For a high tea you wear polished daytime clothing. Women can choose a blouse, top, skirt, trousers or dress. Men look good in a knitted polo or shirt and smart trousers. It is less formal than a dinner, but smarter than an ordinary Saturday afternoon. Light colours and soft fabrics suit the moment well. Above all, choose clothing that stays comfortable when you sit at the table for a long time. The more elegant the venue, the more you head towards blouse, skirt and loafers.
Where is the high tea? That determines your outfit
A high tea can take place in a cosy tea room, in the garden of an estate or in the lounge of a grand hotel. Often the high tea is part of a birthday, Mother's Day or another festive afternoon. The venue determines how far you go.
| Tea room or café | Estate or garden | Hotel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women | Knit top, trousers or jeans | Blouse with skirt or flared trousers | Elegant top with skirt, satin-look blouse |
| Men | Knitted polo, chinos | Polo or shirt, light trousers | Shirt or open polo, trousers, possibly a blazer |
| Shoes | Leather sneakers | Loafers, flat sandals | Loafers, ballet flats, low heel |
For women: three outfits
1. The elegant high tea in a hotel. A top with a special cut quickly makes the outfit festive. The Isadora cape T-shirt in white has a three-quarter sleeve with a cape detail and feels silky-soft. Combine it with the Rosa skirt in black, a smart midi skirt with a short slit for seated comfort. Low pumps or ballet flats and a small bag finish it off. White and black together make a calm combination.
2. The high tea in the garden. A satin-look blouse, such as the Cordelia in white with a V-neck and a pleat at the centre back, on navy or cream flared trousers. Bring a fine-knit cardigan: in May it can get cool in the shade of a garden.
3. The relaxed high tea with friends. A fine-knit T-shirt with gold buttons on white trousers or dark jeans. Leather sneakers or loafers. Polished, but without looking as if you are going to a reception.
You will find more ideas in our Celebration collection and in the tops for women.
For men: three outfits
1. The classic high tea. A knitted polo is just right: smarter than a T-shirt, less stiff than a shirt. The Julian in ivory cream is a pique quarter-zip polo made of cotton, silk and linen, with a bird's eye pattern. Wear it with navy or black trousers and suede loafers.
2. High tea in a hotel. Choose a white shirt with light trousers. A shirt with an Italian collar can be worn without a tie and still looks polished. A knit cardigan or blazer over it if it is cool inside.
3. An afternoon on an estate. An open polo in light blue or cream with cream trousers. The Winston trousers in cream are lightweight, have a high waist and a slim-straight fit, which looks very polished with a tucked-in polo.
Also see our City Life collection for men.
What you had better leave at home
- Sportswear such as hoodies, joggers and trainers.
- Glitter and sequins. Those belong to the evening, not to scones and tea.
- Very tight pieces. You sit for a long time and eat several courses, so comfort counts.
- Big, loose sleeves that hang over the cake stand or into the jam.
Five small rules for an afternoon at the table
- Lighter in colour than in the evening. Cream, white, light blue and soft shades suit daylight.
- Choose fabrics that do not crease when you sit. After two hours you want to look just as you did when you walked in.
- Bring a layer. Terraces and gardens are warm in the afternoon in spring and cool by five.
- Keep jewellery small. A pair of earrings or a watch is enough.
- Shoes you can walk in. A high tea often ends with a walk through the city or the garden.
What do you take in your bag?
A high tea often lasts two to three hours. So take a few practical things with you:
- A thin cardigan or scarf for when you sit by the window or outside.
- A small bag that fits on your lap or next to your chair. Large shoppers get in the way between tables and cake stands.
- A napkin on your lap is normal, but still prefer not to wear light silk or satin if you know you will be tucking into jam and clotted cream. A blouse with a small print or a dark skirt is more forgiving.
High tea for a special occasion
If the high tea is a gift for a birthday girl, a mother or a bride-to-be, it can be a little more festive. Choose a piece with a detail, such as a lavallière collar, a cape sleeve or gold buttons, and keep the rest calm. For men, a blazer over a knitted polo works well if it can be a little more festive.
Dress code on the invitation?
If there is a dress code on the invitation, always follow it. For smart casual you are fine with the outfits above. For tenue de ville women choose a skirt or dress and men a blazer. If nothing is stated, look at the venue: a five-star hotel asks for more than a tea room round the corner.
Shop the look
Isadora: elegant cape T-shirt, white
Rosa: elegant knee-length skirt, black
Cordelia: blouse with V-neck and satin look, white
Julian: knitted quarter-zip polo, ivory cream
Winston: light high-waist trousers, cream
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear jeans to a high tea?
At an informal high tea in a tea room you can, especially dark jeans with a polished top. In a hotel, choose trousers or a skirt instead.
What does a man wear to a high tea?
A knitted polo or shirt with smart trousers and loafers. A blazer is optional and especially handy if it is cool or the venue is smart.
Which colours suit a high tea?
Light, soft colours such as white, cream and light blue, possibly with navy or black as a base.
