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, 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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

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.

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.

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.