Sizzling Styles for a Backyard Barbecue | July Stylish Monday Link Up
Backyard barbecues are one of our favorite summer traditions. Amongst our friend group, we are the frequent hosts of small gatherings that revolve around food. While food planning and preparation can take lots of time and energy, I also like to put some extra time and effort into my outfits. You know, so I can fill that role of hostess with the mostest!
As much as we enjoy hosting these little (and sometimes big) social gatherings, it is nice sometimes to be a guest with no hosting duties at all. Two weeks ago, we joined my wonderful neighbor and friend, Dani, for a little backyard barbecue at her house. We tend to get together with Dani and her wife, Fong, about once a week, alternating between their house and ours. They live right across the street from us making it easy to use both kitchens for food preparation if necessary.
We were experiencing a minor heat wave in the northeast United States and since Dani and Fong have a pool, we decided to cook some food at our house and grill the rest at their house so that we could all jump into the refreshing water when necessary to cool down.
It was also the perfect opportunity to take photos for this month’s Stylish Monday theme. So this is exactly and actually what I wore to a backyard barbecue.
Like I said, it was super hot so I grabbed my new tie dye dress from my new favorite clothing store, Rainbow Zen. It is 100% cotton and very airy and breezy, perfect for a super hot and humid summer day. And it only cost $25. I have worn it at least 4 times already since purchasing it only about 6 weeks ago. I really cannot emphasize enough the wonderful collection of hippie styles offered by Rainbow Zen. And their price points are incredibly reasonable for boutique clothing. I also picked up these amazing cotton palazzo pants in 3 colorways, Jeff’s Grateful Dead hoodie, and a few other pieces that I will share soon!
Because it was so stinking hot this day, I kept my accessories to a minimum with these fun star earrings from Torrid and my blue nebula necklace that Jeff brought home from his trip to Utah and Yellowstone National Park in May. My silver footbed sandals are practical and work with just about every summer outfit I could create.
But it was even too hot for all that so after taking some photos of my dress, I quickly shed the jewelry and changed into my swimsuit. This time I went for my old kitty cat suit because the cuteness factor is just too hard to resist.
I received this swimsuit with another one two years ago as part of a collaboration with Rosegal. The two suits mix and match perfectly together. You can see how I have mixed them here and here.
I even talked Jeff into purchasing a swimsuit for himself this year. He doesn’t go swimming often and he has not owned a swimsuit in the 13 years that I have known him. On the rare occasion that he would go swimming, he would just wear basketball shorts which kind of drove me crazy because they get all droopy and saggy when they are waterlogged. I was so proud of him for stepping way outside of his comfort zone and choosing a swimsuit with vibrantly colored birds in shades of pink and purple. Soldier Jeff would have never worn anything with pink and purple! Civilian Jeff is much more relaxed and open to trying new things.
The boys have been really enjoying Dani and Fong’s pool this summer!
Ralph was helping at the grill…goggles and all…in his new shark print swimsuit from Old Navy.
And here are some photos of my beautiful friend, Dani, without Fong. I will have to capture some photos of the two of them together next time!
The last big backyard barbecue that we hosted previous to this casual eat, talk, and swim gathering was on May 1 when we celebrated all of our May birthdays and Jeff’s retirement. It was a particularly cold day, that first day of May, but I was damn determined to wear shorts! So I winterfied my denim short overalls with a turtleneck, a long cardigan, over the knee socks and cozy boots for a cool weather backyard barbecue look.
Do you need some more outfit inspiration for your upcoming summer barbecues? Do check out what my stylish friends would wear!
Stylish Monday is a monthly series published in collaboration with a group of 14 international fashion and lifestyle bloggers. It is another opportunity to be creative with our personal style as we join together each month with a style prompt or theme. We also host a link party where anyone is welcome to add their personal style posts. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the party.
Amy of Amy’s Creative Pursuits
“This year the 4th of July fell on a Sunday, so I created this patriotic look to wear both to church and then a Backyard BBQ. “
Amy
Andy of Pearls and Pantsuits
“The hubs and I grill out every single weekend in the summer…heck, we grill out almost all year long! My typical backyard barbecue outfit usually consists of a swimsuit & cover-up, but just in case we have actual company over I would probably wear my fav Bermuda shorts and a cute top, like this one from Old Navy…I love the smocking detail.”
Andy
Emma of Style Splash
“This cotton jumpsuit is super comfortable and looks quite basic…until you see the back! The sequin parrot gives guests something to look at while I’m tending to the BBQ!”
