What To Wear To a Tea Party in 2023: 70+ Cute Outfit Ideas!

Have you ever wondered about what to wear to a tea party? You’re not alone. Tea parties are a timeless tradition, and dressing appropriately can often feel daunting. But worry not! I’m here to guide you through selecting the perfect outfit for your next tea party.

High tea, a cherished tradition from Britain, is a delightful affair that combines the pleasure of sipping tea with the joy of indulging in scrumptious treats.

But one thing I believe makes high tea even more special is the opportunity it presents to dress up in your finest attire.

Understanding High Tea Party

Tea party (or high tea) is a light meal typically enjoyed in the afternoon, featuring sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

Originating as a working-class meal in the 19th century, high tea has evolved into a sophisticated event often associated with special occasions.

When you’re invited to tea party, expect an elegant affair complete with delicate finger foods, various teas, and, often, a glass of champagne.

The dress code for these gatherings can vary, but it generally falls within the realm of semi-formal attire.

The Tea Party Dress Code

Tea parties are all about elegance and sophistication. The dress code typically leans towards semi-formal attire.

However, the specific details can vary depending on the type of tea party. Whether it’s a casual garden tea party or a formal high tea, the key is to look polished and chic.

Here’s a deeper look into the nuances of the tea party dress code:

Type of Tea Party: The nature of the tea party plays a significant role in determining the dress code. For instance, a garden tea party might call for a floral sundress and a wide-brimmed hat, while a high tea event might require a more formal dress or a sophisticated pantsuit.
Time of Day: Daytime tea parties typically call for lighter colors and fabrics, while evening events might allow for darker hues and more formal attire.
Theme: Some tea parties have specific themes, such as a Victorian tea party or a Mad Hatter tea party. In these cases, the dress code might involve period-specific attire or whimsical accessories.

What to Wear to a Tea Party High Tea Inspired Wedding

Here are some general guidelines you can follow when deciding what to wear to a tea party:

Dress Length: Opt for knee-length, midi, or maxi dresses and skirts. Short dresses or miniskirts are typically too casual for a tea party.
Pants: If you choose to wear pants, ensure they are well-tailored and made of quality fabric. Avoid jeans and overly casual styles.
Colors and Prints: Stick to soft, neutral colors or subtle prints. Avoid overly bright colors or loud, distracting patterns.
Footwear: Choose comfortable yet stylish footwear. High heels can work, but consider ballet flats, loafers, or kitten heels if you’ll be standing or walking around.
Accessories: Accessories can add a touch of elegance to your outfit. Consider wearing a hat, fascinator, or chic headband. Jewelry should be tasteful and not overly flashy.
Layers: Depending on the weather and the venue, you might want to bring a light cardigan, shawl, or blazer.
Fabric: Choose quality fabrics that look elegant and feel comfortable. Linen, silk, and light wools are good options.
Necklines and Sleeves: Opt for conservative necklines and avoid strapless or spaghetti-strap tops. Sleeve length can vary, but sleeveless, short-sleeved, three-quarter, or long-sleeved are all acceptable.
Overall Style: Your outfit should lean towards smart casual, semi-formal, or formal. Avoid overly casual or sporty attire.
Comfort: Above all, ensure your outfit is comfortable. You should be able to sit, stand, and move around easily.

What to Wear to a Tea Party: 15 Outfit Ideas for High Tea

Wondering what to wear to a tea party? Here are some outfit ideas that perfectly blend comfort, style, and sophistication:

Floral Dress

A floral midi dress exudes femininity and elegance, making it a perfect choice for high tea. Pair it with a light cardigan or shawl for a refined look.

SHOP THE LOOK

what to wear to a tea party floral dress 3

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Here are some more floral dresses perfect for your high tea event:

Classic Black Dress

A classic black dress, knee-length or longer, is always a safe bet. Opt for a conservative neckline to keep the look classy.

SHOP THE LOOK

what to wear to a tea party classic black dress 2

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Check out these high-tea black dresses:

Tailored Pants and Blazer

For a modern twist, consider a well-fitted pair of pants paired with a stylish blazer. This ensemble offers a balance of sophistication and comfort.

