Whether you’re catching up with friends or getting together with family, brunch is the perfect occasion. It’s a little bit casual and a little bit dressy — the perfect opportunity to break out a new dress. From champagne brunches to a down-home gathering at a local diner, a dress gives you the freedom to move (and eat).
The trick to finding the perfect brunch dress? Finding something that’s cute and flattering, but still gives you room to breathe after you’ve inhaled a plate of eggs Benedict.
Keep in mind that you’ll be sitting for a couple of hours, which means that it shouldn’t be one that’s skin-tight or that wrinkles easily. When it comes to prints and colors, look for options that are relaxed and fun to suit the mood of the meal.
In the end, there are no rules when it comes to brunch dresses — as long as you feel comfortable, it is a great choice. To help you narrow down the many, many dresses that fit the bill, we’ve chosen our top five favorite options.
Top 5: Brunch Dresses Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
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A little bohemian, a little flower-power — this NANFANGLI Dress has it all. It’s a sexier, upgraded version of a 70s classic style, making it the perfect way to add a retro twist to your next brunch look. With the small-scale floral print, it’s adorable, but still casual enough for a mid-morning meal.
With its off-the-shoulder design, this one shows a bit of skin; it’s a great choice for a brunch with friends, or even a date with a new love. The long sleeves skim your biceps and flare out into bell cuffs at the ends, creating a breezy, artistic look and making it easy to move. The skirt is short and flowy, and best paired with a cute pair of sandals or flats.
Our favorite part? The bodice is smocked with elastic, so it stretches around your torso to create the perfect fit. That means that you can go ahead and stuff yourself at brunch — it will adjust to fit, so you won’t feel restricted or uncomfortable. The fabric is a polyester/Spandex blend that moves easily and keeps you cool on a warm morning.
This dress is machine washable for ease, but it is recommended that you hand wash it.
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Modest and feminine, this OUGES Skater Dress is a great choice for brunch with the in-laws or colleagues from work. The long sleeves keep you warm on a crisp autumn morning; alternatively, layer this one under a jacket for a winter brunch. It comes with pockets, so you can leave your bag at home.
A row of buttons runs down the front of this dress, giving it a charming vintage vibe. The V-neck keeps it looking modern and flattering, all without exposing too much skin. We love the mid-length hem, which hits below the knees — the perfect choice for a breezy outdoor brunch. Pair it with heels or flats. It’s an upscale-casual look on its own, but you can dress it up with a statement necklace or a colorful scarf.
This OUGES dress comes in a huge range of colors and prints, so it’s a breeze to find one to complement your skin tone. The fit is loose and comfortable, allowing you to eat without guilt. Plus, the pull-on style makes it easy to get dressed and out of the house in the morning.
Keep in mind that although this one is made with a cotton/Spandex blend, it’s designed for hand-washing only.
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Embrace classic 50s style with this Mommy and Me Dress, which features a close-fitting bodice and a high neckline. With its full, flounced skirt, this option makes it easy to sit for hours at a leisurely brunch. Wear the circle skirt on its own for a casual look, or slip a crinoline underneath for extra head-turning fullness.
Available in a variety of floral prints, it is perfect for a formal spring brunch. Pair it with a pearl necklace for a traditional look, or toss on a cardigan when the temperatures drop. With its swingy skirt, this frock calls for a pair of adorable heels.
Do you have children? These are part of a Mommy and Me collection, so you can get a matching dress for your little one. Whether it’s for a Mother’s Day meal or a brunch wedding, this semi-formal look is perfect for a special occasion. Each one is made from cotton and comes with a removable belt.
When you’re ordering, keep in mind that this brand has its own sizing. It’s a good idea to go by the manufacturer’s measurements; their sizing may be dramatically different than your street size.
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This Genhoo Dress is the ultimate in comfort — it’s made with a loose, swingy style, so you can eat all you want at brunch without feeling any discomfort. It features a flowing, A-line shape without a defined waist, so it works for virtually any body type. To balance out the generous fit, the dress hits just above the knee. Wear it with sandals for a relaxed meal, or put on a pair of heels for a dressier look. The simple round neck looks great alone and pairs well with any necklace.
Made from a 50-50 cotton/polyester blend, this one is stretchy and drapes nicely. The sleeveless bodice and breathable fabric keep you cool during hot outdoor brunches. The dress comes in a wide variety of prints, including florals and abstracts, so it’s a breeze to find one that fits your personal style.
Once you’re done with brunch, this dress transitions easily to other weekend activities. Slip a swimsuit on underneath for a trip to the beach, or head to the mall for an afternoon of shopping. Two side pockets hold your cash and phone. Plus, thanks to the tank-style top, you can wear a normal bra without showing straps. As you’re choosing a size, be sure to check the measurements closely.
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Comfort and style come together perfectly in this MISSKY Dress. It features fitted, striped top and a vibrantly colored bottom for a look that’s casual but just dressed-up enough for brunch. Plus, you can choose from a variety of bright skirt colors to customize your look.
Made with a fit-and-flare style, this women’s dress is ideal for all shapes. The bodice hugs your torso snugly, and the skirt swings out to flatter your lower half. The fabric is stretchy but not tight, leaving plenty of room for a big brunch.
With its classic tank top, this design can be dressed up or down. The real surprise, however, is in the back. At the base of the bodice, it features a crossover design that leaves the lower back open for a tiny, subtle peek of skin. This design keeps it modern, but still provides plenty of coverage for brunch with your parents.
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Top Pick
Each of these makes a quick, easy outfit for a special brunch — the final choice depends on your personal style. For a formal brunch, our top pick is the Mommy and Me dress. With its floral print and 1950s style, it’s the perfect option to elevate a morning meal.
For a more casual brunch, we love the Genhoo Swing Dress for its easy fit and universally flattering design. Ready to shop for your next brunch?
Check out the Mommy and Me dress or the Genhoo dress today!
Buying Guide
When it comes to dressing for brunch, there are no rules — which is what makes it so much fun. If you want to look pulled-together without putting in a great deal of effort, however, it’s hard to beat a dress. All you need to do is slip on one piece of clothing, and you’re ready to go. As you pick one, it’s a good idea to keep a few factors in mind.
Fabric
Fabric plays a big role in your selection. Since you’re going to be sitting for hours, it’s a good idea to choose a fabric that’s breathable; that way, you don’t get too sweaty if you’re outside or in one position for a long time. A little bit of stretch can’t hurt — some flexibility allows you to move easily, and ensures that you don’t feel uncomfortable after loading up at the buffet.
Fit
One of the biggest considerations in choosing is the fit. Since brunch is a morning meal, it’s usually not appropriate to wear an evening-style fit — in other words, skin-tight cocktail dresses probably aren’t appropriate. Instead, look for dresses that are flattering but comfortable. Fitted is fine, of course, as long as it’s tasteful. If you’re planning to indulge at brunch, consider looking for options with a loose fit. Swing dresses, in particular, fit the bill nicely. You can also checkout Ashley Stewart for plus size options.
Style
When it comes to the style, consider matching it to the venue or the tone of the meal. A baby shower or another special-event brunch calls for a slightly more dressy look. Think defined waists, flowy fabrics, or jewel tones. Going for a laid-back brunch to catch up with friends? Look for relaxed-fit styles, or opt for a t-shirt style dress. Cute sundresses are always appropriate, no matter what the venue.
Final Verdict
In the end, a brunch dress is a fun way to fashionably express your personal style. By picking one that’s both comfortable and flattering, you can enjoy the meal with confidence.