It’s grilling season and the invites for cookouts are rolling in. Outdoor parties are one of the many fun activities that make the season special and being prepared with the right apparel sets you up to have a great summer. So, do you want to know what to wear to a BBQ? There are all types of barbecues from upscale soirées to down-home hangouts and we’ve got stylish suggestions for them all. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Fit: Clothes that fit well naturally flatter your figure and won’t require fussing.
- Comfort: You’ll relax and enjoy yourself more at any event if you are comfortable in your outfit.
- Layering: Weather is always a consideration at outdoor events; bring a light jacket or wrap just in case.
- Shoes: It is mind boggling how many stylish options there are in the wide and wonderful world of footwear. Think about whether you’ll be on a slatted deck or gravel covered patio and choose appropriately.
- Accessories: Select your shoes, hats, bag, cover-up and jewelry at the time you decide on the outfit.
What to Wear to a Backyard BBQ
“Prime”: Design elements from around the world make up this exotic collar.
Down-to-earth style: SundanceCatalog.com
“Nina”: This long gemstone pendant necklace has an organic appeal.
“Come on over” – you just got invited to a backyard barbecue. Hanging out in someone’s backyard is a relaxing way to spend the day, and casual attire is the way to go. Comfortable shoes, a favorite top and trusty khakis, shorts or capris are solid choices as outdoor seating can get shmootzy. But casual doesn’t have to be drab – enliven your outfit with boho chic jewelry for effortless summer style.
What to Wear to a Business BBQ
“Maris”: A medley of blues in polished sea glass and vintage beads.
Classic summer style:Talbots.com
“Wild Blue”: A bold and beautiful statement piece in lapis lazuli and chain.
It’s time for the annual office cookout and even if you work in a casual atmosphere and are great friends with your co-workers, you shouldn’t dress too casually. It is best to err on the conservative side and save the slinky slip dress for date night. Instead, break out your summer whites and pair them with a colorful linen blouse, or go for the nautical look in blue and white. Top it off with a fabulous necklace, and you’re ready for a party.
What to Wear to a Formal BBQ
“Super Nova”: Channel your goddess energy in this striking mother of pearl collier.
An elegant daytime or evening look: PeruvianConnection.com
“Shirisha”: A feminine kiss of color in rock crystal and Czech glass.
I always look forward to fancy events as they’re opportunities to wear my favorite dresses. The BBQ theme is somewhat irrelevant; if it’s upscale, you can expect everyone to be dressed-up. A long dress or skirt captures the romantic feel of an al fresco fête, and summer is the time to celebrate with color. But a slimming black dress, paired with stylish accessories and stunning jewelry also makes an alluring summer fashion statement.
What to Wear to a House BBQ
“Dragonfly”: A unique design with artisan glass creates this nature inspired set.
A lively linen shift dress with pockets!: JJill.com
“Eshal”: A charming floral design in rose quartz, peridot and jade.
Sundresses are perfect house barbecue outfits especially during hot days. Usually made of cotton, they’re cool and comfortable and pair well with sandals or cute sneakers. Sundresses tend to be on the short side, so make sure yours passes the ‘sit’ test so that you’re covered where you want to be. Wear something with a whimsical print or an upbeat color and embellish it with a one-of-a-kind necklace for that special final touch.
What to Wear to a Rooftop BBQ
“Solaris”: Citrine in a minimalist design with maximum style.
An on-trend hint of skin: Baukjen.com
“Mountain Song”: A dynamic statement piece in vibrant magnesite and copper.
Fear not urbanites, there are better perks to summer in the city than ample street parking: the roof top BBQ is a fabulous way to gather and take in the view. When choosing an outfit to wear, look to inject your street style with some summery sex appeal. A pair of skinny jeans with an off-the-shoulder top strikes the balance between cool and casual. Complete the look with a knockout necklace and you’re styled and ready to roll.
What to Wear to a Beach BBQ
“Kokomo”: Get swept away in this gorgeous combo of turquoise and coral.
Summer denim favorites: Chicos.com
“Fiesta”: A nautical inspired set composed of lampwork glass.