Emma
Gwen of Gwen Lives Well
“Nothing screams summer more than barbecuing with family and friends. ‘Tis the season for hot dogs, hamburgers, and yummy side dishes. So much fun! And you know what’s even more fun? Deciding on what to wear to a barbecue – yes, it’s a thing. Just ask my fashionable fashionistas because this is what we chose as this month’s style collab. Backyard barbecue-style apparently is a real thing – who knew? So let’s see what backyard barbecue-style means to these stylish sisters. This should be interesting!!”
Gwen
Julie of Fashion Trends and Friends
“Serving up some white scalloped shorts and a gingham top with ruffled shoulders for some backyard BBQ fun! Shorts over 50 (well I actually just turned 60)…why not? Gingham is always a great choice in the summer and says backyard summer fun! Wear what you love and feel confident in and you’ll always look amazing!”
Julie
Lucy of Lucy Bertoldi
“This month’s Stylish Mondays calls for BBQ attire-and this is exactly what I’d style up for enjoying a cook out amongst friends and family. Summer and sunshine want me in bright yellow! Love me some bright happy colour under a large brim hat, cool drinks, great company and delicious food-I’m ready!”
Lucy
Michele of @seechele_styles
“BBQ style to me means a thrifted striped dress and plaid bag that is thrifted, too. Sneakers are a must too while at a BBQ.”
Michele
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
“I myself often wear a long dress for such an evening. Firstly, you have less chance of being stung by the mosquitoes. And in the evening it usually cools down a bit and then a long dress is very nice. Preferably also a slightly wider dress or one that is a bit forgiving, because well, with a bbq I always eat too much! This pre loved dress is really great. Very elastic but also quite thick, so ideal for a person who is always feeling cold like me.”
Nancy
Nicole of High Latitude Style
“Backyard BBQ in Alaska means potluck and all meat and fish you eat was killed by one of your friends. When you are not a hunter or into fishing you bring whatever grows in your yard. Dressing wise it means combat or hiking boots, jeans and a tightly woven shirt to not become dinner for the mosquitoes when the BBQ is in the evening. When the event is in the afternoon, a skirt like I wear in the photo is fine.”
Nicole
Nina of Sharing a Journey
“Hosting a summer BBQ is one of the joys of summer. From choosing just the right recipes, tableware and what to wear. Today I am sharing BBQ favorites including an airy hostess dress everyone looks great in.”
Nina
Suzanne of Ask Suzanne Bell
“Even in the summertime, California evenings can get chilly, which is why for every sundress I own, there must be a coordinating piece to layer on when the sun goes down. See more on how I style one of my favorite maxi dresses, for a day-to-night backyard BBQ ready look, on the blog.”
Suzanne
Featured Favorites (from last month’s Feeling Fresh and Fruity theme)
Just an FYI…for my featured posts on collaboration posts like this, I only feature posts that were not part of the original collaboration. I find it is a better way to give extra exposure to my blogger friends who are not part of the group. This month I have two featured favorites for fruity outfits.
Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish shared her fresh and fruity style with a Lemon Print Top with White Denim Skirt.
Rena of Fine Whatever shared her fresh and fruity style with an adorable sequined pineapple tee in Hello, Yellow!-Magnificent 8 Collaboration.
What are your favorite backyard barbecue outfits? What style do you prefer for these casual summer gatherings?
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Dress-Rainbow Zen / Shoes-Circus by Sam Edelman / Necklace-Gift from husband / Earrings-Torrid / Swimsuit-c/o Rosegal
40 Comments
Kellyann Rohr
A house with a pool is the perfect spot for a bbq – especially in a heatwave! Lucky you that you have Dani and Fong right across the street – the pool looks terrific and good neighbors are the best. Your dress is perfect for such an event and kuods to Jeff on the new suit! I love your retro looking kitty suit too – looks like such a fun day!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Kellyann, thank you so much! We are really truly blessed to have great neighbor-friends! Actually, even our neighbors who are not our friends are pretty great, too. I have much gratitude for my sweet little neighborhood! Except for maybe some of the teenaged kids on the block. These kids have been tormenting Dani by banging on her gate, screaming, and insisting that she let them in her pool. They were doing it one night when I was there and we just ignored them until they started throwing stuff over the fence. Oy. Then another well-mannered and kind neighbor came out and there was some yelling then the kids ran off. Oh, teenagers! I hope you have a fantastic Monday!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
You guys look great in your swimsuits! You can tell you all had such a fun day.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Joanne! We did have a great time. We always do. We really are so blessed to have such good friends as neighbors!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kelly R
I love a summer barbecue! It’s definitely our favorite thing to do as a family. Looks like you guys had a blast!
