Not only is summer all about traveling and taking some much needed vacation time with family and friends, but it is also about BBQ's. The family picnics, hot dogs and burgers on the grill, fruit salad, ice cold beverages... and of course, cute picnic attire!
There is no set style when it comes to what one would wear to a BBQ or a picnic-type party, but if you are anything like me, you want to be stylish but also comfortable (like most everything I do!).
I am not a formal person. Never have been and most likely never will be. My house isn't a "shoes off when you enter the door" kind of house and there may be dirty dishes in the sink when you come over. Heck, I didn't even register for fine china when I got married because, well, I am not formal. I don't even have a formal dining or living area in my house! I wouldn't even know when to break out the fine china! Most of the time, when I have friends over, we use paper plates (easy clean up).
This non-formal mentality most definitely spills over into my wardrobe. I know I like to live by the motto "fashion before function," but I do have a little confession: sometimes, you have to put function before fashion. BUT (and this is a big BUT), please, please don't feel as though just because you are putting function over fashion you can't be stylish.
When coming up with different looks for a weekend BBQ, one thought kept creeping in my mind: outdoors. Leave the stilettos at home, ladies. It is no fun to constantly have your heel sinking into the grass. Plus, how well can you play a game of washers when you are slowly sinking into the ground?
Here are a few wardrobe necessities I came up with for BBQ's, and how I styled them:
1. Maxi dress 2. Sun dress (with a denim jacket) 3. Boyfriend jeans (loose fitting, non-clingy) 4. Tank top 5. Hat and/or sunglasses (keep out the sun)
Details:
Hat: Echo c/o Collage Shop of York
Bag: Echo c/o Collage Shop of York
Bracelets: c/o Collage Shop of York
Floppy hats are a girl’s best friend when spending a lot of time outdoors. They are stylish, but keep the sun out of your eyes (and help protect your skin too… a bonus!).
Maxi dresses are one of my personal wardrobe staples. They are the perfect piece to dress up or down. They are also pretty breezy and comfortable. Again, perfect for a day with friends and family! If your party extends into the evening, switch out your casual flip flops for dressier wedges or heels, toss on some different jewelry and you've changed your whole look!
How perfect is the tote? If you are a “mommy on the go” like me, it’s roomy enough to toss in your wallet, cell, some lipstick and any other incidentals your children need (which for me, is everything but the kitchen sink).
Outfit Details:
Shirt: Flax c/o Collage Shop of York Jeans: Old Navy Sandals: Old Navy
Linen is one of the best materials for summer. The air, no matter how hot (and it was HOT when I wore this), just breezes right through. It keeps you feeling so cool! You really can't go wrong with it. Paired with a loose fitting boyfriend jean, you have a casual look that won't make you sweat.
Boyfriend jeans, along with maxi dresses, are also a staple for me. I love skinny jeans, but its so refreshing to wear a pair of jeans that are not skin tight. I love how casual they can be too!
Tossing a lightweight infinity scarf over a tank top is an easy and cool way to complete a look. The fluorescent orange is also right on trend with all of the neon we are seeing.
Outfit Details:
Scarf: Two’s Company c/o Collage Shop of York Tank Top: Target Handbag: Big Budda c/o Collage Shop of York
If you are not into carrying a huge tote like me, a simple cross body bag in a bright color is the way to go. It allows you to keep both hands free to manage all of delicious picnic treats, drinks and play the fun games while adding a pop of color to your look.
Here are a couple of other looks that are BBQ appropriate-comfy, casual and stylish!
No matter what your style is, you can easily put together something stylish and functional for your summer BBQ. Whether you are like me and love a good maxi dress, or prefer basic denim, the options are endless!
Happy grilling!
