What to wear to a Garden Party? Casual Tea dress, blazer and comfortable shoes!

Casual garden party invitation, simple right?? erm... not really.

Party invitations can be tricky to decipher.... 

It is very bad manners to under-dress. It seems like you are not giving the occasion enough respect... I went to a christening a few years ago and some of the party were in jeans! Not cool.

However, it can be equally embarrassing to over-dress, especially as a more mature woman. We can be thought of as 'trying too hard', frumpy (too mother-of-the bride-ish and matchy matchy) or Mutton dressed as lamb.
So, what DO you wear to a garden party, over 40?

The invitation says "Casual" but I don't want to look like I'm popping out to the shops.... and, although it is summer, it can be unpredictable weather-wise...Tricky.

I decided on this vintage-inspired tea dress with a quirky bird print (I know bird prints are just about over, but I like this one).

I threw on a striped blazer as a smart-ish layer and belted it...partially to make it more casual and partially to make it fit ;-)

My shoe choice was easiest of all.
I needed comfort (standing around for hours) and no heel (I don't want to sink into the lawn). So I picked these old friends. The red stripe was a good contrast with the blue and the whimsical bow gives them a girly touch... see my twitter feed for a close-up.

Finally, this bright blue clutch was perfect. A great colour and the perfect size, it holds a surprising amount....I am going to pop a compact umbrella into it before we go.....and maybe a scarf??
XXX

Dress: Fever London
Shoes: George at Asda
Bag: Linea
Jacket/Blazer: Primark
Perspex Cuff: Boden
Bangles: People Tree