20 Brunch Outfit Ideas For Summer
Some of the best summer weekends begin with brunch. The warm weather makes it the perfect time to hang out with friends and catch up with your favorite people. Brunches are also a great opportunity to show off…your style! You have to consider the weather, how comfortable you want to be, the occasion, and what you’ll be doing afterward. For example, if you are running from brunch to errands, you might want versatile pieces and layers. This roundup of summer brunch outfit ideas will cover looks from the dressiest of bridal brunches to the most comfy and casual.
If you want a simple one-and-done maxi dress for your next brunch or summer get together, you’ll find some stunning options here.
Casual Brunch Outfit Ideas
#1) Linen Maxi Dress & Slide Sandals
This first brunch outfit idea is one that is casual but also SO comfortable. I’m wearing a breezy linen striped maxi dress by Feherty. It’s perfect for warm weather when you want to be covered up but not hot. There’s a button detail at the back that you can either leave open or button up to cinch in the waist a bit to add some definition. I paired the dress with some fun crochet slides by Sam Edelman that have a padded footbed. The texture is so cool and unique on these sandals. To finish off the look I threw on a hat and some sunglasses. If you’re eating brunch outdoors at your favorite brunch spot, the added sun protection is key!
#2) Matching Linen Pants and Tank
Keeping with the same easy fabric as the first look, here’s another linen-cotton blend brunch outfit but this time it’s a matching tank and pants set from Splendid. The pants are a pull-on style, have a relaxed fit, and have a high, drawstring waist. I mean these are VERY comfy pants. They have just shy of a 30” inseam so I can wear sandals with them (I’m 5’4”). The matching tank is slightly cropped with a button front and also has a relaxed fit. The straps are bra-friendly too which is always a bonus. This is such a versatile set that can be styled in so many different ways. In the last picture above I put the dress from look #1 over it showing you that you can wear it as a lightweight 3rd layer too. Layering is so key in the summer as you move from the outdoor heat to AC and back again!
You’ll see just how versatile the pants and tank are as I style them in a few of the looks to follow 😉
#3) Linen Pants, Satin Tee & Cardigan
Here I’m wearing the same Splendid pants from the last look but with a super soft satin and flutter sleeve top from Evereve. The v-neckline is flattering and the ruched details at the shoulder add some interest. This elevated tee is perfect for the ladies that love to keep cool, but want to keep their arms covered. I’m also wearing a beautiful cotton blend cardigan with ¾ puff sleeves. You can drape it over your shoulders on your way to/from brunch and look extra chic. The color of the stripes in the cardigan matches the tee to a…tee ; ) These are such lovely, flowy, and effortless pieces that still looked SO pulled together.
#4) Linen Pants and Striped Top
Here’s another way to style the same drawstring Splendid pants. This time I thew on a neutral striped Rails half button down. It has a body-skimming fit, long sleeves, and a collared neckline. I know I’ll wear this top with jeans and shorts this summer too, but I really love it paired with these pants!
#5) Linen Pants, Tank & Cropped Blazer
Remember me saying you’d see these pants styled a few different ways? I wasn’t kidding! Honestly, I just didn’t want to take them off! This is the same Splendid tank and pants set but with a cropped blazer over it. I love a cropped blazer, especially for petite women, because it helps define the waist and lengthen your frame. It’s double-breasted and has slightly padded shoulders. It would also be really cute with the matching shorts…perfect for brunch and beyond. The neutral color story from these past few looks is very sophisticated and versatile. ALL these pieces work so well together!
Bridal Brunch Outfit Ideas
#6) Blazer & Shorts Matching Set
This shorts and blazer set by Bronx & Banco is SO chic and cool and would be perfect for a bride-to-be or bridal brunch. The shorts are a beautiful neutral beige, perfect for summer. But the coolest part about these shorts is that they have the double B Bronx & Banco logo that adds the right amount of pop to the look. They’re super high-rise and pass the fingertip test. I paired them with the matching blazer that has oversized puff shoulders, which I love! But if that’s not your style you could wear these with a different beige blazer…they don’t have to match perfectly. Under the blazer, I’m wearing a white cami by Generation Love that has a cool chain detail around the neck that makes it one of those basics-with-a-twist I’m always talking about. I completed the look with some gold jewelry, a raffia clutch, and some raffia platform heels. You can always swap the platform heels for a pair of wedges or flat sandals if you are going to be walking to bunch.
