If you work in Corporate America, chances are you have a summer company picnic coming up. I’ve typically seen such events held at parks, horse race tracks, lake side sports fields, etc. It’s a great chance for people to show the more casual side of themselves and bond with other employees/management outside of work.
Nevertheless, a summer company picnic is a tricky event to dress for because it’s a professional event disguised as a casual one. On the one hand, you want to dress comfortably so you can possibly sit on the grass, walk around to get food or place bets on horses (if that’s your venue). On the other hand, you are mingling with co-workers and possibly upper management. These are people you’d like to impress, in the right way. So how do you blend casualness for the environment but still impress your professional network? Here are 3 outfit ideas to consider!
1. Mixing patterns – for your inner fashionista
Mixing low-key patterns makes an outfit stand out in a subtle way. Remember to pick patterns that don’t clash – big and bold patterns tend to clash and smaller more subdued patterns work better together. At a summer company picnic, it’s the perfect chance to show your style. This is an outfit conveys thought and style together in one piece!
Top: Equipment sleeveless top (discounted Equipment similar here)
Bottom: Banana Republic Windowpane trousers (discounted Brooks Brothers similar here)
Clutch: Chanel Wallet on Chain in Red (find used/new ones here on Poshmark)
Shoes: Chanel leather espadrilles in white (find used/new ones here on Poshmark)
Sunglasses: Gucci ombré sunglasses (discounted Tom Ford similar here)
2. Flowy and feminine – for the girly girl who just wants to be comfortable
The theme of this outfit is comfortable, allow me to repeat myself! No one wants to be in tight clothing at a summer company picnic. And if you were uncomfortable in any way with clothing, your behavior will show. This silk top is breathable and sleeveless for staying cool in So-Cal summers. The midi skirt is also airy and flowy makes you perfectly ready to sit down on grass. To add an edge of professionalism, pick a midi skirt that holds its shape well and stays wrinkle-free. For shoes, I’m wearing a pair of leather sandals to echo the casualness of my look. Lastly, I’m wearing a leather clutch with cute hummingbird prints… isn’t it adorable?!
Top: Equipment sleeveless top (discounted Equipment similar here)
Bottom: ASOS heart print midi skirt (similar found here)
Clutch: Deux Lux Soft Leather clutch (This very clutch is on sale here)
Shoes: Rag & Bone Folsom Mid-heel Sandals (Similar Aldo sandals found here)
3. Jeans and fun prints – a look for just about anyone!
Last but not the least, the third outfit is a simplistic and easy look for the summer company picnic. I’ve paired another Equipment top (a big Equipment fan here in case you haven’t noticed!) with a pair of everyday jeans. The highlight of this outfit is the color blocking crossbody purse and the mirrored aviators. It’s an outfit that allows you to showcase your personal style and maintain the comfort you need for that picnic!
Top: Equipment sleeveless top (Equipment similar here)
Bottom: AG Jeans (similar found here)
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Mirrored Aviators (here)
Crossbody Bag: Marc Jacobs Crossbody Bag in Dessert Rose (this very purse is on sale here)
Shoes: Rag & Bone Harrow Boots (found here, or discounted/used ones here on poshmark)
All photos by Ngoc M Nguyen Photography