In the words of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, “it’s summertime, and the living is easy.” These lyrics indicate your weekend forecast will soon call for a hot grill and cold beverages. With the warm weather and all of its festivities quickly approaching, we guarantee a BBQ invite is on the horizon. No two barbecue events are the same, which is why you’ll need different outfit options, depending on the occasion. If you’re stumped on what to wear to a BBQ, we’ve got you covered. Read on for style inspiration galore for all your grillin’ and chillin’ this season.
What to Wear to a Backyard BBQ
Backyard barbecues and summertime go together like ketchup and mustard. The relaxed vibe, outdoor setting and, delicious food make up the ultimate summer weekend ingredients. If you’re wondering what to wear to a backyard BBQ, you’ve come to the right place. Unlike going to a restaurant, there’s no need to go all out with a fancy ensemble. A backyard bash means you can keep things comfy and simple. High-rise jean shorts are the perfect base for building your best women’s BBQ outfit. Opt for a loose-fitting frayed hem pair in a crisp white wash to maximize the laid-back nature of the setting. Wear your cutoffs with a feminine floral print top for a look that’s equal parts casual and chic. Bonus points for choosing a top in a sunshine-inspired yellow hue and coordinating sandals for a colorful fashion statement. And just like that, you’re nailing the carefree summer vibe.
If you’re hosting a backyard BBQ of your own, you can’t go wrong with a jumpsuit. A wide-leg silhouette in a breathable linen-cotton blend ensures you’ll stay cool under the scorching summer sun. Try a tropical print and throw your hair into a bun for a fuss-free day of grilling and socializing. The best part? This one-and-done piece means you can put your full focus on prepping food and activities for your guests. If only choosing side dishes were as easy as choosing your outfit.
Rock Your Best Street Style for a City Rooftop BBQ
No backyard? No problem. One of the perks of city life is having access to fabulous rooftop parties. If you’re lucky enough to snag an invite to one, you’ll want to dress the part. Not sure what to wear to a BBQ in the city? Reach for your tried-and-true denim mini skirt. Thanks to the resurgence of 90s fashion, the denim mini is experiencing a major comeback, and we’re here for it. This style offers the best of both worlds—the effortless appeal of jeans plus the party-ready feeling of a skirt. Try one in a black denim wash paired with a ruffled sweater tank for a modern BBQ outfit. Complete the look with platform sandals and classic aviator shades to soak in those panoramic metropolitan views. Who knew a denim mini skirt could look so sophisticated?
Depending on your locale, summer barbecues don’t always call for warm days. Leave the leg-baring looks for a sunny day and choose a bit more coverage. If the forecast is mild, opt for cropped jeans in a straight cut. Front tuck a pretty printed blouse, lace up your go-to white sneakers and add a crossbody bag. Grab a cardigan to have on hand for lingering cool city temps. You’re all set to mingle with partygoers in your enviable casual chic vibe. Now onto more important things, like polishing off a plate of grilled wings.
What to Wear to a BBQ Party
Barbecue parties are always a highlight of the summer season. Whether you’re headed to a poolside cookout or a backyard wedding, you’ll want to dress the part. Wondering what to wear to a BBQ party? There’s no one way to barbecue, which means there’s no one perfect BBQ outfit. In need of some inspiration? You’re in luck, ladies. No matter what al fresco scenario you’re dressing for, we’ve got style suggestions that will have you sizzling right along with the grill.
Make a Splash with Poolside BBQ Attire
So your friend with the pool invited you over for a BBQ. Nice! No need to sweat over what to wear to a poolside BBQ this time. Look no further than your favorite swimsuit. Turning swimwear into an outfit isn’t hard with the right pieces. Style your one-piece as if it were a bodysuit. Not sure how to wear a bodysuit? Think of it like styling any other tucked-in shirt, except you’ll never have to worry about it becoming untucked. A classic black one-piece paired with a flowy midi skirt in a bold print makes for an eye-catching poolside look. Add a pair of oversized sunnies and comfortable slides. You’re set to make a splash for an afternoon of pool party hoppin’.
What to Wear to a BBQ Birthday Party
The best part about summer birthdays? The festivities often take place outdoors for a fun-filled BBQ with friends. No need to fret about what to wear to a BBQ birthday party. We’re here to help. A gathering with your best gal pals is sure to include a few photo ops. If you’re pining for that precious photo for social media, go with a vibrant sundress paired with summer-ready accessories. We love the idea of pairing a pink tiered dress with delicate jewelry for a simple but striking look for the ‘gram. Effortlessly toss a denim jacket over your shoulders, and you’re all set to celebrate in style with this BBQ outfit.
Keep it Casual for a Family BBQ Party
There’s nothing quite like an afternoon spent enjoying the outdoors with your nearest and dearest during the summer. If your plans involve an Independence Day BBQ with family, go ahead and rock a festive, patriotic look. Are you planning what to wear on the 4th of July as you head to a BBQ? Add a dash of Americana aesthetic with pieces featuring a bold take on red, white and blue. Classic blue denim is the quintessential American fashion staple. Give it a summer spin by donning a denim dress in a washed indigo hue. Don’t forget to accessorize with pops of red. A crimson lip and coordinating sandals will have you ready to party in the USA in your cheery BBQ outfit.
Meeting your partner’s family for the first time at a summer BBQ? This laid-back setting is the ideal way to relax and make a lasting impression. Wondering what to wear to a BBQ while dazzling your significant other’s parents? When in doubt, err on the side of more polished rather than casual. Look to the coastal grandmother fashion trend for inspiration. A shirtdress is a prime pick for when you want to look and feel confident in front of your partner’s family. A midi length shirtdress will have you looking pulled together and stylish without even trying. Opt for a style with a tie-waist or add a skinny belt for an instant figure-flattering effect. A vertical stripe elongates the body, making it the perfect outfit choice for petites. Pop on a straw bag and strappy heels, and you’re equipped to wow them.
What to Wear to a BBQ Wedding
And now for the fanciest of all BBQ parties—the BBQ wedding. Thanks to the recent rise of micro weddings and backyard nuptials, BBQ weddings are becoming increasingly popular. While the wedding guest attire for these festivities may lean a bit more casual than most, you’ll still want to dress to impress. Regardless of the setting, a wedding is a special occasion that requires more effort than your everyday casual summer outfits. A breezy maxi dress is a sure-fire answer to what to wear to a BBQ wedding. Reach for a colorful maxi featuring oversized watercolor florals for a look that’s right on trend for summer 2022.
Very Peri is the Pantone color of 2022 and it’s a gorgeous mix of red-violet with blue highlights. A casual wedding is the ultimate setting to give this hue a go. Accent the look with warm-neutral accessories, and you’ll be the best-dressed guest. Whichever color or print you decide on, leave your stiletto heels behind for this event. BBQ weddings often include grassy settings, and you don’t want to risk sinking into the lawn and ruining your shoes. Flats, platforms or wedges are your best bets to complete your wedding BBQ outfit.
Looking for a new outfit to wear to a BBQ this season? Our stylists are here to lend a helping hand. Take your style quiz and request a Fix with a personalized outfit suited for an outdoor feast. Sit back, relax and receive five pieces delivered directly to your doorstep. Try before you buy with ease. While you preheat your grill, check out Stitch Fix Freestyle™ to instantly purchase pieces curated for your style and size. Keep what you love and send back the rest. Shipping, exchanges and returns are always free.
