Few things are worth getting out of bed early on a weekend for, but one thing that in my eyes is 100% worth it is brunch. I'll happily emerge from my duvet cocoon at the first mention of buttermilk pancakes or gooey eggs florentine.
The brunch (and really, weekend in general) dress code varies depending on what your plans are and where you're off to. If you're a regular at your local café, a casual jeans-and-tee combo will suffice. In some city locations, on the other hand, an elevated getup feels more appropriate—especially if your meal is served with mimosas. Plus, when you're finally out-of-office, I feel one should always seize the opportunity to get a little dressed up!
At this point, I'm a bona fide brunch expert, so I feel qualified in offering some ensemble advice. Wherever you go for your mid-morning nosh, there are important—nay, crucial—factors to keep in mind: Firstly, and most pressingly, you should feel unrestricted. Choose relaxed, loose-fitting or stretchy clothing that will allow for the impending food baby (particularly if you've opted for a bottomless brunch). Something like a flowy midi dress or stretch-waist trousers.
Secondly, consider nifty layers that can easily come off once you're seated and ready to eat. It's autumn, so you'll need something to chuck on for the journey to and from, but the last thing you want is to wind up in a sweat midway through your first cup of hot coffee.
If you're still struggling with what to wear for this weekend's plans, scroll on for 11 chic and comfy looks that fit the bill.
1. Slouchy Sweater + Maxi Skirt
Style Notes: Francesca Saffari makes sipping coffee look cool in this oversized knit + longline skirt combination. Wear a ribbed tank top underneath and stick to sneakers to achieve that nonchalant look.
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There are limitless outfit options with a simple knit like this one.
Maxi hemlines are having a moment.
2. Quilted Jacket + Loose-Fit Trousers
Style Notes: Yes, it's that quilted Frankie Shop jacket again. We just can't get enough—but our bias aside, it seems like the perfect chuck-on option for a laid-back brunch with friends.
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A lot of items claim to be oversized, but this one truly is.
My excitement for trousers that look polished but feel like pyjamas will never diminish.
3. Knitted Vest + Wide-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: Knitted vests have returned as a must-have for autumn/winter. This year, we're seeing a lot of the buttoned variety, which looks so sleek undone and layered over a long-sleeved top.
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It's a fine line between too thin and too thick knitwear. This one hits the mark, in my eyes.
We'll be wearing wide-leg jeans with all our autumn staples for the forseeable.
4. Double Denim
Style Notes: Love it or hate it, double denim keeps coming back in style—which must make it timeless? Rock your Canadian tuxedo with heeled boots, like Liv Purvis.
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That frilled collar is justification enough to add another denim jacket to your collection.
H&M always has a great denim offering. This wide-leg style are just perfect.
5. Striped Knit + Midi Skirt
Style Notes: Loose and relaxed yet put-together, this outfit has ‘brunch’ written all over it. Finish the look off with a supersized tote (big enough to stash your leftovers in).
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This Totême sweater had officially reached cult status.
Mango makes some of the best everyday staples around.
6. Babydoll Dress + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Mini dresses and knee-high boots are a match made in heaven. Smocked silhouettes are food-baby-friendly and look mega stylish in all kinds of settings.
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Checks for autumn? Groundbreaking. Maybe not, but they're still an absolute must.
These would also look great with washed black jeans tucked in.
7. Trench Coat + Athleisure
Style Notes: Athleisure makes complete sense for Sunday brunch, especially if you've just rolled out of bed or come straight from yoga class. Add a trench coat for a chic Parisian twist.
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This Frankie Shop beauty is right at the top of my wish list.
Leggings you'll feel great in.
8. Knitted Dress
Style Notes: On cold autumn days when it's a struggle to leave the house, bundle up in a cosy knitted dress. Messy eaters might want to think twice about neutral shades...
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I love how this looks with chunky boots.
Make every outfit infinitely more stylish with these knee-high boots.
9. Knitted Co-Ord
Style Notes: Two knits are better than one. Woolly co-ords are a great solution to unpredictable weather and the dressing dilemmas that come with it.
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Feeling the chill? Reformation has swooped in to save the day.
This high street brand's denim is seriously underrated. Trust me.
10. Pleated Skirt + Mary Janes
Style Notes: When in doubt, look to the Parisians for outfit inspiration. Franny Fyne's smart off-duty look suits all kinds of occasions, brunch included.
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Layer under a long wool coat on brisk winter days.
This is an easy piece to dress up or down with a simple change of accessories.
11. Blazer + T-Shirt
Style Notes: Blazer, jeans and a vintage-inspired tee will work for just about any weekend activity. If you have post-brunch shopping plans, this outfit is a safe bet.
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This doubles as a handy cover-up for the office.
H&M has so many punchy graphic T-shirts to choose from.
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