For a business breakfast, the dress code of the company, location and the person you are meeting leads. A blouse or shirt with trousers is a safe choice in many places, but a polo or other smart knit can be just as fitting. Above all, choose clothing in which you can sit comfortably and that fits the rest of your working day.
What suits a breakfast meeting?
A breakfast meeting can be informal or formal. So look at the location, the type of conversation and the company culture. In a hotel or brasserie, a blouse or shirt with trousers is the obvious choice; at a team breakfast or informal networking session, a polo or knit can work just as well.
Three rules of thumb for the morning
- Choose colours that suit your work wardrobe. White, light blue, navy, grey and taupe are easy options, but brighter colours are not excluded.
- Think of sitting. Check that waistband, blouse hem and shoulders stay comfortable when you sit at a table for a longer time.
- Bring an extra layer if needed. A cardigan or jacket is handy if the room is cool or you are outside afterwards.
For Women: blouse, trousers and a cardigan
The white Delphine is tailored-fit and has princess seams. Wear her tucked in or loose, depending on the length and the trousers you choose.
The Arabelli in navy goes with it, high-waist trousers with pleats and 5% elastane. White and navy is a classic pair that fits in any breakfast room. If it is cool inside, put the Veronique cardigan in light grey over your shoulders or wear it open. It is fine-knit and made of 100% lyocell, soft on the skin and calm in look. You will find more blouses for a morning like this in the blouses for Women collection.
For Men: shirt and trousers
The light blue Hamilton shirt has a Classic Tailored-Fit shape and Italian collar. Combine it with the taupe grey Ulysses, which is currently slim-straight. Rolled-up or long sleeves are both possible; let the formality of the meeting decide what fits best.
You will find more pieces for a working day without a suit in the Office for Men collection, and for Women in Office for Women.
Which outfit for which kind of breakfast?
| Type of breakfast | Atmosphere | Outfit |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast with a new client | Formal enough to make a good impression | Blouse or shirt, trousers, smart shoes, cardigan within reach |
| Networking breakfast | Lots of standing, lots of handshakes | Soft colours, fabrics that do not crease quickly, little jewellery |
| Breakfast with your team or colleagues | Relaxed and informal | The same pieces, worn slightly looser |
| Breakfast session in a hotel | Business with a touch of luxury | Tailored blouse or shirt, pleated trousers |
How to prepare the evening before
- Lay out your outfit. An early appointment is not the moment to hesitate. The evening before, choose your blouse or shirt, trousers and shoes.
- Hang your clothing up. On a sturdy hanger, small creases often fall out overnight, so your morning stays calm.
- Think practically. Light clothing shows some stains more quickly; choose a colour you feel comfortable in and use a napkin when one is offered.
- Choose accessories deliberately. Only avoid jewellery that audibly taps against crockery or the table if you find that disturbing.
- Mind your shoes. A loafer goes with both trousers and chinos and always looks polished. See the loafers collection.
If it turns into a warm morning
In June it can already be warm at nine o'clock. Then choose airy fabrics and leave the cardigan in your bag. Make sure you do not arrive sweaty: leave on time, so you enter the meeting calmly instead of rushed. A dry cloth and a comb in your bag help you freshen up before you walk in. A blouse with long sleeves can be worn rolled up if the occasion allows it, but first look at how formal the meeting is.
Straight to the office after breakfast
Many breakfast meetings flow straight into a working day. So above all choose clothing and shoes that also suit your next appointment. No material is guaranteed crease-free; so check above all that the outfit still feels comfortable and polished after sitting.
What do you better leave at home?
Leave striking prints, bright colours and heavily scented perfumes at home. A breakfast is an intimate table moment and a strong scent stands out quickly in a small space. Also do not choose clothing you constantly have to straighten. If you notice you are preoccupied with your outfit during a conversation, it does not fit well enough for this occasion. So preferably test a new combination first on an ordinary working day.
Shop the look
Delphine: tailored blouse, white
Arabelli: high-waist trousers with pleats, navy
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light grey
Hamilton: cotton shirt with Italian collar, light blue
Ulysses: slim-fit herringbone trousers, taupe grey
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear to a business breakfast?
Choose clothing that suits the location and company culture. A blouse or shirt with trousers is a safe base; a smart polo or knit can work too.
Do I have to wear a suit to a breakfast meeting?
Not necessarily. At some formal organisations or meetings a suit can be fitting; when in doubt, ask about the dress code.
Which colours are safest for a morning appointment?
White, light blue, navy, grey and taupe are easy options. How visible creases are depends, however, on fabric and construction, not only on colour.
May I keep a cardigan or blazer on during breakfast?
Yes. Take off a blazer or cardigan when that is more comfortable; you do not have to wait for the other person to do so.
