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When it comes to high tea, dressing appropriately is essential. As someone who has attended numerous high tea events, I can attest that it can be challenging to decide what to wear. The dress code for high tea is often semi-formal or formal, which means that your outfit should be elegant and refined.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when selecting your attire is the venue. If you’re attending high tea at a luxury hotel, you’ll want to dress more formally than if you’re attending an event at a friend’s home. In general, a smart-casual or business-casual outfit is appropriate for most high tea events. For women, this could mean a dress or skirt with a blouse, or a pantsuit. For men, a suit jacket and dress pants are usually suitable.
It’s also important to consider the time of day when selecting your outfit. Afternoon high tea events are typically more formal than morning events. If you’re attending an afternoon high tea, you may want to opt for a long dress or skirt, while a shorter dress or skirt may be appropriate for a morning event. Ultimately, the key is to choose an outfit that is comfortable, elegant, and appropriate for the occasion.
Dress Code
When attending high tea, it’s important to dress appropriately. The dress code for high tea usually falls into three categories: formal, semi-formal, and casual. Here’s what you need to know:
Formal Attire
If you’re attending high tea at a posh hotel or upscale venue, formal attire is a must. This means dressing in your best clothes, such as a suit and tie for men and a formal dress for women. Avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy, and opt for classic, timeless pieces instead. A black dress or suit is always a safe choice, but you can also wear other dark colors like navy or burgundy.
If you’re unsure about what to wear, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and dress more formally than you think is necessary. Remember, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Semi-Formal Attire
For most high tea events, semi-formal attire is appropriate. This means dressing up a bit, but not necessarily in formalwear. Men can wear a suit or dress pants with a dress shirt and tie, while women can wear a dress or skirt with a blouse. Avoid wearing anything too casual or revealing, like jeans, t-shirts, or shorts.
When it comes to colors and patterns, stick to classic, understated options like black, navy, white, or beige. Avoid anything too bright or flashy, and opt for subtle patterns like stripes or polka dots if you want to add some visual interest to your outfit.
Casual Attire
Some high tea events may have a more relaxed dress code, in which case casual attire is acceptable. However, this doesn’t mean you can wear whatever you want. Men should still avoid wearing jeans or shorts, while women should avoid anything too revealing or casual, like athletic wear or beachwear.
For a casual high tea, you can wear a dress or skirt with a more casual top, or dress pants with a blouse. Stick to neutral or pastel colors, and avoid anything too bright or bold. You can also add some accessories like a scarf or statement necklace to dress up your outfit a bit.
Accessories
Accessories are a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your high tea attire. They can help complete your outfit and make you feel even more confident and put together. Here are a few accessories to consider:
Hats
A hat is a classic accessory for high tea. It can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your outfit. When choosing a hat, keep in mind the dress code and the style of your outfit. A wide-brimmed hat is a great option for a more formal high tea, while a smaller, more understated hat may be more appropriate for a more casual event.
When it comes to color and style, there are no hard and fast rules. You can choose a hat that complements your outfit or one that makes a statement on its own. Just make sure it fits well and is comfortable to wear.
Gloves
Gloves are another classic accessory for high tea. They can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outfit, and they can also help keep your hands warm if the weather is chilly.
When choosing gloves, look for a pair that complements your outfit and fits well. Wrist-length gloves are a popular choice, but you can also opt for longer gloves if you prefer. Just make sure they are not too bulky or cumbersome to wear.
Jewelry
Jewelry is a great way to add some sparkle and shine to your high tea outfit. When choosing jewelry, keep in mind the style and color of your outfit. You can choose jewelry that complements your outfit or makes a statement on its own.
Pearls are a classic choice for high tea, but you can also opt for other types of jewelry, such as earrings, bracelets, or necklaces. Just make sure your jewelry is not too flashy or distracting, as you don’t want to take attention away from your outfit.
Shoes
When it comes to choosing the right shoes for high tea, it’s important to strike a balance between comfort and style. You’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet, so you want to make sure your shoes are comfortable enough to wear for several hours.
At the same time, you want to look elegant and put-together, so it’s important to choose shoes that complement your outfit. One classic option for high tea is a pair of ballet flats. These shoes are comfortable, stylish, and versatile, making them a great choice for any outfit. Another option is loafers, which are a bit more structured and formal than ballet flats.
Loafers can be worn with dresses or skirts, as well as with pants or trousers. If you prefer a bit of height, a low or mid-heel pump is a great option. These shoes provide a bit of lift without sacrificing comfort, and they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Kitten heels are another great choice for high tea, as they are elegant and feminine without being too high.
For a more formal high tea, you may want to consider a pair of peep-toe heels. These shoes are a bit dressier than ballet flats or loafers, and they can add a touch of glamour to your outfit. Just make sure to choose a pair that is comfortable enough to wear for several hours.
No matter what type of shoes you choose, make sure they are clean and polished. Dirty or scuffed shoes can detract from an otherwise polished outfit. And remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your shoes, so choose a pair that makes you feel your best.
Colors and Patterns
When it comes to what to wear to high tea, colors and patterns play a significant role. Generally, the dress code for high tea is smart casual to semi-formal attire, but there is some flexibility for comfort. For colors, white, cream, ivory, navy, and grey are all excellent choices. Pastels like blush, sage green, and mist blue are also great options.
These colors are elegant and sophisticated, perfect for a high tea event. In terms of patterns, subtle floral prints and polka dots are perfect for high tea attire. These patterns add a touch of femininity and elegance to your outfit. If you choose to wear something brighter, it is good to pair it with a neutral color and subtle accessories.
It’s essential to keep in mind that high tea is a formal event, so it’s best to avoid anything too bold or flashy. Stick to classic and timeless colors and patterns, and you’ll be sure to make a great impression.
Overall, when it comes to colors and patterns for high tea attire, it’s best to keep it simple, elegant, and sophisticated. Remember, the focus should be on the tea and the company, not your outfit.
Conclusion
After researching and considering various sources, I have come to the conclusion that dressing appropriately for high tea is important. While there may be some variation in dress codes depending on the venue, it is generally expected that guests dress smartly and formally.
For women, a dress or skirt falling below the knee, paired with stockings and closed-toe shoes, is a safe choice. Accessories such as a hat or gloves can also add to the overall look. Men are expected to wear a suit jacket, long pants, and dress shoes.
It is important to avoid overly casual clothing such as denim or leggings. While pants or trousers can be worn, it is best to choose a more formal style. High tea is a more formal event, so it is better to err on the side of dressing up rather than down.
Ultimately, the key is to dress in a way that is respectful of the event and the other guests. While it can be tempting to prioritize comfort or personal style, it is important to remember that high tea is a special occasion that requires a certain level of formality. By following these guidelines, guests can ensure that they are dressed appropriately and can fully enjoy the experience of high tea.
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