Spring is finally in the air! And summer is quickly coming up. This time of year always brings fun events like weddings, proms, graduations, graduation parties, barbeques, pool parties, picnics and so much more.

But with all these events comes the dreaded question of “What should I wear?” I feel like summer events can be a bit tricky because they tend to have a mix of casual, semi-formal, and formal elements.

For example, this week I received an invitation for a “Garden Party” where they will be serving true English high tea- crumpets, finger sandwiches, scones the whole “fancy” bit- fabulous, right?! Of course, my first question was, “What should I wear?” It’ll be outdoors during Memorial Day weekend (anticipating warm weather) but since it’s a garden tea party it will probably have some element of formality to it. While I’d love to show up wearing the likes of chic Mary Crawley of Downton Abbey (circa 1925) I feel as though my sweating and swatting at bugs would suck out all the elegance from the event… So, I plan to wear a skirt, a tee (help with the overheating), with a feminine lace overlay, and block heels (to help prevent my heels from sinking in the lawn).

Like my “garden party”, summer events are riddled with casual, formal and weather related elements. Another example, the Office Barbeque party. That one always got me- since it’s a work event I still needed to look a bit professional, yet relaxed enough to carefully nosh on ribs, corn on the cob and other “get stuck in your teeth” foods. Bermuda shorts and a ¾ sleeve boat neck top was always my outfit of choice.

SUMMER EVENT OUTFIT IDEAS

To help with the summer outfit dilemmas, here are some ideas on what to wear to a summer event. Of course, body shape, personal style and lifestyle vary but hopefully these ideas will get your outfit creation juices flowing.

Going back to the office related summer event, maybe you’ve been invited to an informal team building event at your boss’s house, or the office barbeque.. May be your neighbor has invited you to come over for hors d’oeuvres by the pool. Or you’re going to a baby or bridal shower-

This cool and comfortable cotton wrap dress paired with low wedges and a floppy hat is perfect for a casual, yet not so casual event. The crop cardigan comes in handy for the cool summer evenings.

Maybe you’re attending Cousin Sally’s grad school graduation, followed by a reception with the dean, followed by a casual lunch at Cousin Sally’s house. Or you may be heading out to a nice dinner and wine tasting event at a vineyard-

A trend right lace skirt, block heels (again to help with the sinking in grass), and a statement necklace take the outfit up a notch- pair it with a solid tee and a denim jacket (for a cooler evening) and you have a versatile outfit.

Wearing shorts to an updated casual event is perfectly fine. Maybe leave the ripped denim shorts behind though and opt for chino shorts or Bermuda shorts.

Let’s say your significant other has invited you to his / her family’s house for an outdoor party, or you’re attending a summer daytime birthday party- These chino shorts paired with a trend right boho peasant blouse and low wedge sandals are cool, comfy and put together.