How to Look Brunch-Perfect Without Melting in the Heat
- Image credit: @gingerosesmith; @sabionastasia
- By Maxine Wall
- Published On 15 05 25
- In Summer
Weekend brunch is no longer just a Saturday placeholder- it’s the centerpiece of the modern social calendar, it’s where plans come together, group chats go IRL, and every table turns into a mini runway.
Yet the very thing that makes brunch magical is the “anything goes vibe” that leaves you staring at your closet, paralyzed. The group chat’s flood of “See you at twelve?” texts means there’s precisely one hour to pick a vibe that suits rooftop cafés, sidewalk seating, and every selfie in between. Do you lean into a puffy-sleeve blouse with biking shorts, adopt the Bermuda-denim-short-meets-vintage-band-tee formula, or test-drive a matching set that works on the reformer and the patio? The options are endless- until they aren’t.
Lately, Instagram’s It-girls are all backing one standout brunch look. Think voluminous silhouettes primed for boomerang spins, photographs like a dream, flat lay, mirror selfie, or candid laugh over avocado toast.
The revelation hit during my first alfresco booking of the season. As the server delivered pancakes and a side of vitamin D, I clocked a surge in Google searches for “brunch outfits,” mirroring my own obsession with pieces. And dresses weren’t the only players- tops with built-in day-to-night potential and co-ord sets that shimmer in Reels edits all were spiking.
Enter the no-fail brunch outfit currently monopolizing my bookmark folder.
So consider this your all-access pass to the brunch outfits sweeping my current wardrobe. Over the next scroll, I’m listing inspirations that sync with latte art, color combos that amplify group photos, and micro-trends that ensure the chic look. Because brunch plans come and go, but these outfits? Trending harder than your peach Bellini ever will.
#1. Oversized Black Graphic T-shirt + Cream Midi Slip Skirt + Brown Suede Hobo Bag + Leopard Kitten Heels
Possibly one of the easiest ways to turn a graphic tee into a brunch-worthy look is to layer it over a silky midi skirt. Add leopard kitten heels and a suede hobo bag, and it won’t matter how casual the top feels—it all balances out perfectly.
#2. White Graphic T-shirt + Red Bubble Mini Skirt + White Strappy Flat Sandals + Brown and Beige Mini Top-Handle Bag
Where better to start than with tees we swear by year-round? For summer brunch, this happy hour top and red bubble skirt combo is not only easy, but totally fun. Add strappy sandals for a laid-back vibe or swap for wedges if you’re brunching somewhere bougie.
#3. Red Satin Slip Dress + Black Oversized Blazer + Brown Clutch + Red Kitten Heels
Not all summer brunches are casual. If the vibe calls for glam, a red satin slip dress and blazer combo like this one is just the ticket. Add a clutch and gold jewelry, and you’ll feel like you’re brunching with celebrities.
#4. Red Floral Spaghetti Strap Midi Dress + Black Flip-Flops + Straw Tote Bag
I know you didn’t expect to see a floral midi dress for brunch, but hear me out. It feels like the spaghetti strap silhouette made a serious comeback this summer. Pair it with flip-flops and a straw tote, and suddenly, it’s Parisian cool.
#5. Olive Draped Halter Top + Watercolor Print Silk Maxi Skirt + White Kitten Heels
Who says you can’t dress up for brunch? Try pairing a silky watercolor skirt with a draped halter top for a look that’s anything but average. Just swap out the sandals for white kitten heels and you’re golden.
#6. Pink and White Floral Co-Ord + Beige Woven Platform Slides
What’s another way to elevate your brunch co-ord this summer? Take inspo from this pink floral set.
#7. Colorful Geometric Long-Sleeve Co-Ord Jumpsuit + Tan Shoulder Bag + Tan Sandals
Just like the rest of the fashion world, we’re embracing bold matching sets for brunch. Especially when paired with a tan shoulder bag and statement accessories, this geometric co-ord is a conversation starter.
#8. White Satin Midi Dress + Light Beige Blazer + Nude Chain-Strap Shoulder Bag + Black Buckled Sandals
These pieces are foundational for a polished summer brunch outfit. The satin dress and blazer combo transcends trends—add sandals and a chain-strap bag, and you’ve got a French-girl-approved look.
#9. Black Belted Blazer + Black Crewneck T-shirt + Cream Pleated Midi Skirt + White Wrap Espadrilles + Straw Bucket Bag
Leave it to a belted blazer to bring some structure to your brunch look. With a pleated skirt and wrap espadrilles, this black-and-cream combo reads like the chicest take on summer layering.
#10. Black and White Polka Dot Cut-Out Dress + Red Heeled Sandals + Black Baguette Bag
We’ve been singing the praises of the polka-dot dress for a while now, but this silhouette still reigns. Go for one with a cut-out detail, add red heels and nails, and it instantly becomes brunch-date approved.
#11. Leopard Print Slip Dress + Black Woven Clutch + Black Slide Sandals
A leopard slip dress is a brunch-season favorite, but for summer, consider a bold animal print paired with minimalist black sandals. Add a textured clutch and iced coffee in hand for that casually luxe daytime finish.
#12. Black Deep V Corset Dress + Black Bag + Black Kitten Heels
If you haven’t leaned into sleek evening silhouettes for daytime yet, now’s the time. There’s something especially chic about styling a corset dress with refined extras like a pearl necklace or black pointed heels for summer brunch elegance.
