Roll out the checked blanket and prepare the sausage rolls: alfresco dining season has well and truly arrived! While planning a delicious spread of food might be your top priority, creating a stylish picnic outfit is just as exciting. Think floaty summer dresses and smock dresses as well as sturdy sandals and timeless jumpsuits.
Whether you’re wondering what to wear for an outing with friends or you need to find the perfect picnic date outfit, scroll down for our picnic dress code guide.
Start With Summer Dresses
So simple yet so stylish, nothing says summer more than a ruffle dress. Give your picnic dress a glow-up with bold colours and floral patterns in trendy crew-neck designs. Searching for something subtle? We love dresses in pastel colour palettes for a bright and breezy summer look.
You can also tap into the high-neck trend with a printed smock dress. Casual and cool, the right summer dress will take your Instagram picnic poses to the next level.
Style Up With Accessories
Whether you feel confident in a mini, midi or maxi style, complement your picnic dress with the latest accessories. Take it from us, you can never go too big or too glamorous!
Channel your inner influencer with a statement woven summer hat and vintage-inspired cat-eye sunglasses. Not only do they look fabulous, but they’re also great for keeping the wind (and your hair!) off your face.
Picking The Right Picnic Date Outfit
With the popularity of alfresco catch-ups showing no sign of slowing down, you’re not alone if you’re wondering what to wear on a picnic date. After the past year, there couldn’t be a better time to get yourself back out there and start meeting new people!
Don’t be afraid to try something a little different to your usual outdoor combos, but remember you’ll still need something practical – eating on a picnic rug has its challenges!
Choose a patterned midi dress for a fresh and fun look that’s perfect for alfresco dining. Add the finishing touches to your casual date outfit with chunky trainers and a summer jacket. To stay cosy when the temperature drops, layer up with a slogan jumper.
What To Wear To A Beach Picnic
A day at the beach is a firm family favourite, but we know finding the right beach outfit can feel far from easy. Sand manages to find its way into everything – not just your shoes!
A handy trick to make sure you don’t go home with half of the beach in your clothes is to wear an all-in-one jumpsuit. A practical pick for the beach, they’re also a fashion-forward alternative to summer dresses and shorts.
Socks and trainers just don’t cut it when it comes to beachwear. You’ll be discovering grains of sand in your shoes for weeks! For a fuss-free choice, step out in statement sandals. Whether you’re a fan of traditional sandals and wedges or if you’re more comfortable in a pair of on-trend sliders, an open toe style is the best way to avoid any sandy mishaps.
A trip to the beach is made even better by sandcastles and outdoor toys. Explore our range of beach toys to keep little ones engaged while you set up a fab outdoor dining spread with tasty picnic nibbles.
Work Picnic Outfit Ideas
Getting ready for a work summer party? Dust off the rounders equipment, pack the music speakers and start thinking about which snacks to take to your nearest green space.
It can be tempting to go straight from the office in your workwear, but formal clothes can feel restrictive, especially if you’re playing outdoor games. Instead, plan ahead and pack a change of clothes so you can truly relax and enjoy the moment – while still looking stylish, of course!
Switch pencil skirts and blouses for sporty leggings and summer tops. If you wear heels in the office, swap them out for versatile flats or trainers. Because who doesn’t want to win the game of rounders?
For more summer dressing ideas and inspiration, don’t miss our guide exploring how to wear a smock dress.
