As host or hostess of a summer dinner you choose an outfit that is practical and polished at the same time: light, breathable fabrics, a colour on which small stains stand out less and a cut in which you move freely. For women a blouse with short sleeves and trousers works, for men a shirt or polo with light trousers. Wear an apron while cooking and take it off before the first guest sits down.
An outfit for two roles
As host or hostess you have two roles. First you stand in the kitchen or at the barbecue, then you receive guests and sit at the table. Your clothes have to cope with both roles. In the first hour you want ease and freedom of movement, in the second hour you want to look polished. Choose clothing in which you move well and which also works at the table. For a dinner outdoors, especially take temperature and wind into account.
What matters for the host or hostess
| Wish | Choose | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom of movement | Short or rolled-up sleeves, elastic waist | Too tight or very loose |
| Few stains | Mid-tones, small prints | White satin, light silk |
| Coolness | Cotton, viscose, linen | Heavy polyester fabrics |
| Festive feel | One lovely detail, such as a piece of jewellery | Lots of accessories |
For women: blouse with short sleeves and calm trousers
The Helena in light blue is a tailored blouse with short sleeves of 60% cotton and 40% polyester. A short sleeve is ideal in a warm kitchen. You do not trail lengths of fabric through your ingredients. Wear it with the Philippa in beige, ultra high-waist trousers with pleats of 100% polyester. On beige, small splashes can stand out less than on white. For something more festive choose the Cordelia in white, a blouse with V-neck and matte satin look of 96% polyester and 4% elastane. If you put that on after cooking, you are ready for your guests within a minute. You will find more blouses in the blouses for Women collection.
For men: shirt or polo with light trousers
A polo or airy shirt is a practical choice for a summer dinner. The Atticus in navy is a striped cotton polo with buttons of 70% cotton, 25% polyester and 5% elastane. The stripe makes small splashes less noticeable. The cotton content gives the polo a summery base. Wear it with the Winston in cream, light high-waist trousers of 66% polyester, 28% viscose and 6% elastane, or for a little more structure choose the Hamilton shirt in light blue of 100% cotton. Wear the shirt with the sleeves rolled up while cooking and let them down as soon as the guests arrive. Also see the polos for Men collection.
Use an apron
An apron protects your clothes from splashes and sauce. Choose one in a neutral colour, such as black, grey or linen, and hang it on the hook as soon as the guests sit down at the table. You then do not need to change your clothes. Keep a small cloth in your pocket to wipe your hands, and do not wear dangling sleeves or scarves near the stove or the barbecue. Apron on for cooking and apron off for the aperitif: that saves you a change of clothes.
Colours for a summer dinner
Light colours work well in a summery setting. Light blue, beige, cream and soft grey feel summery and calm. Navy and dark brown suit if you would rather have something sturdier. As hostess you may not want to stand in white, because you have the most chance of a stain. At most choose white for a blouse that you only put on once the cooking is finished.
Shoes and comfort
You stand for hours, walk between kitchen and garden and carry plates. Choose flat, comfortable shoes: sandals, loafers or smart sneakers. High heels are awkward on tiles and grass.
The aperitif and the table
As soon as the guests arrive, you mainly want the outfit to stay comfortable and polished. When you stand in the garden with a glass in your hand and a smile, you want to look calm and polished. Light trousers or a skirt with a blouse or polo is a simple combination. Add a piece of jewellery, a watch or a pocket square and you look festive without being overdressed. At the table you sit close to your guests, so pay attention to small details such as a neat collar, clean shoes and a polished fit. You will find more trousers for such an evening at trousers for Women, and tips for caring for your clothes after dinner are on our care instructions page.
Preparation is half the work
- Choose your outfit the evening before. Iron or steam only according to the care label.
- Prepare as much of the menu as possible in advance, so you are not in the kitchen all evening.
- Lay out an extra shirt or blouse in case a stain does appear.
- Plan a free minute just before the guests arrive to check your hair and clothes.
- Make a small ritual of taking the apron off and putting it on: it marks the transition from cooking to receiving.
What you had better leave
Leave tight, thin or see-through fabrics at home, as well as clothing with a low neckline that makes bending forward awkward. Do not wear jewellery that gets in the way while cooking, such as long necklaces or jangling bracelets. And do not choose clothing that worries you: if you are constantly afraid of a stain, you enjoy your own dinner less. Above all choose something in which you can move comfortably all evening.
Shop the look
Helena: tailored blouse with short sleeves, light blue
Philippa: ultra high-waist trousers with pleats, beige
Cordelia: blouse with V-neck, white
Atticus: striped cotton polo, navy
Winston: light high-waist trousers, cream
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, light blue
Frequently asked questions
What do I wear as the hostess of a summer dinner?
An airy blouse with short sleeves and calm trousers or a skirt, in a colour that forgives stains. Wear an apron while cooking.
Which colours are handy as a host?
Mid-tones such as light blue, beige and navy, or a striped polo. White shows every stain.
Do I have to change for dinner?
Not necessarily, as long as you wear an apron. If you want it more festive, lay out an extra blouse or shirt.
Which shoes are best if you stand a lot?
Flat, comfortable shoes such as loafers, sandals or smart sneakers. High heels are awkward on tiles and grass.
