There’s something universally charming about brunch. It’s the middle ground between lazy weekends and a chance to dress up without going overboard. Whether you’re catching up with friends over mimosas or grabbing pancakes with family, brunch outfits strike that sweet spot between casual comfort and effortless style. But let’s be honest—figuring out what to wear can be trickier than choosing between French toast and avocado toast.

A go-to choice for many is dresses for brunch—versatile, flattering, and easy to style. The beauty of a good brunch dress is that it does most of the work for you. You throw it on, pair it with a few accessories, and suddenly you look like you’ve got your life together—even if you overslept or skipped your morning skincare routine. But the key to really owning the look is to dress with your environment, vibe, and personal comfort in mind.

1. Read the Room (and the Restaurant)

The initial step in planning your brunch look isn’t opening your closet—it’s looking at the location. A rooftop cafe in the city requires a different vibe than a beachside or country bistro. If the venue is on the more upscale side, structured pieces such as a belted mini dress or a wrap dress in neutral colours keep the look refined. For relaxed venues, flowy textures and loose silhouettes are magic.

It’s not just about style; it’s about feeling good in your clothes. There is nothing that kills a brunch atmosphere like overdressing or freezing on a breezy patio. Consider realistically what your day will be like, and let that inform your clothing.

2. Comfort is the New Chic

Brunch typically entails grub (plenty of it), giggles, and perhaps a repeat round of cocktails. Nipped-in waistbands or stiff fabrics are not your best friends here. Elastic-waisted dresses, soft fabrics such as cotton or linen, and simple A-line cuts provide you with the flexibility to indulge in your meal and wander about without hindrance.

For most, post-pandemic especially, fashion is no longer merely about appearance but about how clothing makes them feel. Brunch ensembles should be indicative of that evolution. Feel-good fashion is the way to go, and fortunately, it is just as aesthetically pleasing on Instagram.

3. When in Doubt, Layer It Out

Weather can be unpredictable, and nobody likes getting caught under- or over-dressed. Women’s jackets come in all shapes and forms; lightweight cardigan sweaters, cropped jean jackets, or oversized blazers are ideal layering items. They can dress up even the most basic dress while providing you with warmth when the AC is pumping or the wind kicks in.

Bonus: layers provide depth and dimension to your look, so it feels more thought out and put together, particularly if you’re dining at something picturesque.

4. Footwear That Won’t Fail You

Brunch sometimes turns into a spontaneous shopping trip or an afternoon stroll. That’s why shoes matter just as much as your dress. Wedges, ballet flats, strappy sandals, or clean sneakers all bring a casual, comfortable vibe while still complementing the look.

Heels may be fabulous, but unless you’re dining, brunch and running, think about whether they’ll last the day’s excitement. If unsure, pack collapsible flats in your purse—it’s a brunch life hack you’ll thank yourself for later.

5. Accessories: Keep It Light, Keep It You

One of the easiest ways to make your brunch style more personalised is with accessories. A cute hair clip, bold sunglasses, or a small crossbody bag can all make the outfit more personalised without overpowering the look.

That being said, less is more in this case. A chunky necklace could clash with a printed dress, and oversized earrings might not go with a boho look. When accessorising, question yourself: does this make the outfit better, or is it just added weight?

6. Brunch Looks by Season

Fashion is not one size fits all, particularly when the weather changes with the seasons. Florals and pastel dresses are usually the order of spring, preceded by a light trench coat or denim jacket on the cooler mornings. For summer, bold colours, lightweight cotton or linen dresses, and strappy sandals that keep you cool yet stylish are the way to go. Don’t forget the sunscreen if you’re brunching al fresco.

As temperatures drop, autumn welcomes earthy tones, midi dresses, and cozy layers like boots and cropped jackets. In mild winters, sweater dresses with tights, sturdy boots, and longline coats strike the perfect balance between warmth and style. No matter the season, the golden rule is to dress for comfort and function—you’ll always enjoy brunch more when you’re dressed to match the day.

7. Confidence: The Ultimate Accessory

There’s no brunch outfit without confidence. When you wear something you like, you can tell. You laugh louder, you walk taller, and you actually enjoy the moment instead of adjusting your dress or doubting your style.

So, how do you arrive? Experiment with the “mirror test.” When you stand in front of the mirror and smile—like, really smile—you’ve got it. If it doesn’t feel right, adjust. Throw on a belt, switch shoes, or cut your hair. Brunch isn’t a catwalk, but rather something you should enjoy.

Make It Your Own

Trends may be fleeting, but personal style endures. Whatever your style—girly and flirtatious or minimal and chic—there’s a brunch look that’s you. The objective is not to make an impression—just to look good and eat well, have fun with friends, and be outside.

At the end of the day, fashion isn’t about rigid rules or perfect outfits. It’s about how clothes make us feel in the moments that matter. So next time you’re planning a Sunday outing, don’t overthink it. Pick a dress that speaks to you, throw on your favourite accessories, and go soak up those golden brunch hours.