A garden party or al fresco brunch in Dubai calls for lighter fabrics and a softer palette than an indoor event, since most of these are timed for shaded gardens or early evening rather than peak midday heat.

What tends to work:

• Floaty midi or maxi dresses in linen, cotton or viscose, which move well outdoors and don't cling in humidity
• Soft florals, pastels or whites, which read as appropriate to the setting in a way dark, structured pieces don't
• Flat sandals or low wedges, since garden settings mean grass, gravel or uneven paving that heels don't handle well
• A wide-brim hat or oversized sunglasses if the event runs through the hottest part of the afternoon

Where people tend to overdress for these events is bringing an indoor-brunch mindset (structured co-ords, heels, heavier fabrics) to a setting that's actually closer to a daytime garden event. The dress code is closer to resortwear than eveningwear, even when the guest list and setting feel formal.

Timing matters too. A garden party that starts at 4pm needs a different outfit weight to one starting at 7pm once the heat has dropped, even on the same afternoon in the same garden.

Endless carries pieces built for exactly this kind of outdoor, daytime occasion, with 450+ brands and delivery across Dubai in as little as two hours, so a last-minute invite doesn't mean scrambling. Browse the Brunch collection for options suited to al fresco settings.