Wondering how to dress for a tea party? Start with the invitation, then choose a pastel or floral dress that is midi or knee length, add a scarf or a fun hat, and finish with shoes that suit the location. Here are all my tips, plus casual outfit ideas.
Going out for tea can be super fun. It’s kind of like going to church or a wedding: you get to wear things you may not always dress up in. If you are hitting a mind block and need some fresh ideas, you are going to find them in this guide, from scarves and hats to the best shoes.
Want the dress code basics first? My guide to tea party attire covers the popular styles for ladies and gentlemen.
Quick Look
- 💌 Start With: the invitation and its dress code
- 👗 Dress: pastels or florals, midi or knee length
- 🧣 Scarf: silk for formal, crocheted for casual
- 👒 Hat: smaller indoors, larger outdoors
- 👠 Shoes: no heels that sink into grass; try wedges or ankle boots
- 💖 Golden Rule: if you feel pretty in it, wear it!
Quick Answer
To dress for a tea party, check the invitation for a dress code first. For a dressier party, wear a semi casual dress in pastels or florals that is midi or knee length, in a comfortable cotton or poly blend. Add a scarf or a fun hat, and choose shoes that suit the location, like wedges or ankle boots outdoors. For a casual tea, a maxi skirt or trousers with a blouse works beautifully.
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Why This Guide Helps
Click to see why it helps
- It starts with the dress code, so you are never over or under dressed.
- It covers the whole outfit: dress, scarf, hat and shoes.
- It works for dressy and casual teas, including church tea parties.
- It thinks about the location, indoors or out in the garden.
- It puts comfort first, because comfort makes you feel happier and more confident.
Why You’ll Love These Outfit Ideas
- Easy, wearable ideas that fit a wide range of tea party themes.
- Simple fabric and length tips to get the dress right.
- Scarf ideas for any season, from silk to crochet.
- Hat inspiration, with more in my tea party hats guide.
- Casual outfit ideas for relaxed teas.
- A season by season color guide.
What to Wear to a Tea Party
- A dress: semi casual and a little fancy, in pastels or florals, midi or knee length.
- A comfortable fabric: cotton or a poly blend.
- A scarf: for flair, and to stay warm without a bulky coat.
- A hat: from a bold statement hat to a small one with ribbon and feathers.
- Shoes: matched to your outfit, or in a complementary color.
- Comfort: above all, wear what makes you feel pretty and confident.
Casual Tea Party Outfits
If you are invited to a casual church tea party, like the ones a tea ministry hosts, you probably don’t have to worry about dresses or hats. Choose an outfit that is casual but still ever so slightly dressed up. In other words, skip the athletic wear and leggings.
- A maxi skirt with a cotton blouse
- Trousers and a blouse
- A jumpsuit
- Jeans without holes and a sweater or tailored cardigan
- A modest summer dress
Most business casual outfits will look perfect at a casual tea party. This guide has some excellent ideas.
How to Put Together Your Tea Party Outfit
- Check the invitation. What is the expected dress code? Some hosts want a “come as you are” party, and others want a dressier affair with attention to hats and shoes. Hosting? Here is how to make tea party invitations that spell it out.
- Pick your dress. Pastels and florals are the most common tea party themes. Choose a fancier dress that is semi casual, midi or knee length to avoid being overdressed, in cotton or a poly blend. Bell sleeves give a boho look, and a sleeveless dress is more flirtatious.
- Add a scarf. It is an effortless way to add flair and stay warm. Choose a silk scarf for a formal dress, or a crocheted scarf to add texture to a casual outfit. I crochet my own, and they are not hot, so I wear them any time of year.
- Top it with a hat. Smaller hats are typical when the party is indoors, and larger hats are worn outside. Find the right style in my tea party hats guide.
- Choose your shoes. Match them to your outfit, or for a little flair, wear a complementary color, like red shoes with a blue dress. Outdoors, avoid heels that sink into the dirt and wear cute ankle boots or wedges instead.
- Check the season. Pick colors that suit the time of year (see the color guide below), and think about the weather if the party is outdoors.
Tea Party Hat Tips
Have you ever seen the Red Hatters out and about? They are a lot of fun. When I did tea parties a few years ago, most of my clients were Red Hatters, and there is even a group called Pink Hatters for ladies under age 50.
- Take a cue from the Red (or Pink) Hatters and wear a fun hat with your dress.
- Step out of your comfort zone. If you have never worn a fancy hat, that’s the best part! It’s exciting to try new things.
- Give yourself a confidence boost. Put the hat on, look in the mirror, and don’t let self doubt get in the way. You will be surprised at all the compliments!
- Size it to the setting: smaller hats indoors, bold statement hats outdoors.
- Love the tradition? Read the history of afternoon tea.
Tea Party Outfit Colors by Season
When you are choosing colors, consider the season you are in. You just can’t go wrong wearing the current color shades.