If you’re like me, you jump at any excuse to go to the beach and a beach BBQ is no exception. A lightweight maxi dress is a great choice, especially if you’re out in the midday sun. Maxis flatter everyone and easily slip on and off swimsuits. As we’re often sitting on the sand, I opt for jeans or cut-offs. Denim with a waist-tied button down shirt and bright gemstone jewelry is my go-to relaxed beach chic look.
Remember, the most important thing about your summer barbecue outfit is the confidence you exude while wearing it. Just go out there and have a great time. And tell us about your favorite smoking-hot summer outfit. Happy Summer!
Comments 62
I love so many of the pieces you showcased this week Roz. The colours in Kokomo are wonderful, Mountain Song is particularly unusual and I love the colour and Super Nova really does look like something a goddess would wear. You have such great advice re what to wear too and you are so right to point out that casual can be really stylish with the right accessories
Author
So glad you appreciate our style blogs, Tamuria. Sometimes seeing what is trending helps us decide what looks best together, be it in our own wardrobe or need to purchase something new.
As I write, Roslyn, we are in the throes of a record breaking heat wave in Northern India and the only cool thing I can think of is ice cream by the buckets. 🙂 Having said that, I love a good bbq and have fallen in love with quite a few of the pieces curated for your post – Solaris, Eshal and Shirisha – they would make any lady look classy and cool even without a yummy bbq.
Author
Ah yes, Vatsala Shukla, not surprised by the pieces you selected. Shirsha was a top Indian baby name a few years ago and these necklaces have an Eastern feel to them. Appreciate your compliment and they can be worn anytime. Hope you get a break in the weather.
The idea of a formal BBQ made me laugh, Roz. Your suggestions for what to wear to the differnet kinds are good and suggestions for jewelry to complete the outfits are great. I love BBQ season!
Author
Believe it or not, Beth Niebuhr, in some circles, people create evening BBQ parties and want their guests dressed elegantly. I also came across BBQ style weddings., which we must assume both are catered events. Enjoy the BBQ season.
Roz – Okay, now I’m hungry.
I have terrible thick ankles and varicose veins (too much info, I know) – but anyway, I always have to wear support hose and slacks, so in the sweltering heat of the summer it’s white linen pants for me. When everyone else is wearing shorts and wonderful sandals, I feel frumpy and out of it. Just something as simple as adding a necklace can make me feel a lot better. And actually, while the slacks make me look ultra conservative, the white material reflects heat & keeps me from getting burnt at events like BBQs, so I probably shouldn’t lament too much. Anyway, I enjoy necklaces like the Solaris, above, that can go from t-shirt to something more formal for just this reason. Great article – gotta go fire up the grill, now!
Author
Joan Poter, I have a close friend with a similar situation and we have talked about it. Seems you have come up with a great solution. I say, keep the eye above your waistline with a great looking top and necklace and no one notices what is below. Plus, when you look at yourself in a passing mirror, often you see your lovely face & neck, so that is what I’d focus on.
Great post, Roslyn. You are teaching me so much about the options for a BBQ. I am usually the one throwing the BBQ so my attire is pretty casual because I don’t want to ruin my shirt while cooking. I love the image you shared from SundanceCatalog.com though and would definitely wear this to a BBQ. The cream authenticity shirt is so pretty. I will have to buy this one. Thanks for sharing. =)
Author
Appreciate your comment and compliment Sabrina Quairoli and glad we gave you some ideas. I really like the ‘Authencity’ shirt too from the Sundance Catalog. Seems to be made from a cool material, cotton slub & love that it is machine washable. It’s flowy cut can also help keep you cool when doing the cooking. Let us know if you purchase it as it might persuade me to do same.
We have lots of bbqs in Texas, and it’s pretty hot when they’re going on, so I’m always looking for something cool to wear. I love the down-to-earth Sundance blouse! Your pieces are so beautiful to go with any attire, and the dragonfly necklace is stunning.
Author
With lots of bbqs to go to Susan Mary Malone, you want to know you have some cool choices. I read the reviews on the Sundance catalog Authenticity shirt and think the flowy style is great for you. I also love the detail of the longer back hemline. Looks like you, Sabrina & I might be owning the same comfy top. Enjoy all your cookouts.
I love all the suggestions. Much better than just a tee shirt and shorts with flip-flops. I love dressing nicely even for casual occasions. Jewelry always finishes the outfit.
