Who doesn’t love brunch? It’s a date to catch up, laugh and share a gossip or two. But beyond all that fun, brunch with friends is always a great time to dress up. You get to show up looking stylish and that is quite exciting because the rules are loose and there is almost no wrong answer.
Whether you are heading to a rooftop restaurant, a cozy cafe, or a sunny outdoor terrace, this is your opportunity to wear pieces that do not often get to leave the closet. Those bold prints, the flirty dresses, the statement accessories, all of it is fair game.
To get you started, I have put together twelve inspiration looks ranging from the casual to the more adventurous. So, if you have ever stared at your wardrobe before a brunch date, wondering what to wear, this article has you covered.
How to Choose a Brunch Date Outfit
There are no hard rules for brunch outfits but a few simple guidelines can help you pick a look that matches the mood. To ensure that you feel your best, always follow these three tips:
1. Consider the location
An upscale rooftop brunch at a restaurant may call for something polished like a midi dress, tailored trousers, or a chic blouse and heels. On the other hand, a chill date at a neighbourhood cafe gives you room to be playful and relaxed with your outfit choices. Similarly, if you are headed to an outdoor brunch in a garden, you’ll have to consider comfort over fashion.
2. Check the weather
This one sounds obvious, but it is easy to forget when you are excited about an outfit. If you are brunching outdoors on a warm sunny day, a flare dress or a light linen set is going to serve you so much better than a knit sweater or a blazer.
On a cooler day, layering becomes your best friend. A dress with a cardigan, a blouse with a coat thrown over it, or a cute jumper and wide leg trousers are all great options that keep you warm without sacrificing style. Check the forecast the night before and plan accordingly.
3. Pick an aesthetic
Brunch is one of those occasions where your personal style gets to shine. Are you going for feminine with florals and pastels or Casual cool with jeans and a great top?. Deciding on a general vibe before you start pulling things out of your wardrobe makes the whole process so much easier and more fun.
What to Wear for Brunch with Friends: 12 Outfit Ideas to Inspire You
1. The jumpsuit
A tweed jumpsuit layered over a white turtleneck creates a look that is stylish and coordinated. And with old money looks trending right now, you cannot go wrong with this combo. A black indie hat adds a cool editorial touch, elevating the whole outfit. Complete it with flats, a mini bag and stud earrings to pull the style together.
2. The casual classic
I love me a good pair of wide leg jeans with a basic white tee. This is the brunch outfit equivalent of a deep breath. It is relaxed, charming, and simple. It’s the accessories that really bring out the character in this look. A grey cardigan around the shoulders, a bucket bag and a sun hat add the cherry on top. White sneakers or flat sandals keep things comfortable.
3. The striped blazer
This look pairs a striped oversized blazer over a black camisole with high waist jeans. You may tuck in the camisole with a belt at the waist or leave it out for a laidback look. A small envelope bag and a pair of aviator sunglasses finish it off. It is a smart casual combination that works beautifully for an indoor brunch at an upscale venue. Style it up with black pointed flats or block heels.
4.The monochrome dress
This is the look for the woman who wants to make an impression without saying a word. A colour blocked midi dress with a wide leather belt at the waist to cinch the waist is the very image of chic. Put on a print headscarf, oversized square sunglasses for that vogue inspired touch. The combination is striking and some strappy heels push the look from simple to memorable.
5. Bodysuit and white jeans
A long sleeve bodysuit tucked into white jeans makes a beautiful brunch date look. To make it casual chic, add a thin black belt, square sunglasses and minimal jewellery. The contrast between the black top and white jeans is classic and works on every body type. Style it with black heeled boots, loafers, or white trainers, depending on the vibe of the venue.
6. The feminine pink
For the brunch date where you want to lean fully into soft and summery, this look delivers. An oversized pink button down shirt cinched at the waist with a polka dot sash is a cute look. Since the top is a creamy pink its only right to make the trousers an off white colour. A cream hat, round sunglasses and blush pink arm candy add to the summer aesthetic. Style it up with white loafers, kitten heels, or nude sandals.
7. All black elegance
When in doubt, go all black. A sheer V-neck top paired with high waist pants is a minimalistic outfit that takes no effort at all. Complete the look with a gold pendant necklace, a watch, and a large camel tote bag to hold your left over desert. This works for a brunch where you want to look chic with a hint of 90’s aesthetic. Style it with black heeled sandals or camel loafers to match the bag.
8. Edgy leather jacket
If your personal style leans more towards cool and edgy, this is the look for you. A black leather biker jacket worn over a longline shirt, black fitted leggings underneath, is a perfect grunge girl outfit that doesn’t go overboard. Finish with black ankle boots or trainers.
9. The cozy chic
When the weather is on the cooler side, lean into your layers. A black turtleneck underneath a soft, oversized grey teddy coat with a miniskirt and fleece pantyhose is a great look to try. If you have a black or red beret, tilt to one side for a gorgeous French street look. Style it with black ankle boots or loafers and a mini bag.
10. Crop top and high waist jeans
This black halter neck crop top paired with high waist boyfriend jeans goes with gold hoop earrings and a delicate necklace. The red lip is the hero of this look and it transforms a simple outfit into a mid-summer outfit. Style it with kitten heels and a cute shoulder bag.
11. The basic crop tee
If you are looking for a look that is simple and straightforward, go with this white crop tee with navy wide leg jeans. Trust me, it’s clean, classic and timeless. This combination works for a casual brunch where the vibe is relaxed. To make it pop, add statement earrings in a bold color like red and carry a matching purse. Style it with white trainers or red heels if you are feeling feisty.
12. A Sundress
Sun dresses were practically invented for brunch and this sunny yellow polka dot version is one of the most joyful outfit ideas on this list. This look works for an outdoor brunch on a warm sunny day and brings an energy to the table that is impossible to ignore. Style it with white strappy sandals or nude heels for a warm weather feel.
Final Thoughts
The best brunch outfit is the one that makes you feel like yourself but a little more dressed up than usual. Use the guidelines to narrow down your choices based on where you are going and what the weather is doing, then let your personal style do the rest. Whether you are reaching for a wrap dress, a bold blazer, or a simple crop top and jeans, the most important thing is that you walk in feeling confident and ready to enjoy the day.
