Set off Fireworks by Embracing the Country Picnic Trend

By Suzanne Singer
June 30, 2011

Betsey Johnson & D&G

Fashion designers embraced the country picnic look for spring—it's perfect for the Fourth of July. Betsey Johnson (photo by Elizabeth Pantaleo/AFP/Getty Images), Dolce & Gabbana (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), D&G (photo by Venturelli/WireImage)

Nothing goes better with a hot summer day than a picnic in the country. Whether it's a romantic romp or fun with friends, there is just something about getting out of the city with a blanket and a picnic basket full of goodies. Toss in a splashy fireworks display, and you've got yourself a recipe for the perfect Fourth of July.

If you’re planning a trip to the country this weekend, you're not alone. Sales for listings with the term "picnic" are up 15 percent on eBay in the past two weeks compared to the prior period. But the question remains: what to wear?

As far as fashion inspiration goes, you've in luck because this spring, fashion designers showed a bevy of picnic-ready looks that are ripe for the occasion. Betsey Johnson (Getty Image #104142666) went for the most iconic picnic fabric of all—gingham—in both ‘50s-style skirts and cheeky rompers. Dolce and Gabbana showed how sweet white eyelet could look 100 percent sophisticated, and channeled the same country vibe at diffusion line D&G with a collection of light and airy floral printed maxi dresses.

To capture the country picnic spirit, eschew a search for the term itself (though using it will lead you to plenty of pretty baskets) and instead try terms like eyelet, gingham and floral print. Here's a bit of what we found.

New Eyelet Shorts

(buy it now price, $59.95)

A pair of sweet white eyelet shorts will keep you stylish when worn with a funky wedge and statement jewelry.
Vintage Sheer Lace Mini Prairie Dress

(buy it now price, $68)

A cute vintage and stylish dress option with hints of eyelet that is still wearable.
New Gingham and Geranium Bikini

(buy it now price, $99.99)

The mix of gingham and floral print make this bright bikini a must-have.
New Embroidered Lace Ruffle Top

(buy it now price, $25.55)

A light top like this will keep you cool no matter what the temperature outside.
Vintage Floral Print Halter

(buy it now price, $11.88)

A floral printed top like this is very versatile, pair with a maxi skirt, a mini or shorts.
New Gingham Dress

(buy it now price, $1,499.99)

This gingham dress will take you from day to night, country ho-down not included.
New Eyelet Maxi Dress

(buy it now price, $39.99)

Throw on a pair of flat leather sandals and a cross body bag and you are good to go to your picnic no matter what the terrain.
New Gingham Shorts

(buy it now price, $24.99)

The cut of these gingham shorts keep them looking country but in a more modern way.
New Floral Print Ruffle Top

(buy it now price, $29.99)

Ruffles and floral prints like on this top, are practically mandatory for a country picnic
Floral Liberty Print Shorts

(buy it now price, $51.88)

A floral print will make any conservative short more fun and picnic casual.
New Long-Sleeve Gingham Shirt Dress

(buy it now price, $79)

Gingham never looked as preppy as it does when in a shirt dress style.
New Eyelet Bikini

(buy it now price, $89.95)

If you’re not comfortable wearing a white eyelet bikini, use the top as a peek-a-boo underpinning.
New Gingham Mini Skirt

(buy it now price, $24.95)

Not only is this mini an easy summer skirt to throw on, it is also country picnic appropriate.
Floral Print Bikini

(buy it now price, $49.50)

A cute and fun swimsuit option for a dip in a lake.
Vintage Mini Floral Print Mini Prairie Dress

(buy it now price, $58)

A pair of bright platform sandals will make more of a statement when worn with your little floral slip dress in muted colors
New Gingham Peasant Top

(buy it now price, $64.99)

Get a little touch of southern comfort with this classic red gingham top.
New Eyelet Skirt

(starting bid, $69.99)

Since eyelet can be a bit sheer, a skirt like this is perfect when worn as a bikini cover-up.