Finally! Warm, sunny, sometimes even scorchingly hot days are here, and so are picnics! While the unofficial picnic season starts on Memorial Day, we love having them for any given occasion. From casual hangouts with friends and family, to professional team building picnics and even romantic dates, picnics are a go-to event to plan for any occasion from late spring to summer.
While the hangouts are fun on their own, dressing for the occasion and planning your picnic outfit can make your experience more comfortable and overall better. Dressing lightly, taking care of your SPF protection and having a spacious tote bag will do just that. Let’s see how to dress to impress for picnics, while being appropriately dressed.
Picnic Date Outfit
Love is in the air! If you’re planning or have been invited to a picnic date, planning your outfit ahead of time will take care of your pre-date nerves and will help you be confident and your best self for the date! Here are our top tips for dressing for a picnic date:
1. Keep It Lightweight
Start with something romantic and light! Sundresses are all the buzz lately, and with good reason. A breezy cotton dress or a flowy maxi is sure to help keep your body temperature in check, so you’ll remain comfortable on hot days. Your dress will feel pretty and you can sit cross-legged on a blanket without a worry.
2. SPF is king
Top it off with a UPF sunhat that will serve as double duty - look pretty and keep your face shaded and safe from the harmful UV rays. Sun safety should never be compromised by how you look, and a hat that fits your style and face shape will do just that. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before heading out the door, as well.
3. Accessories For a Picnic Date Outfit
What if we told you you can skip the picnic basket? A cooler beach tote that looks like a designer tote elevates your date picnic outfit and keeps your drinks and goodies in one space, where they’ll remain cold. The perfect picnic bag that offers both style and function.
4. Shoes For a Picnic Date Outfit
Finish the look with easy shoes, such as slip-on espadrilles or strappy sandals. A pair of sneakers will work as well if there is extra walking involved.
Company Picnic Outfit
So your company is hosting a picnic, and you’re not sure how to strike that sweet spot between a laid back, yet still workplace appropriate, polished look. Your outfit should reflect a subtly professional, effortless and comfortable feel. Smart casual is an easy go to look that is the perfect balance between stylish and relaxed.
1. Smart Casual is a Sweet Spot, When It Comes to Company Picnics
While you’re trying to look put together, opt for breathable fabrics and relaxed silhouettes. Wide-leg trousers or a satin midi skirt (if you’re not the ‘playing on the grass’ type) with a tucked-in tee is a safe, yet completely appropriate and comfortable option. Bonus points if your look allows you to move freely and play games with your colleagues.
2. Accessories for a Company Picnic Outfit
Your favorite large tote beach bag is a great way to hold all of your necessities for this picnic: your phone, wallet, keys, and a light jacket in case it gets cold. A straw bag will do everything you need it to - while making your put-together look feel more casual, cute, and summery. If your workplace is more creative, feel free to play around more with colors and patterns when it comes to accessories.
Cute Picnic Outfits
Heading out for a picnic with friends? Birthdays, sunny Sunday hangs and baby showers are all perfect reasons you might find a picnic invite in your inbox. This is your moment to show off your most fun and feel-good outfit. It’s time to make it cute, effortless and Insta-ready!
1. Play with Prints and Color
Embrace your gingham and floral pieces, or let that matching set that you’ve been saving, shine! Picnic hangouts are the perfect opportunity to reach for your cropped tops, rompers and flouncy skirts. Play around with your closet and create a look that’s comfortable enough to wear while lounging on a blanket.
2. Top It with a Hat That Pops
Bring together your whole look with a cute bucket hat or a colorful floppy sun hat. Not only will it protect your face from the warm weather rays, but it will look cute and give the perfect picnic vibes!
3. Mini Bags = Picnic Invitee Goals
If you’re not invited to a potluck picnic, it means you can just show up. A mini bag might not hold your whole life, but it’s perfect to hold all of your essentials. Lip balm, sunnies, a mini sunscreen and a phone - you’re pretty much good to go, without weighing you down. Besides, mini bags look adorable next to picnic spreads - perfect for picture worthy moments!
4. Don’t Skip the Picnic Throw
A cotton throw is one of our top favorite summer items to have ready-to-go at all times. Keep it in your car or beach bag as it will come in handy sooner rather than later. It’s perfect for spontaneous trips or picnics. Besides lounging on it, you can also use it as a spread for picnic snacks!
Conclusion
Whether you're heading out for a romantic picnic date, a company outing, or a casual hang with friends, your outfit can do more than just look cute; it can shape the whole vibe. Light, breathable pieces help you stay cool, while the right accessories (hello, sun hat!) protect you from the heat without sacrificing style. Add a roomy straw tote or a cooler bag disguised as a designer handbag, and you’ve nailed both form and function.
And don’t forget the MVP of any picnic: a cotton throw that’s always ready to roll, whether you're lounging or laying out your favorite snacks. With a few intentional choices, you can dress to impress while staying comfy, confident, and sun-safe.
So next time that picnic invite lands, you won’t need to stress. You’ll have your go-to formula for the perfect picnic outfit, from your headwear to your sandals. Now, go enjoy that sunshine!