Author
Carol Rundle, you got the essence of our thoughts. Why toss on an every day tee & shorts when with a bit of planning or thought you can show up in a really cool outfit?
What great suggestions! I’m having a BBQ this weekend and plan on wearing your Minimalist Rock Crystal Quarts necklace! Perfect for warm weather.
Author
You will be the hostess with the ‘mostest’ Lisa Swanson in your cool rock crystal necklace. Please, please, please take a photo. Enjoy your BBQ.
Super nova! OMG…I’m in love, yet again. Great fashion advice along with great accessories to make you feel your best. Summer is pretty much a year-round thing in the Keys, so if I’m invited to an outside gathering, I will make sure I’m wearing cool cotton, top and bottom. I’ve got a nice selection of pretty knit tops that don’t look like T-shirts but feel like them on the inside. And of course, I always wear sandals. My feel might go on strike if I tried closed shoes!
Author
Love your comment, Jackie. Yes, I imagine anyone who lives in one warm season all year long has their wardrobe down to a science. I like the idea that you spruced up your tops from your daily attire. And of course, it is sandals all the way. Enjoy all your invites.
Roslyn…you forgot the cowgirl BBQ LOL…just kidding!!! I love this, as you know, I am a cowgirl so going to a home town BBQ where I live is easy, boots and jeans, but this article helps clueless gals like me figure out what to wear…because if it aint boots and jeans…I am lost! LOVE the beautiful jewelry you have paired for these occasions!! LOVE this and sharing
Author
Lisa, Last year we wrote a blog ‘going to a bonfire’ where your boots & jeans are a perfect fit. Actually, I’ve seen a number of summer dresses with boots & it is a cool look. Thanks for the compliment on the jewelry.
I must be out of the BBQ circuit, as for me, a BBQ is always a casual and impromptu backyard kind of event. When we BBQ, we don’t actually eat outside, only make the food and bring it inside to eat. The suggestions are lovely and as always, your jewellery is beautiful. Although I’ve never heard of a formal BBQ, one can never be too prepared it seems. It sounds like a lot of people are living it up, BBQ style though. Thanks for sharing all the ideas on how to dress and what jewellery to wear. Wishing everyone a lot of fun this BBQ season and I hope I get to go to a rooftop BBQ sometime. That appeals to me, as does a beach BBQ.
Author
Would tend to agree with you Beverley Golden that BBQ tends to be casual and it can be an opportunity to look chic when going as the guest. Menus may change and lots of interesting foods get grilled, but looking ones best stay the same. Having a few tried and true combinations in a wardrobe is always a good idea.
You are so cute Roz.. you are killing it by mixing things up.. and only a NY’er would think of a roof top BBQ…. lol Great ideas, great jewels!
Author
You hit it on the head Kristen in that summer rooftop BBQ is very much a NYC cool event. Glad you liked the pairings.
I love the way you gave so many options based on the type of party, Roslyn. I want to dress just like the Urbanite for a rooftop BBQ now. Copper is SO on-trend and it’s fresh and colorful. Citrine has always been a favorite of mine as well. Great playful post! I learned even more ways to stay cool in the summer thanks to you.
Author
Appreciate your comment Meghan Monaghan and glad to know we gave you some cool ideas. Enjoy your parties.
I LOVE your style, Roslyn, and I love these delicious BBQ choices!
Author
Glad what we wrote about appealed to you, Reba Linker. Enjoy the holiday weekend.
I gather from an earlier post that you’re a New Yorker. As a former one now residing in Arizona, it totally explains your formula nd rooftop BBQ’s. You certainly remind us that dressing with jewelry is appropriate anytime and anywhere. I love how you suggest different outfits to stimulate our imagination of how it might look for us.
Author
Appreciate your comment, Joyce Hansen and pleased your imagination was stimulated. It is our goal to help our readers see how they can expand wardrobe and jewelry styling.
Thanks to so many stylish suggestions – I am now looking all cool and sassy, ready to go the BBQ. Just need an invite now! 🙂
Author
Thanks Teresa for your comment. I bet you can make a few calls and stir up a bbq party, now that you are all dressed for it.
I can’t wait until we are finally fully into the summer here. Ready to think about BBQs and smoking hot summer outfits. 🙂
Author
Brenda Niemeyer, here in NY we are having summer weather. There are some activities that define a season & grilling is one of them. Enjoy the holiday weekend.
