Sandhya Garg — USA Tea Guide
What to Wear for Afternoon Tea in the US:
A City-by-City Guide
New York · Los Angeles · Boston · Florida · Texas · Chicago · By Sandhya Garg, Project Runway Designer
Quick Answer
For afternoon tea anywhere in the US, the dress code is smart casual to garden party elegant. Wear a floral midi dress, a wrap dress, a feminine mini, or a printed co-ord in soft pastels and florals. The specific level of formality shifts by city: New York grand hotel teas are the most formal; LA and Florida venues tend toward "chic resort casual"; Boston and Chicago read classically elegant; Texas tea scenes are sophisticated but never stuffy. A fascinator is always a welcome touch at any hotel tearoom.
Afternoon tea is having a genuine moment in America. What was once the exclusive domain of grand New York hotel lobbies has bloomed into a nationwide tradition — from Beverly Hills harpist-accompanied hotel teas to Chicago Wedgwood service overlooking the skyline, from Boston's new Raffles rooftop to Dallas supper clubs reimagining the tradition with caviar and champagne.
As a Project Runway designer who has attended afternoon tea across the US and UK for years, I can tell you: the outfit is half the experience. Getting dressed for afternoon tea is an act of intention — a signal that you understand the occasion and want to inhabit it fully. This guide walks you through what to wear in each major US tea city, with specific venue recommendations and a curated shop edit from our collection.
For the complete afternoon tea dress code guide with full dos & don'ts, see our Afternoon Tea Dress Code: Top 10 Dos & Don'ts. Planning a trip to London? Read our What to Wear for Afternoon Tea in London guide.
The Universal US Afternoon Tea Style Guide
Before we go city by city, here are the five style principles that apply across all US afternoon tea venues:
🌸
Florals Always Win
A floral midi or mini dress is appropriate at every US afternoon tea — from The Plaza's Palm Court to a Pasadena garden tearoom. Florals in pastels read elegant everywhere.
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Midi is Your Safe Bet
Knee-length to below-the-knee is appropriate at every venue from casual to grand hotel. Minis work at most casual tearooms; maxis are best for garden and outdoor settings.
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Pastels Over Neutrals
Blush, sage, lavender, mint, and soft yellow photograph beautifully against tiered cake stands and bone china. Neutrals work too — but pastels always look intentional for tea.
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Low Heels or Flats
Ballet flats, kitten heels, block heels, and dressy sandals are all appropriate. Stilettos and very high platforms are unnecessary and often impractical for hotel lobbies and garden teas alike.
🎩
Fascinator = Instant Upgrade
Not required at US venues, but always warmly received. A small fascinator or floral headpiece instantly elevates even a simple dress to a full afternoon tea look. Proportionate and secure.
🗽 New York
The most formal US afternoon tea scene · Grand hotel tradition at its best
Smart Casual to Elegant
New York has the most developed and formal afternoon tea scene in the US — and the best venues are genuinely world-class. The Waldorf Astoria (post $2B renovation), The Baccarat Hotel, and The Plaza Palm Court rival London's finest hotel teas. New York venues tend toward the more elevated end of the US tea dress code: think polished midi or maxi dresses, no casual denim, and always a level above your everyday smart casual.
👗 What to Wear in New York
A floral printed midi dress is the safest, most versatile choice across all NYC tea venues. For grand hotels (Waldorf, Baccarat, Plaza), step it up slightly — a jacquard dress, a silk blend midi, or a structured wrap dress reads well. No jeans, no casual trainers. A light blazer or silk wrap for air-conditioned hotel interiors is always useful. A small fascinator at The Plaza feels absolutely right.
🫖 Top 5 Afternoon Tea Venues — New York
01 · Waldorf Astoria — Yoshoku
301 Park Ave · From $135/person · Currently #1 ranked NYC tea
Fresh from an $2B renovation, the Waldorf's Japanese-inspired afternoon tea at Yoshoku features wagyu reuben bites, smoked trout with pickled daikon, and an exquisite Japanese tea selection. Dethroned Baccarat as NYC's top tea in 2025 reviews.
02 · Baccarat Hotel — Grand Salon
28 W 53rd St · From $140/person · Crystal chandeliers & roses
Opulence done right. The "Prince of Wales" menu features lobster caviar, coronation chicken, warm scones with clotted cream, and crème brûlée tart. Crystal glassware and blooming red roses throughout. One of the most photographed tea settings in America.
03 · The Plaza Hotel — Palm Court
768 5th Ave · From $89/person · 100+ year tradition
The dazzling Palm Court under its soaring stained-glass dome has served afternoon tea since 1907. Teas from across the globe, five-course service, and the Eloise children's tea on offer. A genuine NYC institution and the most photographed tearoom in the city.
