Ah, summer - the season of scones in the garden, birthday fizz in the sun, and trying not to wilt in your Sunday best. Whether you're heading to a neighbour’s garden party, a family BBQ, or an afternoon tea that turns into a cheeky evening, you’ll want to look your best and stay cool.
Bonmarché’s summer occasionwear collection is made with you in mind, flattering, stylish, and comfortable, with sizes 10–28 and cuts that work with your body, not against it. So, if you’ve been wondering what to wear to a summer garden party or how to look effortlessly put-together without overheating, you’re in the right place.
Let’s take a little stroll through the best outfits for every summer occasion, shall we?
There’s something about a summer garden party dress that just makes you feel sorted. It’s a full outfit in one, and if you pick the right one, you’ll float through the day feeling cool, confident, and complimented at least twice before the second round of prosecco.
Bonmarché’s latest floral beauties are designed to skim over the bits you’d rather not highlight and make the most of what you’ve got. Take this Botanical Floral Pleated Belted Dress - it’s been called “elegant and rich looking” in one glowing review, and it’s easy to see why. With pleats that move beautifully as you walk (or dance, no judgement) and a belted waist for a bit of shape, it’s perfect for anything from a wedding to an afternoon cuppa in the sun.
If you prefer something with a lighter touch, the Ditsy Print Plisse Tea Dress is floaty, flattering and doesn’t cling - ideal for those warmer days when you start to lament Britain’s lack of air conditioning.
Or try the Floral Shirred Waist Chiffon Dress for a bit of swish and swirl. With a soft chiffon fabric and shirred waistband, it’s equal parts pretty and practical - exactly what you want for summer garden party attire that works hard but looks effortless.
Sometimes, you just want a nice top. Something that doesn’t ride up, doesn’t feel like a sauna, and makes you feel a bit special. Enter Bonmarché’s short-sleeved and sleeveless summer tops - they’re breathable, beautiful, and easy to pair with skirts, cropped trousers or jeggings.
The Lace Front Keyhole Detail Top is one of those pieces that looks dressy without trying too hard. Pair it with a godet skirt or floaty trousers and you're party-ready.
If you like a little colour and movement, the Butterfly Print Plisse Top flutters nicely in the breeze, and you won’t be the only butterfly turning heads.
Looking for something light but structured? The Spaced Floral Split Front Blouse has had rave reviews for a reason. One happy customer summed it up perfectly: “Fabulous blouse. Looks great on. Fits well. Lovely for summer.” Can’t say fairer than that!
And for easy, breezy daytime style, the Broderie Linen Blend Top is a warm-weather dream. Pair with crisp white crops and a sun hat and you’re the picture of relaxed summer elegance.
Now, let’s talk about godet skirts. Swishy, floaty, and just structured enough to feel dressy, these skirts are a brilliant option for summer party fashion.
The Large Floral Burnout Godet Skirt in navy or plum is a wardrobe winner. One happy shopper said it all: “They look good and are very comfortable. The length is perfect.” You really can’t beat that combo.
Brighten up your summer wardrobe with the Floral Print Ribbed Jersey Skirt. Its bold floral design and comfy stretch fabric make it ideal for sunny days. Pair with a tucked-in blouse and wedges for brunch, or a soft knit and flats for a laid-back weekend look.
If you're after something light and playful, the Ditsy Print Jersey Flippy Skirt is a must-have. Its breezy, flared silhouette and delicate print make it ideal for sunny days. Dress it up with a linen shirt and espadrilles for a polished daytime outfit, or keep it casual with a basic tee and trainers.
Styling tip? Keep your top simple and let the skirt do the talking. Add a pair of comfortable sandals and some light jewellery, and you’ll be ready for anything, even a conga line (you know it’s going to happen eventually).
Looking good is one thing, but feeling good? That’s the secret ingredient. Bonmarché knows our bodies change with age (and frankly, thank goodness , who wants to still be squeezing into jeans from the '90s?). That’s why our summer party clothes are majority under £30 with clever cuts, and a bit of stretch where you need it most.
From breathable linen to floaty chiffons, every piece is designed with real women in mind, no pin-thin mannequins, no squeezing, no nonsense. Just stylish, flattering, well-fitting pieces you’ll actually enjoy wearing. One lovely customer summed it up beautifully: “Straight over the head and bingo - you look nice and smart yet ultra comfortable.”
Whether you’re off to a birthday bash or pottering around the garden with a glass of something chilled, you deserve clothes that feel as good as they look. Our reviews are full of customers touting the “Great fit,” of our products, because we design them for real people with real bodies.
It’s no wonder so many women come back for more. “Bought today, having worn another yesterday - I couldn’t resist.” That’s the Bonmarché effect.
With sizes 10 to 28 and styles that celebrate your shape (no matter what the scales say), our collection helps you feel like you, just a bit more fabulous.
Whatever your social calendar looks like this season, birthdays, barbecues, anniversaries or “just because” lunches in the sun, Bonmarché has you covered with summer party outfits that tick every box.
So go on, treat yourself to something lovely. Because when the sun’s shining and the invite’s in your hand, you want to spend less time in front of the wardrobe and more time enjoying yourself.
Shop Bonmarché’s Occasionwear collection and get ready to turn heads - without breaking the bank.