What’s not to love about an outdoor activity with some of your best friends that involves icy drinks and grilled meats? Fun in the sun, without the need to wear a bathing suit! But wait …what do you wear?
3 tips for looking your best at a summer barbecue
Know what you’re dealing with before you get there
Dressing for a barbecue can be surprisingly tricky. You need to be careful: Don’t assume it will be a jeans-and-t-shirt affair. Know your host, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Dressing too down can be a serious offense!
“I always suggest that women think about where they’ll be wearing something when they’re shopping or picking out their outfits — in this case, in a backyard, probably, means deck or patio, maybe a pool, gardens and trees,” says Ketura Persellin of The Wardrobe Workshop image consulting. Anything overly sleek or minimal won’t look as good as something that in some way reflects the setting.
Follow a fashion formula
“I’d recommend a dress that’s fairly bare up top and hangs above the knee, in a pretty color or print — prints are very current now — and a wedge sandal, maybe with a flower embellishment. Thongs are very on trend this season, so a flat thong sandal would be nice,” says Ketura. A stack of bracelets, a floppy hat, great sunglasses, a clutch, and you’re done. This basic formula works for evening (minus the hat) and can dress up or down.
Merge the practical with the fashionable
There’s also practicality to consider: You won’t be comfortable if your stiletto is sinking into the grass! Ketura helped us put together an ideal outfit prototype that would work for a typical summer barbecue. The devil is in the details, even accessories. While you’re chomping on those grilled kabobs or munching corn on the cob, you don’t want long jewelry or rings to get in the way.
What do you think? Would you choose differently? Comment below!
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