What to Wear to Brunch: A Simple Guide for Every Occasion

What to wear to brunch? In most cases, smart casual is the answer, which means relaxed and comfortable, but put together enough that you would happily be photographed in it. Brunch is a long, slow meal, so comfort really does come first. That said, a café brunch, a five-star Sunday buffet and a festive Diwali or Christmas brunch all call for slightly different looks. So here is my simple guide to getting it right, whatever the occasion, the season or the city.

Before we begin, one thing I do firmly believe. Style is a very personal thing, and there is no one right way to dress for brunch. So please think of everything here as ideas rather than rules. Wear what makes you feel comfortable, confident and most like yourself, because that is what people will remember.

The golden rule: smart casual

If you only remember one thing from this guide, let it be this. Brunch is almost always smart casual (the Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries has a neat definition, if you are curious). In other words, you want to look like you made an effort, without looking like you are heading to a wedding or a board meeting.

I do firmly believe the secret to dressing for brunch is comfort. Unlike a quick lunch, a good brunch can easily go on for three or four hours. You will be seated for a while, walking between counters, going back for one more plate of dessert, and maybe stepping out for photographs. So choose clothes you can actually relax in. Tight waistbands and shoes that pinch are not your friends here.

It is also worth checking the dress code when you book. Many hotels simply ask for smart casual, and some are happy with casual, but a few fine-dining venues are stricter. A quick look at the restaurant’s page or a short call will save you any awkward moments at the door.

What to wear to a café brunch

A café brunch is the most relaxed of all. Think of it as your favourite weekend outfit, just slightly polished.

• Separates: well-fitted jeans, chinos or wide-leg trousers with a crisp shirt, a linen shirt, a polo or a simple top.
• One-and-done pieces: a breezy midi dress, a shirt dress or a cotton co-ord set.
• Shoes: flats, loafers, sandals or clean white sneakers.

Comfort is the priority, so wear whatever makes you feel relaxed and like yourself, with one or two pieces that feel a little special.

What to wear to a hotel Sunday brunch

A hotel brunch deserves a little more thought. Many hotels make their Sunday brunch feel like an occasion, with live counters and music, so think smart casual, leaning towards smart.

• Dresses and sets: a flowing dress, a printed co-ord set, or a light kurta set.
• Tailored separates: tailored trousers or chinos with a crisp shirt or a silk or satin top. A light blazer is a nice touch in air-conditioned restaurants.
• Shoes: loafers, block heels, dressy flats, juttis or smart shoes all work well.

Coming back to comfort, many hotel restaurants are cool inside, so a light layer such as a shrug, a stole or an unstructured jacket is always useful.

What to wear to a festive brunch

Festive brunches are some of the most popular brunches of the year, from Diwali and Christmas to Eid, Onam and New Year. This is your chance to have fun with your outfit, while keeping it lighter than you would for an evening party. Looking for somewhere to go? Our Diwali 2026 Guide lists festive brunches across India.

• Indian festive wear: a light silk or cotton kurta set, a lehenga skirt with a simple top, an easy-to-wear saree, or a Nehru jacket over a plain kurta are all lovely, comfortable choices.
• Festive colours: rich jewel tones, reds, golds and emeralds, or a velvet or satin piece, add a celebratory touch to any outfit.
• Traditional textiles: many people like to wear something that reflects the festival, such as the cream and gold kasavu that is popular at Onam.

My one piece of advice is to keep your heaviest, most formal pieces for an evening event. A brunch is still a daytime meal, and you will enjoy it more if you can move freely.

What to wear to a rooftop or poolside brunch

Rooftop and poolside brunches are lovely, but they mean sun, breeze and sometimes a bit of heat. Choose light, breathable fabrics, and bring sunglasses. A wide-brimmed hat is a good idea if you will be seated outdoors. Leave very high heels at home, especially near the pool, and pick wedges, flat sandals or loafers instead.

