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How To Dress For A Tea Party

How To Dress For A Tea Party: 8 Outfits (2023 Updated)

Last Updated on March 3, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson

Do you have an upcoming tea party and don’t know what to wear? 

Whether you’re attending a formal afternoon tea or a casual gathering, dressing for the occasion is key. 

You can ensure you look and feel your best with the right clothes and accessories. 

So, don’t worry because we will assist you with how to dress for a tea party and provide some ideas for stylish and elegant looks. 

8 Dashing Outfits To Wear At An Afternoon Tea Party

1. Navy Blue Shift Dress With Navy and White Striped Blazer

woman wearing blue shift dress

This sophisticated outfit is perfect for an afternoon tea party. The navy shift dress is classic and figure-flattering, and the striped blazer in navy and white adds an air of polish. 

On the other hand, tan loafers are the perfect finishing touch, adding a bit of warmth to the ensemble. 

This outfit will look chic and put-together, perfect for an afternoon of sipping tea and catching up with friends.

2. White Shirt With Tweed Skirt & Bright-Colored Beret

The white shirt is a good choice because it’s timeless, and the tweed skirt will offer depth to your outfit while still keeping things traditional. 

A bright-colored beret brings a pop of color and fun to the look, which is perfect for a festive gathering. 

Put on heeled ankle boots and some dainty jewelry, and you’ll be ready to show up in style.

3. Sleeveless Midi Dress With Pastel Cardigan

This lovely sleeveless midi dress comes in a flattering style that hugs the form in all the right places, and it boasts a stunning floral print in a pastel color palette. 

Meanwhile, the delicate pastel cardigan lightly drapes around the shoulders, adding warmth and elegance. 

Lastly, the pearl earrings add a timeless finish to the ensemble, while the white-heeled sandals add a modern touch.

Check out these elegant outfits you can wear to an outdoor party here.

4. Black & White Polka Dot Dress

Pairing the black-and-white polka dot [1] dress with the cream cardigan elevates the traditional piece to a more refined level. 

The black ballet flats are comfortable and stylish, perfect for an afternoon of socializing and sipping tea. 

Indeed, the combination of black and white gives the outfit a modern edge and is sure to make a statement at the tea party. 

Read: Can You Wear Black On Easter Sunday?

5. Pink & White Gingham Dress With White Blazer & Pumps

When you wear this outfit, you can be confident that you will feel beautiful from head to toe. 

The dress features a flattering A-line silhouette and delicate gingham print, accented by the crisp white blazer. 

On one side, the blazer adds a touch of elegance to the look and provides a structure that will make any woman look her best. 

Plus, when worn with a pair of classic white heels, it exudes an aura of subtle elegance.

6. A Light-Colored Sundress With Espadrilles & Flower-Embellished Headband

Dressing for an afternoon tea gathering requires a light-colored, breezy sundress, a pair of espadrilles, and a headband with pretty embellished flowers. 

The light fabric of the sundress is perfect for the warmer months, while the espadrilles add a touch of elegance and style. 

And the headband completes the look, giving it a feminine and fun touch. The light colors of the outfit will make you look and feel light and airy, perfect for an afternoon tea party. 

Undoubtedly, the sundress and espadrilles combination is fashionable and comfortable, perfect for a summer afternoon. 

7. Pleated Midi Skirt With A White Crocheted Top

Woman wearing Pleated Midi Skirt with White Longsleeve top

Pleated skirts are one of the best pieces of clothing you can wear with any formal upper apparel, but they shine when you wear them to tea parties. 

The pleated midi skirt is made from a lightweight and breathable fabric, making it an ideal choice for a summer day. 

Secondly, the white crocheted top adds a touch of elegance to the look that is perfect for a tea party. 

And its soft and delicate crochet creates a romantic and feminine look that will look great with the pleats of the midi skirt. 

8. Pleated Maxi Skirt With A Tucked-in Blouse

Wearing a pleated maxi skirt with a shirt that is tucked into the skirt is the ultimate look for a tea party in the afternoon. 

The length of the skirt gives a touch of polished class, and the pleats generate a form that is both flattering and feminine. 

Tucking in the blouse makes a tidy and glossy appearance, which also draws attention to the shape of the waist. 

A pair of oxfords and a floppy hat are essential to complete the outfit. The oxfords will lend an aura of preppy cool, while the floppy hat will offer a dash of glamour.

Read: 10 Fashionable Outfits For A Bachelorette Party In Your 30s

Tea Party Dress Code Etiquette: Do’s & Don’ts

For men, the dress code at a tea party [2] is usually semi-formal, consisting of dress slacks, a dress shirt, and a necktie. 

A suit and tie should be worn if the event is for a more formal occasion, such as a wedding shower or anniversary. 

“When she is unable to avoid the matter further, she makes a pot of tea.”

Erin Morgenstern, American Multimedia Artist

Women should wear a dress or skirt, with a blouse or sweater. Accessories such as hats, gloves, and jewelry should be kept to a minimum. 

When choosing the colors for your tea party attire, it is important to stick to subtle colors such as pastels, neutrals, and muted colors. 

At a tea party, wearing an outfit with distractingly vivid colors and strong prints can take away from the proper etiquette of the occasion. 

Additionally, it is important to avoid wearing overly revealing clothing such as shorts and tank tops.

FAQs

Is it customary to wear a hat to a tea party?

Generally, wearing a hat to a tea party is not considered necessary, but it may be acceptable depending on the context. 

Wearing a hat to a tea party may be considered appropriate if the event is formal or occurs at a certain time, such as afternoon tea.

What are the rules for a high tea party?

Good manners, such as table manners, politeness, and respect for other guests, should be observed at high tea. 

Plus, it is essential to keep in mind to maintain your napkin on your lap the entire time you are eating and to wait to start eating until everyone else has been served.

But what are some steps in setting the table for a tea party?

Wrapping Up

When dressing for a tea party, the key is to look sophisticated and elegant while staying comfortable. 

Choose an appropriate outfit for the occasion that you feel confident in. With the right accessories, you can make your outfit look extra special. 

So the next time you’re invited to a tea party, pull out your best tea attire and get ready for a great time.

References: 

  1. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a32839249/polka-dot-history/
  1. https://www.eatthis.com/side-effects-too-much-tea/
Kimberlee Johnson
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