04 · Mandarin Oriental — 35th Floor
80 Columbus Circle · From $130/person · Best Central Park views
Year-round afternoon tea on the 35th floor with stunning Central Park views. Seasonal sandwiches, egg salad with caviar on brioche, and Rare Tea Company teas. Request a window table — the view over the park is extraordinary and rivals anything in New York.
05 · St. Regis — Astor Court
2 E 55th St · Daily service · Old King Cole mural
Soaring ceilings, plush seating, and the iconic Old King Cole mural — the St. Regis continues a beloved tradition dating back to when Caroline Astor held court here. Premium Keemun and Ceylon teas. One of NYC's most historically significant tea settings.
🌴 Los Angeles
California glamour meets British tradition · Harpists, champagne & garden views
Resort Chic to Elegant
LA's afternoon tea scene has evolved dramatically in recent years — now spanning Beverly Hills luxury hotels, historic Pasadena gardens, and West Hollywood parlours. The LA dress code is slightly more relaxed than NYC — resort chic is appropriate here, and bold colours and prints are more welcome. The setting matters: garden venues like The Huntington call for florals; Beverly Hills hotel teas expect polished elegance.
👗 What to Wear in Los Angeles
A floral wrap maxi or printed midi dress is perfect for LA's combination of garden and hotel venues. At The Peninsula Beverly Hills, step up to a more structured, polished look — this is Hollywood luxury, and the bar is high. At The Huntington Rose Garden, a wide-brimmed hat and a floral maxi is absolutely appropriate and beautiful. Lighter, more colourful looks work well here than in NYC — the California light rewards bold prints and tropical palettes. Flat sandals or low wedges work at garden venues; kitten heels for hotel interiors.
🫖 Top 5 Afternoon Tea Venues — Los Angeles
01 · The Peninsula Beverly Hills
9882 S Santa Monica Blvd · From $125/person · Daily service (only one in LA 7 days)
The Living Room at The Peninsula is LA's most consistently celebrated tea — velvet sofas, two fireplaces, over 20 loose-leaf teas, and complimentary Laurent-Perrier champagne. The $190 Imperial Tea adds Dom Pérignon. The only LA hotel serving afternoon tea all seven days of the week.
02 · The Huntington Rose Garden Tea Room
1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino · ~$55/person · Requires garden admission
One of LA's most beloved and frequently sold-out tea experiences, set within 130 acres of botanical garden. The Rose Garden Tea Room reopened after renovation to enormous demand. The California-inspired menu includes poached lobster roll and bonbon at the premium tier. Vegan and gluten-free menus available.
03 · The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
1401 S Oak Knoll Ave · $79/person · Thu–Sun
The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood — inspired by the original 1865 Langham London tea service — is served in a lobby lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Horseshoe Garden and San Marino hills. Seasonal menu changes quarterly; Wedgwood "Langham Rose" teaware is a beautiful touch.
04 · Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
9850 Wilshire Blvd · From $135/person · Sat–Sun · Live harpist
Art Deco-inspired lobby lounge with a live harpist every weekend — a genuinely special setting. Tea curated by Tea Leaves, with the choice of Veuve Clicquot or Dom Pérignon. The Prêt-à-Portea fashion-inspired afternoon tea made its US debut here — a favourite of LA fashionistas.
05 · The London West Hollywood
1020 N San Vicente Blvd · $84/person · Sat–Sun · Rare Tea Company teas
A chic weekend tea service using teas from Henrietta Lovell's Rare Tea Company (the same sourcer behind Claridge's London). Baked ham on brioche, roasted chicken and curry profiterole, warm scones with cream and lemon curd. Polished and elegant without being intimidating.
🫖 Boston
New England elegance with historical depth · Rooftop skylines & harbour views
Classic Elegant
Boston's afternoon tea scene benefits from the city's deep historical ties to Britain — and its own tea history (the Boston Tea Party, after all, was the original statement about tea and its place in American culture). The newest addition, Raffles Boston, has immediately raised the standard dramatically. Boston teas read classic and elegant — the dress code here is similar to NYC but with a slightly more New England-preppy sensibility.
👗 What to Wear in Boston
New England florals and classic printed midis work beautifully in Boston's tea rooms. The palette here skews slightly more classic than LA — think soft florals, blush, sage, and classic navy-and-white prints alongside pastel maxis. At Raffles Boston's 17th-floor Long Bar, a polished printed dress with kitten heels feels perfectly appropriate. The Boston Public Library Courtyard Tea has a more academic elegance — a beautiful wrap dress or a structured midi fits the setting perfectly.
