How to find the perfect picnic outfit

During the summer, there is nothing better than spending time out in nature. This makes a picnic the best opportunity to unwind and enjoy the sunshine. Are you asking yourself what is the best thing to wear to a picnic? It is important to remember that the weather can change quickly, or the sun can become quite hot.

Therefore, the ideal picnic outfit should not only look laid-back and summery but also be comfortable and protect you from the sun and wind. In our guide to the perfect picnic style, you can find out which materials, cuts and layering techniques are suitable for a relaxed day outdoors. We’ll also give you specific outfit tips.

Picnic outfits for every occasion

Whether you're meeting up with your friends in the park, planning a romantic picnic date or spending a holiday with your family in the countryside, your picnic outfit should not only be comfortable but it should also match the environment. We have put together some ideas for different picnic outfits:

• Spontaneous picnic with friends or family: if the spring sun beckons you outside and you're planning a cosy get-together, your clothes should also be as comfortable as possible. Comfy, uncomplicated clothing is ideal for this type of picnic. Loose-fitting trousers with a T-shirt, a jumpsuit or a light summer dress are always a good idea. Trainers or flat sandals are particularly practical on uneven ground, especially if you want to go for a walk in between.

• Picnic on public holidays or special occasions: birthdays, anniversaries or a small summer party, in these cases it's okay to dress a little fancier at a picnic. A maxi dress, flowing skirt or a pair of chic trousers paired with a blouse looks summery and smart without being too overdressed. For men, linen trousers or chinos with a light shirt are a stylish choice.

• Romantic picnic date: a picnic is a wonderful opportunity to spend time together undisturbed and away from everyday life. To make sure you look fabulous in your picnic date outfit, try strike a balance between comfort and style. Flowing, summery fabrics such as viscose or linen can be styled elegantly and are also pleasantly cooling on warm days. Dresses with playful details such as lace or embroidery or accessories such as a summery straw hat are a particularly charming choice for a picnic date outfit.

Comfortable and practical picnic clothing

Generally, when you are at a picnic, you will sit or lie on a blanket for a longer period of time, change your sitting position often or go for short walks across meadows and through forest paths. Therefore, your picnic outfit should be suited to these conditions.

• Your outfit should offer enough freedom of movement: skinny-fit trousers, figure-hugging skirts and stiff fabrics can be too restrictive for a picnic. Instead, opt for dresses, skirts and trousers with wide cuts and stretchy materials.

• Your outfit shouldn’t be too short: mini dresses or skirts will easily ride up when you sit down on the ground and restrict your movements. Gently falling midi and maxi dresses or loose shorts or jumpsuits are more suitable.

• Your outfit shouldn’t be too sensitive: white fabrics and delicate materials such as silk look summery and light but are also more delicate and prone to stains. Light-coloured fabrics with patterns or earth tones are more practical and convey the same casual holiday feeling.

Picnic outfits for every type of weather

The weather can change quickly, especially in transitional seasons or during longer picnics. Therefore, to ensure you are well equipped for all weather conditions, you should opt for a layered look for your picnic style and pair several thin layers:

• The foundation for your picnic outfit should be clothing made from light, breathable fabrics such as a loose-fitting dress, wide linen trousers or an airy shirt.

• Wear a light cardigan, oversized shirt, blouse or even a thin jumper as a warm layer that you can put on and take off as needed.

• If the weather is likely to be unpredictable, you should bring a thin rain or wind jacket.

Tip: Scarves and lightweight shawls can be styled in a variety of ways and can be very useful on a picnic. On the one hand, they can protect your head and neck from the sun and on the other hand, you can wrap them loosely around your shoulders in the cool evening hours.

Sun protection and insect repellent for your picnic

A picnic means enjoying nature to its fullest. However, spending a long time outdoors also means that you need to protect yourself from direct sunlight and be prepared for uninvited guests such as mosquitoes and ants. Your picnic outfit should reflect this, so that you are protected from the sun and insects:

How to stay protected from the sun with your picnic outfit:

• Long clothing made of breathable materials (e.g. maxi dresses or wide trousers) will protect you from direct sunlight and has a cooling effect at the same time.

• A straw hat with a wide brim or cap will protect your head and face from the sun.

• Tinted sunglasses with UV protection take the strain off your eyes.

• You can also throw on a thin scarf or pareo to avoid sunburn.

Important: to ensure you are fully protected from the sun, you should also apply sunscreen. Don’t forget to reapply it several times if necessary.

How to stay protected from insects with your picnic outfit:

• It's best to choose lighter colours for your picnic outfit. Mosquitoes are particularly attracted to black, blue and red. Ticks are also easier to spot on light-coloured clothing.

• Avoid clothing with large, eye-catching floral patterns. They may attract insects as they look similar to real flowers.

• Long trousers and long-sleeved tops can protect you from insect bites. Loose clothing is also recommended, as mosquitoes can easily bite through tight-fitting clothing.

Repellent sprays with essential oils such as lemongrass or lavender can help keep mosquitoes away. Of course, you can also use conventional insect repellents.

• Create a stylish and casual picnic outfit with a breezy maxi dress or a loose jumpsuit.

• If you prefer to wear a two-piece picnic outfit, wide-cut shorts, culottes or trousers are particularly suitable alongside soft flowing skirts.

• T-shirts, light blouses or tunics are best paired with trousers and skirts as a base layer. Oversized blouses, cardigans or light denim jackets are suitable for a layered look.

• Pair comfortable sandals, espadrilles or flat trainers with your picnic outfit. High-heeled shoes are unsuitable as they are difficult to walk in on soft ground such as a meadow or the beach.

Laid-back picnic outfits for men

The same applies to men. The perfect picnic outfit combines comfort with summery lightness. Airy fabrics and casual cuts ensure freedom of movement and create a casually elegant look. These combinations are ideal for a laid-back day outdoors:

• For a casual but chic picnic outfit, you can pair a linen shirt with chinos or shorts.

• A cotton T-shirt or tank top is also a good choice, especially if you want to wear a shirt as an extra layer.

• Loose-fitting trousers or comfortable jeans with a shirt and a light transitional jacket are perfect for the cooler evening hours.

• It's best to wear comfortable sandals or airy canvas trainers. Flip-flops are rather impractical on uneven terrain.

Conclusion: comfortable and stylish picnic outfits

A carefully considered picnic outfit will ensure that you can relax and enjoy your day in nature. Lightweight fabrics and relaxed cuts will make you feel comfortable, while clever layering and sun protection will keep you protected from all weather conditions. Whether you're spending a laid-back afternoon with friends or planning a romantic picnic for two, with these tips, you'll be well prepared to enjoy a stress-free picnic in style!

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The image sources in this text are in chronological order

Cover photo: rh2010 – stock.adobe.com
1st image in text: MAGNOLIA – stock.adobe.com
2nd image in text: Halfpoint – stock.adobe.com
3rd image in text: Jacob Lund – stock.adobe.com