Sipping in Style: Tips for Finding What To Wear To High Tea

Introduction

What to wear to high tea? High tea is not just a delightful way to spend an afternoon, it’s also an opportunity to dress up and show off your style. But with so many different types of high tea events out there, it can be hard to know what to wear. Whether you’re attending a fancy hotel high tea or a more casual garden party, we’ve got you covered with our tips for finding the perfect outfit. So grab your favorite teacup and get ready to sip in style!

What is High Tea?

High tea is a British tradition that has been around since the 1700s. Contrary to popular belief, high tea does not refer to an elaborate and formal affair with luxury food items. Instead, it was originally a working-class meal served on high tables or counters after a long day of work.

The term “high” referred to the height of the table rather than the status of those attending. The menu typically consisted of hearty dishes like meat pies, bread, and cheese along with hot beverages such as tea or coffee.

Over time, high tea evolved into a more elegant event associated with upper-class society. Today’s modern high teas feature delicate finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream and an assortment of desserts served alongside fine teas in dainty china cups.

Attending a traditional high tea can be an enjoyable experience for anyone looking to indulge in delicious treats while embracing timeless traditions that have stood the test of time.

What to Wear to High Tea

High tea is a fashionable and sophisticated event that calls for a specific dress code. It’s essential to choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable, stylish, and appropriate for the occasion. The key to finding what to wear to high tea is understanding the type of event you’ll be attending.

For traditional high teas hosted in upscale hotels or restaurants, it’s best to opt for semi-formal attire. A beautiful knee-length dress with elegant accessories will do wonders in creating a polished look. Avoid wearing anything too revealing or casual as this can detract from the overall ambiance of the event.

If you’re attending an outdoor garden party high tea, then consider wearing something light and flowy such as a floral maxi dress or skirt paired with strappy sandals. Don’t forget your sunhat and sunglasses as protection against harsh sunlight while keeping your style on point.

For themed high teas like Alice in Wonderland or Mad Hatter’s Tea Party events, dressing up can be loads of fun! Let your creativity run wild by pairing bright colors with quirky accessories like statement jewelry pieces and fascinators.

The bottom line is that what you wear should reflect both comfort level and personal taste while also being appropriate for the setting. By following these tips on what to wear at High Tea events, you’ll undoubtedly make sipping tea an even more enjoyable experience!

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The Basics: What to Wear to High Tea

When deciding what to wear to a high tea, it’s important to keep in mind the formal nature of the event. A dress or skirt is always appropriate, but make sure it falls below the knee and isn’t too revealing.

Avoid wearing jeans or sneakers as they are too casual for this type of occasion. Instead, opt for closed-toe shoes such as flats or heels that match your outfit.

Accessories should be kept minimal and elegant. A small clutch purse or handbag is perfect for carrying essentials without being too bulky.

When it comes to colors and patterns, stick with classic options like solid pastels or floral prints. Avoid bold patterns or bright neon colors as they can be distracting and take away from the sophisticated atmosphere of high tea.

Make sure your outfit is clean and wrinkle-free before attending the event. It’s better to overdress than underdress so don’t be afraid to dress up a bit more if you’re unsure about how formal the occasion will be.

Where to Find High Tea Events

Finding high tea events can be a challenge, but it’s worth the effort to experience this elegant tradition. Start by checking online event calendars for local hotels or restaurants that offer afternoon tea service. You may also find listings on social media sites like Facebook or Instagram.

Another option is to search for specialty tea shops in your area as they often host themed high tea events with unique menus and settings. Don’t forget about museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks that may offer an upscale version of traditional English tea.

If you’re looking for something more festive, check out seasonal high tea events during holidays such as Christmas or Mother’s Day. These events tend to book up quickly so make sure to plan ahead and make reservations early.

For those willing to travel a bit further, consider attending one of the many international food festivals where high teas are featured alongside other global culinary delights.

No matter where you look for high tea events, always remember to dress appropriately and bring along good company!

Dress for the Occasion: What to Wear to High Tea Depending on the Type of Event

High tea events can vary in style and formality. Depending on the type of event, you may need to adjust your outfit accordingly.

For a formal high tea event, such as one held at a luxury hotel or fancy restaurant, it’s appropriate to dress up in more elegant attire. Ladies should opt for a knee-length or midi dress with tasteful accessories like pearls and gloves. Men can wear a suit and tie.

A less formal high tea occasion, such as an afternoon gathering with friends or family, calls for more casual yet chic outfits. Women could wear a flowy sundress with flats or sandals while men can pair nice trousers with a button-up shirt.

If the high tea is taking place outdoors during warmer weather months, consider wearing lighter fabrics like cotton or linen that are more breathable. Opt for pastel colors and floral prints to match the springtime ambiance.

It’s important to always read the invitation details closely before deciding what to wear as some hosts may request specific dress codes depending on their personal preferences.

Accessorize: Finishing Touches for Your High Tea Outfit

Accessorizing is the key to completing any outfit, including your high tea attire. When it comes to choosing accessories for your high tea outfit, it’s important to keep in mind that less is more. You don’t want to overdo it and take away from the elegance of your ensemble.

Firstly, opt for a classic pair of earrings or a simple necklace that complements your dress or suit. Pearls are always a great choice for high tea as they exude class and sophistication.

When selecting a handbag, choose something small and delicate such as a clutch or wristlet. Avoid large tote bags or shoulder bags which can look bulky and out of place at a formal event like high tea.

As for shoes, go for something comfortable yet stylish like ballet flats or low-heeled pumps. If you’re attending an outdoor garden party type of event, wedges can also be appropriate but avoid stilettos which may sink into soft grassy areas.

Consider adding an accessory such as gloves if you’re going all-out with the vintage theme. A hat is another option but make sure it doesn’t obstruct anyone’s view during the meal service.

Remember that accessorizing should enhance rather than overpower your outfit so choose wisely!

Conclusion

Attending a high tea event is an excellent opportunity to dress up and showcase your fashion sense while enjoying good company, delicious food, and tea. Remember that wearing the right outfit can make or break your experience at such events. So take some time to plan out what you’ll wear ahead of time based on the type of occasion and location.

To recap, when selecting an outfit for a high tea event, opt for dresses or skirts with modest hemlines, elegant blouses or tops paired with tailored pants or jeans, and accessorize appropriately with hats, scarves, jewelry pieces like pearl earrings or necklaces.

Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy yourself at these events! With these tips in mind combined with your personal flair for fashion will surely make you stand out as you sip tea in style.