#13. White Lace Strapless Bodycon Dress + Beige Slide Heels + White Mini Handbag
I must admit that super girly lace dresses have never been my go-to. But lately, I’ve been gravitating toward styles that feel feminine yet refined—especially ones like this white lace stunner for a dreamy summer brunch setting.
#14. Leopard Print Slip Mini Dress + Brown Shoulder Bag + Brown Slides
Look like you’ve put all the effort into brunch dressing without actually trying, thanks to a leopard mini dress. Add dainty gold jewelry and a classic brown shoulder bag, and you’re instantly summer-ready.
#15. Navy Blue Satin Lace Trim Mini Dress + Black Shoulder Bag + Black Kitten Heels
While styling a slip dress with bold contrast trim makes it stand out, sometimes the simplest additions are the most effective—like a clean shoulder bag or sleek black flats for a playful yet elevated summer brunch outfit.
#16. White Balloon-Sleeve Button-Down Shirt + Dark Brown Midi Skirt + Black Slingback Heels + Brown Leather Mini Bag
The go-to brunch staple right now has to be the midi skirt. While classic and polished, it also brings structure to relaxed pieces like a white balloon-sleeve shirt.
#17. Taupe Bodycon Dress + Beige Blazer + Beige Kitten Heels + White Quilted Chain Bag
After flirting with animal prints and frilly looks this summer, it’s time to go back to tonal minimalism—like this soft taupe dress.
#18. Beige Fuzzy Cardigan + Medium Wash Straight-Leg Jeans + Gray Sneakers + Black Woven
From fuzzy cardigans to retro sneakers, we’re seeing classic staples take on a fresh spin for summer brunch. This updated pairing is the kind you’ll want to rewear all season long—coffee in hand, of course.
#19. Black Sheer Mesh Top + Black Leather Maxi Skirt + Black Heels + Black Cropped Blazer
I’m obsessed with how this mesh top was styled with leather skirt.
#20. White Halter Top + Black Midi Skirt + Black Kitten Heels + Black Quilted Flap Bag
Possibly one of the easiest ways to make any sleeveless knit top and midi skirt outfit feel polished is to add sleek accessories.
#21. Black Ribbed Tank Top + Black Denim Maxi Skirt + Black Crossbody Bag + Black and White Sneakers
Sequins aren’t the only way you can spice up your outfits—case in point: the ensemble above. Consider styling a black denim maxi skirt with a pearl-trimmed tank top to give it a cool new take.
#22. Red Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress + Round Straw Handbag + Silver Heeled Sandals
Consider the outfit above final proof that heeled sandals and a bold pleated dress are a fire pairing to try at home. Whether you re-create the outfit above or any of the ensembles in this story, it’s clear that this is one pairing that will continue to be popular all year long.
#23. Ivory Crewneck Jumper + Ivory Satin Midi Skirt + Dark Brown Kitten Heels + Leopard Print Shoulder Bag
This is especially effective when you need to get ready in a hurry. Throw on your favorite satin midi skirt and add a slouchy jumper to pull the look together.
#24. Sheer White Tank Top + White Straight-Leg Pants + Black Shoulder Bag + Black Flip-Flop Sandals
Mesh tops are a wardrobe staple that looks chic and elevated with everything from trousers to shorts. This season, I’m adding a sheer ruched tank with fringe detail to my wardrobe!
#25. Black Short-Sleeve Knit Top + Brown Tweed Maxi Skirt + Brown Bag + Black Ankle Boots
It’s not that I’ve never seen someone make pairing boots with skirts look good. I have. But it’s simply never worked for me. I’ve tried and failed, and as a result found that classic ankle boots are a far better companion for tweed maxi skirts.
#26. Floral Sleeveless Top + Mid-Wash Wide-Leg Jeans + Black Leather Loafers + Burgundy Top Handle Bag
Floral tops are only boring if you don’t aim to balance out the silhouette. For example, if you’ve got a colorful fitted top, style it with wide-leg jeans and fun socks to create a playful visual contrast.
#27. Yellow Floral Ruched Crop Top + White Wide-Leg Linen Pants + Beige Woven Clutch + Beige Thong Sandals
Most people own at least one pair of breezy linen pants that are more functional than fashionable. But if you want to make them feel like the latter, try pairing them with a floral ruched crop top and minimal accessories.
#28. Green and Pink Floral Slip Dress + Brown Flat Sandals + White Clutch Bag
Happen to be one of those people who can’t quite justify a bold floral dress? I get it; maybe you like something more subtle. A simple way to balance the statement print is by pairing it with neutral accessories—e.g., brown sandals and a white clutch.
#29. Dark Brown V-Neck Top + Off-White Wide-Leg Linen Pants + Brown Woven Mini Handbag + Brown Strappy Sandals
There’s no chicer way to stay elevated this summer than a belted top and wide-leg trousers. The perfect balance between breathable textures and refined tailoring, it will take you from coffee dates to rooftop dinners in one easy look.
#30. Champagne One-Shoulder Satin Gown + Black Quilted Clutch + Black Strappy Sandals
Although gowns don’t always feel practical for summer events, the key to pulling them off in the heat is to pay attention to fabrics. By opting for a satin one-shoulder silhouette, you’ll ensure you look polished and stay breezy through an 80-degree evening.
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