It’s everyone’s favorite love story…..that’s not a love story. Yes, I’m talking about 500 Days of Summer. When this movie was released, it had a lot of great visuals, awesome soundtracks and every girl wanted all the cute blue outfits. This post will help you recreate that 500 Days of Summer rooftop party, complete with cute outfit ideas as well. Just in case you don’t remember the scene I’m talking about, watch this video:
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Let’s Start with Decor
1. White Paper Lanterns – 10 piece
These white paper lanterns come in four different sizes. They are super budget friendly and collapsible for easy storage. They do not come with lights (see #2) but they have a space where you can insert your light to create the effect seen in the 500 Days of Summer Rooftop Party scene.
Get your Paper Lanterns here.
2. String Lights
The string lights pictured are 25 ft. long, which is perfect for stretching across your outdoor area to the nearest plug. You can also connect up to three strands together to cover a bigger area. And, don’t worry, they are commercial grade! So, they will withstand a (reasonable) beating. Lol.
Grab your string lights on Amazon.
3. Outdoor Chair with Cushion
These chairs are too darn cute! And, they look just like the ones in the movie scene. It comes with a seat cushion and a throw pillow. The outer shell is made of wicker and steel. If you do have multiple, they stack, which is super convenient. They also have a variety of colors available. These chairs also handle weather, with a simple wipe off to clean.
Pick up your outdoor chair with cushion.
4. White Rectangle Table Cloth
This tablecloth is super basic, but that’s all you need! You can jazz up your area with food, drinks and other table decor. This is another thing that I have in white on our inspiration board, because it matches the scene, but it does come in a bunch of colors. It’s polyester, washable and super affordable.
Get your rectangle tablecloth.
5. Flameless Candles with Remote
In the scene from the 500 Days of Summer Rooftop Party, on the expectation side, you’ll see some amber hurricanes with candles on the table. These candles are the best of both worlds. They’re all one piece, making a faux-hurricane effect. The candles come in a set of three with different sizes. ANNNND, they’re remote controlled. Done and done.
Grab your set of flameless candles on Amazon.
6. The Architecture of Happiness
The book is not so essential to party planning, but it is a big part of the movie. Tom gives this book to Summer, since they made conversation about it previously. I have actually read this book, because I went to school for Architecture. It’s a really good book. Perfect thing to have hanging on the coffee table during your 500 Days of Summer Rooftop Party.
Pick up your Architecture book.
500 Days of Summer Decor, Part Two
There is a separate little setup in the “reality” part of this scene. It shows Tom by a small table with some food and drinks. In case you want to go all out, here are my finds.
7. Boho Tablecloth
On the small table in this scene, you see a boho inspired tablecloth. It’s hard to make out the pattern in the scene, but I chose this one because it has the blues that go with the 500 Days of Summer movie and the red ties in with the one in the picture.
Get your boho tablecloth here.
8. Blue Solo Cups
If you look carefully, you can see a stack of blue solo cups on the table in this scene. We all know how useful solo cups are at a party, and these are blue! I don’t know why its fun, but it is!
It’s blue solo cup time. Get them here.
9. Fold Out Table and Stools
This table and stools actually fold up and are easy to carry! Sign me up right there. It’s a sturdy, yet lightweight aluminum with a fiberboard top, that is safe to use outside. All put together, it’s about 48″ by 28″. Then it folds up for easy storage.
Grab your table and stools on Amazon.
10. Wooden Chip and Dip Serving Bowl
In the background of this scene, you can see a bamboo bowl on the table. Throughout the scene, this bowl is in various places. It’s got a small container for dip and the chips go around it. The version I found is close is similar in idea, but a little different in shape. Still works!
Pick up your chip and dip bowl.
Now for the Outfits
1.The Dress
This dress is super summery and breezy. It’s the same silhouette as the dress summer wears, and similar colors/pattern. It comes in a variety of sizes, and different patterns if you want something other than blue.
Get your Summer dress here.
2. The Hair Bun
If you want to achieve the thick hair that Zooey Deschanel has, grab this hair bun pack. You can use it to fill in the volume of your bun! There are a bunch of different sizes and supplemental supplies you can use to get your 500 Days of Summer Rooftop Party hair.
Pick up your hair accessories here.
3. The Shoes
Ok, you can’t really see Summer’s shoes in this scene. So, I’m really just guessing. I picked a little retro look, while choosing to accent a darker blue. The lower heel is easy to dance in, the ankle strap will keep your shoe on and sturdy, and the suede fabric adds a softness.
Get your shoes on Amazon.
4. The Tie
Tom rocks a skinny black tie at the 500 Days of Summer Rooftop Party. This one has great reviews, tons of color options, and is super affordable. Getting a skinny tie is a little more modern and a little less traditional.
Grab your Tom inspired tie.
5. The Shirt
The shirt Tom wears is mostly white, but has a subtle pattern to it. It’s hard to tell in a still shot of the scene, but it looks like a little shape. I found this shirt that has little black partial triangles. It’s a modern fit and will go with the charcoal sport jacket and skinny black tie perfectly.
Get your shirt on Amazon.
6. The Sport Jacket
This jacket is lightweight and modern. It’s a linen black color or dark charcoal. It’s got the perfect amount of texture and has a one button closure. It is dry clean only, so take care. There are a lot of other fabric colors available as well.
Finish your outfit with this jacket.
500 Days of Summer Rooftop Party Food & Drink
So, now you have all the supplies you need to recreate the 500 Days of Summer Rooftop Party. How about a couple food and drink ideas.
For food, obviously some chips and dip to go in your container. From there it’s going to depend on if you want a more formal or casual event. If you’re going formal, you could have a sit down dinner. Maybe some barbecue. If you are going casual, consider a potluck! Invite your friends to bring something!
For drinks, you can see in the scene that they have a little of everything. There is wine flowing in glasses, there are a few two liters of soda (with the blue solo cups) and in one part of the scene, Tom seems to be making a Vodka Tonic. (I see you Grey Goose). Again, this is going to come down to your preference.
I hope you have everything you need to recreate your 500 Days of Summer Rooftop Party. As a parting gift, feel free to enter your email and get a free download of this Indie Love music playlist. It will be the perfect mood for your 500 Days of Summer Party. And if you want a whole ebook of playlists or some tips on creating your own, check out the playlist blog post. Enjoy!