What to wear to a bottomless brunch

There is no dress code for most bottomless brunches in Sydney. What you wear comes down to where you're going, the season and how long you'll be there. A sitting usually runs 90 minutes to two hours, and most groups kick on afterwards, so dress for the whole afternoon, not just the table.

Here's what works for each kind of venue, plus the themed brunches where the outfit is part of the fun.

Rooftop brunch

We've confirmed 11 rooftop bottomless brunches in Sydney. Rooftops get full sun and wind, and shade is never guaranteed. Pick breathable fabrics like linen or cotton, bring sunglasses and a light layer for when the sun drops, and skip anything that blows up in the wind. Flat sandals or block heels are easier on rooftop decking than stilettos. See all rooftop bottomless brunches.

Beach and harbour brunch

25 of the venues we've confirmed are in beach suburbs such as Manly, Bondi, Cronulla and Coogee. Smart casual works: a sundress, a linen shirt, shorts with a nice top. Most beachside venues are fine with sandals, but few want swimwear at the table, so bring a cover-up if you're heading to the sand after. If you're catching the Manly ferry, bring a layer, as the harbour gets breezy.

Restaurant and hotel brunch

The CBD, Barangaroo and the harbour-front restaurants lean dressier. A midi dress, tailored trousers or a collared shirt fits in. Comfortable shoes still matter if you plan to move on to a bar.

Pub and bar brunch

Pubs in Surry Hills, the Inner West and the suburbs are the most relaxed. Jeans and a good top are fine. Some pub brunches have a DJ and turn into a party, so if your group is planning to dance, wear shoes you can stand in for a few hours.

Themed brunches: dress for the theme

These venues run themed bottomless brunches, where dressing up is half the point. Check the venue's page before you go, as themes change.

• The Winery runs a Bellini Disco Brunch on Saturdays and a drag brunch on Sundays. Sequins and metallics fit right in.
• Tucano's runs a Saturday disco brunch. Go bright.
• InSitu Manly runs drag bingo and trivia brunches on set dates. Loud colours welcome.
• Bella Vista Hotel runs themed brunch events with a DJ, and the theme sets the dress code.

Dressing for the season

Summer (December to February): light, loose fabrics, a hat if you're outdoors, and sunscreen. Sydney's UV is high even on cloudy days, and two hours on a terrace adds up.

Autumn and spring: warm at midday, cool by the time you leave. A light jacket or knit you can take off at the table is the answer.

Winter (June to August): most bottomless brunches move indoors or under heaters. Layers beat one heavy coat, as dining rooms get warm once they fill up.

Hens and birthday brunches

Groups often pick a colour or a theme so the photos look good. Tell the venue when you book if you're bringing sashes, veils or props, since some have rules about decorations. See thehens bottomless brunch guide for venues that take hens bookings.

A few practical things

• Darker colours hide spilled spritz and red wine better than white.
• Bring a bag with room for sunglasses, a layer and a phone charger. Long brunches drain batteries.
• Wear shoes you can walk in. Most groups move on to a second venue.
• If a venue has a dress code, it will say so on its booking page. Check there before you go.