Breakfast Dress Code Guide
The No-Confusion Guide: A Must Read Before Holidays and Thursday's Business Breakfast
Who knew breakfast comes with a dress code? Point of view, I did. And I am sharing my guide to the breakfast dress code with you in this email, exclusively for paid subscribers only. So upgrade to paid if you are still on a free subscription.
The first meal of the day, breakfast, often sets the tone for the hours ahead. Whether it's a leisurely morning spent at home, a bustling affair at a local cafe, or a crucial business meeting over croissants, the setting dictates a certain level of sartorial consideration. Moreover breakfast is a stage for expressing personal style, albeit with a touch of decorum.
Unlike the clear delineation of formal evening attire or business casual office wear, breakfast attire exists in a nuanced space, teetering between comfort and formality.
Gone are the days when a rumpled t-shirt and sleep shorts were deemed acceptable breakfast attire, even in the comfort of your own kitchen. Conversely, showing up in a formal evening gown for a casual brunch with friends would likely raise eyebrows. The key to dressing appropriately for breakfast is in understanding the subtle nuances of the breakfast dress code.
Herein, we will delve into the various breakfast dress code levels, from the relaxed comfort of an at-home meal to the polished professionalism required for a business breakfast meeting. We will unveil not only the appropriate attire for each scenario but also illuminate the stylistic pitfalls to be avoided.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the morning meal was a social event in itself, often featuring specific attire for various breakfasts. Imagine languid mornings in elegant gowns, gentlemen sporting tailored jackets, and a meticulous attention to detail that extended to every facet of daily life.
However, the societal shifts of the 20th century, particularly following World War II, ushered in a more relaxed and casual approach to fashion. Breakfast became a simpler affair, often enjoyed in pajamas or comfortable everyday wear. The once well-defined breakfast dress code gradually faded into a hazy memory.
Yet, in the past two years, there's been a refreshing resurgence in the awareness of dressing appropriately for each occasion. The rise of the "old money aesthetic" – a philosophy that embraces timeless elegance and a subtle nod to tradition – and a growing appreciation for intentionality in every aspect of life, have brought breakfast attire back into the spotlight. People are rediscovering the simple pleasure of dressing up, even for a seemingly casual event like breakfast.
Gone are the solitary mornings of yore, fueled by a simple mug of tea and anxiety. Breakfast has blossomed into a multifaceted social experience. From intimate home gatherings to bustling hotel buffets and high-powered business meetings, breakfast offers a platform for connection, celebration, and self-expression – and what we wear plays a part in how we express ourselves.
BREAKFAST DRESS CODE DECODED
The breakfast dress code tends to be shaped by a confluence of factors, with the setting and intent playing a crucial role. The general dress code for breakfast is