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If there’s anything better than sipping an icy cocktail by the pool on a hot summer’s day, it’s meeting your best friends for bottomless mimosas on a crisp autumn morning. However, there is one small caveat: Fall brunch outfits (generally) take more time and effort to put together than a swimsuit and cover-up. After months of wearing all things easy and breezy, no one will blame you if you need some assistance with how to layer clothes in a way that’s both functional and stylish. But that’s where we come in.
The deeper into sweater weather we get, the more brisk dining outdoors will be. Ergo, your fall brunch outfit should be as weather-accommodating as it is stylish, consisting of cozy staples like oversized sweaters and knee-high boots, cardigans, flannel tops, shackets, and blanket scarves. If it sounds bulky, know that it doesn’t have to be.
The key is pairing the right pieces together, and to help, we’ve rounded up the 17 best fall brunch outfits ahead.
01of 17A Mockneck and Maxi
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There’s just something about a floor-length skirt paired with a high neckline that gives the illusion of length (a pro tip for petite girlies looking to feign some height). In early autumn, when the weather forecast calls for in-between temps, opt for a lightweight, flowy bottom and pair with a form-fitting top that can act as a base for a heavier third piece, such as a denim jacket or cardigan.
02of 17A Statement Sweater
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Once temperatures start dipping, cozy is the word, the goal, the vibe. The problem is, that “cozy” can sometimes teeter on the brink of sloppy. Avoid the association by opting for a top that feels as comfy as pajamas without looking like them. Elevated basics are going to be everywhere this fall, making it easy to stand out with a fun print or color scheme.
03of 17Try the Tonal Look
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In lieu of a matching set, consider a tonal look this fall. Adhering to the aesthetic is easy: Pick a color, any color, and piece together items that are close to, but not the exact same shade.
04of 17Choose Clashing Colors
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We emphasize time and again that there are no rules to fashion, and that goes for mixing and matching colors. Whether or not you choose to adhere to the autumn season’s unofficial color palette is also up to you. Go bold, go neutral — whatever your color story, just remember to have fun.
20 Eye-Catching Color Combinations to Wear Right Now05of 17Be Bold With Your Outerwear
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If the plan is to dine outdoors, dip into your outerwear closet and let your outerwear be your outfit’s main attraction. Whether it’s a denim jacket with fringe falling from the hem, a leather number to add a bit of edge, or a vibrant shrug for a pop of color, it’s sure to make a statement even with a simple jeans and tee.
06of 17A Matching Set
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When you “have absolutely nothing to wear,” a matching set will be your saving grace, as it takes the guesswork out of piecing together an ensemble from scratch. Use accessories to dress the look up or down based on your location.
07of 17A Fall Dress
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A dress is the one-and-done fall brunch outfit that’s always a winner. We love the LBD photographed here as the balloon skirt is not only a fun detail, but also lends itself to layering (think patterned tights, fleece-lined leggings, or even a pair of pants, if you’re feeling Y2K energy).
If you opt for something longer and more form-fitting, however, consider knee or thigh-high boots for a seamless look and an added layer of warmth.
08of 17Dress Up Your Athleisure
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Whether or not you’ll be hitting the gym pre or post-workout is irrelevant; athleisure is the trend that keeps on trending. An active unitard serves as a foundation piece — just add a chunky sweater or bomber jacket over top, plus folded crew socks and sneakers and you’re ready to head out.
09of 17Anything Animal Print
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A pop of animal print is just as eye-catching as neons or metallics. We fully support a head-to-toe moment, but if you’re going for something more subtle, choose one piece to highlight your pattern of choice, be your bottoms, top, or an accessory.
10of 17Fall Florals
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Bold blooms shouldn’t be exclusive to spring and summer, so we’re advocating for incorporating flower prints into your autumnal wardrobe too. Still, if you at least want the pattern to feel seasonally appropriate, lean into long sleeves and hemlines, as well as moodier color palettes over pastels.
11of 17A Voluminous Skirt
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Blame it on the balletcore trend or the return of Carrie Bradshaw, but voluminous skirts have taken center stage in the fashion world. Because these billowing bottoms make a statement all their own, balance out their bold nature with a basic top, like a sleek bodysuit and a cropped jacket.
12of 17Out of Office Suiting
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Maybe you’re dipping out of the office for a business brunch or just feel like getting a bit dressed up for a weekend outing. Whatever the occasion, a fall brunch is the perfect excuse to don a suit with pieces that are more lax than they are buttoned-up. For example, instead of reaching for a tailored blazer, opt for an oversized fit. Or, you could ditch your dress shirt in favor of a cozy sweater; with so many warming layers, you might reach for peep-toe footwear over booties.
13of 17A Sheer Showing
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Even though the weather forecast is a bit chillier these days, that doesn’t mean you can’t mess around with see-through details. Bare some skin and if it gets too brisk, well, that’s what layers are for.
14of 17A Coat Outfit
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We have a feeling coat outfits are going to be bigger than ever this season, and for good reason. There is a focus on elevated basics in our closets at the moment, which means it’s never been easier than putting together a simple top and bottom, then throwing an eclectic coat on top and calling it a day. Plus, making your outerwear the highlight is perfect for outdoor dining.
15of 17A Sweater Dress
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You cannot go wrong with this tried-and-true fall outfit. If brunch is a casual affair, opt for a pair of worn-in sneakers and a ball cap. If you’d like to dress up a little bit, heeled boots, a faux leather jacket, and statement earrings can enhance the ensemble.
16of 17Underwear as Outerwear
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This trend is still going strong, and though you may be wondering how undergarments can work as outerwear in the frigid months, the look pictured here is just one example. Try pairing a bra top or corset with chunky cardigans or sleek jackets to channel the vibe in a temperature-regulated way.
17of 17A Comfy Sweatshirt
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If your vibe is super lax, there are easy ways to elevate your look so you’re dressed for the best of both worlds. For example, we love this pairing of a sweatshirt and miniskirt. Just remember to balance your proportions, as too baggy a top can come off sloppy. Try tucking it into the waistband or a sports bra for a cropped look.
