Wearing all-white is a summertime tradition, whether it be for a white party or Dîner en Blanc, a pop-up, open-air dinner under the stars with guests dressed in white. The Twin Cities hosts several Dîner en Blanc parties throughout the summer, including tomorrow evening’s Polo en Blanc, which gets a sporty twist against the backdrop of the Twin City Polo Club in Maple Plain, Minnesota. The event includes live music, a white floral arrangement competition, a white hat competition, games of chance, and an exotic white car show. Masquerade masks, hats, parasols, cravats, wigs, artistic expressions, and anything in Monegasque style are strongly encouraged.
When it comes to dressing for a Dîner en Blanc, it’s important to consider a number of factors:
- Stay cool and comfortable: Since it’s an outdoor event, you’ll want to consider the temperature by wearing lighter fabrics, such as linen and cotton, and wear looser fabrics rather than skin-tight body-con.
- Wear appropriate footwear: Most often, Dîner en Blancs are hosted on grass, so you’ll want to skip the stilettos and go for block heels, wedge heels, or even a pair of chic flats.
- Have fun with it: A white party is a great opportunity to have fun with different silhouettes or whimsical accessories, since the plain white palette keeps things looking subdued and chic.
- Don’t know what to wear, and scrambling to put something together at the last minute? All of the below selections are available in the Twin Cities area from local boutiques, J.Crew, and Nordstrom at the Mall of America.
The All-White Suit: It doesn’t get more striking than going head-to-toe in an all-white suit. Go for a linen option to keep yourself cool and comfortable, or try pairing a shell with pants for a sleek alternative to a dress.
J.Crew Campbell Linen Blazer, $100.80 (on sale from $168) @ Nordstrom
Theory Nadeema Crop Flare Leg Linen Chinos, $93.98 (on sale from $235) @ Nordstrom
Akris Notch Collar Blouse, $595 @ Nordstrom
Akris Melissa Slim Techno Cotton Pants, $795 @ Nordstrom
Rag & Bone Collingwood Cold Shoulder Top, $225 (on sale from $375) @ Nordstrom
Veronica Beard Roxy Crop Pants, $395 @ Nordstrom
Milly One-Shoulder Silk Blend Top, $285 @ Nordstrom
Parker Smith Voyager Wide Leg Jean, $168 @ Idun (495 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-348-6104)
Chic Separates: Pair a floaty, feminine blouse with a skirt with some movement for a look that is ladylike and easeful.
A.L.C. Denise Split Cuff Top, $355 @ Nordstrom
J.Crew Tie-Shoulder Eyelet Top, $88 @ J.Crew
Theory Desza Belted Stretch Cotton Top, $235 @ Nordstrom
Self Portrait Grid Top, $305 @ Bumbershute (5014 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-475-2684)
Theory Jaberdina Poplin Midi Skirt, $295 @ Nordstrom
Akris Punto Jersey Founce Hem Skirt, $395 @ Nordstrom
Dressed to Impress: For many, the easiest option for a white party is a dress. Opt for flowing, lightweight silhouettes, such as a caftan, a simple wrap dress, or a lacey frock.
J.Crew Eyelet Caftan, $79.99 (on sale from $98) @ J.Crew
A.L.C. Asa Midi Wrap Dress, $425 @ Nordstrom
Sea NY 3/4 Sleeve Tiered Maxi Dress, $695 @ Grethen House (4930 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-926-8725, and 212 3rd Ave. N., Minneapolis, 612-339-5702)
LoveShackFancy Tessa Dress, $385 @ Grethen House (4930 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-926-8725, and 212 3rd Ave. N., Minneapolis, 612-339-5702)
Amuse Society Kensington Dress, $105 @ Bluebird Boutique (3909 W. 50th St., Edina, 952-746-8675)
LoveShackFancy Rebecca Dress, $365 @ Grethen House (4930 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-926-8725, and 212 3rd Ave. N., Minneapolis, 612-339-5702)
LoveShackFancy Eve Dress with Fringe, $345 @ Grethen House (4930 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-926-8725, and 212 3rd Ave. N., Minneapolis, 612-339-5702)
Alice + Olivia Dora Bell Sleeve Shift Dress, $485 @ Nordstrom
Adrianna Papell Cecila Lace Sheath Dress & Jacket Set, $220 @ Nordstrom
Self-Portrait Azaelea Lace Fit & Flare Dress, $500 Nordstrom
Felicity & Coco Belza Floral Lace Shift Dress, $128 @ Nordstrom
You Must Create Queen Dress, $208 (on sale from $260) @ Idun (495 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-348-6104)
White-Hot Accessories: Add on all-white accessories to finish the look off with a white-hot bang. A bridal fascinator is totally wearable for non-brides in this instance. Scarborough Fair Boutique in St. Paul has several options (a few of which are pictured below), as well as some sparkly masquerade masks. If you don’t want to go all-white, metallic gold and silver accents are great options.
Cup and Saucer Hat, $215 @ Scarborough Fair Boutique (2238 Carter Ave., St. Paul, 651-224-4182)
Karen Morris Millinery Kate’s Topper, $185 @ Scarborough Fair Boutique
Karen Morris Millinery Titania’s Headpiece, $125 @ Scarborough Fair Boutique
Sinamay Curl with Veil Fascinator, $125 @ Scarborough Fair Boutique
Odette Masquerade Mask, $48 @ Scarborough Fair Boutique
Christine Masquerade Mask, $48 @ Scarborough Fair Boutique
J.Crew Oval Link Necklace, $68 @ J.Crew
J.Crew Tassel Lariat Necklace, $39.50 @ J.Crew
J.Crew Beaded Gold Necklace, $39.50 @ J.Crew
Gorjana Power Semiprecious Stone Beaded Bracelet, $58 @ Nordstrom
Kate Space New York Fiesta Fringe Drop Earrings, $88 @ Nordstrom
Elise M. Pyraimd Drusy Quartz Adjustable Ring, $43 @ Nordstrom
Dior Onde 1 50mm Round Sunglasses, $420 @ Nordstrom
Stella McCartney Falabella Box Faux Leather Shoulder Bag, $1,365 @ Nordstrom
Rebecca Minkoff Leo Envelope Clutch, $65.99 (on sale from $95) @ Nordstrom
Saint Laurent Monogram Wallet on a Chain, $1,550 @ Nordstrom
Topshop Nixie Block Heel Sandal, $59.95 (on sale from $100) @ Nordstrom
Badgley Mischka Tamara Crystal Block Heel Sandal, $225 @ Nordstrom
Klub Nico Kismet Wedge Sandal, $188.95 @ Nordstrom
Kate Spade New York Ronia Wedge Sandal, $298 @ Nordstrom
Vince Camuto Corlina Ankle Strap Sandal, $98.95-$99.95 @ Nordstrom
Gucci Princetown Loafer Mule, $650 @ Nordstrom
Louise et Cie Karisa Ankle Cuff Sandal, $99.95 @ Nordstrom
Kristin Cavallari Capri Mule, $119.95 @ Nordstrom
Gucci Tonal GG Marmont Pump, $750 @ Nordstrom
Friday, August 4 from 5:30-11:30 p.m. @ Twin City Polo Club, 6755 Turner Rd., Maple Plain. Tickets are $35 each or $500 for a table of eight, available at thepoloclassic.com. Sales benefit several area nonprofits. Tables, chairs, and place-settings are provided. Guests may buy their own meals, or reserve a meal online, and there will be a cash bar.
