What To Wear For A Tea Party: A Complete Guide To Sip In Style

It seems as if every spring or summer, I receive an invitation to a tea party. I don’t know if that is a Southern thing or if my friends and social groups enjoy planning them. What I do know is that they are a fun soiree. Another thing I like about them is that they are so fun to dress for. So, if you have received an invitation and are wondering what to wear to a tea party, you are in the right place. I’ve got you covered with dress code details and outfit ideas so that you will be sipping tea and eating finger sandwiches in style.

This post may contain affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link or picture and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you), so thank you. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I appreciate your support.

What To Wear For A Tea Party

Tea parties are a wonderful blend of tradition, social charm, and fashion. So I am going to take you through what you can expect at this fun social gathering and outfits that you will enjoy wearing, not only to this tea party but to other social occasions.

What Is A Tea Party

A tea party is typically held in the afternoon. Tea parties can be casual get-togethers or more formal affairs that include fine china and silver. The soiree could be held at someone’s home, a tea room, or a garden. Many times tea parties are part of a themed event like a bridal shower or birthday celebration.

Conversation is usually the heart of a tea party. It is a great way to gather a group of women to spend some quality time together. Usually, a few types of tea are offered with milk, sugar, lemon, or honey. The food will be light and dainty, so don’t go on an empty stomach. You will usually choose from an assortment of tea sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and cookies. More than likely, there will be beautiful table linens, floral arrangements, and nice china. So proper tea etiquette is something you will want to know.

What Is The Dress Code For A Tea Party

Ahhh. The question that everyone wants to make sure they get right. What is the dress code? what am I expected to wear?

The dress code for a tea party usually depends on the formality of the soiree and the venue. “Elegant casual” or “smart casual” is the best option. You want to look dressed up, but not too formal. Good options include florals, pastels, or soft prints.

Tea Party Outfits

What to wear to an afternoon tea party

Knee-length or midi dresses in cotton, linen, silk, or lace are great options for an afternoon tea party. Think flowy, breezy fabrics that you will be comfortable standing or sitting in. Tea parties are about celebrating, so let your outfit reflect that. Wear a beautiful print or your favorite bright color that brings a smile to your face.

Never fear if you are not a dress person. You can pair a feminine blouse with tailored pants or a flowy skirt.

Now let’s talk shoes and accessories. You will want to wear ballet flats, low block heels, or wedges if it is held outdoors. If it is an indoor event, you can expand your footwear choices to include slingbacks or pretty heeled sandals. Hats, pearls, dainty jewelry, and a structured handbag will complete your tea party attire.

Here are some outfit inspirations for you.

Garden Party

A flowy midi dress in a floral print is perfect for an afternoon garden tea party. Since you will be outdoors, wedge espadrilles or low block heeled sandals are the best shoe option. All you need to finish the outfit is a pretty clutch bag, some gold hoop earrings, and a straw sunhat.

Elevated Picnic

This elevated outdoor picnic look is great for the ladies who don’t like to wear dresses. A pair of wide leg linen trousers, cropped if you are petite, and a blouse with lace or eyelet detail. Ballet flats or Mary Janes are the perfect shoe choice with this look. Just add some pearl earrings and a crossbody bag as your accessories.

You will want to keep the colors light and soft for this type of look. Pastels or warm neutrals work beautifully for this type of summer look.

Classic Ladylike Look

We are going to get a little dressier with this look and the next few looks. All would be ideal to wear to a hotel tearoom or a more formal indoor venue.

Let’s start with a tea-length fit-and-flare dress in a solid pastel. This dress silhouette is timeless. Add in a classic pair of slingback kitten heels with a small, structured handbag. For jewelry, all you need is a dainty bracelet and some earrings.

Feminine and French-Inspired

Who doesn’t love to dress in a French-inspired classic look? For this look, we will start with an A-line midi skirt and add a simple silk blouse. Pair it with a pair of pointed-toe flats or low heels. Look through your jewelry drawer and find a brooch to wear. Adding a vintage-inspired touch makes your outfit feel so special.

Monochrome

A monochrome look is always a classy and classic look. A short-sleeved midi dress in one color. Pick a dress that is made out of a fabric that has some subtle texture. A blush, ivory, or navy dress would work beautifully for this type of look. Keep your shoes neutral with nude mules or heeled sandals. Add in a pair of statement earrings, a clutch, and a fresh manicure, and you’re looking chic with minimal effort.

What to wear to a high tea party

If the event is more formal, like a high tea party at a very formal venue, then you might want to consider something that is a bit dressier. Think of it as a sophisticated and polished look.

Tailored and Elegant

For this type of look, you cannot go wrong with a sheath dress in a classic neutral or jewel tone. Sheath dresses pair beautifully with a classic leather pump. Another option would be a low-heeled block sandal or a kitten heel pump if you prefer a lower heel height. A simple leather clutch and drop earrings complete this look.

Matching Set

A luxe matching set offers a modern twist on a dress, and it still looks formal. This is a great option for ladies who need different sizes on top and bottom. A coordinated midi skirt and top in satin or jacquard make it appear as a dress. Some strappy heeled sandals and a metallic handbag will finish the look.

For this look, I went with navy because it is a great color for spring and summer events. You can wear navy skirts and dresses with countless options of shoes and handbags to achieve different looks. This silk blouse and skirt option will be in your wardrobe for many years to come.

Elegant Jumpsuit

Another option for ladies who prefer pants over dresses. A wide-leg jumpsuit that has a cinched waist can feel just as classy as a dress when tailored properly. Pair your jumpsuit with a pair a strappy heels and an envelope clutch to complete the look.

Classic with a Twist

This look is perfect for a high tea setting. Let’s start with a silk midi skirt in a unique shape, and pair it with a silk blouse that you will tuck in. Classic pointed-toe heels are a must, along with a classic top-handle bag. The twist on this classic look is to tie a silk scarf around your neck or bag handle. That is what will give your outfit a little extra personality.

Thanks, Let’s Keep In Touch

Thanks for stopping by. Getting dressed up for a tea party is a great way to have some quality, fun time with friends. Let me know in the comments what you decided to wear to your soiree. I also have some great ideas for classy linen outfits if you have other summer parties to attend.

You can also find me on Instagram and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow me there. I also have a newsletter that I send out every Sunday and Wednesday morning. In it, I share things that I don’t share on other platforms. I hope you will sign up by clicking here.