Lunch & Garden Party

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      Dress for the table and the setting

      Garden party dresses need to work with the setting as well as the occasion. Think about the ground under your feet, the amount of time outside and whether the invitation calls for a relaxed lunch or something more dressed. Start with a shape you enjoy wearing and a shoe that suits the venue. Then consider sleeve length, lining and how the dress feels when you sit down; a long lunch gives you plenty of time to notice those details.

      Print can be a good starting point for the rest of the outfit. Pick out one colour for a bag or shoe, or keep the accessories simple and let the dress carry the interest. Compare Mela Purdie, Loobie’s Story, FOIL and Lania the Label, using each product’s fabric, fit and care details to narrow your choice. For a celebration lunch, compare the fabric and finishing details as well as the silhouette. Try your jacket or wrap with the dress in advance, particularly if the sleeves have volume, and check the hem in the shoes you intend to wear.

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      Lunch & Garden Party Frequently Asked Questions

      Use the invitation to establish the level of dress, then consider the venue’s surfaces and expected conditions. A dress is one option, but its shoes and layer deserve equal attention. Check the neckline and sleeves while seated, and choose footwear that lets you move comfortably around the setting.
      Find out whether you will be walking on grass, paving or another surface before settling on your shoe. Try it with the dress to judge the hem and overall proportions. Comfort matters over a long lunch or afternoon, so test the complete combination at home instead of choosing the shoes last.
      Start with colours you enjoy near your face, then look at the print from a few steps away. Try one of its colours in your shoes or bag if you want a connection between the pieces. The scale of the print and the dress shape are separate choices; assess both.
      Consider the other plans where you would enjoy wearing it, then try the dress with a different shoe or simpler accessories. A layer can also change the overall effect. Check the fabric and care requirements before you buy, so the dress suits the occasions and maintenance you have in mind.
      Compare the actual sleeve lengths and shapes rather than choosing from the photograph alone. A fuller sleeve may need more room inside a jacket, while a closer sleeve should allow you to lift your arms comfortably. Look at the fabric, measurements and fit notes for the particular dress.

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