Current situation: you have barre from 9:45-10:45 am and have brunch plans with friends at 11:30. No time to head home to change. The solution? You don a chic athleisure look, doubling as a workout outfit and a stylishly casual, head-turning ensemble.
I find myself in this situation pretty frequently, especially since I make it a point to work out on the weekends no matter what plans I may have. No excuses! Honestly, if I’m not getting dressed up for an occasion, I am ALWAYS in leggings and sneaks. But, I never get lazy. It's about both looking good and feeling good.
I discovered SukiShufu, a luxe activewear label from London and fell in love with the brand’s signature faux leather paneling. I am a complete sucker for the liquid leather look, so I knew from the start their Leatherback Leggings would really pull together awesome outfit.
As is usual for the luxe athletic wear brand, the materials have built-in SPF for outdoor activities and won't run or fade while you're working out, brunching, or rocking them just for the sake that they look good... because yes, they look that good.
How do I wear my SukiShufu Leatherback Leggings?
Since my SukiShufu leggings have a colorblock of a white band, I really want that to be the focus of my outfit so I just pair with a simple black crop. I’ll usually wear a sports bra under this too since I wear it for class. Plus, wearing a crop top puts all the attention on my leggings.
I pair with my favorite black Sam Edelmanfaux leather high-tops. I love these because they have such a unique cut-out pattern on the side, and the pants look good tucked into the shoes. The high-tops dress up the outfit if I’m heading straight from a class to brunch.
The SukiShufu leggings enhances my silhouette without sacrificing comfort or functionality. I love that these leggings hug in all the right places, yet I am still so comfy in them!
I throw a leather jacket over the leggings and crop to accentuate the slimming, badass look.
The Patio on Lamont, like its home in Pacific Beach is super laid-back with a very chill vibe. However, I always think that no matter how casual a place is, you can still wear something low-key and wear some type of heel with it.
I bought this really cute boho romper with paisley print a while back from somewhere totally unexpected – PacSun! And it’s from the Kendall & Kylie line. It’s got adorable frilliness at the bottom and a very fitting keyhole at the top. This romper is the one item I always go to in my closet because it’s such a versatile piece.
I wore camel colored suede chunky heels and a denim jacket to accent. It ended up being the perfect outfit – there was a bachelorette party going on at the table next to mine and everyone was dolled up so I didn’t feel overdressed.
If you plan on going to The Patio on Lamont at night, I think at outfit like this one would work great as well. It’s festive and totally appropriate without overdoing it.
Toca Madera is a super trendy spot that always has its guests dressing to impress. While many go all out and wear bodycon dresses with heels to brunch, there is also a fair share of people who dress up a simple look for a casual, but put-together look.
I wanted to wear something classic and chic could easily be transitional from day to night. I wore my high-wasted denim skinny jeans with a tucked in white blouse and black caged heels. Accessories were kept simple as well, just wearing a few dainty gold, chain-y necklaces and my “Brielle” ring.
The outfit actually was very appropriate. At first I was a bit nervous I was underdressed, but considering it was daytime, I think that the dressiness has leniency for brunch.
After surveying the room, a look just like this one would be perfect for brunch, and not just for Toca Madera, but for any brunch that has a casual, luxurious vibe. Leave it for the sun to go down and the famous Toca tree in the garden room to light up to go all out!
If you love drawing inspiration from eclectic bohemian styles of the 1960s and 1970s into your wardrobe, you will absolutely love dressing up for your next brunch at Estrella.
The bohemian vibe is all about a dreamy, relaxed stylishness while still incorporating a chic edge into the entire look. I couldn’t wait to put together an outfit to compliment all the unique characteristics of the restaurant.
I wore my hair in its natural wavy state, which was super fitting for the occasion. Embodying my inner flower child, I put a dainty white and gold metal flower headpiece in my hair.
“And she gathers flowers for her home For her home she gathers flowers”
— Joni Mitchell, "Ladies of The Canyon"
I paired a taupe knitted crop top and a black slitted maxi skirt with my black wooden cut-out wedges. I wanted to match my headpiece with some additional delicate accessories, so I wore my gold link BaubleBar bracelet, a gold charm necklace with a thin chain, and my signature gold “Brielle” ring.
“Come out for a visit here To be a lady of the canyon”
— Joni Mitchell, "Ladies of the Canyon"
In true Joni Mitchell fashion, I tried my best to embody a look representing the modern day version of a “Lady of the Canyon.”
As a San Clemente staple, it’s the one spot guests know they will get the full on locale brunch experience.
The vibe is as chill as your mimosa. Here, don’t feel pressure to go all out. But, I never exactly “dress down.”
I wanted to embody the positive, sunny colors of Café Mimosa with my outfit. I wore a taupe tank tucked into my jeans, which were ripped at the knees. I complimented the simplicity of the outfit with my favorite kimono that actually matched the restaurant perfectly. It’s black with taupe, gold, and burnt orange peony-looking flowers. I pulled it together with my black suede peep-toe wedges, a low-pony tail and big gold hoop earrings for an updated, beachy boho look.
Other brunch attire suggestions? A great maxi dress, shorts with a small wedge, or something with a subtly floral pattern would work perfectly. I personally love dressing up a super casual outfit with just a hint of a dressy touch. Café Mimosa is a cute spot to experiment dressing with a fun, beachy flair.
