Style Scenario: The Summer Picnic

What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. Summer, although not the best season for the style staples we love, is the perfect season for dining al fresco. A picnic in the sun (or shade, depending on the heat) is a great way to get back to nature for just a little bit. Here’s an outfit to consider to ensure your outdoor dining experience is comfortable, yet stylish.

The Shorts: BR Aiden Slim Cotton 10″ Short in Navy – $38.15 w/ BREAK. Not as long as the 11″ inch short and not as short as the 8″. Right in that middle sweet spot, giving you enough mobility to sit down on a blanket, while not being restrictive.

The Shirt: J. Crew Factory Gingham Washed Shirt in Red Medium Gingham – $29.95. A long sleeve shirt in the summer? You bet. Just roll up the sleeves, and even leave the shirt untucked for a nice relaxed looked. The plaid pattern of the shirt will help you stand out a little from a sea of solid colors, and the breathable cotton will help keep you cool in the summer sun.

The Belt: GAP Classic Braid Belt – $39.95. A little less formal than your standard leather belt, but a little less casual than a webbed one. Thicker leather strips here help it look more laid back than your father’s country club ready braided belt.

The Watch: Timex Weekender Chronograph – $54.68. A favorite. And if the NATO band feels too casual come the colder weather, you can easily swap it out for a leather option.

The Sunglasses: Ray-Ban New Wayfarer in Black – $139.95. Yes $140 for sunglasses is a lot. But these are polarized and because they’re in black, you can match them with just about anything. Plus, purchasing a quality pair of sunglasses means you’ll get many more wears out of them, even after picnic season is over.

The Shoes: Sperry ‘Authentic Original’ Boat Shoe in Sahara – $94.95. Variety of colors to choose from, easy to slip on and off if you don’t want to get your shoes on your picnic blanket, and a staple of summer wardrobes everywhere. If boat shoes aren’t’ your thing, sneakers will work just fine here.

The Socks: Galiva Cotton Lightweight No Show Liner Socks (3 Pairs) – $14.99. Hot summer temps easily lead to extra sweaty feet, so sometimes socks are a must, but bad no show socks can be a pain. This option, sold by Amazon, is really well reviewed. Extra silicone grip on the inside of the heel to battle slippage.

The Picnic Basket: VonShef Deluxe 2 Person Picnic Basket – $59.99. Does the basket scream “I’m going on a picnic”? Yes. Does that matter? No. It’s summer and picnics are a fine way to spend quality time outdoors. The VonShef comes with reusable place settings meaning less waste for the environment, and a good reason to have more than one picnic a summer. Plus, a PVC backed blanket is included. And that means even if the grass is damp, you won’t get moisture soaking through, and your shorts (and date) will stay dry.