I'm Planning a Fall Picnic Gathering With My Friends—Here's My Outfit Vision

I love summer for all of the outdoor gatherings, such as barbecues, concerts, pool parties, and, most importantly, picnics. It’s for that very reason I’m going to do my best to carry picnic plans with friends and family straight into fall. The looks for such gatherings will naturally be much cozier thanks to the cooler weather that my favorite time of year brings. With all of this in mind, I already started hunting down the perfect fall picnic outfit inspiration.
I envision a variety of get-togethers that each emanates a different vibe. Think of everything from laid-back plans decked out in casual pieces like activewear, jeans, and sneakers to more elevated affairs with polished sweaters, pretty dresses, and more. I also kept an eye out for stylish ways to transition summer staples like sandals into the new season. Ahead, check out 10 outfit ideas that fit the bill plus how to get each look.
Brittany Bathgate masters the coastal-grandma aesthetic perfectly here. It's all about easy-breezy pieces paired with comfortable shoes.
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Ever since seeing a similar top on Ashley Olsen, I've wanted a top like this.
This Birkenstock style has a cult following.
Abisola Omole looks effortless in this modern preppy outfit—I am a huge fan of one-and-done looks.
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This is a great sweater to wear alone or draped over your shoulders.
Jessica Skye shows a cool way to wear one of the biggest trends that will continue straight into 2023: the oversize striped sweater.
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Chrissy Rutherford is known for her inspiring denim looks, and this one is no exception. The black boots give the outfit the perfect amount of edge.
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Felicia Akerstrom proves that activewear sets can easily be styled to create a minimalist everyday look.
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It is incredibly hard to track down these sneakers right now—they always sell out so quickly.
Monikh has so many understated, cool pieces in this outfit, from the green trench coat to the cuffed jeans and Birkenstock Boston clogs.
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A green trench coat is a great way to switch up your usual tan-trench looks.
One reviewer shared that this T-shirt is "polished but simple, great staple!"
These clogs are sold out just about everywhere, so don't sleep on getting them if you come across your size.
Linda Tol gave this white nightgown-style dress the Scandi-girl treatment with her bright, effortlessly tied sweater and simple flip-flop sandals.
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Green pieces are a favorite of mine especially for fall.
Anouk Yve's look is the epitome of elevated basics. Don't even get me started on her cool square-toe boots.
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TyLynn Nguyen paired her cozy white sweater and pants with polished mule sandals for a sophisticated yet easy look.
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The effortless cut on this sweater is what caught my eye.
A sleek black mini bag completes just about any look.
Lucy Williams gives the ubiquitous chunky-sweater-and-leggings combo her signature British touch with the help of statement sneakers and the ankle-slit details of her leggings.
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Next up: I'm 37, But I Could See Myself Loving These Pieces at 60 Too
Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.
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