If you’re anything like me, you spend copious amounts of time envisioning what your summer will look like. For example, I was dreaming about a trip to Tokyo for my birthday (yes, I’m a cancer sign) and continuing to explore New York City. Alas, the world has changed, and we’re grieving not only the loss of our former "normal” routines but also the loss of so many lives.
So what can one do when they want to carve out time for joy during this time but continue to adhere to social-distancing measures to combat the spread of COVID-19? As simple as it sounds, a picnic is a great way to do just that. So ahead, you’ll find 19 great outfit ideas for a picnic to inspire you (plus, they all look good with a face mask).
WHO: Winta Beyene
WEAR: H&M Puff-Sleeved Cotton Dress ($20); Arizona Love Trekky Bandana Sandals ($185)
Nothing quite screams "picnic prairie chic" like this voluptuous puff-sleeve dress look from Who What Wear reader Beyene. Whether you choose to copy her look by opting for a bold hue or opt for a neutral maxi-dress, this outfit idea is perfect for your next picnic.
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WHO: Tina Prokas
WEAR: ASOS Puff-Sleeve Crop Top and Natural Straw Boater Hat ($24)
When I think of picnic-ready, it doesn’t quite get better than this look from Tina Prokas. The hat, the puff sleeves… on point. This look paired with a cheese plate will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Paris and are eating by Seine River.
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WHO: Olivia Faeh
WEAR: Realisation Emile Dress ($160); H&M Cotton Shirt ($25); Dior earrings
If you’re looking for an outfit idea that you probably already own, look no further than this look from Oliva Faeh. Just pair your favorite minidress with a pair of converse and some of your favorite jewelry so that you can worry about the important things (like packing the perfect snacks).
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WHO: Kylee Walker
WEAR: Aritzia Aquarius Pant ($50); Romwe Lace Floral Bucket Hat ($7)
Another picnic-fit for the books is this look from our reader Kylee Walker. Not only is a crop-top look easy to put together, but also, opting for a smocked version of this summertime staple like Walker is the perfect way to give this classic look a 2020 reboot.
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WHO: Deb
WEAR: H&M Puff-Sleeve Dress ($30); ASOS Natural Straw Boater Hat ($24)
When you’re trying to nail the perfect picnic, look to French Who What Wear reader Deb for inspiration. Her effortless puff-sleeve dress paired with a woven hat, mules, and the woven bag has that je ne sais quoi that’s required for any picnic no matter where in the world you are.
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WHO: Jeannine Roxas
WEAR: Zaful Knitted Halter Crop Top ($16); BDG Stony Pleated Wide Leg Jean ($69)
If you’re not in the mood to wear a puff-sleeve dress or crop top to your next picnic, then we’d highly recommend copying this look from our reader Jeannie Roxas. Opting for your favorite pair of jeans along with a halter top and sneakers is the epitome of an effortlessly chic look. (Bonus points if you pick a brightly colored halter top.)
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WHO: Madeline Briell
WEAR: Princess Poly Shirt and Miniskirt ($36)
Did the thought of wearing jeans on a picnic make you already sweaty? We get it—pants during the summer can be too hot. Another option for your picnic fit can be found from Who What Wear reader Madeline Briell. Pairing your favorite white T-shirt with a white miniskirt will ensure a figurative and literal cool picnic look all around. (Don’t forget the important accessories like a statement chain, glasses, and face mask).
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WHO: Soléne
WEAR: Song of Style Midi Dress ($168); Tony Bianco Sandals ($191); Never Fully Dressed Vintage Bag
There are so many variations of staple white dresses but none quite speaks to me like a button-up one—especially when it’s being worn by a reader as chic as Soléne. If you have yet to invest in this dress style, now’s the time to as you can not only wear it to your picnic but also for summers to come.
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WHO: Mercedes Malana
WEAR: Brandy Melville tank; Vintage shorts; Birkenstock Eva Sandals ($45)
PSA: Your picnic outfit doesn’t have to be formal if you’re not feeling it. In fact, you can still look cute in something more casual. Need proof? Look no further than this look from our reader Mercedes Malana. Pairing a crop top with Bermuda shorts and your Birkenstocks is the perfect way to look great at your picnic with minimal effort.
WHO: Brandi Richardson
WEAR: Reformation Marley Dress ($278)
Florals for a picnic? Yes, I’m aware it’s a bit cliché. But taking notes from Who What Wear reader Brandi Richardson, you can make your summertime floral dresses feel edgier by opting for a dress that has some ruffles around the edges literally.
