Q&A for How to Dress for a Tea Party

Shoes, socks, ties, and belts are all accessories. They should all coordinate with each other and the suit color. For instance, if you're wearing brown shoes, you should have a matching brown suit. The socks should compliment that and the tie should coordinate.

Hats are optional, but they are commonly worn for both afternoon and high tea.

Black is not traditionally worn to tea parties. It's better to choose neutrals or bright spring and summer colors.

Hats are customary at tea parties. You should choose a more formal look, such as a pretty suit or semi-formal dress, and coordinate your hat with your outfit.

Chinos can be a bit casual for high tea, but you can make them appropriate by pairing them with heels, a dressy blouse, and elegant accessories.

It depends on the T-shirt; graphic tees are typically not formal enough for a tea party.

Yes, a red dress would be appropriate for a tea party.

Long gloves are suitable for formal tea parties, while short gloves are appropriate for less formal occasions or warmer weather.

It's your choice! Consider who will be present: for work events, modest attire such as a dress may be suitable, while with friends, you have more freedom to wear what you like.

When hosting or attending a Christmas tea at home, it's best to wear something smart-casual. Avoid overly casual or themed outfits like stained shirts or costumes, and opt for clean, comfortable attire.

Wearing a long dress over pants can create a stylish look, like pairing a nude dress with black skinny jeans.

For a girl, a nice sundress would work. If the child is a boy, he should wear a polo or button down shirt and a nice pair of slacks (khakis or something similar).

You should remove your gloves when you sit at the table to enjoy your meal.

Of course! However, if you have a brighter sweater, that might be a better choice.

You can if you would like to look fancy, but it is definitely not a requirement for hosting a tea party.

No, you don't have to wear gloves to a tea party.

Depending on the pants, sure.

You can try a combination of a cardigan over a long, elegant dress, or you could wear a sweater dress over skinny jeans.

Absolutely! As long as it's modest enough, you could pair it with tights and a sun hat.

If the event is semi-formal or formal, a fascinator is definitely appropriate. If you feel confident in it, you should definitely wear it.

Yes, yellow is a great choice, especially if you opt for a sundress or a floral dress. These styles look cute and strike a balance between casual and dressy.

Maybe a sundress for a feminine wear or something cute but not too fancy and maybe a nice shirt and some jeans for a masculine wear.

Yes, if you want to "change things up," go ahead and wear cowgirl boots to a tea party.

It depends on the host's preference. Either way is acceptable.

It depends on your body shape, but long, colorful, and fun dresses often pair well with that hairstyle.

You don't have to wear a plain outfit. You can add fun floral or funky patterns, but it's best to keep them in the same color zone. For example, a red and pink skirt would pair well, but a purple and red skirt might not. Remember, tea parties are meant to be fun!

Cream-colored accessories can pair nicely with a white, ankle-length sundress. Adding neutrals or brown can enhance your outfit, and if you want to be extra fancy, consider adding thigh-high socks.

Tartan is more of a statement pattern, and if the skirt is short, it might not be appropriate. It's generally best to dress modestly for a tea party, so a long, plain skirt is always a good choice.

Wear a bright dress or skirt below the knees. It doesn’t have to be down to your ankles.

No, it doesn’t have to be. Consider a bright color, though. Brighter colors are better for tea parties.