How to Dress for an Afternoon Tea Party – Outfits + Accessories + Makeup & Hair Tips
Ah, afternoon tea party. A delightful tradition steeped in elegance, delicate finger foods, and, of course, a steaming pot of fragrant goodness. It’s a chance to unwind with friends, catch up on gossip, and indulge in some luxury.
But let’s be honest, something feels even more special when you’re dressed up for the occasion. Just like the perfectly brewed cup, your outfit can elevate the entire afternoon tea experience.
So, what exactly does one wear to an afternoon tea party? Don’t worry, darlings; we’re here to spill the tea (pun intended) on how to dress for this delightful social event.
Let’s dive into some outfit ideas that are both stylish and perfect for a spot of afternoon delight!
Sunshine Sips
Let’s start with the outfit that stole my heart and will steal the show at your next tea party.
The crown jewel of this outfit is the sunshine yellow floral dress. Imagine a dress that whispers spring meadows and sunshine – the vibe we’re going for.
The yellow pops against a backdrop of dainty florals, making it eye-catching and effortlessly tea-party appropriate.
Plus, yellow is naturally associated with happiness and sunshine, setting the mood for a delightful afternoon with your besties.
Here’s the secret ingredient: a pair of bright yellow sneakers! They’ll add a touch of unexpected coolness and make sure you’re comfortable throughout the party.
Summer Chic
When it comes to afternoon tea, you want to strike a balance between playful and polished.
That’s why I’m totally obsessed with this outfit: a flowy maxi dress in a vibrant blue adorned with a delightful scattering of pastel florals.
The vibrant colour and floral pattern instantly elevate the look, making you feel like a million bucks—or should we say a million shillings?
And for your feet? Opt for a pair of white sandals with a delicate strap detail.
They’ll keep your look light on your feet and show off a cute pedicure. Pastel colors are a great choice to tie in with the dress!
Nude Delight
Let’s face it: sometimes you just want to feel effortlessly elegant, and that’s where this look comes in.
The heart of this outfit is a beautiful beige silk mini dress. The key is to choose a dress with a flattering cut and a luxurious fabric like silk.
The silk adds a touch of shimmer and weight to the dress, making it feel more formal than a simple cotton dress.
When it comes to shoes, go with a pair of chic nude pumps. They’ll complement the dress beautifully and keep your feet comfortable throughout the afternoon.
Sugar and Spice
This outfit is a delightful combination of elegance and whimsy, perfect for a delightful afternoon spent indulging in sweet treats and delightful company.
The foundation of this outfit is a beautiful white ruffle dress. Think layers upon layers of soft, flowing fabric that twirls with every step—because who doesn’t love a twirl at a tea party?
Sticking with the white theme, a pair of pristine white pumps or flats is a timeless choice.
But if you want to add a touch of whimsy, consider pastel-colored flats or sandals with delicate bows or embellishments.
Blooming Lovely
This outfit embraces the classic tea party aesthetic with a touch of modern flair.
The dress is a white V-neckline dress with a beautiful floral pattern. Think delicate blooms in soft pastel colors scattered across the fabric – peonies, roses, or even little forget-me-nots.
The V-neckline adds a touch of sophistication, while the floral pattern injects a playful, whimsical vibe.
Now, regarding footwear, we’re keeping things classic with a pair of pristine white heels.
White heels are the perfect finishing touch, adding a touch of height and elegance without stealing the spotlight from the beautiful floral dress.
Guys Outfit Ideas for Afternoon Tea Party
Afternoon tea parties aren’t just for the ladies! Guys can join in the fun too, with outfits that strike a balance between sophisticated and comfortable. Let’s explore some dapper options to make you a standout at the tea party.
Classic Chap
This timeless and versatile outfit is perfect for an afternoon tea party. The white button-down is the knight in shining armor of your wardrobe.
It’s versatile, polished, and pairs perfectly with pretty much anything. Make sure it fits well—not too baggy, not too tight.
