Fall Brunch Outfits That Work Before and After the Mimosa

Fall Brunch Outfits That Work Before and After the Mimosa

Brunch is the one meal where you want to look put together and still be able to sit for two hours. This is the sweater, trouser, flat and small bag combination I would wear before and after the mimosa.

Brunch outfits have a tricky brief. You want to look like you made plans, but you also want to be comfortable enough to stay for the second round of coffee.

I start with the sweater, because fall brunch is mostly about knitwear. The We Norwegians Setesdal pullover in navy is the cozy one, the Prada color-blocked wool-cashmere sweater in green is the polished one, and the Leset James argyle is the one for a table that likes a little pattern. The Róhe knit polo in red is my pick for a friend who always arrives first.

Straight Leg Trousers

A straight trouser is the quiet hero of a brunch outfit. It has enough structure to look intentional and enough room to sit through a long meal.

The Toteme herringbone trousers in a neutral tone are the ones I would wear with a chunky knit, and the Bottega Veneta wool twill pair in black is the sharper option. The Dries Van Noten Huchisa pants are slightly looser, and the DESTREE satin pair adds a little shine for a late table.

Ballet Flats and Mary Janes

Flats are what I wear when I know there will be a walk before the restaurant. They keep the outfit relaxed without making it sloppy.

The Gianvito Rossi Shanti Mary Jane in brown leather is the one I would wear with trousers, and The Row elastic ballet flat in black is the plain, soft one. The Prada leopard pony hair Mary Jane is the playful pair, and the ALAÏA fishnet flat in silver is for anyone who wants a little surprise at the ankle.

Small Shoulder Bags

Brunch does not require a big bag. A phone, a card and a lip balm will do.

The Miu Miu small shoulder bag in brown leather is the rounded, friendly one, and the Khaite Kye in black is the sleek one. The STAUD Levi in suede has a soft curve that works with knits, and the St. Agni woven bag is the one with texture. What I would skip is anything so tiny you cannot fit your sunglasses.

Stay for One More Coffee

A good sweater, a straight trouser, a flat you can walk in and a bag that holds the basics. That is a brunch outfit that is ready for the second round.

If this is the kind of week you are dressing for, I would also read my notes on fall date night outfits, weekend errands outfits, museum day outfits and first day of fall outfits.