🫖 Top 5 Afternoon Tea Venues — Boston
01 · Raffles Boston — Long Bar & Terrace (17F)
40 Trinity Place · From $85/person · Palais des Thés teas
Boston's finest new afternoon tea venue — Raffles opened its first North American hotel here in 2023. The 17th-floor Long Bar offers tea inspired by New England's seasons, Palais des Thés teas (12 varieties), and views of the Boston skyline. Portuguese-American Chef George Mendes oversees the food. Royal Afternoon Tea includes champagne. A destination experience.
02 · Four Seasons Boston — Trifecta
200 Boylston St · $99/person with champagne · Weekends
The Four Seasons Boston's Trifecta is known for its cocktails but also home to a hugely popular weekend afternoon tea. Three-way tea (includes a complementary cocktail and champagne alongside the traditional tea service) — hence "Trifecta." A favourite for birthdays and celebrations.
03 · Boston Harbor Hotel — Rowes Wharf
70 Rowes Wharf · Thu–Sun · Harbour views
Afternoon tea at Rowes Wharf Sea Grille with spectacular Boston Harbour views. Seasonal tea menu — herbal rooibos chai to a signature cocktail option. The waterfront setting is unique among Boston's tea venues; ask for a harbour-facing table.
04 · Boston Public Library — Courtyard Tea Room
700 Boylston St · Wed–Fri · ~$64/person
Tea in the stunning Italian Renaissance courtyard of the Boston Public Library — one of New England's most beautiful public spaces. An academic elegance that pairs perfectly with a structured wrap dress and a good book. A beloved local institution for weekday tea.
05 · The Newbury Hotel — Street Bar
One Newbury St · Back Bay · Seasonal
The Newbury is one of Boston's most stylish hotels, and its afternoon tea offering in Street Bar is a local favourite for a fashionable, chic experience. The Back Bay location on Newbury Street — Boston's most iconic shopping and dining corridor — makes it ideal for a tea-and-shopping afternoon.
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🌺 Florida
Historic grandeur meets tropical elegance · From Palm Beach to Coral Gables
Tropical Elegant
Florida's afternoon tea scene is shaped by its climate and geography — warm, tropical, and inherently resort-adjacent. The Breakers in Palm Beach is one of the most storied historic hotels in the US; the Biltmore Coral Gables has been serving afternoon tea since 1926 to a famously loyal clientele. The dress code here is "tropical elegant" — brighter colours are welcome, florals are expected, and the air-conditioning means a light wrap is always sensible.
👗 What to Wear in Florida
Florida's tea venues welcome bold floral prints and vibrant tropical palettes that might feel too much in a NYC hotel tearoom. A floral maxi or midi in coral, turquoise, or tropical print is entirely at home here. At The Breakers Palm Beach, step up to a more polished look — this is one of America's grandest historic hotels. For the Biltmore Coral Gables, the 1926 Mediterranean setting inspires florals and feminine prints. Flat sandals are acceptable at most Florida teas; dressy sandals work well for the climate.
🫖 Top 5 Afternoon Tea Venues — Florida
01 · The Breakers, Palm Beach
1 S County Rd, Palm Beach · Historic 1926 resort
One of America's most iconic historic hotels, The Breakers has hosted afternoon tea in its grand Mediterranean Revival salons since 1926. The opulence, the architecture, and the Palm Beach social scene combine for an unforgettable tea experience that feels genuinely European. Reservations essential.
02 · The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables
1200 Anastasia Ave · Grand lobby · Live harpist
One of the last classic English afternoon teas in the Miami area, served in the grand lobby of a 1926 National Historic Landmark hotel with Mediterranean architecture. 15+ exquisite teas, a live harpist, three-tier stands, and genuinely exceptional service from the legendary Nestor. Guests consistently describe it as "comparable to London."
03 · Flagler Museum, Palm Beach
1 Whitehall Way · Café des Beaux-Arts
Afternoon tea in the Café des Beaux-Arts of the Flagler Museum — the Gilded Age mansion of Standard Oil billionaire Henry Flagler. Tea in one of the most beautiful Beaux-Arts interiors in America, with a rotating seasonal menu. A Palm Beach institution for history lovers.
04 · The Enchanted Dollhouse, Miami
Miami · Whimsical French tearoom
Miami's most whimsical afternoon tea experience — a French-inspired tearoom where everything is more enchanting than you'd expect. Ideal for birthdays, bridal showers, and occasions that call for something truly different. The most Instagram-friendly tearoom in Florida by a considerable margin.
