For many, feeling the summer sun on one’s skin and the breeze in one’s hair are amongst life’s greatest pleasures.

Reveling in the warmth of this beloved yet fleeting season, daily fitness regimens are taken outdoors to savor the sun, restaurant dinners become alfresco dining and — perhaps, most importantly — special events are celebrated in the garden.

While dressing for outdoor occasions can require some additional preparation to embrace the elements, there are a few simple approaches that ensure an impressive ensemble at every affair.

So, if festivities amongst the fleurs are on the cards for you this season, keep reading for The Aje Report’s ultimate guide to summer garden party dressing.

Elevated yet understated is a simple rule of thumb for daytime garden party dressing. When envisioning the perfect look for your afternoon in the sunshine, lean into the relaxed, effortless feeling this thought evokes.

Use the landscape as inspiration, consider the temperature and dress to suit the environment. Think: mini dresses, wide leg pants, smock tops and buoyant skirts in natural colours, soft shapes and light, breathable fabrics.

Whether you’re attending a birthday party, wedding ceremony or holiday celebration, gravitate towards lightweight, floaty silhouettes and keep the styling simple so all you have to focus on is your favoured tipple and the sparkling conversation at hand.

For cocktail or evening garden affairs, opt for versatile semi-formal styles that will seamlessly take you from day to night. Polished tailoring, midi hemlines and understated embellishments will continue to ooze ‘effortless chic’ as the sun goes down, and the fairy lights begin to glow.

Consider raw edging, pintucking, embroidery and gathering techniques for a tough yet feminine additions to any minimalist silhouette. From floaty midi dresses and wide leg pants, to puff sleeves and tiered frills, the result is a failsafe cocktail garden party look that is equal parts contemporary and classic.

When it comes to accessorising for a garden party, less is always more. Leave the chunky jewellery, cumbersome layers and stilettos at home — a practical decision as much it is as an aesthetic — and instead opt for pieces that foster a comfortable yet stylish look.

Choose block-heeled mules or strappy sandals to avoid your heels sinking into the grass, a sleek clutch to hold all your party essentials and a fabulous pair of sunglasses, not only to protect your eyes, but to act as the finishing touch to your chic alfresco-ready ensemble.

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