So many great suggestions for EVERY type of outing this weekend! I sure do love the Super Nova Necklace.
Author
Always appreciate a compliment from a fellow jewelry designer. Thanks. Enjoy the holiday.
I LOVE a great bbq. They are some of the events I most look forward to each summer. And I always wonder what I should wear! This is so handy. It really breaks it down with some terrific suggestions. Thank you.
Author
So glad you found this style blog helpful, Jennifer Quisenberry. Next invite, you should have some idea of what to wear and the jewelry to go with your outfit. Enjoy your summer BBQs.
Very creative!
Author
Glad you liked it Catherine.
Hi Roslyn,
I love BBQs and have attended all the types that you mentioned except rooftop. I am always amazed at the sort of person who has to resort to having someone else suggest to them what they should wear or who need validation on their choices. My mother is like that so I don’t know how I turned out to never have this need. She drives me nuts. Apparently, there are tons of people in that category because articles such as this, television, etc making those suggestions do very well.
Have loads of fun at whichever type of BBQ you attend this summer.
Author
It is great Rachel Lavern that you are a confident gal with strong opinions. I don’t know about other articles, but I do know we offer ideas, suggestions in a visual way to help women expand their views. I’m sure everyone turns out ok, but it is nice for many to get these ideas. Sometimes it reminds them of an item in their own closet. Sometimes they see a necklace they want. There are many reasons why style blogs are popular and appreciated.
Enjoy your summer BBQs
Love the fashion sense. Makes it so easy to be styling.
Author
It sure does Celea Star. Thanks for saying so.
Sometimes when I work, I get so hyper-focused that I can easily leave the house looking like a poster child for “fashion don’ts.” Your post has me thinking about some of the options in my closet…. and shopping. Thank you (I think). lol
Author
Andrea, you made me laugh and I understand. Thanks for your candidness as it tells me we are accomplishing one of our goals to expand style consciousness & options, be it what we own or need to purchase. Let us know if we can support you.
Love the “Solaris”! Wow, I probably would’ve worn the same thing to any barbecue I was invited to! I will watch for the nuances now (especially the ‘formal bbq’!)
Btw, my new stunning bib is my go- to piece right now… Thank you!
I have a major BBQ I am going to this summer and have been stressing about what to wear. But after reading your post I am more confidant in my choice of a cute summer dress with some casual sandals. Thanks for the great tips.
Author
So pleased Shantell Smith that we removed your stress. Don’t forget to add jewelry to your summer dress & sandals. Enjoy
Nice things here ! My girlfriend will love your site.
Author
Please pass our site along to your girlfriend Gary Martin. It might make gift giving easy for you.
Excellent ideas for the summer bbq Roz! Love the jewelry pieces, especially the ones from what to wear at your home bbq 🙂 Always enjoy your posts! Thanks for sharing !!
Author
Nice to know you really enjoy our blogs and seeing our jewelry, Joan Harrington. Enjoy your outings.
So glad Kimberly that you now know all the nuances of dressing for a BBQ. I’m sure whatever you choose to wear with your new gemstone bib necklace,it will make a stunning ensemble.
I love all of your suggestions, Roslyn, and the accompanying pictures are very helpful. I’m looking forward to the bbqs this year.
Author
Thanks for your comment Mindy. Enjoy your upcoming BBQs.
Wow Roslyn you really nailed it with the different occasion BBQ. I learned the hard way to stay away from wearing white at a BBQ. Great tips!
You made a great point Webly, that we did not even say. I do think there are some BBQ’s where summer white won’t get any more soiled than anything else you wear. As always we need to be careful while eating, drinking and having fun. Enjoy your parties.
We had not thought of all these types of BBQ 🙂 However, I prefer a more casual BBQ probably.
Author
Most BBQs are casual and I imagine the right wines will be served in your neck of the woods or vineyards.
Roz,
Your blog just gave me ideas for my entire Summer wardrobe! I love your layout of clothes – now I know what I need in my wardrobe, and the jewelry pairings were fantastic! Just love the “Nina.”
Author
Glad you got some ideas, Hope Stanger We really don’t need a huge summer wardrobe as it has a short season. I can see you wearing ‘Nina’. Enjoy the summer.