05 · The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd · Seasonal
The Ritz-Carlton Naples offers seasonal afternoon tea experiences in a beachfront luxury setting that perfectly captures the Florida resort tea aesthetic. Garden views, quality pastry work, and an extensive tea programme. Check their calendar for special themed teas throughout the year.
🌹 Texas
Dallas is tea-obsessed · Champagne, caviar & sophisticated Southern style
Sophisticated Southern
Dallas is, as D Magazine put it, "a little tea crazy" — and the city has developed one of the most exciting and distinctive afternoon tea scenes in the US. Rather than simply replicating the British tradition, Dallas has made afternoon tea its own: more champagne, more caviar upgrades, more Taschen tomes and Surrealist pastries. The dress code here is sophisticated Southern — polished and elegant, but not stuffy. Big earrings, bright colours, and dramatic accessories are entirely at home.
👗 What to Wear in Texas
Texas afternoon tea calls for your most beautiful, statement-making outfit. The venues — particularly The Mansion Library and Léonie on the 20th floor — are genuinely glamorous settings. Women in Dallas for afternoon tea tend to dress up rather than down: a striking printed midi or a silk maxi, statement jewellery, bold accessories. A fascinator is unusual but welcome; bold earrings and a beautiful dress is the Dallas standard. Think Hollywood glamour with a Southern drawl.
🫖 Top 5 Afternoon Tea Venues — Texas (Dallas)
01 · Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
2821 Turtle Creek Blvd · $95/person · Sat–Sun · 1925 Mansion Library
The most talked-about afternoon tea in Dallas, returned in 2025 after a long absence. The 1925 Mansion Library — dark wood walls, stained glass, Italian Renaissance architecture — is one of America's most extraordinary tea settings. Heritage organic teas, black currant scones, curried chicken sandwiches, Bollinger champagne upgrade available.
02 · Léonie at Harwood Dallas
2019 McKinney Ave · 20th floor skyline views · Weekends
Tea on the 20th floor with extraordinary Dallas skyline views — the most photogenic afternoon tea setting in Texas. Scones, savory bites, decadent sweets, and optional caviar. A favourite for special occasions and celebrations among Dallas's fashion-forward crowd.
03 · The Adolphus Hotel — French Room
1321 Commerce St · Historic 1912 · Alice in Wonderland themed
The iconic French Room at The Adolphus has offered afternoon tea in one of Dallas's most beautiful historic interiors — its Alice in Wonderland–themed teas are particularly celebrated. Built in 1912 and considered one of Texas's grandest hotels, the Adolphus is a must-visit for tea lovers in Dallas.
04 · Mirador at Forty Five Ten
1615 Main St · $89/person · Champagne & caviar available
The afternoon tea inside Forty Five Ten — Dallas's most stylish luxury lifestyle boutique — is appropriately fashion-forward. Modern ceramics from a South Korean artist, consommé inspired by French haute couture, and a beautiful fashion-meets-food aesthetic. The perfect tea for someone who dresses for the occasion.
05 · The Lancaster Hotel
Houston · $89/person · Theater District
Houston's premier afternoon tea venue, perfectly positioned in the Theater District for a pre-performance tradition. Traditional service with a Southern touch, complimentary valet parking, and a refined atmosphere that suits the most special of occasions.
🌬️ Chicago
Wedgwood service in Mies van der Rohe's IBM Building · 100-year hotel traditions
Classic Elegant
Chicago's afternoon tea scene is anchored by some of the most architecturally extraordinary settings in the US — The Langham occupies Mies van der Rohe's landmark IBM Building; The Drake Hotel has served Palm Court tea for 100 years. Chicago is a city of serious style, and the afternoon tea venues reflect that: traditional, well-executed, architecturally stunning, and genuinely elegant without being precious about it.
👗 What to Wear in Chicago
Chicago afternoon tea rewards a classic, polished look — similar to NYC but with a Midwestern sensibility that's slightly less flashy. A printed midi dress in a quality fabric, or a silk-blend wrap dress, is ideal for The Langham or The Drake. The city's winters call for layers — a beautifully cut blazer or silk wrap over your dress works perfectly. In summer, Chicago's rooftop and river view venues welcome lighter, more colourful florals. Avoid very casual looks at The Langham or Peninsula — these venues expect genuine smart casual as a minimum.
🫖 Top 5 Afternoon Tea Venues — Chicago
01 · The Langham Chicago — Pavilion
330 N Wabash Ave · Wedgwood teaware · IBM Building by Mies van der Rohe
The Pavilion at The Langham Chicago offers "Afternoon Tea With Wedgwood" in one of the world's most iconic Modernist buildings — Mies van der Rohe's 1973 IBM Building. Views over the Chicago skyline, traditional Wedgwood teaware, and a tea programme inspired by the original Langham London 1865 service. One of the most architecturally extraordinary tea settings in America.
