When you think of the memorable meals you have had over your lifetime, you’ll probably find you think of at least one picnic. But, if you’re rediscovering the joy of picnicking with family and friends this summer it can be tricky to decide what to wear that is practical and stylish. This article looks at what to wear to a picnic with inspiration for all your picnic outfits.

What to think about when choosing your picnic outfits

Choose practicality

Picnic outfits - Kylie wears a tiered dress | 40plusstyle.com

Of course you want to be stylish, but you also need to be practical. Think about the weather and the kind of activities you will be doing when choosing your outfit.

Kylie (@kylish_aus) (above) opts for a comfy, yet stylish dress with flat shoes, and a sunhat.

Check out these midi dresses from Kytrun and iconic luxe that you can wear with this similar pair of sneakers, skinny belt, floppy hat and sunglasses.

Consider a dress

Picnic outfits - Psyche in a tiered sundress | 40plusstyle.com

While you might think about jeans or shorts first when considering your picnic outfit, don’t completely discount a dress, which can be a romantic, easy option to wear.

Psyche (@economyofstyle) (above) looks fabulous in her tiered sundress worn with Birkenstocks.

Recreate her look with this similar maxi dress, slide sandals, crossbody bag and sunglasses.

Pack layers to go with your picnic outfits

Unless you live somewhere with completely predictable weather, you may find you get chilly, or too hot. Make sure your outfit has layers that you can take on and off to stay comfortable.

Comfy footwear

Greetje wears a maxi skirt and sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

When having a picnic, you’re likely to be in the countryside, or at the beach perhaps. Choose comfy shoes that you can walk in, run around in if you’re playing frisbee with the kids or grandkids and sit comfortably in.

Greetje (@no_fear_of_fashion) (above) wears sneakers with her maxi skirt.

Get her look with this similar jumper, pleated skirt, sneakers, crossbody bag and belt.

There are plenty of comfortable, stylish shoes in this article on the best shoes with arch support.

Don’t forget your hat for your picnic outfits

Sandra wears a sundress and sandals | 40plusstyle.com

If you’re heading out for a picnic, it’s likely that the sun is shining. Don’t forget a stylish sunhat. You don’t want to get sunburned.

Sandra (@lapecosapreciosa) (above) wears a fedora from Amazon.

Complete recreating her look with similar dress, sandals, handbag and sunglasses.

WHAT TO WEAR To PICNICS

Now that you’re thinking about the practicalities, let’s take a look at how to put together your picnic outfits.

picnic tops

Adaline in a white shirt and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Adaline (@sdmomstyles) (above) wears a white shirt that is a good option for so many occasions, including picnics.

She is wearing a shirt from Target (another option here), jeans from Madewell and a hat from Amazon. Complete her outfit with this similar straw tote and flats.

I’d also think about easy-to-wear, casual t-shirts, shirts and wrap tops.

Tops to wear to a picnic | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen cinched V-neck shirtTreasure & Bond ruched keyhole T-shirtTreasure & Bond stripe button-up shirtDVF wrap silk top

coats and cardigans

Nikki in a midi skirt and denim jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Depending on where you live, you may need an outer layer to ensure you stay warm and dry. Good options include casual denim jackets, a rain coat or wrap cardigans and ponchos.

Nikki (40notfrumpy) (above) wears a denim jacket with her maxi skirt.

Get her look with this similar top, denim jacket, skirt and sneakers.

Tops and jackets to wear to a picnic | 40plusstyle.com

KUT from the Kloth denim jacketVia Spiga packable rain jacketLock and Love draped knit cardiganPULI knitted poncho

Jeans, pants and shorts

I’ve chosen dark colored jeans and pants in case you are sitting down on the ground rather than in a deck chair – and you may get a little dirty.

Jeans and pants to wear to a picnic | 40plusstyle.com

NYDJ side slit denim shortsMax Mara tie waist crop pantsMadewell cargo pull-on pantsNordstrom leggings

dresses and skirts

Terri in a print dress and sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Dresses and skirts are great options for a summer picnic. Choose loose or stretchy options so you can sit down comfortably.

Terri (@glammas.closet) (above) chooses a print skirt and sandals.

Steal her look with this similar dress, sandals, woven bag, belt and sunglasses

Dresses and skirts to wear to a picnic | 40plusstyle.com

Fraiche by J midi shirtdressFraiche by J A-line midi dressRails midi T-shirt dressCaslon tie waist linen midi skirt

Shoes for your picnic outfits

Karen in a jersey skirt and sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

I’ve included a pair of wedges in case you don’t have too far to walk to your picnic spot. However, if you’re going further afield, you may need a pair of specialist walking shoes or sneakers.

Karen (@styledbykaren) (above) chooses white sneakers and a stretchy skirt.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sleeveless top, skirt, sneakers and sunglasses.

Sneakers and sandals to wear to a picnic | 40plusstyle.com

Munro sandalSteve Madden espadrille sandalTed Baker London floral sole sneakerGravity Defyer sneaker

Accessories to wear to a picnic

What to wear to a picnic this summer with the best picnic outfits to choose from | 40plusstyle.com

You can probably fit the main items you need with you in your picnic backpack or basket. But you may still want to add an extra bag to fit your phone or camera in. Don’t forget your sunhat, sunglasses and some sunscreen.

Eileen (@eileenternullo) (above), a member of our 40+ Style Community wears a blue print dress that matches the plates in her picnic basket.

Check out this printed dress from NIC+ZOE that you can wear with this similar pair of espadrilles, sun hat and picnic basket.

Accessories to wear to a picnic | 40plusstyle.com

apollo walker 4 picnic backpack with cooler compartmentMadewell camera bagTory Burch phone crossbody bagALLCAMP insulated picnic basketHalogen panama hatKendra Scott cuff braceletArgento Vivo stud earringsQuay Australia square sunglassesShiseido SynchroShield WetForce x HeatForce clear sunscreen stick

Picnic outfits inspiration

Below, you can see some of the clothes, shoes and accessories together in one capsule. You can change up the outfits to create different looks.

Picnic capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

shop all the picnic outfits above here:

Continue reading:

  1. Stylish Travel Clothes For Women That Are Chic AND Comfortable
  2. Stylish Hiking Outfits For Women To Keep You Comfy On A Casual Stroll Or Longer Trek
  3. The Most Comfortable Walking Shoes For The Stylish Woman

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What to wear to a picnic this summer with the best picnic outfits to choose from | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Eileen (@eileenternullo)

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