Ahhh, summer. That season of abundant sunshine, meals prepared on the grill, and weekend evenings sitting outdoors watching the sun set. It’s simply my favorite…isn’t it yours? Lauren here, and with summer barbecue season kicking into high gear, I thought I’d drop in to show you how to dress the part. A backyard barbecue is inherently a casual affair—invite friends over, grill up some delicious food, play a few lawn games while you wait, and hang around outside until the sun goes down. But casual doesn’t mean short on style!
Casual does mean comfortable, which is why I lean toward sundresses or shorts paired with cute tops. You can’t go wrong with a goes-with-anything pair of white shorts, and I love the floral pattern of this boxy Madewell tee. Gosh, the last time I had a pair of white sandals, I must’ve been in preschool. In fact, that pair had straps across the toes and around the ankles just like my grown-up version! I love that these have a little block heel for some height, yet still strike that casual summer feel (and won’t get stuck in the grass).
Burgers and BBQ are great for backyard get-togethers, but I honestly start to get a little bit sick of those old standbys. That’s where grilled pizzas come in! From this Peach & Gorgonzola Chicken Pizza to the Smoked Chicken Pizza with Poblano Pepper Sauce we made this past weekend, I love getting creative with the toppings. Another favorite: pesto with shrimp, feta and pine nuts. Serve up a few options on cutting boards, and let guests try different slices. Another approach is to make personal-sized pizzas, and let each guest choose from various toppings.
This tee has a bonus—a peekaboo back to let in the breeze.
For dessert? Keep it simple and grill fresh peaches and plums, sprinkle with a little cinnamon and brown sugar, and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The perfect ending to a stress-free night!
Get the Look: Madewell top and shorts, Loeffler Randall sandals (on sale here and here!), Ray-Ban sunglasses
Never tasted grilled peaches before; will give it a try tonight!!
Our little boy would love it!
Have a great week.
PS. Love the pizza ideas too.
Hope you enjoy – I love grilled peaches! With ice cream, it tastes like peach cobbler without all the extra work
This top is perfection. I love the back (bonus for scalloped edges!).
Total perfection! It’s seriously the top of the summer. Adorable with the white shorts. xx
I love that you crisscrossed the straps! I have these sandals and didn’t think of that but will now be doing that the next time I wear them! and love the Madewell top of course
Love that you noticed, Alex! It’s my favorite trick for giving double ankle straps a different twist – and to help elongate my short legs. I got so lucky on that Madewell top…it sold out just days after arriving at my house