5 Picnic Outfit Ideas
Sophie Diego
Table of Contents
Picture this: you’re situated on the outskirts of the French countryside. The sun is shining, the wind is ever-so calm, and the spring birds are chirping.
The day calls for a scenic picnic down by the lakeside, and you eagerly prep with a gingham blanket, a woven basket, and a stash of homemade goodies. The outfit in question? You’re wearing a Hot Topic tee and gym shorts.
This controversial OOTD is enough to break the fantasy, which is why it’s important to dress for the occasion. Most garden parties are held during the summer, so it’s best to wear loose apparel instead of stifling winter layers.
For those in need of fashion inspo, don’t worry—I’ll show you some picnic outfit ideas that rank high in cottagecore appeal.
Need a preview of what this list entails? My style guide may or may not include these trendy looks:
- Picnic date outfit
- Picnic outfit ideas for ladies
- Casual picnic outfit
- Fall picnic outfit
What Makes Up A Picnic Outfit?
A quintessential picnic outfit takes heavy inspiration from cottagecore. This fashion trend features romantic silhouettes, florals, ruffled dresses, and peasant blouses. Basically, it’s the kind of OOTD you’d wear running through a prairie full of flowers.
Designed to channel your inner Elizabeth Bennet and Anne Shirley, this core aesthetic includes a bounty of spring and summer wardrobe basics.
History Of Picnics
According to their literal definition, picnics are an outdoor feast. This simple tradition should date back all the way to Ancient Egypt, right? Contrary to popular belief, the picnic wasn’t introduced until the 18th century.
Considered a favorite amongst the nobility, the quaint garden lunch or brunch was known as an informal salon that encouraged conversation and intellectual growth. In some lavish settings, the aristocracy would add music and dance to help liven things up.
Today, the picnic has lost its formal connotation, as it’s widely known as a casual event meant to celebrate family, friends, and the great outdoors.
What Are Some Popular Picnic Outfit Ideas?
Let’s be honest. A good majority of popular picnic outfit ideas exude ‘main character’ energy.
Designed to unearth your inner garden-loving aristocrat, there’s nothing like a vintage pair of shorts or a ruffly gown to put you in a good mood. For those in need of suggestions, here are some notable OOTDs to consider.
5 Picnic Outfit Ideas
Romantic in silhouette, this ‘picnic outfit ideas’ contender keeps things flirty and fun for summer gatherings. It features a ruched bodice, puffy sleeves, and a full circle skirt.
For accessories, I highly recommend a headscarf, a dainty necklace, and a pair of strappy espadrilles.
For those in need of additional coverage, this stylish ensemble is one of many jean-related picnic outfit ideas.
The floral yellow blouse paired with the high-waisted jeans has a charming vintage look, which is great for those not fond of modern-day fashion. In terms of shoes, you can never go wrong with a pair of brown loafers.
Reminiscent of old jukeboxes and soda pops, this retro ensemble is a refreshing option for those not fond of cottagecore.
The striped blue tee paired with the high-rise white shorts exudes a beachy vibe in case you’re prepping for a lakeside party. Out of the hundreds of picnic outfit ideas out there, I highly recommend giving this OOTD a try.
When it comes to classic picnic outfit ideas, gingham is usually included. Reminiscent of blankets and table spreads, this vintage pattern definitely screams summer.
This ensemble is considered the perfect example, as it features a pair of green printed pants, a white tank top, and a cute rattan handbag for additional pizazz.
Care for some fall picnic outfit ideas? If so, this chic ensemble helps to keep things warm and cozy for the cold season. It’s composed of a cable-knit cardigan, a sage green turtleneck, khakis, and a pair of brown loafers.
Sophisticated in fit, this OOTD is a homage to light academia instead of traditional cottagecore.
Fashion Tips To Avoid With Picnic Outfits
Picnic outfit ideas typically showcase a certain fantasy. With that in mind, not all looks and core aesthetics exude that ‘garden-party’ attitude.
For those in need of additional specifics, here are three tips to avoid with this particular fashion trend.
- Athleisure: While it’s easy to don leggings and a hoodie, I recommend saving this ensemble for Netflix binging and indoor use.
- Hypebeast: The loud braggadocio of branded drip doesn’t blend well with picnic outfit ideas.
- Body-con mini skirts: Picnics involve sitting. And, unfortunately, this particular garment is at risk of riding up the more you settle down.
Best Places To Buy Picnic Outfits
In search of some summer picnic outfit ideas? How about some fall ensembles? Whatever season it is, here are a few recommended shops to check out.
- Reformation
- For Love and Lemons
- Simple Retro
- Moda Operandi
Final Thoughts
Picnic outfit ideas are typically romantic in silhouette and flirty in print. They should mirror the vibrancy and beauty of the great outdoors.
Not surprisingly, they usually entail an arsenal of cute spring and summer basics. Often breathable and flexible in nature, a good OOTD should be Instagrammable and accommodating—towards food babies, of course.
After viewing the five looks I’ve featured, here’s to hoping that you’ve gathered some picnic outfit ideas to last you through June to August.
Looking for more outfit ideas? We’ve got you covered:
