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
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
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
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
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 (@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.
Halogen cinched V-neck shirt – Treasure & Bond ruched keyhole T-shirt – Treasure & Bond stripe button-up shirt – DVF wrap silk top
coats and cardigans
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.
KUT from the Kloth denim jacket – Via Spiga packable rain jacket – Lock and Love draped knit cardigan – PULI 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.
NYDJ side slit denim shorts – Max Mara tie waist crop pants – Madewell cargo pull-on pants – Nordstrom leggings
dresses and skirts
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
Fraiche by J midi shirtdress – Fraiche by J A-line midi dress – Rails midi T-shirt dress – Caslon tie waist linen midi skirt
Shoes for your picnic outfits
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.
Munro sandal – Steve Madden espadrille sandal – Ted Baker London floral sole sneaker – Gravity Defyer sneaker
Accessories to wear to a picnic
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.
apollo walker 4 picnic backpack with cooler compartment – Madewell camera bag – Tory Burch phone crossbody bag – ALLCAMP insulated picnic basket – Halogen panama hat – Kendra Scott cuff bracelet – Argento Vivo stud earrings – Quay Australia square sunglasses – Shiseido 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.
shop all the picnic outfits above here:
Continue reading:
- Stylish Travel Clothes For Women That Are Chic AND Comfortable
- Stylish Hiking Outfits For Women To Keep You Comfy On A Casual Stroll Or Longer Trek
- The Most Comfortable Walking Shoes For The Stylish Woman
like this post on picnic outfits? share it on pinterest!
Feature image by Eileen (@eileenternullo)
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!