What to Wear to Brunch
Sheridan Grant
Table of Contents
Arguably, brunch is one of the best meals of the day. It’s the cure to a hangover, makes for the perfect date, and is an ideal way to spend the morning with your best pals. That being said, it can be difficult to decide what to wear to brunch and what style to opt for.
From bottomless mimosas to all-you-can-eat buffets to fancier establishments, restaurants that serve brunch can range all over the board. And with that, you can wear anything for your Sunday morning brunch, which can be a little overwhelming.
With all that being said, we’re here to help you decide what to wear for brunch. After reading our guide, you’ll know:
- What to wear to brunch summer edition
- What to wear to brunch date edition
- What to wear for fall brunch outfits
- How to choose what to wear to brunch
- What not to wear to brunch
- Where to buy brunch outfits
What is a Brunch
We’ve all heard of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And no matter what your favorite meal of the day is, nothing quite beats that late AM blend of breakfast food and lunch food. Of course, the name is a portmanteau of the words “breakfast” and “lunch.”
Usually eaten between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM, it can feature anything from eggs benny to chicken and waffles. Brunches can also be made with yesterday’s leftovers and are often accompanied by some sort of alcoholic beverage—preferably something refreshing and fruity.
History of Brunch
While brunch is a tradition all over the world, the history of the meal itself is a little blurry. The term was created back in 1895, coined by British author Guy Beringer, though the idea dates back quite a bit further.
After a little research, there are two potential origins of the concept of brunch. First of all, pre-hunt breakfasts were quite common in England, with a spread of sweet and savory foods.
Throughout history, Catholics have also tended to fast before mass, followed by a large, early lunch after church.
No matter where it started, brunch has become a well-loved tradition for many families, friend groups, and even date ideas. It’s ideal for any day, though it is most commonly enjoyed on Sundays as a great start to the week ahead.
What to Wear to Brunch
Brunch is an event that blurs the line between casual and business casual, for an elevated touch on your fav pieces. Think of what you would wear on a summer vacation or a walk downtown; that’s what to wear to brunch.
Dresses, dress pants, skirts, pastel or bright colors, and refreshing and summery pieces are all appropriate choices, but you may be feeling a little unsure where to go from there. Of course, you can opt for anything from simple to complex, and it’s all in the accessories.
To spark some inspiration for your next brekky, we’ll share some of our favorite brunch outfits for men and women, though many of the styles are unisex.
What to Wear to Brunch: 10 Outfit Ideas
All white
Whether you want to wear something casual or dressy, an all-white look is the way to go.
This ensemble, ideal for the summer months, features a classy white mini dress with a sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice, flared skirt, and tie straps for a feminine touch.
The white strappy sandal style heels feel casual and simple, pairing seamlessly with the dress.
The short hair flatters the tie strap detail, but if you’ve got long hair we recommend a loose braid with some shiny gold pins scattered throughout.
Sophisticated
On the hunt for something cool and classy? Try a nice blazer and pants in a neutral or light color. This look feels morning time chic with a pair of white linen dress pants and a matching white linen button-down shirt.
The two pieces are broken up by a brown leather belt, which pairs nicely with the brown leather hybrid Oxford-sneaker style shoes. The soft purple linen blazer adds a more sophisticated touch, while the pastel shade feels brunch-ready.
Elevated
Looking for something to wear on a chilly fall day? This brunch outfit features a cream-colored knit bodycon midi dress with a henley neckline and long sleeves, that blends casual and classy styles.
The snakeskin pointed-toe knee-high booties protect the legs from chilly air while adding a little texture to the look.
The camel colored pea coat pairs nicely with the brown boots and cream dress and is worn as a cape for a chic yet practical style.
The Louis Vuitton tote provides ample space so you can bring all your necessities to brunch, while the chunky sunnies add an extra luxurious touch.
Vacation vibes
Whether you’re on vacation and headed to brunch, or simply want to recreate the feeling one Sunday morning, a Santorini-inspired look will do the trick.
