Cute Summer Outfit Ideas For Your Next Picnic

Summer is all about spending time outside. And there’s no better opportunity to sit back and soak up the sun than at a picnic.

Bringing the food is easy. The real tough part is deciding what to wear. Do you keep it casual? You’ll want to be comfortable if there’s sports or games involved (and, of course, there’s bound to be lots of snacking). Or do you opt for something a little more fancy? What are picnics for if not to bring out your best summer dress?

I’ve come up with a range of options to cover all bases (and all occasions). Feel free to dress them up or down as you see fit!

So, for your perusal, eight super cute summer outfit ideas that will be perfect for your next picnic.

1. Floral Midi Dress

You really can’t go wrong with a midi dress, especially if it’s in a floral print. It’s a summer staple that keeps coming back year after year!

Summer is all about light yet luxurious fabrics, so satin and linen pieces will be your saviour this season. These kind of materials are really cool and comfortable to lounge around in, so they’ll be perfect for the warmer weather.

This Gaia Floral Midi Dress by Astr The Label is so gorgeous. I feel like it would be super easy to dress it up or down depending on the occasion. I love the combination of spaghetti straps and a cowl neckline, it looks so chic and elegant.

2. Blazer Co-ord

If dresses really aren’t your thing, a blazer set would be the perfect alternative for your summer picnic. You could go down the minimalist route with monochromatic colours or patterns, or add a little fun to your day out by choosing bright, bold shades.

These co-ords are so versatile and, depending on the level of comfort you desire, you can pair with them with either some trainers or block heel sandals. Add a tube top or a light vest underneath and your look is complete!

3. Puff Sleeve Top & Straight-Leg Jeans

This is one of my favourite summer outfit ideas because it’s so simple yet it still looks really stylish. I honestly think this combination would suit anyone.

Straight and wide-leg trousers are massive at the moment so you’ll definitely want to find a way to incorporate them into your spring/summer wardrobe. Styling them with a puff sleeve top just upgrades your outfit a little and really gives off those cottagecore vibes.

4. Button-up Dress

This is a classic style that can be worn again and again. Button-ups have become super popular in recent years, but you’ll probably notice a few small changes this summer. 2021 is all about those exaggerated features, so asymmetrical fastening and oversized button loops will take centre stage. Extra points if there’s a collar too.

This Ghost Maddison satin slip dress is simply stunning and would look so good accessorised with some gold jewellery. I also think this ASOS midi tea dress would be an amazing choice for a summer picnic outfit.

5. Sheer Blouse & Strappy Sandals

Sheer blouses just scream summer to me. They’re such an easy piece to style and, despite what some might believe, they don’t always have to be super revealing. Opt for more of a semi-sheer fabric and wear a plain crop top or bandeau underneath to build the opacity.

I think these blouses look great with a skirt or trousers. Add a pair of strappy sandals and they look even better. These block heels from & Other Stories would look just the cutest on a picnic date.

6. Knotted Bandeau & White Flares

Strapless tops are back and better than ever in 2021. Scarf tops and knotted bandeaus, in particular, are looking like they’re going to super popular this summer so make sure to buy a couple to keep in rotation. Or, if you have a scarf handy, make your own. Kayla Cortez has a really great tutorial which shows you 15(!!) different ways you can style a silk scarf.

If you prefer something with more security (and support), Nasty Gal does a tie-front crop top with straps, which is also a great option.

As for the trousers, white linen is back in! Opt for flares to keep in with the ‘loose fitting’ trend.

7. Gingham Dress & Flatforms

A list of summer outfit ideas would not be complete without a gingham dress. This look is just so adorable; the matching bag, the heart-shaped sunnies … the vibes are immaculate.

Gingham is a classic summer print and, though it is kind of reminiscent of our primary school uniform, there are ways to make it feel a little more grown up. Try going for a V-neck option like this one from River Island. Or a milkmaid mini dress like this one from Hello Molly.

Pair it with some rope-detailed Superga flatforms or some chunky espadrilles to really elevate your outfit.

8. Belted All-in-One

An all-in-one is ideal for summer. It makes choosing an outfit so much easier. No deliberating over which top or bottom to wear, all you have to pick is the accessories.

If you’re looking for a jumpsuit which ties you in at the waist, a belted version is a great way to go. It adds a bit of shape and detail to your outfit.

This &Other Stories Belted Corduroy Jumpsuit is perfect picnic attire. I love that it has a kind of 70s feel to it.

I hope you liked these summer picnic outfit ideas! Let me know in the comments what you’re looking forward to wearing this summer.