#7) Bold Print Dress
I’ve been a huge fan of Farm Rio pieces lately and this dress is no exception! The lovely vibrant prints, soft fabrics, and unique styles are perfect for when you want to dial up your brunch look. The bodice is super flattering and supportive so even though it has an open strappy back, you don’t need to worry about the bra situation because there’s plenty of structure in the bodice. This dress is perfect for so many occasions this summer, even beyond brunch. You can wear it to weddings, on vacations, or even just to dinner! I’m wearing it with wedges, but you could also dress it down with flat sandals if that’s more your speed.
For more summer shoes to pair with all your brunch outfits, make sure you check out this post next.
#8) Bodysuit & White Jeans
If your bridal brunch is a bit less dressy but you still want to look polished and put together, I’d wear something like this monochromatic outfit. This top is actually a bodysuit with a wrap front. I love it so much I have it in multiple colors and wear them all the time! Wrap fronts are such a flattering cut on so many body shapes, particularly for women with large busts. The nice thing about this top is you can wear it alone and it has this sexy but classic feel. But you can also layer it under things so you won’t wear this exclusively in the spring and summer. It’s a piece you can wear throughout the year. And…it’s only $68 and comes in 11 colors! With the bodysuit, I’m wearing high-rise, cropped white jeans by Pistola. I love that these jeans don’t have pockets in the front, so you get a more streamlined look. I finished off the look with a rafia belt and some Sam Edelman platforms. For the belt, the neutral color is limited in sizing but this one is super similar.
Birthday Brunch Outfit Ideas
Let’s say you’re going to a birthday brunch and you want to wear something a little special, modern, and fun. Each of these next 3 looks features one of my favorite, sexy style trends for summer…cutouts!
#9) Cutout Shirt Dress
This cutout shirtdress by A.L.C. is both classy and sexy and I just love it! On the sexy side…it has a v-neckline that’s very flattering and cutouts on the sides. But then on the classy side of things, it has a longer midi hemline and elbow-length sleeves to contrast the amount of skin you’re showing on top. To tone it down for brunch you can wear some wedges like these comfy See By Chloe wedges, but you could also dress it down with flat or block heel sandals. Then, to wear it for an evening look, just swap out the wedges for some strappy heels. Voila! It’s a very versatile dress.
#10) One-Shoulder Cutout Dress
The next cutout dress is a one-shoulder midi dress by Moon River that is very affordable at $69.. It’s sexy, simple, and chic. I love the one puff shoulder and small cutout that’s strategically placed for that flattering effect. Since it’s a one-shoulder, you have to consider the bra situation, but you could wear a strapless bra or nippies.
#11) Denim Mini Dress
This next denim cutout dress from Cinq á Sept would be perfect for a Birthday brunch where you really want to dial up the cool factor! It has subtle cutouts at the waist and a slightly open back with a zip closure. The vertical top stitching is really flattering and the slight puff shoulder helps creates volume on my top half and that inverted triangle effect to define my waist. The denim has some stretch to it so it’s extra comfortable too. So you can enjoy that stack of pancakes without worrying about being too constricted 😉
If you are just not sure you can wear the popular cutout trend over 40…yes you can! I share ALL my tips here.
Classy Brunch Outfit Ideas
#12) Classic Shirt Dress
Now, what if you want to just wear a classy look for brunch? So, not showing much skin but an elevated and refined look. This shirtdress from Frank & Eileen would be an excellent choice. It drapes over the body without clinging but is equally not too oversized. You can pop the collar and add a waistbelt and a pair of wedges like I did here or just put on some comfy slides or flat sandals. This a classic look that is perfect for brunch and beyond! This dress is a best-seller for good reason. It comes in 17 different fabrics, colors, and patterns.
#13) Blazer, Tank, and Jeans
Next up in the classy brunch category is one of my favorite outfit formulas that works for so many occasions, so why not brunch too!? A classic pair of dark wash jeans, an elevated tank or cami, and a cropped blazer. These jeans by L’Agence are some of THE most flattering I’ve ever owned…and I own a lot of jeans! They do run long with a 34” inseam, but if you are on the petite side like me (I’m 5’4”) you can cut the raw edge hem for the perfect length or wear them with heels. I’m wearing them with a crystal-chain detailed tank by Generation Love and a cropped A.L.C. blazer. Worn over the tank, the cropped blazer creates waist definition that is so flattering. Plus you get that extra coverage when the restaurant cranks up the air conditioning! If you think of this look as an outfit formula, you can likely create this look with items you already have in your closet.