- Spring: pastels and florals, perfect for a garden tea party or a Mother’s Day tea.
- Summer: jewel tones.
- Fall: earth tones with orange and blues.
- Winter: monochromatic black and white, lovely for a Christmas tea party.
I live in the desert, and when it gets below 70 degrees, I am cold! So a scarf in the season’s colors is my favorite way to change up an outfit.
If you enjoy the Art of Tea enjoy these Afternoon Tea finds in my Amazon store and join our Facebook and Instagram Community.
Tea Party Outfit FAQs
Check the invitation first. Some hosts have a “come as you are” party, while others want a dressier affair with hats and nice shoes. When in doubt, a semi casual dress is a safe choice.
A semi casual dress in pastels or florals that is midi or knee length, in a comfortable fabric like cotton or a poly blend.
For a casual tea, yes. Wear jeans without holes with a sweater or tailored cardigan. For a dressier party, choose a dress or a skirt instead.
Avoid heels that sink into the dirt. Cute ankle boots or wedges are comfortable and still look dressy.
A hat is a fun way to dress up a tea party outfit. Smaller hats are typical indoors, and larger hats are worn outside.
Pastels and florals are the most popular. You can also match the season: jewel tones in summer, earth tones in fall, and black and white in winter.
More Tea Party Ideas
Are you ready to plan your next tea party? I am so happy for you, it can be so much fun! Here are some of my best tea party tips for the most memorable party of all.
- Tea Party for Two: step by step planning for an intimate tea for two.
- How to Make a Pot of Tea: tips for the most delicious pot of tea.
- Host a Tea Party: steps to create a fantastic party from start to finish.
- Tea Party Themes: help choosing the best theme.
- Tea Etiquette: the social faux pas to avoid.
- The Ultimate Tea Party Checklist: everything you need, with a free printable.
- English High Tea: how to host an elegant afternoon tea.
So where do you like to have tea? At a restaurant or teahouse, or maybe in your own home? Share with me in the comments, and tell me what you are wearing to your next tea party! Come say hello on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
Carole says
These look so cute and delicate! I haven't crocheted in years, but when I do start again, I would want to start with a small project like this. I'm in the midst of planning a tea party at my house for this Spring! I'm sure I'll get lots of ideas from your site. Stopping by from this week's SITS Tribe Challenge.
Candi says
They are a lot of fun and I always get lots of compliments on them. I made some for Christmas gifts this year.
Meme says
I'm the same way! If it's under 70 degrees, I am cold 🙂 And I am a tea freak. I drink at least 3 cups per day, usually at home or at work. Your sign is so cute. Visiting from this weeks SITS Tribe Challenge too
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Candi says
Living in the desert at least it doesn\’t get to cold too often. Thanks for stopping by.
yumeating says
My grandmother was a member of the Red Hat Society before she passed away. This small town group did have a lot of fun! I love tea parties and your scarves are super cute! Stopping by from SITSTribe!
Candi says
They are a lot of fun, in my city, we have over 100 groups. I don't have time for it, but they love it. I bet your grandmother was a pretty neat lady.
My recent post How to Dress for Tea
Bibiana Bailey says
We have Red Hat Society Ladies in our town & they have few pink hats amongst them. I always wanted to go to a High Tea , but never found anybody interested enough to go with me 🙂
Candi says
That's too bad, it is a lot of fun, you would not be board. They love to eat too.
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Trianna says
My grandmother has a similar group! We just love tea and often have our own little tea parties with crumpets, macarons and the like. As for crochet and knitting, I'm not dexterous enough! Or maybe it's a patience thing? I love the look and feel, but can never seem to do it myself.
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Candi says
That is really cool, I hope I am that kind of Grandmother.
@juliejordanscot says
I love tea parties anywhere. I really like entertaining in the home, though, so I would have to say my favorite teas are outdoors. Here in Bakersfield, that would have to be… about now. I think I should plan a May tea this year, though… what a fun post. THANK YOU! I'm glad you found the #springfling group links.. and for liking the photo I posted today on Facebook!
Beverly says
how to make a large church combine brunch/Teaparty fun
Theresa Miss MiMi Miller says
Hello, I have sent in my request for your tea party list to email me. I’m excited to be planning a Birthday Tea Party for 7 of my high school lunch bunch in June. We call our selves the GLO bugs. Girls Lunch Out. We all sat together in high school and graduated in 1969. Oooo that’s a long time ago lol. I have beautiful Tea Cups. In our day we received them as engagement presents. We go out to lunch about every other month. Give or take! I’m enjoying all your information..
Thank you. Miss MiMi. Grandma of 12.
Carol Tyree says
I was taught that on a tiered server the first course, bottom tier was scones, middle savory, top sweets. I have lately been seeing savory as first course, scones as second course and sweets third course. Which is correct?