A pair of dark-colored dress pants in black, navy, or even deep charcoal will elevate your look instantly.
As for your shoes, a pair of black leather dress shoes are your best bet. Loafers or Oxfords are both classic choices that complement the black pants beautifully.
Steeped in Style
Afternoon tea is all about elegance with a touch of playfulness, and what better way to embody that than with a pastel suit?
Think soft pinks, lavenders, or even a baby blue. Pastels are having a major moment, and you’ll be surprised at how effortlessly sophisticated they can be.
Who says you can’t rock a pair of crisp white sneakers with your pastel suit? The key is to choose a clean, minimalist design that compliments your outfit, not overpowers it.
Think of them as the unexpected twist that makes your whole look pop, like a delightful garnish on a perfectly brewed cuppa.
Elegant Blooms
The beauty of the afternoon tea party is its inherent elegance, but there’s also room for a touch of personality.
That’s where your floral shirt comes in! Don’t be afraid to embrace a bold floral print – think vibrant colors and interesting patterns.
Pair your floral masterpiece with a clean pair of white jeans. White offers a crisp, summery vibe and beautifully complements the floral pattern.
A pair of clean, white sneakers keeps things light and breezy. But feel free to add a pop of color or a subtle pattern to coordinate with your floral shirt.
Accessories For Afternoon Tea Party
Beyond the clothes, a delightful tea party calls for playful details. Let’s explore how accessories can add a charming flourish to your ensemble.
Top it Off with a Tea-riffic Fascinator
Let’s face it: every queen deserves a crown, and what better place to unleash your inner royalty than a tea party?
A fascinator is your best friend here. Think dainty florals perched on a mesh base, perhaps with a touch of netting or feathers for added flair.
Opt for pastel colors that complement your outfit, or go bold with a vibrant flower that matches the tablecloth – the choice is yours!
Dangle Some Delightful Delight
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but pearls are your new best buds for an afternoon tea party.
A classic strand of pearls adds a touch of sophistication without overpowering your look.
Don’t be afraid to play with color, though! Delicate gemstone earrings in soft hues like rose quartz or amethyst will complement your tea-time attire perfectly.
Time for Tea-time
A delicate gold or silver watch with a simple face is a timeless choice.
Feeling a bit more adventurous? A vintage pocket watch tucked into a waistcoat pocket (for the gents) or a watch with a mother-of-pearl face adds a touch of old-world charm.
Remember, the goal here is to keep things quiet—no digital beeps or vibrating notifications are allowed to disrupt the serene sipping of tea.
Shades of Elegance
Is your afternoon tea party an outdoor affair bathed in glorious sunshine? Then, a pair of sunglasses might be a necessity.
But ditch the aviator sunglasses and opt for something more elegant. Cat-eye sunglasses are a timeless choice, while oversized sunglasses with embellishment add a touch of Hollywood glamour.
Remember, even with sunglasses, make sure they complement your overall look and don’t overpower your outfit.
Hairstyles for Afternoon Tea Party
Looking for the perfect hairstyle to complement your afternoon tea party outfit? Let’s explore some hairstyles that will make you feel polished and ready to sip in a sophisticated style.
Girls Hairstyles for Afternoon Tea Party
Here are some hairstyles that you can try at your next afternoon tea-party:
Elegant Low Bun: Gather your hair into a low bun at the nape of your neck, leaving a few wispy tendrils to frame your face.
Secure it with bobby pins, and for a touch of whimsy, add a decorative hair clip shaped like a delicate teacup because why not?
Graceful Soft Curls: Let your hair cascade down your shoulders like a gentle waterfall with soft, flowing curls.
Wrap sections of hair around the barrel of a curling iron, holding for a few seconds before releasing. Let the curls cool completely before gently separating them with your fingers for a natural look.
Feeling a little extra? Pin back a small section on one side with a sparkly hair clip shaped like a butterfly.
