Bottomless Brunch Dress Code: What to Wear in 2025

Bottomless brunch isn’t just about endless mimosas and fluffy pancakes-it’s a social ritual. You show up with friends, linger for hours, and leave with a full stomach and a light buzz. But what you wear matters more than you think. Show up in joggers and you’ll feel out of place. Show up in heels and a cocktail dress and you’ll be overdressed for the pancakes. The trick? Finding that sweet spot between relaxed and put-together.

What Makes a Bottomless Brunch Different from Regular Brunch?

Regular brunch is coffee and toast at a corner café. Bottomless brunch is an event. It’s usually held on weekends, often in trendy spots with outdoor seating, live music, or a view of the harbor. In Sydney, places like The Grounds of the City, The Ivy, or The Botanist serve up bottomless prosecco or cocktails for two to three hours. You’re not just eating-you’re spending time, socializing, and being seen. That changes the rules.

Forget the idea that brunch = pajamas. This isn’t Sunday morning at home. You’re in public, surrounded by people who’ve made an effort. The vibe is more ‘casual chic’ than ‘I rolled out of bed.’

The Golden Rule: Casual Elegant

The dress code for bottomless brunch? Casual elegant. It’s not a wedding. It’s not a bar crawl. It’s somewhere in between. Think: comfortable enough to sit for hours, stylish enough to look like you tried.

Here’s what works:

• Lightweight linen pants or wide-leg trousers
• A tucked-in cotton blouse or a fitted knit top
• A midi or maxi dress with a relaxed cut
• Denim-yes, but only if it’s dark wash, no rips, and fits well
• Flat sandals, loafers, or low block heels

Layering is your friend. Sydney weather changes fast. A light cardigan, denim jacket, or cropped blazer adds polish without overheating. You’ll be outside in the morning, maybe inside by lunch. Don’t show up in just a tank top.

What to Avoid

Some outfits scream ‘I didn’t plan this.’ Avoid these:

• Running shorts or gym leggings
• Flip-flops or worn-out sneakers
• Overly revealing clothing-think crop tops with no coverage or mini skirts
• Heavy evening wear: sequins, long gowns, stilettos
• Baggy hoodies or oversized graphic tees

Why? Because bottomless brunch is still a social occasion. People are taking photos. The staff notice what you’re wearing. You don’t want to feel like you’re the only one who didn’t get the memo.

Footwear Matters More Than You Think

You’ll be standing in line, walking to the table, maybe even dancing a little to the live acoustic set. You don’t need to look like you’re at a gala-but you do need to be comfortable for hours.

Good options:

• Leather loafers (black or tan)
• Flat espadrilles or woven sandals
• Low block heels (under 3cm)
• Minimalist white sneakers-clean, not scuffed

Avoid:

• High stilettos-you’ll be on pavement or uneven patios
• Slip-on sandals with no back strap-they’ll fall off
• Dirty or scuffed shoes

One rule: if you can’t walk in them for 20 minutes without wincing, leave them at home.

Accessories: Less Is More

Bottomless brunch isn’t the place for a full glam look. Keep it simple:

• A delicate gold necklace or small hoop earrings
• A woven tote or structured crossbody bag
• Sunglasses-yes, even if it’s cloudy
• A silk scarf tied around your neck or bag handle

Skip the oversized statement pieces. You’re not at a red carpet. You’re here for the food, the drinks, and the company. Your outfit should support that, not compete with it.

Seasonal Adjustments for Sydney

It’s November 2025. Summer’s here. But Sydney can be unpredictable.

Summer (Nov-Feb): Light fabrics, breezy silhouettes. Think cotton, linen, rayon. Sleeveless tops are fine if paired with a cover-up. A wide-brimmed hat is both stylish and practical.

Winter (Jun-Aug): Layer up. Turtlenecks under blazers, midi skirts with tights, ankle boots. A trench coat or wool-blend jacket works wonders. Don’t forget a scarf.

Shoulder seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Oct): It’s mild but can turn chilly by evening. A lightweight denim jacket or cardigan is essential. Always bring a wrap.

Real Examples from Sydney Spots

At The Grounds of the City, you’ll see women in linen jumpsuits and men in chinos with button-downs. At The Ivy in Bondi, it’s more beachy: flowy dresses, straw hats, espadrilles. At The Botanist in Surry Hills, it’s urban minimalism-tailored shorts, neutral tones, clean lines.

There’s no single uniform, but there’s a pattern: everyone looks intentional. No one looks like they grabbed the first thing off the floor.

What About Men?

Men’s dress code is simpler but just as important.

Good options:

• Chinos or tailored shorts (knee-length, no cargo pockets)
• Cotton or linen button-down shirts (tucked or half-tucked)
• Polished loafers or clean canvas shoes
• A lightweight blazer or linen jacket if it’s cool

Avoid:

• T-shirts with logos or slogans
• Baggy shorts or swim trunks
• Flip-flops
• Dirty sneakers or worn-out sneakers

Men don’t need to be formal-but they do need to look like they care. A tucked-in shirt and clean shoes make a big difference.

Final Checklist Before You Go

Use this quick list to make sure you’re ready:

1. Is your outfit comfortable enough to sit for 2-3 hours?
2. Does it look intentional, not random?
3. Are your shoes walkable?
4. Do you have a light layer for when the sun goes down?
5. Are your clothes clean, pressed, and free of stains?

If you answered yes to all five, you’re golden.

Bottom Line

Bottomless brunch is about enjoying time-not impressing people. But the way you dress tells others you respect the experience. You don’t need to spend a fortune. You don’t need to follow trends. You just need to look like you showed up with thought.

Choose comfort with style. Prioritize fabrics that breathe. Pick shoes you can walk in. And remember: the goal isn’t to stand out. It’s to blend in-beautifully.