This style features a white linen button-down with tortoiseshell buttons and short sleeves.
The top is left a little open at the front and tucked in on one side for a more casual touch. The striped bottoms feel fresh and sophisticated, with a rolled cuff and a black belt at the waist.
The brown slipper shoes feel very vacation chic, pairing seamlessly with dark brown sunnies.
Edgy
If you’ve got an edgier style, pastels and light colors may not be the right vibe for your brunch.
Instead, opt for a black polka dot wrap dress with long sleeves and a deep v-neck. The combat boots and studded purse add a bold touch, as well.
The leather jacket is worn cape style to elevate the look, while the hair is slicked back for a sophisticated vibe. The chunky gold necklace and hoop earrings add a more feminine touch to create a well-rounded style.
Casual
Since brunch can be a casual event, it only makes sense to opt for a casual style. This ensemble features slightly distressed light wash blue jeans and a blue long sleeve top.
The red baseball cap adds an extra relaxed and informal vibe, but you could opt for a boater style for something a little classier.
The classic Converse have blue and white striping along the rubber sole, which pulls together the blue of the outfit and the red of the hat for a cohesive look.
The silver watch, a simple detail, elevates the style to create a more sophisticated vibe.
Simple
Not sure what to wear for a brunch date? Simple and cute brunch outfits are the way to go! This style features a midi length champagne-colored silk skirt, which feels elevated and chic, while still having a minimal vibe.
The white baby tee, another simple and effortless piece, pairs nicely with the champagne tone.
The look is topped with a cropped denim jacket that has a vintage vibe, similar to the warm brown crocodile print tote, for a more eclectic touch.
The white sandals are a refreshing and comfortable option, ideal for spring and warm weather. The rounded sunnies are a classic choice, adding a little depth and dimension to the otherwise light-colored look.
Pastel
Spring shades and pastel colors are the ideal choice for brunch, commonly enjoyed as a fresh start to your morning and reminiscent of all that spring brings.
This ensemble is minimal in style, though the soft pink pants add a feminine and flirty touch.
The white tee feels casual and carefree and pairs seamlessly with the soft peach featured in the bottoms. The white sneakers feel informal and laid back, adding to the casual vibe of the ensemble.
The chunky black and silver bracelets and watches add a more masculine touch to create a more well-rounded overall vibe. For a cooler day, we recommend a black leather jacket as well to add to that slightly bolder element.
Comfy and chic
Ideal for gracing the cobblestone streets of Barcelona and stone paths in your hometown, a comfy and chic style is ideal for every brunch.
The knit maxi dress has a soft yet slightly fitted silhouette to hug your curves, while the v-neck and thick straps feel simple and elegant.
The classic flip-flops with a platform sole and striped blue button-down, worn off the shoulder, add a casual and carefree vibe to the sophisticated and stylish dress.
A pair of white sunnies pull the dress and button-down together, while a chunky gold necklace adds a little sparkle to the décolletage.
Colorful
If you’re looking for something bright come Sunday morning brunch, opt for a bold colored tee and even bolder patterned pants.
This outfit features a neon orange t-shirt with a pair of emerald green checked pants, with stripes of orange drawing the two pieces together.
The cowboy hat and leather loafers add a more casual touch to the bold style, while the leather watch and jewelry feel sophisticated and carefully placed.
For a cooler day, replace the cowboy hat with a green beanie and try layering with an orange-colored knit sweater.
What Type of Brunch Outfits Can You Get?
Since brunch can be anything from a sunny morning spent creating a huge spread at home to a nice outing with family and friends, there’s a variety of different outfits and styles to choose from. Below, we’ll share some of our fav styles and ideas that include the outfits we listed above.
First up, brunch outfits can be pretty minimal and simple, with a casual or sophisticated touch. Silky fabrics, skirts, and dresses with classic designs can be dressed up or down with accessories, while the same goes for a pair of denim and a fitted tee.