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WHO: Karina
WEAR: Sézane dress; Dune London Miso Sandals ($50)
Are you a fan of floral-inspired pieces but aren’t here for an off-the-shoulder or asymmetrical-cut dress? Who What Wear reader Karina makes the case that you don’t have to ditch your summer-staple print. In fact, opting for a puff-sleeve version of this outfit idea is the perfect look for your next picnic.
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WHO: Sarah Butler
WEAR: Silvia Tcherassi Yellow Peplum Gingham Check Bustier and Fadua Skirt ($483)
Florals aren’t the only picnic-friendly print. Gingham may be the original picnic print. But if you’re questioning if this print is for you, look no further than this look from reader Sarah Butler. Whether you opt for a matching gingham set like her or separates, Butler proves that this gingham isn’t just for the picnic blanket.
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Shop the matching shorts ($54).
WHO: Caroline Ripa
WEAR: H&M Light Green Pleated Skirt ($26); Topshop '90s Shoulder Bag ($20)
If gingham is veering into too grandma-inspired for your taste, then let us suggest you replicate this flirtier take on a picnic-ensemble from Who What Wear reader Caroline Ripa. Opting for a halter top paired with a fun statement skirt is an outfit that’s bold enough for women of all ages.
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WHO: Mobina Peiman
WEAR: For Love & Lemons Dubois Floral Crop ($126); Grlfrnd Helena High-Rise Straight Jean ($210); Nike Air Force 1 Platform Sneaker ($100)
While halter tops are hot, if you’re looking to wear the summer’s hottest trend, then this outfit idea from our reader Mobina Peiman is perfect for you. Pairing a bra-inspired top with your favorite pair of jeans and sneakers for your next picnic is a look worthy of the ’gram.
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WEAR: Posse Bandeau ($119) and Shorts ($179); Either/Or Classic Slide ($135)
Calling all halter-top and bra-inspired top fans. This look from Kat Hsu is also for you. While tie bandeau tops are nothing new, for fans of newer trends, this classic summer staple is worth revisiting again. Whether you choose to pair with linen shorts like Hsu or your other favorite separates, this is an outfit that can be worn to picnics and beyond.
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WHO: Ellie Hall
WEAR: Frankies Bikinis Banks One Piece ($175); Astrid & Miyu Textured Oval Link T-Bar Necklace ($80)
Often when we think of picnics, we think the prime spot is at our favorite park, but as I learned from reader Ellie Hall, picnics aren’t limited to the park. In fact, if you’re lucky enough to live by a body of water slip into your favorite swimsuit and jewelry and pack your favorite picnic supplies—it’s bound to be the perfect picnic setup.
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WHO: Sally Ashour
WEAR: Who What Wear Dress; Sally de la Rose Satin Square Scarf ($14)
Picnic outfits don’t have to be risqué to be chic. In fact, let Sally Ashour inspire you by opting for a head-to-toe nude look. Pairing a nude maxi dress with nude sandals and finishing the look off with your favorite statement sunglasses for a modest outfit idea that’s just as chic as any other look.
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WHO: Vitaliia
WEAR: Pretty Little Thing Printed Sweatshirt ($23) and Dusty Rose Bike Shorts; Prada Bucket Hat ($450)
Getting creative with the picnic spot is just as important as the outfit idea in and of itself. And while you may not feel comfortable eating by the water or in a public place, you can still get your picnic on in your own backyard or on your roof. The additional perks of this exclusive picnic spot? As reader Vitaliia displays, you can wear a cozy sweatshirt and bike shorts and still relish in the experience of eating somewhere other than your home.
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WHO: Maren Schia
WEAR: Les Coyotes de Paris Puff Sleeve Dress; Cala Jade Misu Woven Bag ($475), and Arizona Love Trekky Bandana Flat Sandal ($128)
Ultimately, the perfect picnic outfit is all about wearing something you feel comfortable and cute in, and when in doubt, opting for a black puff-sleeve dress like Maren Schia is the way to go. No matter what look you opt for, it’s all about removing the stress of picking an outfit so you can enjoy your picnic.
Call me biased, but picnics are the activity of the summer, and if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably entertaining the idea of having your own picnic.
Shop some of my picnic essentials:
Love this dress for picnics or beyond!
For carrying all your food!
For capturing the moment.
For keeping safe!
A great pair of sunglasses to match any picnic ensemble.
Great for travel and laying out!
A perfect picnic sandal.
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