Happy Monday!
Rosy Outlook
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kelly! We are so blessed with wonderful neighbors who are also wonderful friends! Have a fantastic week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
This is such a perfect dress for a bbq!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
That is such a cute dress. It looks so comfy for summer. Love the necklace and the kitty swimsuit too.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! It is really comfortable. And it’s 100% cotton which is so great when you turn into a sweaty mess! Have a fabulous week!
xoxo
Shelbee
gwen gottlieb
Hi Shelbee! What a fun collab! Looks like you’ve been having a fab summer with friends, and doing it in style! Love the colors of your dress, and what a cute bathing suit! Happy Summer!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gwen! I am trying to keep us all entertained during this very lazy summer! The kids do not appreciate the lazy days as much as I do. Ha. They always want to be on the go!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin
That dress is amazing – perfect for a summer bbq!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Tamar! It is, it really is!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cool Esse
Love that dress, very cute! That pool also looks fabulous 😍
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much! Have a great day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
Such a fun collab and I love your look- that dress is too cute. And what an adorable bathing suit too!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Lucy! This was a fun theme. I love all the bright colors everyone styled!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Isn’t that the best, having a bbq with friends! What a good looking pool! And couple!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks, Nancy! Dani and Fong have been so generous with their pool letting my kids go swimming frequently!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lovely
That’s a cute dress for bbq and you look fab in that swimwear! Sounds like you guys had a great time!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lovely! We have been enjoying all the summer things this year! It is way better compared to last summer…for everyone I’m sure.
xoxo
Shelbee
Nadine
What a lovely dress, dear Shelbee! That was the perfect choice for the afternoon barbecue with your friends. I also love such nice barbecues with good friends. Love your bathing suit too. You look georgeous!
Thank you so much for your nice comment on my blog!
xxxxx Nadine
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Hi Nadine! Thanks so much for stopping by! I am definitely enjoying my summer with friends and also enjoying my summer wardrobe! I hope your week is off to a fabulous start!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
So many great looks here! I love your tie dye dress and you look amazing in this suit. Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I am definitely enjoying my summer and my summer wardrobe!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
You guys are SO cute with your summer vibe!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks, Michele! I hope you are enjoying summer living, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
Fabulous tiedye dress! I love your necklace too! How lucky to have friends with a pool – I bet the boys loved it!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Emma! It is a lovely fortune to have friends with a pool! We get to enjoy it without all the work! Although they have “hired” the boys to clean it occasionally! You know, they have to earn their luxuries. Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Julie Augustyn
Shelbee,
I love your tie dye dress and swimsuit! Both are perfect for a backyard BBQ! Your gathering looks like so much fun! I don’t blame you for wating to be the guest once in a while. Hosting is always a lot of work!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Julie! We always have fun hanging with our awesome neighbors! We are so very blessed. And yes, it is definitely nice to not be the hostess sometimes! Although I do like entertaining at home as well…you know, I have all my comforts around me when I am in my own house. Hehe
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
You already know that I am intensely digging this dress! Awesome! And the nebula necklace is perfect with it. You and Jeff both look uber cute in your bathing suits. And Dani’s outfit was very cool too! It’s great that you have such compatible neighbors.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! Isn’t this dress so fun?! I want more of them! But my goodness, I do have too much already. Dani has some seriously great style, too! We enjoy talking fashion among other topics!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzanne Bell
What a fun post, I really feel like I was right there at your pool party. And how lucky you are to be able to co-host with access to two kitchens! Thanks for introducing us to your family and friends! Oh and I love your dress and your swimsuit is so flattering and pretty!
xx
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Suzanne! I am so glad that I could make it feel like you were at our pool party! Two kitchen access is always helpful when cooking for large groups. I hope you are having a wonderful summer!
xoxo
Shelbee
Claire
I could really do with a pool right now, it is so hot here. Looks like a great time. Love your outfit too 🙂
Thanks so much for linking up to The Wednesday Link Up and hosting. I hope you can join us again tomorrow for our next parties 🙂 #TheWednesdayLinkUp
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Claire! It is nice to have friendly neighbors who share their pool! We have had some pretty hot days here as well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Barbara Chapman
Oooh Shelbee, I am sooo tempted to share your and your hubby with the bathing suits on, but I will be good! ;)’ Happy to feature your post at tonight’s Share Your Style #311!! Perfect for the summer theme…
Happy Wednesday and I love all the outfits shared here,
Barb 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Barb, thanks so much! You could have shared that photo. We have no body shame or embarrassment! Thanks for the feature. I will be over shortly to read the post and add some new links!
xoxo
Shelbee