So you're planning on doing brunch? Chances are you've already decided where you want to go and who you want to go with. The natural next decision may very well be, "What am I going to wear?"
Weekend brunch in the Cayman Islands is a way of life, a weekly event that often requires either a flexible or extensive wardrobe. It may not be as glamorous as a red-carpet event — unless that's the brunch's theme — however, brunch creates a fashion scene, or at the very least a great outfit photo-op — #LivingMyBestLife.
You’ll find a mixture of celebrations among brunch crowds — birthdays, anniversaries, christenings, Mother's Day — as well as church luncheons, work outings or gatherings of family or friends, so the attire isn't restricted to any one style. Nothing about brunch should be restrictive as the goal is usually all-you-can-eat-and-drink, right? Thankfully, there are a variety of styles that meet the criteria.
Ladies first
First up for the ladies is the option of a dress — the OG (original garment) of women's fashion.
Some top choices are summer dresses or sundresses — lightweight-material dresses, often sleeveless or strapless, to help keep you cool when dining outside. Other options include a casual, yet flowy, ankle-length dress, or a midi dress — a calf-length dress (depending on your height) that’s usually a body-con (fitted) or fit-and-flare style.
Possibly one of the easiest outfits for women to wear for brunch is a jumpsuit or a romper. A popular choice by brunchers, these onesies offer all the benefits of wearing pants while reducing the number of layers needed to make the outfit complete. Fair warning though; they require an extra minute or two in the bathroom.
Women’s outfit options are diverse, but think along the lines of dress-it-up versus dress-it-down. You can always enhance your outfit with accessories, so rely on the right pair of shoes, jewellery and handbag to complete the look.
Gentlemen next
Typical brunch attire for gents closely resembles what some may recognise as smart casual or country club casual.
If your preference is trousers, go for a more casual pair such as khakis or denim and add a collared shirt such as a polo or button-down shirt — top button optional. Short-sleeved shirts are ideal, especially if dining outdoors, but a symmetrically rolled-up long-sleeve shirt can add an edgy touch.
Bermuda shorts and moto joggers are also good options, easily complemented by a short-sleeved shirt or fitted crew or V-neck T-shirt. One of the best ways to pull off this look is to add a matching pair of closed-toe shoes such as loafers or sneakers, and a pair of trendy ankle- or crew-length socks.
Once you determine what to wear, the only question left is, “How am I (or we) getting home after all the bubbles?”
About the author
Ariel Thompson is a content manager at Dart, having joined the company in 2017. A lifelong writer, Ariel was born and raised in the Cayman Islands before studying abroad at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, for her degree in public relations and film and television. With eight years of experience in communications, Ariel joined Dart after working as Cayman International School’s first marketing communications officer. As her name would suggest, Ariel is a Disney fan and has a singing voice to rival The Little Mermaid’s. She loves to conceptualise TV and movie scripts and hopes one day to be a director. When in Camana Bay, Ariel can be found enjoying Mizu Asian Bistro + Bar’s Pad Thai, or shopping with friends and a scoop of gelato in hand.