Charming Braided Style: Braids are a fantastic way to add a touch of fanciness and practicality to your tea party look.
French braid the hair from one temple around the head to the other, securing it with bobby pins.
For a whimsical touch, weave a delicate ribbon or string of pearls into the braid.
Guys Hairstyles for Afternoon Tea Party
Check out these hairstyles to find the perfect look that complements your personality and keeps you comfortable throughout the afternoon:
Neatly Styled Hair: Consider a side part, a slicked-back style, or a neatly combed pompadour for a classic and polished look.
These timeless styles never go out of fashion and will ensure you look sharp throughout the afternoon tea party.
Casual yet Tidy: Sometimes, you just want an effortlessly put-together look. For those with shorter or textured hair, a touch of product can go a long way.
Use a matte paste to tame flyaways or a bit of styling cream to add definition without looking overly done. Think “casual Friday” with a touch of afternoon tea sophistication.
Polished Long Hair: Longhaired gents, don’t despair! Simply tie your hair back in a neat ponytail or bun to keep it out of sight while still looking effortlessly stylish.
Remember, the key is to look polished and controlled, not like you’re about to rock out at a concert.
Makeup For Afternoon Tea Party
Now that you’ve mastered your outfit, accessories, and hairstyle, let’s add the finishing touches with some light and airy makeup. These simple tips will ensure you look radiant and refreshed for your afternoon tea party.
Flawless Base
First things first, a flawless base is the foundation (pun intended!) of a great makeup look.
Apply a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone. Apply a light layer with a damp sponge for a natural, even finish.
Remember your trusty concealer to banish those pesky dark circles.
Eye Delight
For the eyes, ditch the smokey drama. Afternoon tea is all about soft, romantic vibes. Use delicate shades like peaches, champagnes, or lavenders.
A gentle sweep across your lids will enhance your natural beauty. Think of it as a light dusting of sugar on a delicate cupcake.
Apply these with a light touch, blending them seamlessly for a gorgeous gradient effect.
Lining Up for Perfection
Eyeliner can add definition to your eyes, but keep it soft and subtle. A brown or charcoal pencil liner is your best friend here.
Go for a gentle flick at the outer corner, extending your lash line ever so slightly.
This creates a delicate, doll-like look that perfectly complements the afternoon tea theme.
Lash Out with Confidence
Mascara is a must-have to complete your eye look. Go for a waterproof mascara.
A few swipes will add volume and definition to your lashes, making them flutter beautifully with every sip of tea.
A Touch of Rosy Charm
Blush adds a touch of natural flush to your cheeks. The key is to choose a shade that complements your skin tone.
Pinks and corals are universally flattering for most complexions. Apply a small amount with a fluffy brush and blend it upwards towards your temples to create a youthful lift.
A Gentle Shimmer
For a touch of luminous perfection, sweep a highlighter across your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose.
But remember, darlings, subtlety is key! We don’t want a full-on disco ball effect here.
The Art of Lip Color
For your lips, keep things polished and sophisticated. Light pinks, corals, or nude shades are perfect for the occasion.
These colors add a pop of color without being too bold. Apply your lipstick with a brush for long-lasting wear, and consider using a lip liner in a similar shade to define your lip shape.
A Touch of Gloss
Finally, for a touch of extra shine, a dab of clear or barely-there pink gloss can add a touch of moisture and dimension to your lips.
But remember, a tea party is a civilized affair, so go easy on the gloss. You don’t want to end up looking like a glazed donut!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, darlings! Everything you need to know to dress to impress at your next afternoon tea party. From sunshine yellow dresses and floral prints to perfect hair and soft, romantic makeup, we’ve covered all the bases to make sure you sip your tea in style. The key is to have fun and embrace the delightful charm of the occasion. After all, afternoon tea is about more than just the food; it’s about catching up with loved ones, indulging in a little luxury, and feeling like royalty for an afternoon. So go on, sip your tea in style, and don’t forget to pinky up!