With the warm weather inviting us to dine al fresco, BBQs and outdoor get-togethers are undoubtedly on the horizon. And while your summer fashion game is going to be on point (thanks to your latest [Your Brand] haul), we think it's time for salads to enjoy their moment in the sun too!

Oh, yes! Salads are so much more than just leafy greens. They're the haute couture of the culinary world - versatile, colorful, and they can be whatever you want them to be! And guess what? They're also perfect for staying nourished and fabulous during the BBQ season.

So, ready to serve looks and tantalizing salads at your next summer gathering? Here are three crowd-pleasing and oh-so-healthy salad recipes that are as vibrant and chic as our summer collection.

1. Zesty Greek Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 pound Roma tomatoes, wedged
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• ¾ cup kalamata olives
• 1 tablespoon capers
• Thinly sliced red onion
• 8 ounce slab feta cheese, sliced ½ inch thick

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the olive oil to create a zesty dressing.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, capers, and red onion.
3. Arrange the thick feta slices on top.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Serve and enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean in your backyard!

2. Refreshing Watermelon Farro Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cubed watermelon
• 4 cups cooked and cooled farro
• Small red onion, chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together watermelon, farro, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and toss gently. It's a refreshing, hearty salad perfect for those hot summer days!

3. Vibrant Bell Pepper and Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions:

1. Dice the bell peppers. In a large salad bowl, combine them with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Add parsley and mint.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
5. Crumble feta cheese on top if desired.

These salads are not just visually stunning (we do love a good aesthetic), but also packed with flavors that'll have your guests asking for the recipe. And just like the perfect summer outfit, they leave you feeling great too! So go ahead, let's make salad the summer sensation it deserves to be and serve some serious style in our plates and on our bodies!

Making the Right Choices: Practical Fashion Tips

When it comes to wedding attire, it's imperative to consider both style and comfort. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Selecting Footwear Skip the high heels or thin stilettos. They might look great, but they're often not the most comfortable choice. Opt instead for a chic flat or kitten heel paired with your dress for a modern and unexpected touch of elegance.

Comfort over Fuss Avoid clothing that requires constant adjustment. An outfit that allows you to enjoy the occasion without constant fidgeting is key. Remember, confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can wear, and feeling comfortable plays a huge part in this.

Summer Wedding Guest Dresses: 2023 Trends

Here are the three key trends that will help you stand out at any 2023 summer wedding:

Puff Sleeves Adding a whimsical touch to your ensemble, puff sleeves are expected to continue their reign. Whether it's flowy peasant sleeves or a structured Juliet style, this trend is set to bring a dreamy vibe to wedding fashion.

Cutouts Cutouts are set to take center stage as we embrace the warmth of summer 2023. Whether you opt for a subtle keyhole slit or a more daring side slit, cutouts offer an exciting way to bring some edge to your wedding attire.

Halter Necks The halter neck, a '90s throwback, is making a serious comeback. Perfect for summer, they provide a lightweight, breathable feel and an elegant way to show off your shoulders at an outdoor wedding.

(Tip: Shop Cocktail Dresses at lagunaoaksoa!)

Dress Codes Decoded

Let's break down some of the most common wedding dress codes:

Black-Tie This ultra-formal dress code calls for tuxedos for men and floor-sweeping gowns for women. Embrace elegance and stick to solid, muted colors.

Black-Tie Optional or Formal A black-tie optional event allows a bit more flexibility, while still requiring formal attire. For women, an above-the-knee dress or a formal gown is appropriate. Men can opt for a tuxedo or a solid-colored suit and tie.

Cocktail This dress code allows for creativity while still maintaining formality. For women, a stylish cocktail dress or a little black dress is perfect. Men can opt for a suit or dress trousers with a shirt and blazer.

Beach For beach weddings, opt for lightweight fabrics and embrace fun prints or sunny colors. Men should stick to a proper suit or dress pants and a blazer.

Semi-Formal Think of semi-formal as a balance between cocktail and casual. Shorter hemlines, pops of color, and modern embellishments are all acceptable. Men should wear dress pants and a dress shirt, with or without a tie.

Casual Casual attire doesn't mean you can wear anything. It's still a ceremonial event. Women can opt for a casual sundress or a two-piece set, and men should wear a dress shirt with slacks.

Remember, these are just guidelines. The key is to respect the couple's wishes and don't hesitate to ask if you're unsure about the appropriate attire.

As we gear up for a season of celebration, remember that the best wedding guest outfit is the one that not only fits the occasion but also makes you feel confident and comfortable. So, let's get ready to celebrate love in style!

Don't forget to check out our selection of all Dresses  in addition to our Cocktail collection. Don't hesitate to send us a text at (+370)45544472 or email [email protected] for styling tips for your particular event!