressing in 2024, and they've got you covered with looks that are bang on trend, versatile and wholly appropriate for al fresco parties, whether it's in your friend's garden in Dalston or an event in South Kensington with London's glamorous socialites.

Frrom Meghan Markle to Jennifer Lopez, H Fashion shares our A-list fashion muse-inspired garden party outfit ideas:

MORE: How to wear black in summer for maximum chic

READ: The best summer dresses that are perfect for your 2024 holiday

A floral shirt and jeans like... Alexa Chung

Florals 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 botanitcal twist on the classic white shirt. Style with light-wash jeans or some floaty white trousers and your favourite pair of sandals.

This silk shirt with a boxy fit features elegant pleating and delicate embellished floral beadwork. The versatility of this piece is unrivalled.

£790.00 AT LIBERTY

A Y2K-approved belt like... Rita Ora

Boho fashion has made a triumphant return this season - some have brought a contemporary edge reflective of Chloe'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.

You can't go wrong with an affordable accessory. This high street piece is bang on trend and totally versatile - give your favourite dress or skirt a bohemian edge with this effortless piece.

£17.99 AT NEW LOOK

A linen two-piece like... Meghan Markle

The 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.

This set from Haveli - a start-up label born in Kingston, Jamaica, elevates the classic two-piece with its asymmetrical sleeves, cowl neckline and flattering A-line skirt. Wear them together or style them separately for an endless number of outfits.

SKIRT £237.00, TOP £110.00 AT HAVELI

A collared midi dress like...Jennifer Lopez

JLo has a penchant for feminine midi dresses during the summer, which is handy for garden party inspiration. Last week 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.

It's impossible to go wrong with a vibrant midi dress during the summer, that can be thrown on with flats for the garden or heels for a wedding. I love the print on this Aspiga piece and the addition of a grosgrain belt to create an even more flattering shape.

£165.00 AT ASPIGA

Polka dots like...Sienna Miller

Classic 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.

This tiered dress brings together boho bliss and pretty polka dots (which if you ask us sounds like the ultimate Sienna Miller-approved outfit). Alongside adjustable straps, it also comes with a separate necktie and rose pin in matching fabric.

£105.00 AT SISTER JANE

A statement maxi skirt like...Zendaya

This summer Zendaya proved the power of a statement maxi skirt and we immediately put one on our wishlists. She paired her patchwork piece with a simple white cropped vest top and white ballerina flats for the ultimate elevated casual look.

There is no other brand that does fun, statement print summer pieces like Farm Rio. I can see this shell-print piece with both raffia flats and gold stiletto heels, depending on how dressy the occasion is.

£210.00 AT FARM RIO

A summer slip dress like...Victoria Beckham

Not 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.

This linen maxi dress screams summer elegance with its passionfruit-hued striped pattern, linen material and keyhole cut-out detailing.

£77.00 AT PEPPERMAYO

Romantic ruffle dress and strappy sandals like... Elsa Hosk

Celeb-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.

Delicate, feminine and so sophisticated. I love the cross-back straps for added detail, and cascading ruffles that are oh-so ethereal.

£82.00 AT PRETTY LAVISH

A mini dress and bright tights like...Blake Lively

Tights 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.

Honestly? I think these tights speak for themselves. After colourful thick tights (notably red shades) dominated Fashion Week agendas back in Feb, it appears lighter shades in lower derniers are taking over for summer.

£9.99 AT CALZEDONIA

Tie-dye silk dress and mules like... Emily Ratajkowski

Emily 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.

The 60s meets the 70s with the hippie-approved tie-dye number. The flattering, figure-hugging silhouette is adorned with summer evening hues of orange, blue and purple.

£740.00 AT NET-A-PORTER

How We Chose:

Trend: I used my fashion expertise to choose pieces that are either on-trend right now or timeless, and similar to the pieces celebrities are wearing right now. Despite this, each piece chosen is from a brand either approved by myself or the H Fashion team.

Budget: I tried to find a mixture of high street and high-end pieces, to appeal to those who want to spend as little as possible, and those who want to make an investment purchase.

Style: I tried to choose an array of pieces from skirts to dresses, tights to belts to help you find whatever you're looking for, regardless of personal taste. Also, I looked to the biggest celebrity fashion icons in the world right now for style inspiration, whose sartorial agendas are loved by editors and fashion fans alike in 2024.

Why you should trust me:

Lauren is Hello! Fashion’s resident digital writer, covering all things fashion and lifestyle - from the latest celebrity trends to bridal fashion, influencer street style to the best pieces to shop this season. You’ll also find her trying out the latest fashion trends every month, interviewing industry moguls for our Fashion Insider series, and finding the chicest things to do in London.

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.

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