What to Wear to a Summer BBQ: Outfit Ideas Hot off the Grill!

Fire up the grill, put on the steaks, and cook the corn on the cob! It’s BBQ season, and there’s a party starting outside!

How should you dress when invited to someone’s backyard for an ice-cold drink and a juicy BBQ? Here’s what to wear to a summer barbecue to look casual, modern, and summery.

What to Wear to a Family BBQ?

Family BBQs with the whole gang are what summer memories are made of. You can wear many things to feel comfy and look stylish, from shorts and a cute top to capris, jeans, or a pretty sundress. I think anything white is always a fabulous choice because white has a freshness and crispness that makes it seem sporty and a touch dressy too.

For example, these crisp white jeans paired with a pastel striped, flutter-sleeve top exude a carefree summer vibe. Add a cute wicker bag and chic wicker mules for a breezy summer BBQ look.

What to Wear to a BBQ Party – Cocktails and All!

A dressier kind of BBQ, which is always fun, is the more glamorous cocktail BBQ party. These chic cookouts call for something sophisticated and sexy like this darling tropical jumpsuit.

Bright colors and an exotic floral print lend a resort-like feel to a jumpsuit, making it perfect for a grown-up get-together. A maxi is also an excellent choice for a cocktail BBQ party.

What to Wear to a Summer BBQ on the Beach

If you’re going to a beach BBQ or a BBQ by the water, why not make the most of it by wearing something with a seaside or nautical look? This cute midi dress with tie-dye yellow stripes feels nautical and fits right in with the sun and sand setting.

The high-low hem makes it casual and breezy, as do the flirty shoulder ties. Pair this dress with white sandals and a natural straw bag for a beautiful beachside BBQ look.

BBQ Outfits for the Cottage, Camping, or at the Lake

If you’ve been invited to a friend’s cottage on the lake, you know there’s bound to be a BBQ or two. Here’s a casual BBQ outfit that’s both practical and cute, perfect for when it’s time to change out of your swimsuit and get ready for dinner.

These long denim shorts are currently trendy and ideal for a weekend in the woods. Pair them with a cute front-tie tee, add a pair of comfy knit sneakers, and you’re all set to sit down to a juicy burger and a night of roasting marshmallows on the open fire.

Other Outfit Ideas for a BBQ party

Dressed Up Denim

Denim capris, cropped jeans, a jean skirt, and anything is ideal for barbecue wear, especially when sporting the latest denim trend. For example, denim capris with a frayed release hemline or cropped colored jeans in a blush tone are very current and fresh.

As for your top, you may be happy in a basic white or dusty, muted tee when you are puttering around the garden, but when you have company, or you are the company, it’s worth the effort to toss on a colorful print top to crank up your style. Cute, casual shoes like these wedge rope sandals, a pretty bag, and fun earrings can take denim from o.k. to oh, yay!

Colorful Shorts Always Look Cute

Shorts are a natural choice for BBQ attire; please don’t worry about being age-appropriate. If you want to wear shorts, go for it; find a pair that works for your body type. (More tips on wearing shorts here.)

I like shorts with personality for a BBQ party because, after all, the mood is relaxed and fun. Go for something colorful and now trending, like these beachy jogger shorts. Other popular styles this summer include high-waisted shorts, tie-waist shorts, and striped shorts.

When your shorts are colorful and busy, try to keep your top nice, clean, and straightforward. This creates balance and lets your shorts take the spotlight. A fun hat also adds huge style to a casual shorts outfit, and earrings give you a more grown-up shorts look.

A Maxi Dress

If you prefer wearing a BBQ party dress, then a maxi dress is perfect! Maxi dresses are very summery, fun, and romantic, especially those with off-the-shoulder designs. This would be a lovely outfit for a slightly dressier BBQ party that started around dinnertime and went into the evening.

One final tip about BBQ outfits – It’s natural to want to wear something flowy and pretty at a backyard BBQ, but if you’re the host, steer clear of anything too flouncy or fussy. A dress or top with full sleeves or lots of flowy fabric can be a fire hazard around an outdoor grill.

Meet the author

Deborah Boland

Deborah, a former Fashion & Lifestyle TV host and Image Consultant, understands the style challenges women face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. As the founder of Fabulous After 40, she helps women tweak their chic and embrace fashion with confidence—so they always look and feel amazing.

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