#14) Classic LBD
This Michael Stars dress is definitely a classic…I know because I’ve owned it for YEARS. It just never gets old. This is why I so often share how important it is to have essential basics in your closet…that last and last and last. While black might not be the typical color you think of for an afternoon brunch, it can be incredibly chic. To glam up this look, I’d add some oversized sunglasses and swap the slides for some wedges. I might even add a blazer and a lightweight scarf, depending on the temperature. Classic, basic, and chic. So easy!
Simple Brunch Outfit Ideas
And now for some simple brunch outfit ideas. If you’re hanging out with your family, girlfriends, or kiddos and just want something easy to put together that will keep you looking polished in the heat, these looks are for you!
#15) Printed Top & Shorts
In this look, I’m wearing a pretty printed top by Free People…I love this print because it’s not too loud or big. I styled it with a pair of white shorts by Veronica Beard. They have a 10.5” rise, 3.5” inseam, a tie waist, and raw hem. Note: I had them hemmed to remove the raw hem for a more streamlined look. Wear this look with some cute flat sandals for your casual brunch or dress it up with wedges.
#16) Casual Top & Shorts
This look is similar to the last look I shared but even a little more casual…perfect for your casual brunch! This top by Aqua has a fun and flattering striped pattern I love for summer. The blue is so pretty, but I’m thinking I might need the green version too! I love the flattering v-neckline, subtle puff shoulders, and that it’s body-skimming (not fitted). It’s a great top for hiding a tummy too. And…it’s under $70.
#17) Crochet Sweater & Jeans
Along the lines of another simple brunch outfit, this beautiful lilac Veronica Beard cropped sweater and white Mother wide-leg jeans would be very chic and sophisticated. The sweater is great for adding a little coverage but the open-work crochet knit details still offer some ventilation …so you don’t overheat. I’ve been wearing these jeans non-stop since I got them. They aren’t see-through and they are the perfect length for me with the 4” Valentino wedges. This is an elevated but effortless look.
#18) Monochromatic Elevated T-Shirt & Jeans
I talk a lot about monochromatic dressing and how chic it can look to wear one color from head to toe. And, it’s a fashion trend that isn’t going away anytime soon! For a simple summer brunch outfit, wearing all white or really any light color will keep you cool! It doesn’t get more simple for summer than a white tee and jeans! This Nation LTD tee is one of those basics with a twist I’m always talking about. I own a few tees from this brand and love the design details they add that make them look more like blouses. They elevate a look more than a normal white tee and are much more fashion-forward. This tee has a subtle puff sleeve, ruching in the front, and a flattering v-neckline. I styled the tee half-tucked into some cropped white jeans with a brown belt but you could easily leave it untucked too. On my feet some comfy slides…again SO easy!
Fancy Brunch Outfit Ideas
#19) Lace Top & White Pants
And finally…let’s talk about a few fancy brunch looks! If you aren’t someone who loves dresses or you just prefer the versatility of separates, this look is for you! Lace is just inherently sophisticated and feminine but finding lace that’s great quality (not itchy!) can take some work. This top by Karen Millen is IT! It basically has ALL the flattering details I always talk about wrapped up in one. The flattering v-neckline, slight puff shoulder, cinched waist, AND peplum collectively make this a perfect blouse for so many body types. And then you have the gorgeous powder blue color on top of everything. You could pair this top with white jeans for a more casual look but for a fancy brunch, a pair of white pants with a straight-leg cut would be incredibly elegant! These pants are also from Karen Millen and are on sale right now so this would be a wonderful time to scoop them up. For your shoe choice, a neutral heel or sandal would both be pretty options!
Sizing note: This top runs a little small, size up on size.
#20) Pink Cutout Dress
This dress just screams SUMMER and femininity and of course, I mostly love it because it’s pink! A gorgeous, standout dress that does all of the heavy lifting is the easiest way to put together a fancy brunch look. I’m wearing a Farm Rio dress that’s a beautiful, bright pink color. There are a few details that make this a standout dress… the summery, beautiful eyelet fabric, scalloped hem, flattering V-neckline, and side cutouts. You might be wary of cutouts, but the placement and size of the cutouts on this dress make it very flattering! The little bit of skin showing on the sides is offset by the longer hemline and elbow-length sleeves. Plus, it’s 100% cotton so you won’t get hot if the event you’re attending is outside.
OK, help us settle a debate. Are you an ice coffee and cold brew kind of coffee drinker or do you drink your coffee hot even on the warmest days of summer? While Team Busbee gets along magically, this is one thing we can NOT agree on 🤣 Cast your vote in the comments below!
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