You’re invited to a ton of parties this summer and A.K. Rikk’s invites you to learn how to dress for them.

A cheat sheet, a starting point and a gathering of musings on summer parties, now that the weather is here, let’s not ruin the moment but walk into every room, garden and wedding venue knowing that you look exactly how you imagined. We’re sharing a few outfit ideas, inspo and a few tips to keep you looking your best for every invite that comes your way.

Here’s the thing, we know you want to dress up but summer inherently has a casual and carefree sweetness–that coupled with hot and steamy weather–can get tricky to navigate. Follow along for a few stops on the summer party circuit where we talk about specific occasions and how you can best dress for them.

Babes, they hired a photographer. You will be photographed. This is an occasion. Treat it with the respect it deserves and go all out. Whip out the summer prints, lean into linen and remember why everyone gets married in the summer–the weather is gorgeous so show off some sunkissed skin. Think of it as a parade–everyone is watching and they came for a show. 

Men’s suggestions: 

• A linen focus for dress shirts, sportcoats and suits. Breathe easy. Literally. 
• Pastels and soft hues bring attention to your look. We’re loving pink, butter yellow, cornflower blue or a watery green. Ditto for cream sportcoats and suits. 
• Florals. Groundbreaking they are not but when the world is in bloom you follow suit. It’s a universal pattern that can go romantic or playful but it’s forever charming.  

Women’s suggestions:

• Midi dresses are your happy medium offering dressed-up coverage but where you can still see statement footwear, show some leg and stay cool. 
• Bust out the sandals with gemstones, jewelry details and exaggerated straps to show off that pedicure.
• Wearing your hair up or in a sleek chignon due to the heat means that earrings come into play. If you save your jewelry for special events, we’re calling on you now to bring out the goods.

From bridal showers to baby showers and even bachelorette and bachelor parties, you might have whiplash from all the wedding-adjacent events. You can get more creative at these gatherings but you must still dress with intention. Pick pieces that show a little more personality and that you know how to have fun (or are eager to learn). 

Men’s suggestions: 

• The hero of almost every story, the polo shirt gains you points. Ease, elegance and confidence come standard and Johnny collar varieties offer an insouciant allure. 
• An elevated sandal or sneaker shows you know how to balance luxuriously laid-back footwear. 
• Seersucker everything. It’s summer’s notice-me fabric that delivers on cool comfort. 

Women’s suggestions:

• Go in theme. Lot’s of showers have party themes so weave a color or pattern or material into what you wear to show your appreciation and excitement. 
• Dig into smart-casual looks that are polished but also respectable as you’ll mingle with family members and meet new people. 
• Sets have their moment. From printed sets to monochromatic looks, mix and match separates offer ease (especially if you’re there to help). 

Most likely the slew of graduation parties you’re invited to revolve around a community so you’ll be seeing the same people over and over again. This is why you need to look new and fresh for each party. More casual, these gatherings offer extra style freedom but make sure you keep things tasteful. Button-down shirts and polos are still the norm and day dresses make the cut. 

Men’s suggestions: 

• Some technical pieces can be woven into your look. Moisture-wicking and breathable, a sport polo can be the thing to look presentable even if you did just come from the course. 
• Preppy oxford shirts bridge the gap between casual and formal and grad parties can be a grey area depending on location. 
• Slip a sneaker in but make sure it’s at the luxury level and streamlined so it passes as a dress style. 

Women’s suggestions: 

• Reach for wedge sandals or flats because if you can’t find a table, you’ll be doing a lot of standing and walking.
• Underrated, jumpsuits are the one-and-done look for effortless style and adding accessories can switch up the vibe quickly. 
• If you can’t commit to a dress, a long maxi skirt saves the day and offers a refined look that’s comfortable and easy to move in. 

Whether a mailed invite found its way to you or by word of mouth, months in advance or impromptu–there’s always one more party that seems to pop up. From garden parties to general summer soirées or the grand opening of someone’s lakehouse, the breezy and beautiful thing about summer is that we gather, repeatedly. The most relaxed and up-in-the-air kind of party means you can join in with a free spirited grandeur that’s always welcome. 

Men’s suggestions: 

• A camp shirt covers events by the lake and nights under the stars. It signals you’re in fun mode. 
• Linen is still applicable as well as vibrant colors and tropical or nautical details to show a playful side. 
• If the party heads late into the night or winds pick up off the lake, a lightweight plaid blazer or knit cardigan is good to have on standby (plus bonus points for layering). 

Women’s suggestions: 

• A fit and flare dress is an easy silhouette to work with. Adding sandals and woven totes and sunglasses maximizes the season’s blissful aesthetic. 
• Garden party glamour means bold florals so go head to toe in a botanical print that’s going to photograph well. 
• The nostalgia from a happy-go-lucky jelly shoe is perfect for outdoor parties for its lighthearted design that offers easy clean up.