SHOP THE LOOK

Here are even more tailored pants and blazer outfit ideas for you:

Tweed Set

A matching tweed pant or skirt set is a timeless choice that never fails to impress. It’s a versatile option that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.

SHOP THE LOOK

Try these tweed outfit ideas:

The Silk Blouse and Midi Skirt

Pair a silk blouse in a neutral color with a midi skirt in a contrasting color or print. This combination is both elegant and modern.

The Dressy Romper

A dressy romper in a solid color or subtle print can be a unique and stylish choice for high tea. Pair it with heels and a statement necklace.

Dressy Jumpsuit

A dressy jumpsuit is a trendy and comfortable choice for high tea. Choose one in a solid color or a subtle print for a chic look.

SHOP THE LOOK

Love jumpsuits? Me to! Here are even more terrific options for a tea party:

Accentuate your look with:

The Lace Dress

A lace dress in a pastel or neutral color exudes elegance and femininity, making it a perfect choice for high tea. Pair it with delicate jewelry and ballet flats or low heels.

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I’ve rounded up even more stunning laces dresses that you can wear for a tea party below:

The Vintage-Inspired Outfit

Channel the elegance of the past with a vintage-inspired outfit. Think of a tea-length dress in a soft floral print paired with a cardigan and Mary Jane shoes or kitten heels.

SHOP THE LOOK

I found some super cute vintage-style tea party and high tea outfits below:

The Monochrome Look

Choose a single color and create an outfit around it. For instance, a navy midi dress paired with a navy blazer and navy heels creates a chic, streamlined look.

The Polka Dot Dress

A polka dot dress is a classic choice that never goes out of style. Opt for small, subtle dots and pair the dress with simple accessories.

SHOP THE LOOK

I did some digging and found even more polka dot attires:

The Pleated Skirt and Sweater

Pair a pleated midi skirt with a lightweight sweater for a chic and comfortable outfit. Choose a skirt in a soft color and a sweater in a neutral tone.

The Velvet Dress

A velvet dress can add a touch of luxury to your high tea attire. Opt for a midi or maxi length style and pair it with delicate jewelry and heels.

SHOP THE LOOK

Finding a velvet high tea attire that is modern and sophisticated might be a little challenging. Here are a few great options:

The Wide-Leg Trousers and Blouse

For a modern twist, pair wide-leg trousers with a silk or chiffon blouse. This combination is both comfortable and chic.

The Shirt Dress

A shirt dress is a versatile choice that can be dressed up or down. Choose one in a solid color or subtle print and pair it with heels or ballet flats.

SHOP THE LOOK

Here are more shirt dress options:

Footwear for High Tea

Comfortable yet stylish footwear is key. High heels can add a touch of elegance, but if you’ll be standing or walking around, consider ballet flats, loafers, or kitten heels.

Ballet Flats

These are classic choices that offer comfort and elegance. Opt for a pair in a neutral color or a soft metallic for a touch of glamour.

Loafers

For a more modern twist, consider a pair of sleek loafers. They can be paired with both dresses and trousers for a chic look.

Kitten Heels

Kitten heels offer a bit of height without sacrificing comfort. They’re a versatile choice that can be paired with various outfits.

Pumps

A pair of pumps in a neutral color like black, nude, or navy can add a touch of sophistication to your high tea attire.

Ankle Strap Heels

These offer a balance of style and stability. Opt for a pair in a soft color or a subtle print for a feminine touch.

Peep-Toe Heels

Peep-toe heels can add a vintage touch to your outfit. They’re a great choice for warmer weather high tea events.

Mules

Mules are a trendy choice that can add a modern touch to your high tea outfit. Choose a pair with a low or medium heel for comfort.

Remember, the key is choosing footwear that complements your outfit and is comfortable enough for you to move around.

After all, a tea party is more about socializing and enjoying the event than fashion.

Modern Takes on High Tea Attire

While traditional high tea attire leaned towards dresses and skirts, modern dress codes offer more flexibility.

You’re good to go as long as your outfit leans towards smart casual or formal. Feel free to experiment with different styles and silhouettes that reflect your personal style.

Color Palette for High Tea

While there are no strict rules for colors, it’s best to avoid overly bright hues or loud patterns.