02 · The Drake Hotel — Palm Court
140 E Walton Pl · 100-year tradition · Wed–Sun · From $62/person
Palm Court's afternoon tea service has a 100-year history and a guest list that includes Hollywood icons and royalty. Palais des Thés tea blends, three-tiered tray with gourmet finger sandwiches and petit fours, special holiday teas throughout the year. A true Chicago institution that rivals any in the country.
03 · The Peninsula Chicago — The Lobby
108 E Superior St · Full tea or à la carte · Lobby overlooks outdoor restaurant
The Peninsula's elegant Lobby serves a full afternoon tea (pastries, scones, sandwiches) or an à la carte selection — unusually flexible for a luxury hotel venue. The lobby is genuinely lovely, with views down into the outdoor restaurant below. One of the most consistently praised Chicago tea experiences year after year.
04 · LondonHouse — Bridges Lobby Bar
85 E Wacker Dr · $75/person · Rare Tea Cellar partnership · River views
LondonHouse's Bridges Lobby Bar takes a modern approach to afternoon tea — combining classic British fare with contemporary flavours and an exquisite selection from their Rare Tea Cellar partnership. Second-floor river views over the Chicago River are spectacular, especially in summer. A local favourite for its chic, modern aesthetic.
05 · The Deerpath Inn, Lake Forest
255 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest · Award-winning · English estate feel
Worth the short drive north of Chicago — The Deerpath Inn is an award-winning English country house hotel that serves what many consider the most authentic British afternoon tea in the Midwest. The 1929 property on Chicago's North Shore feels like stepping into an English estate. Exceptional scones, beautifully curated tea selection, and impeccable service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code for afternoon tea in the US?
The afternoon tea dress code across the US is generally smart casual to garden party elegant. At grand hotel teas (Waldorf Astoria, Baccarat, The Plaza), smart casual is the minimum — a floral midi dress, wrap dress, or printed midi is appropriate. At casual tearooms, a nice sundress or blouse and trousers work. No jeans, no trainers, and no athleisure at any hotel venue. For the complete dos and don'ts, see our Afternoon Tea Dress Code Guide.
Which city has the best afternoon tea in the US?
New York has the most developed and prestigious afternoon tea scene in the US — with venues like The Waldorf Astoria, Baccarat Hotel, and The Plaza Palm Court genuinely competing with London's finest. However, every major US city now has exceptional options: LA's Peninsula Beverly Hills, Boston's Raffles, Dallas's Mansion on Turtle Creek, Chicago's Langham Pavilion, and Florida's Breakers and Biltmore are all world-class experiences.
How formal is afternoon tea in the US compared to London?
US afternoon teas tend to be slightly less formal than their London counterparts — particularly The Ritz London and Claridge's, which have strict dress codes including jacket requirements. New York hotel teas are closest to the London standard. LA, Florida, and Texas venues are more relaxed about dress codes, though smart casual is expected everywhere. See our London afternoon tea dress code guide for comparison.
What should I wear to afternoon tea in New York?
For afternoon tea at NYC's grand hotels (Waldorf, Baccarat, Plaza, St. Regis), wear a polished floral midi dress, a structured wrap dress, or a printed silk-blend midi. No jeans, no trainers. A light blazer or silk wrap for hotel air-conditioning. A small fascinator at The Plaza fits the occasion beautifully.
What do you wear to afternoon tea in Los Angeles?
LA's afternoon tea scene is slightly more relaxed and colourful than NYC's. For The Peninsula Beverly Hills, a polished printed dress with heels is appropriate. For The Huntington Rose Garden, a floral maxi with a wide-brimmed hat is perfectly suited to the outdoor garden setting. Flat sandals are acceptable at garden venues; kitten heels for hotel interiors. Brighter colours and bolder prints work well in the California light.
What is the best afternoon tea in the US for a special occasion?
For the most memorable special occasion afternoon teas in the US, the Baccarat Hotel Grand Salon (New York), The Peninsula Beverly Hills (Los Angeles), Raffles Boston Long Bar and Terrace, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek (Dallas), and The Langham Chicago Pavilion are the top recommendations. All offer extraordinary settings, exceptional food and tea, and a genuine sense of occasion that makes birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations feel truly special.
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The best afternoon teas deserve the best dresses.
Sandhya Garg is a Los Angeles boutique specialising in limited-edition artisanal dresses for women in sizes XS–3XL — florals, pastels, and feminine prints designed for life's most elegant moments.
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