by Anita Dolce Vita, Editor in Chief at dapperQ
When someone asks me for advice re masculine or androgynous “brunch style,” I always have to request further clarification because, unlike “black-tie” or “business-casual,” the term “brunch style” does not automatically imply a specific level of formality. My suggestions would depend on the occasion (Meet the parents brunch? Wedding brunch? Date brunch? Hungover with your friends brunch? Autostraddle meet-up brunch? Hip-hop party brunch?) and the venue (Five star restaurant? Pub? Trendy café?) So, I’ve selected a few outfits from dapperQ that can work for a variety of occasions and settings. While many of the items listed in the outfit details may no longer be available in stores or online, I recommend visiting dapperQ’s store guide for brands that sell apparel for masculine presenting women, gender-queers, and trans* identified individuals.
Casual Brunch with Autostraddlers
You can certainly wear a button-down and tan chinos, but by playing with colors, patterns, and layers, you can create an outfit that is fun and head-turning stylish without being stuffy. Here, Gabrielle looks effortlessly dapper and demonstrates that the Devil is in the details (note the accessories) when it comes to pulling together a look that is casual cool.
Outfit Details: Jean jacket by Gap; checkered shirt by Gap; maroon slim pants by Uniqlo; cardigan sweater by TopMan; bow tie by Marimacho; dandelion socks by Uniqlo; black suede slippers by Aldo; wrist watch by Nava.
If you’re not a fan of layering or are looking for a warmer weather option, LK Weiss, founder of the Maine style blog Jack Tar 207, works a lightweight dapper option here. Simple nautical touches, like the anchor bow-tie and colors inspired by the sea, make the ensemble cohesive but not too “matchy matchy.”
Outfit Details: Slacks from H&M; shoes by Sperry Topsiders; whale belt by L.L.Bean; button-up by J. Crew; anchor bow-tie from Southern Beaus/etsy.
Formal Brunch
Nicole’s outfit is perfect for a working “power” brunch, a wedding brunch, or brunch at a restaurant that calls for dressy attire. Like Gabrielle above, Nicole adds color, texture, layers, and patterns to personalize a monochrome blue suit and make it POP!
Outfit details: Bindle & Keep bespoke suit; Bindle and Keep bespoke club collar shirt; Clapham silk knit tie, Brooks Brothers blue gingham pocket square; Trafalgar leather belt; Calibrate socks; Cole Haan Winter Wingtips; Coach Foldover Tote; Ivory + Mason Black-Blue Doheny Eyeglasses; Stuhrling Original Elite Blue Dial Watch; Tiffany Box Link bracelet; custom wood and sterling silver bracelet.
Meet the Parents Brunch
Ok, so you want to make a good impression, but perhaps do not want to roll up in a three-piece-suit. Ricky keeps it stylish and affordable by matching dressy, tailored trousers with a blazer they picked up for $1.99 at a thrift store in Albuquerque! The flowered button-down is another example of how experimenting with patterns and colors can turn up the volume on an otherwise rather muted gray/brown color template.
Outfit details: Jacket, Johnny Carson; Shirt, ASOS; Pocket square, Dei Giovani Chicago; Pants, Banana Republic; Shoes, Belivus.
“I’m So Hungover, I Just Can’t” Brunch
You can’t, but your outfit most certainly can! And, it will. I’m giving you two examples – one for cold weather and one for warm weather – of how to look absolutely dashing and still maintain a high level of comfort. First, let’s look at Blake. Yes, Blake is wearing a flannel and jeans. But, she is wearing dark-wash jeans with a tailored, clean line. No stained sweats. No jeans with worn, ripped cuffs paired with running sneakers. Then, Blake layers her flannel under a fresh, clean black sweater. The stylish boots and awesome anchor socks pull it all together.
Outfit details: Shirt, sweater, and jeans, Old Navy; desert boots, Clark’s.
Now for the warm weather option. Janina coordinated a super comfortable, yet stylish outfit perfect for lazy days that still require you to bring your A-game. Take a page from her book: Add the hat and you don’t even have to worry about doing your hair!
Outfit details: Express Striped Short-Sleeved Shirt; H&M Grey Suit Pants tailored into shorts; White Converse Shoes; Free Authority fedora; Ray-Ban wayfarers; Mossimo white belt.
And there you have it. You’ll be ready to eat the world’s largest pile of french toast, complete with maple syrup!