Cottagecore or grandma chic are also notable brunch styles, featuring plenty of florals, puffy sleeves, and pastel colors. In the same token, refreshing, spring-style looks are quite popular, with a light or neutral color palette.
Bold and colorful styles are popular as well, with plenty of pattern mixing and eye-catching color details. This is similar to vacation style looks, which feature soft fabrics and fun accessories like denim jackets and unique footwear.
How to Choose The Best Brunch Outfits
With so many options on the table, it can be difficult to choose the best brunch outfit for you. Fortunately, we’ve got some tips for picking out the perfect pieces, as well as some things to keep in mind so you’ll look super stylish at your next (favorite) meal time:
- Price
- Quality
- Material
- Comfort
- Style and location
When you’re shopping for staple pieces, like those that will likely make up most of your brunch outfit, price and quality are two things to take into consideration. Of course, you want something that will last, but it should also be within your budget.
Materials and comfort go hand in hand since you don’t want to be wearing something that is tight or uncomfortable like mom jeans or a bodycon dress. Instead, opt for flowy, loose-fitting fabrics and stretchy materials.
The style and location of your clothes and the restaurant are also crucial to choosing the best brunch outfits.
If you’re going to an upscale establishment, you may want to stray away from distressed jeans, while something more casual like a mom and pop shop doesn’t call for your fanciest dress!
How to Style Brunch Outfits
After you decide what to wear to brunch, there are a number of ways to style the look to create the vibe you want. Of course, accessories are the best way to keep things feeling cool and casual or add an elevated touch.
For early mornings, whether it’s the summer, winter, fall, or spring, opt for a pair of shoes for the weather that add a little pop to the look. Colorful styles, strappy sandals, and high-quality materials are a great way to amp up your simple brunch outfit.
Purses and handbags are also a nice touch, and they’ll be a necessity for storing any leftovers you want to bring home! Unique jackets from denim to leather are another great way to accessorize your look, especially if it’s a little chillier outside.
Another way to add a fun touch is to style your hair differently than normal, whether you opt for space buns, a high pony, or some cutesy butterfly clips. It will also elevate the style you end up going for.
Dainty jewelry is also ideal for brunches, since they’re quite minimal and not too overstated for the event, while still adding a little eye-catching sparkle.
Fashion Tips to Avoid With Brunch Outfits
Deciding what to wear to brunch is one thing. But, deciding what not to wear is just as important! Below, we’ll share some fashion faux pas and some things that simply aren’t ideal for wearing to brunch.
Brunch is a casual event, so you don’t want to wear anything too dressy. So, don’t show up in a glam cocktail dress, a suit and tie, or anything of the sort. This is sort of a gray area, though, because some brunches, such as bridal showers, may have a dress code.
That being said, it’s also not exactly the same idea as breakfast in bed, so don’t show up in PJs or sweats either. Unless, of course, you’re having brunch at home–then you can feel free to wear the same clothes you went to sleep in!
While dressing up or down really depends on the event itself, there is one thing that’s definitely a brunch time no-no: wearing tight-fitting, constricting clothing.
Chances are, you’re having brunch to indulge. Pants that put pressure on your belly while you’re trying to enjoy all the bacon and French toast you’d like are honestly a mood killer.
Best Places to Buy Brunch Outfits
Nearing the end of our guide on what to wear to brunch, you may be wondering where you can get your hands on some semi-casual pieces. Below, we’ll share our top stores to get you feeling stylish and ready to eat in no time!
- Reformation
- Frank and Oak
- H&M
- Aritzia
- Pretty Little Thing
- Missguided
- Nasty Gal
- Boohoo
Final Thoughts
Overall, deciding what to wear to brunch doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful, and we hope that our guide and list of outfits have cleared that up for you.
While you likely have plenty of viable options in your collection, what you end up wearing really relies on your personal style and the location itself. With that in mind, you’re all set to start putting together a few brunch outfits!
Got any more fashion questions on your mind? Check out some of our other articles:
