The Best Looks for Every Type of Brunch On Your Cal

Who said shirt dresses had to be shapeless? This dress features a smocked waist with a tie, creating a chic, structured silhouette. It’s also available in five different colorways — including an eye-catching floral pattern — and in sizes 00-24. ($168+, J.Crew)

This ruffle-adjacent V-neck slip dress is a great choice for any events held outside in warmer weather. It’s breezy thanks to its side slit, and the orange shade pops against any grassy background. Pair it with your favorite hoops and block heels to complete the look. ($54.99, ASOS)   

One of our editors wrote about this midi dress a few months ago, and we couldn’t help but bring it back. It features a corset-style bodice with a full skirt that hits just below the knee. Its classic square neck and nine summer-ready shades and prints make it worth the investment. ($295, STAUD)

No look is complete without a pair of angled-square sunnies like these. They’re from the brand’s new “The Festival Edit” line and we can’t help but feel the sun’s warmth and sweet smells of summertime when we throw them on. Our advice? Snag both colors to maximize every outfit. ($85, Quay)  

Consider this look a one-and-done outfit. It’s made with a machine-washable linen-blend material and features adjustable straps and a comfortable elastic in the back for the perfect fit. If you’ve been looking for something lightweight that hugs in all the right places, you’ve found it. ($110, Abercrombie & Fitch)

Jeans have been a highly contested item as of late, but we think this style is foolproof. They’re high-waisted, loose through the leg, and perfectly cropped — making them ideal to pair with any top and shoes. The bright colors make them a fun choice for a girls’ brunch. ($85.95, Nordstrom)

If you’re into all things retro, these vintage-inspired overalls are waiting to be added to your cart. They feature a relaxed, slightly oversized fit, though it's recommended you size down if you’re between sizes. Top it off with a crisp white tee or tank for the ultimate casual-cool look. ($178, Faherty)

Just like you, this linen dress takes brunch very seriously. Its cowl-neck and ruched-side combo make it a great dress to wear to any networking event, informational interview, or team-building activity that might also involve fresh coffee and a bread basket. It also comes in petite and plus sizes. ($138, Anthropologie)

This dress checks all the boxes. It has a clean, wide neckline, a stretchy smocked waistband, and a flowy long skirt that hits at just the right spot. It also comes in three shades that work as elevated neutrals. Truly, a 10/10. ($198, Faherty) 

Thank to its shirt-style collar and belted waist, this one-piece has become a favorite for casual yet professional events. It uses snaps instead of buttons (a major pro) to close and has six roomy pockets that are both cute and functional. ($99, Mango)

If you end up buying more than one (or two, or three) we promise not to tell. This summery halter-neck dress is a bestseller for a reason. While the high neck is a little on the conservative side, the colorways definitely aren’t. We especially love the bow detailing on the front and the back. ($38.99+, Amazon)

Brunch with mom is the best time to bring out the classics. The accordion pleats on this skirt give it texture and movement, and would pair well with sneakers, sandals, or heels. However you style it, Mom will certainly approve. ($84.50+, J.Crew)

Denim maxi skirts are great to have on hand for last-minute invites — they always look trendy, but are just as easy to style as jeans. This particular style comes in nine different washes — including a deep red and light beige — depending on the vibe you’re going for. It’s designed to hit right below your waist, but you can cinch it higher up on your waist with a belt. ($118, Free People) 

This easy-to-wear dress is basically made for those last-minute “brunch?” texts in the group chat. It features wide straps, a sweetheart neckline, and (wait for it) pockets. Throw it on with a denim jacket and your go-to white sneaks for a look that takes less than five minutes to put together. ($16.47+, Old Navy)

Easy, wallet-friendly, and a touch sexy? Sign us up. This dress will make you feel put-together without being fussy. It wears like your favorite tank top, but includes a flattering ruched midsection. Its stretchy, soft material also makes it a great choice for expecting moms. ($31.99, Amazon)

One of our editors (hi) calls this the Ariana Grande-inspired dress, thanks to its tight bodice and playful empire-waisted skirt. The soft lavender hue only makes us want to blast “We Can’t Be Friends” more. Let the festivities begin. ($180, Banana Republic)

In case you’re looking for sequins but want something a little more subtle, this column skirt has got you covered. It’s easy to dress up with a silky top or down with a T-shirt, depending on the venue, so you’ll get more wear out of it than you think. ($39.99, Madewell)

This loose-fitting set gets extra brownie points for looking expensive while ringing up at under $30. It comes in nearly every color under the sun, and the button closures on the back add to its laid-back vibe. Plus, you can style each piece separately. ($29.59+, Amazon)

Trust us, you won’t regret swapping your old gray sweats for these cotton fleece cargo lounge pants. Between the extra-large pockets and cute limited-edition shades, these make the perfect statement pants without trying too hard — or being uncomfortable. Pro tip: snag a matching top for an instant outfit. ($78, SKIMS)  

Outdoor means sweat, and sweat means the need for an outfit that looks good without making matters worse. Enter: this muscle tank dress. It's made of soft Supima cotton that keeps it breathable (a must). Plus, it’s long enough to let you sit criss-cross without any wardrobe malfunctions. ($98, Buck Mason)

We don’t gatekeep. Especially when it comes to this maxi dress. The V-neck and wide sleeves add to its unique style, while its tiered skirt keeps it loose and breezy. We recommend pairing it with a wide-brimmed hat, like this one our editor got for her mom. ($168, Anthropologie)

A must for an outdoor picnic brunch. The best part of this straight-leg one-piece is that it looks like denim, feels like denim, but actually wears like your favorite sweatsuit. It’s made with a soft, cotton-elastane blend and features chest, side, and back pockets. ($199, Good American)