What to Wear Where ~ a beach picnic

Who doesn't love this time of year? In the Southern Hemisphere, there's warm, humid days that linger into pleasant nights, accented by cicadas chirping and the delighted shouts of kids on the streets running through sprinklers or playing road cricket after school. The Christmas lights come on in the neighbourhood, ready to amuse for an evening stroll after a light dinner. Some evenings, it's not uncommon to see a cul-de-sac full of residents having a BBQ with directors chairs spread over lawns and abandoned bikes as kids suck ice blocks. And of course, picnics become de rigueur. Who doesn't somehow end up on a rug this time of year for a relaxed get together with friends or family, whether it's a Boxing Day barbecue at a nearby park, Australia Day to watch fireworks, or just a catch up with friends on the beach one weekend before everyone goes off to visit family for the break? And what could be more perfect for a beach picnic to wear than a floral 50s frock with little sleeves to cover your shoulders from the sun? The print on this dress is divine - so perfect for all sorts of occasions and accessories. While this dress might lend itself to heels, it's also easy to dress down with chunky bangles and transparent glasses.  Add a bikini underneath if you're so inclined and go for a dip, or simply slip off your shoes and enjoy the sunshine. Add a little bubbly to the affair if you're in a location alcohol is permitted, after all, life should be fizzy (or do I mean fuzzy? The details could get a little like that after a champers or three). 

My main piece of advice: Don't feel like you have to wear shorts and a tee for a picnic... some of the most fun I've had at picnics has been had in fancy dress or with giant sunhats and glam shades, to match my petticoated ensemble. Pick things though that will be cool, and keep you modest. Don't forget a hat to keep the sun off your face. 

The picnic checklist:

• Comfortable sundress
• Embellished shoes
• A bag for your sunscreen, keys and gloss
• Sunglasses
• Towel or blanket
• Snacks
• Champagne

This beautiful vintage frock was on loan from The Vintage Drawer, located at 488 King St, Newtown, NSW Australia. Check out Deborah's beautiful boutique if you're in Sydney. Also wearing, Prabal Gurung x Linda Farrow sunglasses, vintage wood and brass bangles, Hervé Van Der Straeten earrings from Net-A-Porter. 

These What to Wear Where posts are a little taste of what goes on in my head; all of those 'costumes' I devise for what I'll wear in the countryside, to a wedding, to a NYE party, and every other possible place I might set foot. Hopefully they'll also inspire you! Keep an eye out for my next post in a week's time... what will it be? I'll give you a hint, it's something we're all doing this time of year! 

Love WTP x

Photography: Astin Kloeckner