Top Tips On How To Dress For A British Picnic
CHO Fashion & Lifestyle
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Summer is creeping around the corner, and what better way to celebrate it than going for a picnic?
A quintessentially British pastime, as soon as the sun comes peeping through the clouds, we'll be heading for the perfect picnic spot, picnic blanket and essentials at the ready!
But once the logistics of who is bringing what is sorted, it's time to consider the most important part of your picnic; the outfit.
Discover our top tips for creating your perfect picnic outfit this summer at CHO.

What is casual picnic attire?
Picnic clothes aren't bound by the same dress codes as if you were going to a traditional British garden party, so casual picnic attire can be anything you want it to be!
Dressing for a British picnic is a great way to show your personality and style without compromising comfort. So, anything goes if you want to channel a vintage picnic look and wear a classic tea dress or dress head to toe in athleisure to give you the upper hand in those post-picnic activities!
If you're unsure where to start when looking for picnic outfit ideas, there are a few things to consider that will help steer your outfit in the right direction. For example, does the picnic have a theme? Or is there a chance that the weather may take an unexpected turn?
If you've considered all the external factors and are still struggling to pull an outfit together, here are some of our top tips that will hopefully help you to shape your outfit.
- If there's no real dress code, go for casual and comfortable
Picnics are centred around eating, so you'll want to choose an outfit that's flattering but comfortable, leaving room for all the good food and drink you're about to consume, especially if games are planned afterwards!

A lightweight top like Barbour's Cherbury Women's Top is perfect for nailing comfortable picnic chic. With its pretty broderie anglaise detailing, it's the perfect pairing to cute and comfortable summer shorts, or wide-legged trousers, the epitome of picnic chic! Made from 100% cotton, it's completely breathable and guaranteed to keep you cool when the sun shines.
Finish off your look with a stylish sun hat and a pair of Birkenstock sandals because comfort shouldn't compromise style! Don't forget to pack your sunscreen!
- Feel fabulously feminine in a tea dress.
A tea dress is a perfect choice if you want to feel more dressed up for your picnic but still want to prioritise comfort. Floaty and fabulous, tea dresses evoke vintage British style and look just as glamorous at afternoon tea as they do skipping around the fields post-picnic.

Ted Baker's Opallie Women's Mini Puff Sleeve Tea Dress allows a pattern of summer florals to take centre stage against a neutral black backdrop and is the ideal choice for embracing picnic chic.
To elevate your look further, why not pair your tea dress with a classic pair of Penelope Chilvers sandals? Or, if you want to add a sportier edge, choose a classic pair of white trainers to finish off your outfit.
- Embrace Cottagecore with a whimsical, bohemian look
Picnics are the perfect opportunity to embrace countryside chic. Cottagecore is a celebration of simple, countryside living, so floaty, floral midi-dresses and skirts are a must.
Although you might not want to bake your own bread or tend to your garden, nothing stops you from indulging in a little countryside chic when choosing your picnic outfit (after all, you can always pretend you baked the bread for the sandwiches!).

Tommy Hilfiger's Mesh Rose Midi Slim Fit Dress adds a carefree feel to your picnic outfit and is finished with a stunning floral ditsy print. Teamed up with sandals or ballet flats and finished with dainty gold jewellery, it's an ideal choice for any summer soirée.
- Fuel your big hike in a sporty, athleisure look
If you're on a hiking adventure and the picnic is the reward for all your efforts, you'll be better off dressing for fitness. However, that doesn't mean you can't be sporty and stylish.
Athleisure is a huge part of today's fashion climate and can be interpreted to suit your style. If it's too warm for joggers, why not level up your look with a stylish and casual pair of shorts?

Tommy Hilfiger's Mira Bermuda Shorts are stylish and sporty picks that look just as good when paired with New Balance trainers as when finished with sandals. Team yours with a fitted crop top and finish your look with an effortlessly cool Fjallraven cap to protect yourself from the sun.
- Choose a jumpsuit for a casual twist
If your picnic has a dress code that's floaty and floral, but you're more comfortable in trousers, then why not opt for a jumpsuit? Jumpsuits are a perfect cover-up for hot days in the sun and will allow you to feel relaxed and casual while embracing a smart aesthetic.

Ted Baker's Maudee Women's Printed Halter Neck Jumpsuit could almost be mistaken for a halter neck gown. Its stunning floral print and floaty, flowing design leave plenty of room for those extra treats, whilst the waist tie cinches in the waist for a flattering fit. Dress up with wedge espadrilles or down with trainers and flats for many months of versatile picnic chic!
Shop for the best outfits to wear for a picnic at CHO
So, now you have many picnic style options, why not shop for that perfect picnic outfit at CHO using the links above? Whether you're a lover of a sportier aesthetic or you love an excuse to embrace your quintessentially British style, you'll find chic options to suit you in our collection. Then, why not read our picnic packing list blog to ensure you have all the essentials for a fun and fabulous day spent with friends?
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