Dress for the weather, not just the occasion

Here is something many brunch guides forget. What you wear depends as much on the weather as on the venue. India’s seasons change a lot, and so does the climate from one city to the next, so the same Sunday brunch can call for linen in one place and a warm layer in another. This is how I would think about it.

Summer (roughly March to June)

Stick to cotton, linen and other natural fabrics in light colours. Loose shapes like kaftans, shirt dresses, relaxed linen trousers and short-sleeved shirts will keep you cool. Sunglasses are a must, and so is a light scarf or stole for the air-conditioning once you are inside.

Monsoon (roughly June to September)

Choose quick-drying fabrics and darker or printed colours that won’t show splashes. This is the season to skip suede shoes, long trailing hems and anything that turns see-through in the rain. Waterproof sandals or loafers, a compact umbrella and a light jacket will see you through.

Winter (roughly November to February)

Winter means very different things across India. In the north, mornings can be properly cold, so layer up with a fine knit, a shawl, a smart coat or a jacket that you can take off once you are inside. In the south and along the coast, winter is mostly mild and pleasant, so a light layer is usually all you need.

City by city

• Mumbai, Chennai and Kochi: warm and humid for most of the year, so breathable fabrics are your best friend, with an umbrella in the monsoon.
• Delhi and North India: hot summers and cold winters, so dress for the season, and keep a warm layer handy from December to February.
• Bengaluru: milder than most Indian cities, so a light jacket or cardigan is often useful, especially in the evenings and during the monsoon.
• Goa: relaxed, sunny and beachy, so think breezy dresses, linen shirts and sandals for most of the year.

Brunching abroad

If you are travelling, check the forecast before you pack your brunch outfit. A winter brunch in London or Toronto calls for a warm coat, boots and a scarf over your smart casual look, while a brunch in Dubai or Singapore is all about light, breathable fabrics. Again, the same golden rule applies everywhere. Be comfortable, be a little polished, and dress for the day you actually have.

What not to wear to brunch

I will confess I don’t believe in too many fashion rules. However, a few things are worth avoiding at a brunch.

• Anything uncomfortable. You will be there for a few hours, so wear something you can relax in.
• Very formal evening wear. Heavy embellishment and very formal suits can feel a little too much for a daytime meal.
• Uncomfortable shoes. Hotel brunches involve plenty of walking between counters.

A note on brunch with children

If you are taking children, dress them comfortably in something they can move and play in, and pack a spare top for the little ones. Some hotel brunches have play areas or activities for children, so practical clothes will save you a lot of worry.

New to brunch? Read our guide, What Is Brunch? Its History, the Best Time to Eat It, and Brunches Around the World.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear to brunch?

For most brunches, smart casual is the safest choice. That could be jeans or chinos with a crisp shirt or nice top, a simple dress, or a light kurta set, with comfortable shoes.

Is brunch formal or casual?

Brunch is usually casual or smart casual. Café brunches are the most relaxed, while hotel and festive brunches call for something a little smarter.

Can I wear jeans to brunch?

Yes. Well-fitted jeans in a dark or clean wash are perfect for most brunches, especially when you pair them with a smart shirt, top or blazer.

What should men wear to brunch?

Chinos or dark jeans, a linen or cotton shirt, and loafers are an easy choice. For a hotel or festive brunch, add a light blazer or wear a kurta.

Can I wear sneakers to brunch?

Clean, minimal sneakers work well for a café brunch. For a hotel brunch, loafers, smart flats or sandals are usually a better choice.

What should I wear to a brunch in summer in India?

Choose cotton and linen in light colours, and loose, breathable shapes such as kaftans, shirt dresses and linen trousers.

What should I wear to brunch in the monsoon or in winter?

In the monsoon, choose quick-drying fabrics, darker colours and waterproof footwear. In winter, add a warm layer such as a knit, shawl or jacket, especially in North India, and take it off once you are inside.

All images on this page are illustrative.

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The Daily Brunch editorial team, led by co-founder Anju Anna Alex, has written about luxury hotels, restaurants, chefs and travel across India and beyond since 2016, with stories told through the people behind them.