Breezy Elegance: A Guide to Summer Brunch Dressing for Women

There’s a certain lightness that comes with summer in India—the mornings stretch a little longer, the mood is a touch softer, and the city slows just enough to make room for brunch. Not the hurried kind, but the breezy, sun-drenched table-for-four on a patio in Colaba or beneath a frangipani canopy in Delhi’s Lutyens zone. And for the women who understand that style is never accidental, brunch is less about avocado toast and more about sartorial ease—dressing in ways that feel as effortless as the season itself.

The art of summer brunch dressing lies in the balance between polish and nonchalance. It isn’t cocktail-hour drama, nor is it errand-run athleisure. It’s the quiet confidence of a fluid silhouette, the flirtation of a floral detail, and the softness of linen brushing against sun-warmed skin. In a city that still sizzles well into mid-September, brunch isn’t just a meal—it’s a fashion moment, and one best expressed through intelligent fabrics, modern tailoring, and a whisper of joy.

Indian designers have been tuning into this space of casual-luxe with a clarity that’s refreshing. Labels that once existed only within wedding wardrobes are now extending their stories into more fluid narratives—into lightweight sets, relaxed shirting, and breathable occasion-wear that moves with the woman, not against her.

The designer who’s quietly championing the brunch look is Jodi. Known for their hand-block prints and earthy palettes, Jodi’s summer-ready sets—wrap dresses in jungle greens, co-ords in tomato reds—have become a go-to for women who want statement with soul. Their collections (available at www.thejodilife.com) are rooted in craft, yet impossibly modern.

It’s where bohemian meets Bombay.

Then there’s Urvashi Kaur, whose namesake label creates clothing with a sort of fluid dignity. Her silhouettes—often draped, asymmetric, and inspired by nomadic cultures—move beautifully in the breeze and pair just as easily with leather Kolhapuris as they do with block-heeled sandals. You’ll find pieces in hand-dyed fabrics that breathe, wrap tops that defy seasons, and dresses that feel like second skin (www.urvashikaur.com).

If your brunches are more champagne-and-scones than coffee-and-khakra, turn to Ka-Sha. This Pune-based label infuses artisanal fabrics with young energy—patchwork tunics, tiered dresses, and playful appliqué. There’s a quiet rebellion in the

Ka-Sha aesthetic that makes it perfect for women who don’t want to blend in with the crowd (www.kashaindia.com).

And for those who want to dip into luxury without breaking a sweat, Anavila is a masterclass in understated chic. Her summer saris in linen are brunch-perfect, especially when styled with a crop blouse and mules. There’s something unforced, almost poetic, about the way an Anavila sari moves through space—like a breeze caught in a moment. Visit her at www.anavila.com.

When it comes to accessories, less is always more. A pair of tinted sunglasses, a sculptural ring, or a stack of earthy bangles—these are the punctuation marks to a summer look that lets the fabric speak. Footwear? Woven flats, Grecian sandals, or crisp white sneakers depending on the venue (and your mood). Let your bag be straw, or jute, or cloth—anything but stiff leather. And please, leave the heavy makeup behind. Dewy skin, brushed brows, a tint of coral on the lips. That’s it. Brunch is no place for contour.

It’s worth remembering that India’s climate doesn’t obey calendars. Summers here are long, sultry, and often unpredictable. So your wardrobe should listen to the wind before it listens to trends. Choose fabrics that breathe—cotton, mul, linen, chanderi. Choose silhouettes that give—wraps, a-lines, wide-legged anything. Choose colours that are calm. And above all, choose clothes that feel like you.

Because brunch dressing, at its heart, is really about dressing for joy. It’s about waking up and wanting to wear something lovely just because. It’s about that feeling of walking into sunlight and knowing you belong there, draped not in drama, but in confidence.

(If you’re a designer who believes fashion can be conscious, craft-led, and exquisitely wearable—we want to hear from you. We’re always looking to spotlight Indian voices who are redefining modern luxury. Write to us at styleessentials.in@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram at @styleessentials.magazine.)