What to wear to a summer party

WOWSERS. Can we please implement a slo-mo function on the rest of the year.

It’s all just a little too speedy for my liking.

And it seems November is the new December when it comes to parties and gatherings.

If you want to catch up with me in December, I’m good to go. November? I may have an opening two weeks from now for a coffee.

But most probably not.

With all this busy-ness, there are more than a few events or parties on the horizon so I thought I’d get the style juices flowing with some options for what to wear to a summer party.

Events and occasions at this time of year can be as low key as a barbecue with friends and their kids or a glitz and glam as a work Christmas cocktail party.

Maybe you have a summer wedding to attend? Maybe you’re catching up with girlfriends for lunch to celebrate the end of the year?

Whatever you have planned, I hope these three outfits offer some styling inspiration.

Remember, shopping from your wardrobe is very OK. You might be pleasantly surprised after you do your wardrobe edit to find some pieces that haven’t been out to party for a while.

If you are in the market for a new frock or accessory, think about it’s usefulness beyond the occasion you’ve earmarked it for.

Always keep in mind the “cost per wear” equation … you can bring down that cost simply by knowing in advance the new purchase will work for a number of different occasions.

Important in the cost-per-wear factor is that you actually do wear your purchase more than once. I think it’s time we all moved on from the outdated notion that something should only be seen once, yes?

Any piece of clothing, pair of shoes or other accessory that makes us feel fabulous should get an opportunity to do that many times over.

Let’s get stuck in.

The casual summer party outfit

If you have kids, chances are these are the types of Christmas and summer gatherings you’re most likely going to be attending.

Whether you’re at someone’s home, at the beach or in a park, the emphasis is on comfort and keeping cool. Flat sandals are the go, as are loose, breathable clothing pieces.

Opt for a simple summer frock (short or maxi) or a shorts and top outfit like featured below. If the temperature is cooler where you live, opt for printed pants and tank and a jacket.

Don’t forget a hat and sunnies if you’re outdoors. And if a pool is involved, opt for a cover-up over your swimsuit.

1. Lee Cooper for Big W top $29 | 2. Seed shorts $79.95 | 3. Trenery hat $59.95 | 4. Cat Hammill bracelet set $79.95 @ The Iconic | 5. Trenery sandal $129

The girls’ lunch summer party outfit

There’s something about heading out for a long lunch with your girlfriends that feels a little bit decadent. For me, that’s it’s a no-brainer that it’s a dress-up occasion.

You’re dressing for yourself but also for the occasion.

Girlfriends appreciate the effort that goes into an outfit. They are also more likely to appreciate any fashion direction you might be taking with your outfit.

It’s been my experience that fashion direction in an outfit is either completely lost on a male – or they notice it but immediately vocalise their disapproval of said direction.

I do wear heels to a girls’ lunch. After all, it seems like an opportune moment to do so as you’ll mostly be sitting down.

A maxi or knee-length frock is the way to go. Nothing you can’t sit in for hours. And nothing that’s going to restrict you from saying yes to dessert.

1. Embody dress $69.95 (sizes 12-22) | 2. Seed sunglasses $49.95 | 3. Therapy heels $49.95 @ Styletread | 4. Sportscraft bag $149.95 | 5. Witchery necklace $69.95

The cocktail summer party outfit

I love that my wardrobe is casual for the every day but give me a chance to glam it up and I’m SO there. It’s the only party theme I’ll accept due to my aversion to fancy dress.

My first thought is always an LBD – a summer version – but I’ll also look at navy and other jewel tones.

There is always some form of bling and a heel. It’s a bit of a formula but it works for me and takes any stress out of getting frocked up for a cocktail occasion.

If you’re more comfortable in pants, look for a streamlined silk pant and team with a top that comes with its own bling or is suitable for a quick addition of something that sparkles. Or channel your inner ’70s disco diva in a jumpsuit. All the cool kids are doing that.

1. Leina Broughton dress $195 @ Birdsnest | 2. Adorne necklace $29.98 (on sale) | 3. Target clutch $40 | 4. Samantha Wills ring $79 | 5. Tony Bianco heels $149.95 @ Styletread

A word on dressing for a summer wedding

You may have a summer wedding invitation attached to the front of your fridge?

Depending on the venue, location and dress code, either of the second two options above might work for you.

Afternoon or lunchtime wedding? A variation of the girls’ lunch summer party outfit would work.

Fancy glam evening affair? Dress your best with a cocktail theme in mind – unless it specifies black tie or formal. In which case you may need to invest in a long gown.

So tell me Stylers, do you have any end-of-year or Christmas parties and/or gatherings coming up? What’s the dress code?

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