Afternoon Tea Etiquette Dress Code - Top 10 Dos & Don'ts
The Style Guide to Afternoon Tea Dress Code
Hello Afternoon tea lovers!! Read here if you are planning on attending a tea party.
Whether you are heading to a fun afternoon tea or a high tea with your friends or having a garden tea party celebration. I have insight on what you should wear.
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I am a fellow afternoon tea lover. I love dressing up in bright florals, putting on a fun hat and snacking on finger sandwiches, scones, small pastries and fragrant tea.
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Here you can see some amazing Afternoon Tea Dress Ideas and tea etiquette do's and don'ts.
I have put together some pretty floral dresses perfect for high tea attire for women. Like me if you are planning to have California hotel Afternoon tea, these high tea dress code tips are very helpful.
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When deciding what to wear for high tea or afternoon tea, have fun with your looks! Yes, they need to be appropriate for the occasion, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play with beautiful colors, fabrics or patterns to make your look unique to your personal taste. A general rule of thumb for all tea parties is smart casual.
I hope that you are able to confidently style your looks with the help of my fashion guide about what to wear to afternoon tea. So when you pick your outfit for taking tea, be sure to refer back to my afternoon tea guide with ever-changing outfit ideas for your teatime adventures! I’m sure you’re excited about it and even more excited about getting to put on a fancy frock and strut your way into the tea room.
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What is a proper afternoon tea?
Proper Afternoon Tea Courses
Traditional afternoon tea is served in three courses on a tiered stand along with a pot of tea. Tea sandwiches are eaten first, then scones with clotted cream and jam, and then finally, the sweets. Sandwiches are usually made crustless to make it easier to eat and to give it a more delicate look.
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What do ladies wear for afternoon tea?
While you can get away with a smart top and jeans, if you don't want to dress up, many ladies choose to take the opportunity to don a pretty frock. All you need is a light and flowy dress, with a matching bag and either a pair of sandals or wedges.
Fun Fact- Did you know afternoon tea is completely different from high tea? Afternoon tea was meant for royals and the rich, whereas high tea was more for the working class. High tea is called high tea because it was conducted on high tables.
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High Tea Attire
In America, the "high" part of "high tea" has come to mean an elegant afternoon tea. Don't be fooled by this misconception and tricked into wearing an outfit that is ornate and fancy. Instead, dress appropriately for the occasion in the following ways.
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Do 1. - Finding a Fashionable Dress
Dresses are a wonderful choice for high tea as these styles are comfortable and fashionable. When choosing the right dress, look for a pattern that is flattering and eye-catching but stay away from anything that looks too busy. Color will also be key here, so choose shades that flatter your skin tone.
In today’s featured post, we address tea time attire. Specifically, we focus on what to wear for afternoon tea and give some tips and tricks to style a look perfectly appropriate for taking tea with the Queen, herself.
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What to Wear for Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea Dress Code
What exactly is “Smart Casual?”
If you are planning to take your afternoon tea at a traditional tea locale, you will probably encounter a dress code. Generally, the attire requested for guests to adhere to for afternoon tea is “smart casual,” which falls somewhere between business casual and casual. This will usually mean no trainers, t-shirts, shorts or sportswear. And gentlemen will typically be asked to wear a collared shirt. However, they generally do not require men to wear a jacket and tie. But check your intended location ahead of time to be sure of this.
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For women, a “smart casual” outfit would be something akin to that which you would wear to a garden party. For example, a tea-length dress (which unsurprisingly received its name from the garb women wore when taking tea) with a flared hem in a floral print styled with simple kitten heels would be a classic look for attending a traditional afternoon tea. Long skirts and maxi dresses offer a more modern take on afternoon tea, but are still chic and stylish. A maxi skirt like this ruffled version with jacquard details (which is SO in right now, btw) paired with a chic blazer or lovely fitted sweater is another appropriate ensemble for taking tea.
Do 2. - Flattering Tea Length Formals
Alternative Styles for Afternoon Tea
And though the aforementioned styles work well for afternoon tea, you don’t have to wear a dress or skirt to be “smart casual.” Dress pants or stylish slacks can provide another stylish option to wear to your afternoon tea. Just make sure they are tailored well, fit properly and are suited for the season. Then pair your dress pants with a bold blazer and ballet flats or stylish heels to create a look that is perfect for afternoon tea.
Tea Length Formal Dresses
Menswear for Afternoon Tea
Additionally, for men who plan to attend afternoon tea, a trendy, yet dapper, option can be created with simple black or gray trousers, a white collared shirt, a cardigan sweater and classic brogues to finish the look.
