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.

Yes, you could wear a red dress.

Long gloves would be fine for any time of day. Short gloves would be fine as well but for hotter days. Long gloves are essential for tea parties which are extremely formal.

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

No, black is not customarily worn to tea parties. Opt instead for neutrals or bright spring and summer colors.

Hats are customary at tea parties. Opt for a more formal look for a nice occasion like this. Wear a pretty suit or dress, perhaps even something semi-formal, and coordinate your hat with the outfit.

It's up to you! I would decide based on who else will be present. If it's a work event, for example, you might want to dress more modestly, although a dress could still be worn. If it's a friend group, you can wear anything you'd like to wear.

If you have guests, then you want to look as best as you can. You wouldn't want to wear an old stained shirt, a Halloween costume, a bikini and etc.

Long dresses worn over pants can be very beautiful. One example is a nude dress over black skinny jeans.

Chinos are a little casual for tea, but if you style them right, it can be appropriate. Pair them with heels, a dressy blouse, and elegant accessories.

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).

When you sit at the table, remove your gloves and put them aside to enjoy your meal.

That really depends on the shirt. Graphic tees are not dressy enough for tea.

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.

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.

Yes, as long as it's not too short, you can absolutely wear it. Velvet dresses are very pretty. You'll be beautiful!

If you're heading to a formal tea party, go with a dress that falls midway between your knees and ankles or sharp-looking suit. If it's a business tea, go with a business suit or a pantsuit so you match the occasion. Also, check the invitation to see if there's a specific dress code. If you don't have an invitation, check with your host to be sure.

Absolutely! Go with trousers paired with dress shoes and a nice top for a casually elegant look that is suitable for nearly any tea party. If the tea party is more formal, choose pants made from a finer material such as fine wool or chiffon. You can wear trousers with an Oxford shirt, a flowing blouse, a sweater, or a layered top. They're super versatile!

You've got plenty of options for a casual or semi-formal afternoon tea party. Try a floral-patterned dress that falls about midway between your knees and ankles for a more feminine look. If you want a simple way to put a sharp look together, go with a well-fitting suit or pantsuit. You could also choose a nice pair of trousers, dress shoes, and an Oxford shirt or flowy blouse. If the weather is cool enough, add a blazer or a shawl to help you stay warm.

Ask your bff if you can borrow one. Or, go to the bathroom and try to wash it off. If that doesn't work, tailor your dress a bit so it hides the stain, carry a mini sewing kit in your purse just in case.

Pink is absolutely fine as a color for a tea party if that's a color you enjoy. You could use pink as a theme color, wear pink, make pink food, use berries like strawberries and raspberries, use pink serviettes, and cover the tables with pink tablecloths.

Yes. Any colour can be appropriate. It actually depends on the type of occasion and the amount of skin that you are showing.

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

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