What to Wear to a Seaside Brunch in Summer – Elegant & Breezy Outfit Ideas

Salt in the air, sun on your skin, and a chilled mimosa in hand—seaside brunch calls for a look that’s both elegant and easy. Whether it’s a coastal café or a resort terrace, here’s what to wear for a breezy, stylish, and comfortable summer brunch by the water.

The Coastal Brunch Dress Code: Easy Does It

Think of seaside brunch style as upscale casual with salt-kissed ease. You’re not in swimwear, but you’re not in stilettos either. The goal? Look polished enough for poached eggs and mimosas, but feel comfortable enough to take a stroll along the shore afterward.

Poolside looks scream barely-there bikinis and flip-flops—great for lounging, not ideal for a restaurant. Brunch looks offer a more refined vibe: breezy maxi dresses, linen separates, and chic slides that walk the line between effort and elegance.

Keep it simple with natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or Tencel. Embrace flowy silhouettes that offer room to move, and skip the fuss—minimal jewelry, no heavy makeup, and layers that breathe.

Why it works: You want pieces that move with the breeze, provide light sun coverage, and still allow your skin to breathe. It’s that sweet spot where comfort meets camera-ready charm.

Outfit Formulas That Work by the Water

Whether you’re brunching on the boardwalk or sipping lattes at a coastal café, these go-to outfit formulas make dressing by the sea feel like a breeze. Pick your style vibe and run with it:

Effortlessly Chic

• Slip dress + slides + oversized sunglasses: A one-and-done look that drapes beautifully and oozes grace.
• Linen wrap dress + raffia clutch + low-heel sandals: Classic, flattering, and perfect for lingering over brunch.
• Fabric tip: Stick to linen, cotton voile, or lyocell for a breathable, flowy finish.

Beachy Boho

• Maxi dress + woven hat + shell jewelry: Laid-back but still thoughtfully styled. Think earthy textures and soft lines.
• Wide-leg pants + crochet tank + espadrilles: Comaafortable and artsy, this one’s made for warm breezes and sangria.
• Accessories: Layered bangles, wooden beads, or a rope belt to finish the look.

Preppy Resort

• Striped button-down tucked into high-waist shorts: Classic and crisp with a nod to nautical style.
• Polo midi dress + boat shoes or slingbacks: Clean lines, structured collars, and breezy polish.
• Hair tip: Pull your hair into a low ponytail with a silk scarf for extra charm.

Minimalist Neutrals

• Monochrome tank + palazzo pants + leather flip-flops: Sharp, modern, and endlessly wearable.
• Beige halter top + white linen skirt + straw tote: Sleek meets soft—ideal for neutral lovers.
• Color palette: Think sand, ivory, olive, and rust—natural shades that photograph beautifully.

Fabrics & Colors That Breathe

When you’re brunching by the water, what you wear matters just as much as how you wear it. Start with fabrics that let your skin breathe and move with the breeze—not stick to your body.

• Best fabrics: Lightweight, natural fibers like linen, cotton, bamboo, tencel, and chiffon are your go-to. They’re breathable, quick-drying, and feel great on sun-kissed skin.
• Skip synthetics: Say no to polyester, acrylic, and nylon blends. They trap heat, cling to sweat, and ruin the whole “easy and elegant” vibe.

Color is your secret weapon. The right tones keep you cool and add to that effortless coastal glow.

• Wear: White, sky blue, terracotta, olive, soft pink—these reflect sunlight and pair perfectly with seaside backdrops.
• Avoid: Dark colors like black, deep navy, or maroon. They absorb heat and weigh down your look—literally and visually.

Accessories: Brunch-Worthy But Breezy

Seaside brunch accessories should enhance your look—not overheat it. Choose pieces that are light, coastal, and effortlessly cool. Here’s what to reach for before you head out the door:

• Hats: Keep the sun off and the style on with straw fedoras, raffia visors, or oversized wide-brim sun hats. Bonus: instant photo-ready shade.
• Bags: Ditch the oversized leather tote and grab a mini woven bag or canvas crossbody. They’re compact, breathable, and brunch-perfect.
• Sunglasses: Finish your look with frames that flatter—go for cat-eye, round frames, or tortoiseshell styles that pop in the sun.
• Jewelry: Keep it simple with gold hoops, pearl studs, or shell-inspired necklaces. Think delicate and dainty—not chunky or heavy.
• Footwear: Style meets comfort with espadrilles, leather slides, or flat sandals. All three are polished enough to pass but won’t leave you sweaty or blistered.

Accessories should whisper coastal elegance—not shout “overdressed.” Stick with pieces that feel light, functional, and sun-kissed chic.

Setting Matters: Location-Specific Tips

Not all seaside brunches are created equal. What works for a laid-back boardwalk café might feel out of place on a polished resort terrace. Here’s how to tailor your outfit to the vibe of the venue:

Patio Brunch in Santa Monica

Keep it casually polished with a breezy sundress and a light denim jacket thrown over your shoulders. White sneakers or leather slides keep the look fresh and local-approved.

Resort Terrace in Tulum

Now’s the time to go bold—think vibrant prints, maxi silhouettes, and textured fabrics like eyelet or crochet. Add woven accessories and let your outfit feel as lush as the jungle setting.

Yacht Brunch in Miami

Channel sleek elegance with an all-white outfit: tailored shorts, linen blazers, crisp dresses, or matching sets. Finish with gold jewelry and oversized shades for that ultra-polished finish.

Boardwalk Café in Cape Cod

Lean into preppy classics—striped button-downs, chino shorts, and a collared blouse. Add boat shoes or espadrilles, and tie a cardigan over your shoulders for timeless East Coast charm.

Where to Shop for Seaside Brunch Outfits

From breezy linen sets to polished accessories, these are my go-to spots for building the perfect seaside brunch wardrobe. Whether you’re saving or splurging, there’s a style destination for you:

Final Tips for Brunch by the Shore

Before you head out into that salty breeze, here are a few last touches to make your seaside brunch feel as effortless as it looks:

• Don’t forget SPF and lip balm: Protect your skin and lips without adding weight to your routine.
• Keep makeup light and glow-friendly: Think tinted moisturizer, cream blush, and a touch of highlighter for that natural radiance.
• Hair up = instant breeze-friendly polish: A messy bun, sleek ponytail, or claw clip goes a long way on windy patios.
• Choose outfits you can sit comfortably in: Skip the over-tight waistbands or clingy fabric—comfort is key when brunching turns into a few hours of lounging.

Brunch in the sun should feel like a breeze. Browse our favorite summer-ready looks to find your perfect seaside fit.