For an open-air cinema or summer evening performance, you wear clothes in which you can sit comfortably for a long time and that you can easily complete with an extra layer. A trouser or jeans, a top with an extra layer and flat shoes are often practical. If the forecast is cool, bring a cardigan or an extra layer. Check the weather forecast and the location beforehand.
What to take into account
At an outdoor performance, seating comfort, the ground and the temperature all play a part. You sit still for a long time, often on a chair, cushion or blanket on the grass. The film only starts when it gets dark, late in the evening, and by then the temperature has dropped considerably. And you walk to your spot over grass, sand or gravel. So above all choose practical and comfortable.
The five rules of thumb
- Seating comfort first. A trouser or jeans with a little stretch sits more comfortably than a short skirt or tight dress.
- Always a layer. A cardigan, a long-sleeved polo or a light jacket. After sunset it cools down quickly.
- Shoes for grass. Flat sneakers or loafers. Heels sink in.
- Dark or muted colours on the bottom. Grass, sand and a spilled drink show less.
- A bag with room for an extra layer, a scarf and possibly a cushion.
For women: three outfits
1. Jeans with a striped top and cardigan. A light high-waist jeans, such as the Adelaide in light blue, with a fine-knit T-shirt in burgundy striped, such as the Fiori. Over it the Eleanor cardigan in white, a ribbed knitted cardigan with soft stretch. Open during the day, buttoned during the film.
2. Trouser with blouse. For a performance with a little more allure, such as an open-air theatre or concert: a trouser with a blouse and a fine-knit cardigan over it. Add loafers.
3. Jumpsuit with jacket. Sit comfortably and be dressed in one go, with a short jacket for later in the evening.
For men: three outfits
1. Piqué polo with light trouser. The Alistair in cream is a knitted piqué polo with stripe detail, with the Harrison trouser in beige. Bring a second layer for when it cools down.
2. Polo with quarter zip. The Edmund in olive green melange made of lyocell. With the zip open on arrival, closed once the sun is down. Olive green is a calm colour for an evening outdoors.
3. Shirt over a T-shirt. A cotton shirt open over a plain T-shirt, with a chino. Later in the evening you button it up.
What do you bring?
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Cardigan or extra layer | Against the cold after sunset |
| Scarf | Small and handy as an extra layer |
| Blanket or seat cushion | If you sit on the grass and it is not provided |
| Foldable raincoat | For an unexpected shower |
| Insect repellent | By water and in parks it is mosquito season |
Sitting on grass or a beach chair
If you are going to sit on the grass, choose a trouser in a dark or mid shade, such as navy, olive or dark denim. Light trousers show dirt and grass more quickly. A blanket or cushion underneath prevents a lot. If you sit in a beach chair or on a stand, a light trouser can be fine, as long as you sit comfortably.
If it goes on late after the film
An open-air cinema ends late, and afterwards you often still cycle or walk home. Make sure your layer is warm enough for the way back. A fine-knit cardigan made of cotton or viscose is lovely for the film, but on the bike at midnight a long-sleeved polo or a thin wool layer underneath is more pleasant. Preferably wear your layer over something that is already a little warm, such as a knitted polo instead of a thin T-shirt.
Colours for a summer evening outdoors
Burgundy, olive, navy, cream and light blue are calm colours for a summer evening. Preferably combine a light top with a dark trouser, so grass and dirt do not stand a chance. A striped top gives just a little playfulness, without becoming busy.
A performance in an open-air theatre
A performance in an open-air theatre often has a little more allure than a film night in the park. You sit on a stand or chair, and the audience dresses a bit more smartly. Then choose a trouser or smart pants with a blouse or knitted polo, and a cardigan or light jacket that suits the outfit. Loafers or smart sneakers finish it off. Check beforehand whether you may bring your own cushion or blanket.
Polished and practical
An open-air cinema is relaxed; nobody expects a blazer. But a smart polo or blouse instead of a worn T-shirt makes a big difference, especially if you go for a drink somewhere afterwards. If you go for a drink afterwards, choose a base that also works well indoors.
You can find inspiration for summer evenings in the Boulevard collection for women, the Lounge collection for men and at the knitwear for women.
Shop the look
Eleanor: ribbed knitted cardigan, white
Fiori: fine-knit T-shirt with buttons, burgundy striped
Adelaide: high-waist contour-fit jeans, light blue
Alistair: knitted piqué polo with stripe detail, cream
Edmund: lyocell polo with quarter zip, olive green melange
Harrison: tapered trouser with pleats, beige
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear to an open-air cinema?
Comfortable clothes such as jeans or a trouser with a top. Bring an extra layer if the weather forecast calls for it.
Which shoes do you wear on grass?
Flat sneakers or loafers. Heels sink into the grass and are awkward on gravel.
How cold does it get during an open-air performance?
That differs greatly per location and weather forecast. So check the temperature, wind and chance of rain beforehand.