Opt for soft pastels, neutrals, or subtle prints. If you wish to wear a brighter color, balance it with neutral accessories.

Soft Pastels: Think blush pink, baby blue, mint green, and lavender. These colors are delicate and feminine, perfect for a high tea event.
Classic Neutrals: Colors like beige, cream, white, and various shades of brown and gray can create a sophisticated and timeless look.
Rich Jewel Tones: Consider emerald green, royal blue, deep purple, or burgundy for a more dramatic and elegant look.
Elegant Black or Navy: These colors are always in style and can be dressed up or down easily. They also provide a great backdrop for colorful accessories.
Subtle Metallics: A hint of gold, silver, or rose gold can add a touch of glamour to your outfit without being too flashy.
Romantic Florals: If you’re opting for a print, a floral pattern in soft colors can be a beautiful choice for high tea.
Polka Dots or Stripes: For a fun yet elegant look, consider small polka dots or thin stripes in classic colors like navy and white.

Remember, the key is to choose colors that you feel comfortable and confident in, and that complement your personal style.

Accessories for Tea Party

When accessorizing your outfit, remember that less is more. A simple pearl necklace or a pair of diamond studs can add the perfect finishing touch to your outfit.

Hats or Fascinators

Traditional high tea events often see guests in stylish hats or fascinators. While hats are not a requirement, they can add a touch of elegance to your outfit.

If hats aren’t your thing, consider a chic headband or even a fascinator. Here’s the fascinator I wore to a tea party-inspired wedding:

Elegant Jewelry

Opt for delicate pieces like pearl earrings, a dainty necklace, or a simple bracelet. Avoid overly large or flashy pieces.

I love my Amrita Singh bib necklace, but I know that jewelry would be too much for an event like this.

Chic Handbag

A small handbag or clutch in a neutral color or a color that matches your outfit is a great choice. It should be big enough to hold essentials but not so big that it becomes cumbersome.

I’ve always had good luck finding a perfect match on DSW. I considered pairing this clutch with the tea party outfit I wore at the beginning of this blog post.

Silk Scarf

A silk scarf can add a touch of elegance to your outfit. You can wear it around your neck, tie it to your handbag, or even use it as a headband.

Here’s a garden tea party outfit idea I styled many moons ago!

Garden High Tea Attire — GARDEN TEA PARTY OUTFIT IN ALASKA

Belt

A thin belt can be a stylish addition if your dress or top needs a little definition. Choose a belt in a color that complements your outfit. I ordered a belt similar to this!

Stylish Sunglasses

If the high tea event is outdoors, a pair of stylish sunglasses can be both practical and fashionable.

Hair Accessories

Consider hair accessories like a pearl hair clip or a silk headband. They can add a final touch to your outfit and keep your hair in place.

Gloves

While not necessary, gloves can add a touch of vintage elegance to your high tea attire. If you choose to wear gloves, make sure they’re a suitable length and material for your outfit.

See how the gloves totally transformed my outfit in this Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Louisa Moje | Fashion Blogger | Nordstrom Style | Amazon Fashion (@lapassionvoutee)

FAQ About What to Wear to a Tea Party

Is it appropriate to wear black to a tea party?

Yes, it is appropriate to wear black to a tea party, although lighter colors are more appropriate. If the event is in the evening or has a formal dress code, a black dress can be a chic and elegant choice.

Do you wear a hat to high tea?

Hats are optional for high tea. Hats were traditionally worn to tea parties and are still a fun way to add a touch of elegance to your outfit. A wide-brimmed hat or a fascinator can be a stylish addition to your tea party attire.

Are tea dresses in style?

Absolutely! Tea dresses are timeless and feminine and very much in style. They’re versatile enough to be dressed up or down, and they’re perfect for a variety of occasions, not just tea parties.

What jewelry to wear with a tea dress?

Keep your jewelry simple and elegant. Pearls, delicate chains, and vintage brooches work well with tea dresses. Remember, the focus should be on the dress, so don’t overdo it with the accessories.”

Can I wear a tea dress to a wedding?

Yes, a tea dress can be a great choice for a daytime or summer wedding. Just make sure to choose a dress that isn’t too casual, and avoid white to respect the bride.