Fashion

How to Pack (and What to Wear) for a Romantic French Girl Picnic

Aesthetics on point.

By Brittany Chatburn
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What does it say about me if my Pinterest feed is dominated by soft linens on grass, wine glasses catching a glint of the sun, straw baskets filled with flowers, and rosĂ© under dappled light? I don’t even have to type “picnic aesthetic” into the search bar—it just knows. I am a girl on a mission to romanticize my life and when it comes to snacks under the sun, do not even come at me with that red gingham print.* I need soft and supple. I need chunks of baguettes and wide-brimmed hats. I need a dress that declares, “I am the main character in a love story.”

woman sitting in field of wildflowers reading

And the thing about these charming picnic situations is that they all scream one thing: effortless. However, therein lies the problem for me. I’m known for rocking up to a picnic table with a Yeti cooler filled will an assortment of snacks, “just in case.” I want alllll the aesthetics of a dreamy picnic AND the simplicity.

Thankfully, Camille and the team were on board to bring this Pinterest-worthy vision to life. Could this picnic aesthetic truly be so easy and yet so inspiring? The answer, I’m thrilled to say, is oui! Armed with a handful of perfectly Parisian picnic outfits from (where else?) SĂ©zane and a paired-down spread of five simple items, we set off for an afternoon surrounded by the sounds of summer and the magical Texas wildflowers.

*Don’t be fooled, I’m a full gingham girl for the entire month July.

sezane neutral dress with scarf in hair

Romantic French Scarf

The perfect accessory that’s both feminine and practical. Grab a scarf to tie to your basket then use it in your hair—or even to wrap up your leftover snacks.

Gaston Scarf, $25

French Girl-Inspired Picnic Outfit Ideas

Before we pack our picnic basket, let’s talk attire. Surprisingly, what you decide to wear might just be the most important part of this entire picnic ordeal. Though the psychology of fashion is science-backed, I think we can all agree anecdotally that our clothing has an impact on our moods. And while there are some practical non-negotiables when it comes to a picnic outfit (something you can easily sit in, for example), what you choose to wear sets the mood for the entire experience.

When it comes to channeling effortless romance, no one does it better than the Paris-born Sézane. The high-quality, feminine pieces go beyond the trends. Dresses, shirting, pants, and accessories are timeless closet staples—for picnics and beyond.

camille in a blue maxi sezane dress in the backyard

Outfit Option 1: A Billowy Dress That’s Made for Easy Movement

A go-to dress is essential for summer. Personally, I’m always looking for something with a little romance to it—a frill, lace, a puff sleeve—so that I can dress it down with a sneaker or up with a strappy sandal. When it comes to a picnic, you want something that doesn’t pinch or ride up, so the more volume the better.

Maxi Volume Dress with Embroidery Details

If your ideal dress is one that feels like you’re wearing a tent but doesn’t look like it, this is the dress for you. It’s full volume which means this dress takes up space in the best way. It’s incredibly comfortable with hidden pockets at the waist and majorly brings those main character vibes.

Mayla Dress, $245

shorts and denim shirt for a picnic

Outfit Option 2: A Shirt and Shorts Combo That’s Classic and Refined

One thing I know for sure is that every chic Parisian has a classic button-down hanging in her closet. And it’s likely this exact one. Channel those summer days of old, running around the neighborhood in denim cutoffs, with a more refined look—perfect for picnic-ing.

The Perfect Denim Shirt

This oversized denim shirt is a staple in any closet. It’s the type of piece that you’ll reach for every day—and, good news, it comes in multiple colors and patterns.

Max Shirt in Very Light Denim, $125

High-Waisted Flare Leg Shorts

Your first impression of these shorts will be the pure quality of both the structure and the fabric. They sell out fast so get them while you can—promise you’ll live in them all summer long.

Rome Shorts, $130

Tortoiseshell Sunglasses in a Timeless Shape

These sunnies have a slight cat-eye that makes them perfectly flattering for nearly every face shape. Grab them in one of four colors.

