How to Dress at a Tea Party: 10 Outfit Ideas

Hey there, tea party enthusiasts! I’ve been to my fair share of tea parties over the years, and let me tell you, figuring out what to wear can be a real head-scratcher. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Today,

I’m going to spill the tea on how to dress for these delightful gatherings. So, grab your favorite cuppa, and let’s dive into the world of tea party fashion!

What is a Tea Party?

Before we jump into the outfits, let’s chat about what a tea party actually is. I remember my first tea party – I was so nervous because I didn’t know what to expect! Basically, a tea party is a social gathering where tea and light refreshments are served.

It’s a chance to catch up with friends, enjoy some delicious treats, and of course, show off your stylish outfit.

Tea parties can range from super formal affairs to casual get-togethers. I’ve been to all types, and trust me, the vibe can vary a lot. That’s why it’s crucial to nail your outfit choice. But don’t stress – I’ve got plenty of ideas to help you look your best, no matter the occasion.

What to Wear to a Tea Party?

Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the outfits! I’ve put together 10 tea party outfit ideas that I’ve either worn myself or seen others rock at these events. Remember, the key is to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing.

1. Classic Dress

You can’t go wrong with a classic dress for a tea party. I love wearing a knee-length A-line dress in a solid color or subtle print. It’s timeless and always appropriate

I once wore a navy blue dress with white polka dots to a garden tea party, and I felt like I’d stepped right out of a vintage fashion magazine!

2. Floral Skirt and Blouse

For a more mix-and-match approach, I often pair a floral skirt with a simple blouse. It’s a great way to add some personality to your outfit.

I have this gorgeous midi skirt with pink and yellow roses that I absolutely adore. I usually team it with a crisp white blouse and some pearl earrings. It’s become my go-to tea party outfit!

3. Pastel Colored Outfit

Pastel colors and tea parties go together like, well, tea and scones! I find that soft pinks, blues, and yellows are perfect for these events.

Last spring, I wore a baby blue shift dress to a tea party, and I got so many compliments. It was comfortable, cute, and totally tea party-appropriate.

4. High Tea Attire

If you’re headed to a fancy high tea, you’ll want to step up your game a bit. I once attended a high tea at a posh hotel, and I opted for a knee-length lace dress in a soft cream color. I paired it with nude heels and a small clutch.

I felt elegant and right at home among the fine china and silver tea sets.

5. Vintage Inspired Outfit

Tea parties have such a lovely, nostalgic feel, so why not lean into that with a vintage-inspired outfit?

I have this adorable 1950s-style dress with a full skirt and nipped-in waist that I love wearing to tea parties. Add some cat-eye sunglasses and a pair of kitten heels, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time!

6. Garden Party Outfit

For outdoor tea parties, I like to go for something a bit more relaxed but still put-together. A flowy maxi dress in a light fabric is perfect for these occasions.

I have a favorite floral maxi dress that I always reach for when I’m headed to a garden tea party. It’s comfortable, and breezy, and looks great in photos among the flowers.

7. Casual Chic Look

Not all tea parties are super formal. For a more laid-back event, I like to go for a casual chic look. I’ll often wear well-fitted jeans (no rips!) with a pretty blouse and a blazer.

It’s comfortable but still polished enough for a tea party. I wore this outfit to a friend’s backyard tea party last summer, and it was perfect for the relaxed vibe.

8. Statement Accessories

Sometimes, I like to keep my outfit simple and let my accessories do the talking. A plain dress or a skirt and top combo can be transformed with the right statement accessories. I have this amazing oversized floral hat that I love wearing to tea parties.

It always gets people talking and adds a real touch of drama to my outfit.

9. Dressy Jumpsuit

Who says you have to wear a dress or skirt to a tea party? I’ve found that a dressy jumpsuit can be a great alternative.

I have a silk jumpsuit in a beautiful emerald green that I love wearing to tea parties. It’s unexpected, comfortable, and always makes me feel like a million bucks.

10. Elegant Pantsuit

For a modern twist on tea party attire, why not try an elegant pantsuit? I wore a blush pink pantsuit to a tea party last fall, and I felt so chic and confident.

It’s a great option if you’re not a big fan of dresses or skirts, or if you just want to switch things up a bit.

What Shoes to Wear to a Tea Party?

Now that we’ve covered outfits, let’s talk shoes. The right footwear can make or break your tea party look. Here are my top picks:

1. Strappy Heels

I love a good pair of strappy heels for a tea party. They’re elegant and feminine, and they work well with dresses and skirts.

I have a pair of nude strappy sandals that I wear to death during tea party season!

2. Ballet Flats

For a more comfortable option, especially if you’ll be on your feet a lot, ballet flats are perfect. They’re classic and go with just about everything.

I always keep a pair of black patent leather flats in my car as a backup for when my feet need a break from heels.

3. Wedges

Wedges are great for outdoor tea parties. They give you some height without sinking into the grass. I wore a pair of espadrille wedges to a garden tea party last year, and they were so comfortable I ended up wearing them all summer long!

4. Block Heels

If you want some height but don’t want to teeter around on stilettos, block heels are your best friend.

They’re stable, comfortable, and look great with both dresses and pants. I have a pair in a soft blush color that I wear to tea parties all the time.

5. Pointed-toe Flats

For a sleek, sophisticated look, you can’t go wrong with pointed-toe flats. They’re especially great if you’re wearing pants or a jumpsuit to your tea party.

I have a metallic gold pair that adds a touch of glamour to any outfit.

How to Accessorize for a Tea Party?

The right accessories can really elevate your tea party outfit. Here are some of my favorite ways to add that final touch:

1. Pearl Jewelry

You can’t go wrong with pearls at a tea party. They’re classic, elegant, and go with everything. I have a pearl necklace that was my grandmother’s, and I love wearing it to tea parties.

It makes me feel connected to her and adds a touch of vintage charm to my outfit.

2. Floral Headpiece

For a whimsical touch, try a floral headpiece. I once wore a small floral crown to a summer tea party, and it was such a hit! It added a fun, festive element to my outfit and was perfect for the garden setting.

3. Lace Gloves

If you’re going for a vintage-inspired look, lace gloves can be a lovely addition. I have a pair of short, white lace gloves that I sometimes wear to more formal tea parties.

They make me feel like I’ve stepped right out of a Jane Austen novel!

4. Statement Hat

A statement that is a tea party classic. I mentioned my big floral hat earlier, but even a simple sunhat can add a touch of elegance to your outfit. Just make sure it’s not so big that it gets in the way when you’re trying to sip your tea!

5. Delicate Scarf

A silk scarf can add a pop of color and sophistication to your tea party outfit. I like to tie one around my neck or use it as a headband. It’s a versatile accessory that can really pull an outfit together.

Now, let’s look at some data to back up our fashion choices. According to a survey conducted by Tea Time Magazine in 2023, here’s how tea party attendees ranked their preferred outfit style:

As you can see, classic dresses are still the most popular choice, but there’s plenty of room for other styles too!

Conclusion

In conclusion, dressing for a tea party is all about finding the right balance between elegance, comfort, and personal style.

Whether you go for a classic dress, a vintage-inspired look, or something more modern like a jumpsuit, the key is to feel confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing. Remember, the best accessory you can wear is a smile – and maybe a teacup in your hand!