| Barbecue season is upon us. July 4th is on the horizon. The neighbors are grilling right now. You will be at a bbq near you any day now, maybe this weekend! Some of you will probably relate when I say that a bbq is not the ideal fashion venue for me. The quintessential masculine event, the barbecue-- worse yet, kegger!--asks you to look casual yet pretty. Most people go the shorts & t-shirt route, but I just feel bland in that. But I think I might feel ok if I had perfect printed shorts (they're popular right now, examples below). Some girls can pull off a maxi dress or cute sundress for the event. You just don't want to look like you're too dressed up. |
Here's what not to wear.
Have fun but don't overdress; you'll just feel self-conscious.
Let's face it: most people do not dress up as much as this for a bbq (but most of our backyards aren't like this either :)...
Have fun but don't overdress; you'll just feel self-conscious.
Let's face it: most people do not dress up as much as this for a bbq (but most of our backyards aren't like this either :)...
Image photographed from a Build.com catalog that came in the mail
So what should you wear? Here are 5 options.
1. Printed shorts & a t-shirt, cami/tank, or simple top
Almost every store is carrying cute printed shorts in a variety of different lengths right now. Throw on a t-shirt or simple top, & you're good to go.
 H&M Shorts, $12.95  Zara Bermuda Shorts, $39.90 |  LOFT Botanic Print Linen Cotton Riviera Short with a 4-inch Inseam, $44 .50  LOFT Paisley Print Walking Shorts in Marisa Fit with 10-inch Inseam, 2 colors, $54.50 |
2. White jeans or cropped blue jeans with a sleeveless top or tunic
Last summer, my standard bbq outfit was rolled-up skinny white jeans & solid tees. It was kind of sporty without being dead casual.
For today's bbq, I like the idea of cropped jeans & a halter top. I think I can vary this outfit throughout the summer with any sunny tunic or sleeveless top.
 What I wore to the last bbq, details right A tunic is another great option with white jeans, shorts, or blue jeans  Boden Boho Tunic, $82.60 |
 Boden Easy Tank, $26.60 to $30.80  H&M Peasant Blouse, $34.95 |
3. A Zand skirt & a swimsuit top, tankini, or t-shirt
Just add a swimsuit top & you're sure to look cute but still pretty casual (you may still hear "you're dressed up!" but you're just as likely to hear "what a cool skirt!").
 Zand Amsterdam Anna long skirt with pouch, €55 |  Zand Amsterdam Anna Gobelin short skirt. €45 |  Zand Amsterdam Anna long skirt with pouch, €55 | I own two Zand Amersterdam skirts (see them here), & I wear them every summer, at least once a week, for work & play. Most are cotton, reversible, & snap to fit whatever size you're feeling that day. Each one is unique, & most include a detachable pouch with shoulder strap. Some of the styles are sold in town at boutiques, or you can order online. They ship worldwide. I wrote more about them here. |
4. A truly casual dress
 PrAna Quinn Dress, $75 |  Piperlime August Salt Havannah Stripe Dress, $29.99 |
5. Beach pants with a swimsuit top, tankini, or tank
I've been so happy to see the resurgence of wide-leg pants, especially in thin, gauzy fabrics!
 Swell O'Neill Johnson Pant, $48 |  Victoria's Secret The Beach Pant in Linen, $79.50 |  Swell Element Vanessa Beach Pant, $39.99 |
So what are you wearing to the upcoming Father's Day barbecue? Maybe you'll just throw on some shorts & a t-shirt or just wear whatever you have on now. I guess it doesn't really matter, but I do hope you have fun!
What do you wear when you go to a barbecue??
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