Chiara Sunglasses, $180

camille wearing a neutral linen shirt dress for picnic

Outfit Option 3: A Shirt Dress That’s the Best of Both Worlds

When you can’t decide between a dress and a casual button-down, there’s a clear answer—the shirt dress. Both breathable for a hot day and chic for aesthetics, it’s a clear option for a picnic outside.

Natural Striped Shirt Dress

The safari-chic vibes take on dress form in this easy-to-wear linen blend outfit. Wear it with or without the belt and revel in the feminine detail on the masculine-inspired look that is the dainty liquette bottom.

Alani Dress, $220

Heritage Leather Clogs

We normally wouldn’t suggest heels for an outdoor excursion but these sturdy clogs are ready for the task. Plus, you can always kick off your shoes for a little grounding along the way.

Fausta Clogs, $240

what to pack for an aesthetic picnic — board with baguette, stone fruit, cheese, and book

What to Pack for an Aesthetic Picnic

I like to think of the picnic aesthetic as impulsive yet poised. It’s “Oh, look! The sun is shining and I absolutely must be outside!” mixed with, “But first, a trip to the market because this kitchen is empty.” Your picnic affair can be a party of one or a date—significant other or otherwise. Either way, all you need for a spread that’s both delicious and (let’s be honest) photo-worthy are these five no-prep items:

  1. Chilled Rosé. A bottle of wine or champagne is easily the crown jewel of any picnic. Sip it slowly and let its effervescence transport you to a world where wildflowers and poetry become your entire personality.
  2. A Fresh Baguette. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from the French is that a baguette is not a baguette unless it is fresh from the boulangerie. But if there isn’t a bakery en route from home to your chosen field of flowers, I won’t tell.
  3. Cheese. Of course, there must be cheese. Grab a single favorite or get crazy and pick up one soft cheese and one hard cheese for contrasting flavors.
  4. Stone Fruit. It’s robust, it’s colorful, and it doesn’t require any slicing. Of course, if you’re picnic-packing outside of summer, choose a seasonal fresh fruit so it tastes best. (Jam also works in a pinch.)
  5. Salty Nuts. Every good spread needs a salty punch to truly make it all sing. We unapologetically packed shelled pistachios for both flavor and color aesthetics.
woman walking through field of wildflowers
sezane embroidered aesthetic picnic basket

June Basket with Embroidered Flowers

Forget the bulky picnic basket. This raffia bag is the perfect size to carry all the essentials. It’ll be your go-to all summer long—from market trips to pool days and everything in between.

Natural June Basket, $210

aesthetic picnic set up in wildflower field

Grab the Necessities

To truly capture the romantic vibe of your picnic, grab a few additional items that will set the stage. First, ditch the traditional picnic blanket for a neutral sheet or tablecloth (this linen table throw was practically made for picnics). Pro tip: we’re after aesthetics but we’re not here to ruin our nice things. Bring a waterproof mat to put underneath your cloth—they’re light and easy to throw in a basket. Next, pack only the essentials to bring your spread to life: a small cheese board, cheese knives, and, of course, a wine glass (or two).

aesthetic picnic with french inspiration

Final Touches to Capture the Picnic Aesthetic

Finally, take your picnic to the next level with the two most romantic things on God’s green earth: words and fresh flowers. Pack a novel or a collection of poetry. Or better yet, bring a journal to write down your own words. And there’s no shame in buying yourself flowers or picking a few along the way. Even a few blooms will add a touch of whimsy to your picnic spot—as if you’ve stepped into your very own secret garden.

picnic aesthetic spread on white linen

To wrap it all up, let’s keep it real. Life is far from romantic all the time. Did we step in multiple ant piles on the way to our ~dreamy~ field location? Absolutely. But this is your moment to embrace the wonders of everyday life, pesky ant piles or not. At the risk of sounding sappy, the joy of living is truly in the journey, and more often than not, it’s in our choices. It’s the lens through which we choose to see life. So, put on rosĂ© colored glasses. Wear the dress. Pour the wine. Pretend to understand the poetry. And embrace the singular moment for what it is—utterly romantic.

The joy of living is truly in the journey, and more often than not, it’s in our choices. It’s the lens through which we choose to see life.