Memorial Day Inspiration Board: 4 Ways To Dress For A Picnic

Renee wants YOU....to be stylish this Memorial Day :) ...Well, actually I have no idea what Renee wants this Memorial Day, but if you do happen to be extra stylish on account of channeling her stellar fashion sense, I at least don't think she'd object :). With picnics abounding at the beginning of the summer holiday season, I've pulled a bunch of inspiring ideas from the Divas for how to look amazeballs at your next meal-in-the-great-outdoors outing :)

If you're going to borrow style ideas from Divas, you can hardly going wrong with  following LayCool's lead! And a white tank and denim is about as classic as it gets for summer. For this look, skinny rolled denim will work, as will distressed denim, straight-leg denim, bootcut denim, or even black denim. The really crucial aspect of this look is the oversized, slouchy tank. You're not looking for bodycon here; a bit baggy is the key (pithy statement phrase cool but not required ;)). To allow the material to drape like a cool girl, do the LayCool half-tuck in front - this shows off your glam studded or crystal belt. Other options are a side half-tuck or a low knot. If you're skipping the belt, feel free to let that tank swing in the breeze :). Stay modest and classy by wearing a bandeau, crop top, cami or a second (form-fitting this time) tank underneath. Black, red navy or gray are all functional colors for your underlayer. Finish the look with LayCool-worthy fierce shoes. I lean toward wedges for walking-in-the-grass events, so you don't end up aerating someone's lawn with your stilettos (no extra charge ;)), but block heels will work similarly. I love the look of intense red with this combo, but for colors, see the list for underlayers. Pop the outfit with a piece of statement jewelry and a scorching red lip.
Renee's red romper is a fun and very right now choice. An open back, pleats, lace or other details create a fun, femme twist on a standard top+shorts combo. I imagined playing up the country vibe with a gingham shirt (tied or open) for breezy nights and Western-tinged ankle boots, but a classic ankle-strap sandal would bring out the polished vibe of these pieces. See the difference  shoe can make? ;). Brown leather grounds this look, but tan suede booties or navy canvas sandals will work nicely as well. A choker necklace completes this look in a totally of-the-moment way.

Barbie's laced tunic and jean shorts is another great way to go! Ivory or white with blue denim always looks fresh and crisp. A longer top that just lets rolled or cut-off shorts peek out has a hint of sexiness that can be fun to play up at the right event, but a shorter length will do. If you don't have a lace-up tunic handy, consider a peasant top, an oxford or linen buttondown, or a tee with interesting details: scalloped edges, a touch of crochet, sheer trim. Barbie brought a super-cool, edgy punch to this look by finishing it with knee-high gladiator sandals. Feel free to go that route! Alternatively, strappy flat sandals were born to complete a look like this, so def consider a pair of those. Brown is fab, but I also love the dusty warmth of metallic gold, or leg-lengthening nude shades. A pile of band rings on various fingers makes an eclectic and au courant statement, as would a beaded wrap bracelet or tassel pendant.
Lastly, one of my favorite looks for picnics: the often overlooked maxi dress. I love that they're an unusual choice in a sea of shorts and I love how amazingly eeeeaaassssy they are. Maxis are literally the ultimate throw-and-go piece, particularly for a casual event. The one point I would advocate is: go for color, or at the very least, a light neutral. So often, people gravitate toward black  - and it will work, as it nearly always does ;) - but still, it's so much more exciting to play with brights for this time of year. Think sun-drenched tomato red, or mesmerizing cobalt blue! If you're drawn to the darkness, try navy; it's a flawless choice for day-time wear. For neutrals, I'm partial to flax, almond and cream-in-coffee shades- they're still soft and summery, but a bit more forgiving on the stain front than white (I'm pretty sure I can put stains on anything white just by looking at them, possibly just by thinking about them :)). Because picnics are such laidback affairs, the maxi is sufficiently formal to require no additional jewelry or embellishments. You can add a beaded piece, or a belt a la Eden, if the spirit moves you, but it's not crucial. All you really need is a cute pair of shoes. I love my wedges, but flats work just as well here. You definitely want to consider the ultimate summer shoes - espadrilles!- as well. I hope this inspires your outdoor causal event dressing this weekend...and this summer :) Happy picnicking, loves!!