Picnic dresses

With meetings of groups of six allowed outdoors in the UK from tomorrow and sunny weather forecast next week it’s time to throw your joggers in the wash and put a pretty frock on to re-enter society! We’re lucky that the pandemic has coincided with a trend for oversized dresses (got to look for a silver lining) as these are the perfect style for comfortably reclining on a picnic blanket with the added benefit of hiding the waistline so you can go wild on the sausage rolls. Other things to look for in a comfortable dress for outdoor meet ups are elasticated / drawstring waists, empire lines or smock style frocks for ease of wear al fresco. If the thought of what to wear outside your home is sending your head spinning here are my top picks for spring picnic dresses.

Under £75

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This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2021-03-27-at-12.45.08.png — A fresh spring green dress from Marks & Spencer. Love the puff sleeves and the elasticated waist panel for an easy fit.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2021-03-28-at-07.26.24.png — I like the vibrant red/lilac stripe in this dress from Mango. The waist tie makes the fit easily adjustable – wear with for a cinched in look or without for free and easy style.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2021-03-27-at-12.21.24.png — This cheery mustard yellow midi dress from Monsoon has flattering ruching at the waist and the puff sleeves give it a vintage 1950s look to add a touch of elegance to your picnic. Part of Monsoon’s S.E.W collection made with sustainable fabric.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_5832-1.png — Gingham is always a classic for picnic style and this green check cotton dress is one of my favourites new at Monsoon. Love the cute little cuff ties.

Wear it with:

Earrings, Sunglasses, Bag, Shoes

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2021-03-28-at-07.15.34.png — A cute clementine orange check organic cotton dress from Thought clothing with handy pockets – practical and stylish – just what you want from a picnic frock.

Wear it with:

Earrings, Sunglasses, Bag, Shoes

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An easy to wear throw on yellow gingham cotton dress from Mango

Under £200

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This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2021-03-27-at-12.17.01.png — A pretty deep red cotton dress with peachy floral pattern from East – a good transeasonal piece that will last beyond spring/summer.

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This pretty blouson sleeve dress from Hush is embroidered with daisies so definitely belongs in my picnic dress edit.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_5841.png — The spring bloom print on this floral dress from Baukjen is perfect for al fresco style situations.
**15% off at Baukjen with the code: ALICIA 15**

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The pretty embroidery on this linen dress from Boden gives an otherwise simple dress an extra special touch.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_5846.png — Smock dresses are probably the most comfortable to wear. This broderie blue dress from Anthroplogie definitely ticks the practical and pretty.boxes.

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A pretty paisley print dress from Faithfull the brand.

Small British Brands

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This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_5830.jpg — This Dolly dress from Coco Fennell is a little more fitted than the others I”ve selected but with gingham and daisies in one frock it definitely deserves a place in my picnic edit.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_5838.png — Another super easy style al fresco – the Camden passage dress from Justine Tabak. Love the multi colour check.

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Love the statement sleeves and oversized fit on this dress by Stoned & Waisted seen here on Emma Paton.

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A elegant wildflower print empire line dress from Yolke.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2021-03-28-at-09.09.18.png — This Jaiye Orimi dress by Kemit Telford has the prettiest ruffle detail and pink/yellow ditsy print. And that drawstring waist will make it easier to adjust so you have room to eat all the picnic bread!

Since I published this post I noticed Kemi Telford has these new check dresses which would also be great for picnics:

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2021-03-28-at-09.10.56.png — I love Johanna Sands dresses – they have a loose comfy fit so really easy to wear. This is her latest one – the light blue floral Ana. She does very limited editions so you have to be speedy. Keep your eyes peeled on her Instagram page for new stock.

Splash the cash

With minimal travel abroad over the past year and eating out a distant memory some people may have managed to save money during the pandemic so if you’re looking for a post-lockdwon splurge as you re-enter polite society these are my top pics for an extra special picnic frock :