What to Wear to a Summer BBQ: Smokin’ Hot Outfit Ideas!
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 barbeque to look casual, modern, and summery.
What to Wear to a Family BBQ?
Family BBQs with the whole gang is 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 with a pastel striped flutter sleeve top have 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 give a jumpsuit a resort-like feel, perfect for this type of 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 play that up by wearing something with a seaside or nautical look? This cute midi with the tie-dye yellow stripes feels sailor-ish 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 practical and cute when it’s time to change out of your swimsuit and get ready for dinner.
These long denim shorts are trendy right now 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
1. Dressed Up Denim
Denim capris, cropped jeans, a jean skirt, and anything is ideal for barbeque 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!
2. Colorful Shorts Always Look Cute
Shorts are natural BBQ attire; please don’t worry about the age-appropriate thing. 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: are high-waisted shorts, tie waist shorts, and striped shorts.
When your shorts are colorful and busy, try to keep what you wear up 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.
3. White is Right
Some BBQs are a little more dressy, and a breezy all-white can be excellent. The trick to making this tone-on-tone cropped pants ensemble work is to add texture like a wicker bag and suede slides. Oh, and most importantly, don’t forget the sunglasses for any backyard BBQ! Yes, they keep the sun off your eyes, but more importantly, they add instant cool.
This would be a great look if you were wondering what to wear to an all-white BBQ party.
4. A Maxi Dress
If you prefer wearing a bbq party dress, then a maxi dress is perfect! Maxi dresses are very summary, fun, and romantic, especially off-the-shoulder ones. 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 are the host and are doing the grilling, stay away from 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.
Neighbors do that? Oh, wow.