Don't - What Not to Wear for Afternoon Tea
Finally, it is important to keep in mind the no-no’s for afternoon tea dressing – skin-tight, see-through, too low-cut or too short. Just remember to keep the look classic and chic and you will be just fine!
Now that we have elaborated on tea time dress code, please see the fabulous outfits below intended for afternoon tea.
Tea Dress
As the name suggests, a tea dress (also known as a tea gown) is super suitable for high tea thanks to its hemline that falls above the ankle and below the knee. Whether it's short or long-sleeved, team it with an endearing quilted cross-body bag for fashionable elegance.
High Neckline and Flared Hem
With respect to the style, make sure that the bodice of the dress is high enough to be appropriate, but low and relaxed enough to look casual. A flared hem is also cute and comfortable instead of figure-hugging designs.
Long Maxi Dress
Long, floaty maxi dresses cover you up for the occasion while making sure that you look effortlessly chic. If you have a strapless summer maxi dress that looks lovely, is a great shade and fits just right, but you're concerned about going without sleeves or straps, you could always pair the dress with a matching cardigan.
Rocking a Sweater Set
A sweater set is always a good idea for high tea because it can be paired with a skirt or pants but still looks pretty and feminine. Additionally, the sweater will help to keep you warm if the tea is being served in an air-conditioned room.
Consider Color
Make sure that your sweater set matches; don't just pair a tank top with a pretty cardigan. Stick to a color that is flattering on you and suitable for the occasion. Some good choices are:
- Teal
- Green
- Berry
- Soft rose
- Violet
Shades of black and white are fine, but these colors may look a bit stark.
Embracing Feminine Skirts
Skirts pair nicely with sweater sets, embellished tank tops, and printed blouses. The general rule is to make sure that your skirt sits at the knee or below the knee for it to be appropriate.
Pencil Skirt
Tailored pencil skirts match the occasion quite well as they're typically considered formal. However, if your skirt is very form fitting, be sure to sit in it prior to taking tea. You don't want to have to ask your friends or family members to help you up!
Flared Hem
A safe and practical option is a standout printed skirt with a flared hem, which you can then dress up with a black shirt, blouse, or cami to make a serious style statement.
Flowing Maxi Skirt
If you prefer the girlier aesthetic, opt for a long, free-flowing maxi skirt with romantic ruffles or a sassy slit. Choose between a muted, plain version that you can dress up with a bright blouse or a patterned number that you can pair with neutrals for a classic, refined look.
Afternoon Tea Etiquette Rules
Afternoon tea is a time-honored tradition that calls for a stylish and elegant outfit. Here are some tips for putting together the perfect afternoon tea outfit for ladies:
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Dress: A classic dress is always a great option for afternoon tea. Choose a dress that is appropriate for the occasion, such as a knee-length or midi dress in a soft and feminine fabric like lace or silk.
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Skirt and blouse: If you prefer not to wear a dress, a skirt and blouse combination can be equally elegant. Opt for a flowing skirt with a matching blouse or a blouse in a complementary color or print.
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Shoes: Choose comfortable yet stylish shoes that complement your outfit. Heels are not a necessity, so opt for flats or low-heeled pumps if you prefer. Make sure your shoes match the style and color of your outfit.
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Accessories: Accessorize your outfit with understated jewelry, such as a simple necklace or bracelet. A small clutch or handbag in a complementary color will complete your look. You can also add a hat or fascinator for a touch of glamour.
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Hair and makeup: Keep your hair and makeup simple and elegant. A low chignon or sleek ponytail is a great hairstyle option, and natural-looking makeup will enhance your features without overpowering your outfit.
Overall, the key to a perfect afternoon tea outfit is to keep it classic, elegant, and comfortable. You want to look your best while still being able to relax and enjoy the experience. With these tips, you'll be ready for an afternoon of tea, scones, and conversation in style.
esigner. She studied and specialized in women's fashion at London College of Fashion, UK and has worked at Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Liberty London, Alice Temperley to name a few. She has her own successful resort wear, vacation dresses, special occasion dresses, wedding guest looks, swim coverups label. While on Project Runway Season 13, she won 2 challenges and was fortunate to show her collection at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. The brand has been featured in Marie Claire US, Workshop at Macy's, Ftv.com, Elle Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Vogue online to name a few. She designs limited edition high end printed spring dresses, wearable art clothing, casual resort attire and swim coverups. Beautiful prints are inspired from around the world to be worn during travel, resort stay or cruise holidays.
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