Q&A for How to Dress for a Tea Party

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How should I accessorize a men's suit?

Nejla Renee
Fashion Stylist
Nejla Renee is a fashion stylist, image consultant, and personal shopper based in New York, New York. With over seven years of experience, Nejla specializes in helping people enhance their positive attributes and express their identities through style. Nejla holds a BS in Marketing and Finance from Northeastern University and worked in finance prior to starting her own business. Nejla combines her business experience with her personal creativity, passion, keen eye for detail, innate sense of style, and strong understanding of fit and proportion to help her clients create peace and acceptance around their style.

Nejla Renee

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Expert Answer

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.

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For 5:00 pm do I need to wear hat?

wikiHow Staff Editor
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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Staff Answer

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

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Is black appropriate?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Staff Answer

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

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How do you dress for a bridal tea party at a fancy hotel? Should you wear a hat?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

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.

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Is it socially acceptable to wear chinos girls to high tea?

wikiHow Staff Editor
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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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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.

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Is a glam tee shirt with a nice skirt ok?

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Staff Answer

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

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Question

Would a red dress be appropriate?

Community Answer

Yes, you could wear a red dress.

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Question

Do I wear long or short gloves to a tea party?

Community Answer

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.

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Is it better to wear dresses at a high tea-themed garden party?

Community Answer

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.

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How should I dress for a Christmas tea at home?

Community Answer

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.

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Can I wear a long dress over pants?

Community Answer

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

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If the dress code is formal, what is the best thing for a child to wear?

Community Answer

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).

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Question

When do I remove my gloves to eat?

Community Answer

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

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Can I wear a black sweater over my floral dress?

Community Answer

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

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Should I wear a hat at a tea party that is being held in my home?

Community Answer

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

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Do I have to wear gloves?

Community Answer

No, you don't have to wear gloves.

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Would a glittery top with pants be OK for high tea at noon?

Community Answer

Depending on the pants, sure.

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Question

How should a woman dress for an afternoon formal winter tea party?

Community Answer

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

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Question

I am going to a tea Saturday, can I wear a velvet dress?

Phantom

Community Answer

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

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Question

What do you wear to a Victorian tea party?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

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.

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Question

Can I wear pants to a tea party?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

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!

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What do you wear to an afternoon tea party?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

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.

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Question

What if something spilled on my dress?

Julianne

Community Answer

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.

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Question

Is pink a good color for a tea party?

Otterly Badgerific

Top Answerer

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.

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Is a black dress appropriate?

Community Answer

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

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Question

Should the glove be a particular color?

Edith

Top Answerer

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

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Question

What is suitable for a tea at church on Saturday?

Edith

Top Answerer

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

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