High Tea - skirts, dresses or trousers? RATE!

annaj

I'd love a little bit of input on an outfit choice to wear for High Tea. It's in a nice hotel restaurant, so whilst I am sure you wouldn't be turned away for wearing casual clothing, I'm don't think that would be entirely appropriate.

My dilemma is that I am a "jeans and tshirts" girl at heart. I own dresses and skirts, but they are really just not my thing.

I have a pair of skinny, waxy, very dark denim jeans (almost black) which I think look quite dressy. Do you think they would be appropriate to wear with a blazer and strappy sandals, or do I need to venture deeper into my wardrobe and bring something more girly out to play? I thought I could go with a more formal top half, and keep to my comfort zone of RATE denim bottoms.

I'd appreciate any feedback!

12 years ago

Dressing

7 replies

Latest reply was from annaj

Diana

Veteran

How fun! I love High Tea. In my city (Boston) at least, I have seen all levels of dress at High Tea, and you are right that you will not be turned away unless the restaurant has an explicit dress code (doubtful that they do though).

I tend to go for garden party/Sunday best for high tea in general but more because I think it fits with the theme. There are many other styles that would be appropriate. I would avoid evening looks, as this is an afternoon event with a lighter feel. So, I think your dark jeans would be fine but I would pair them with something lighter on top, maybe like a printed flowy silk blouse and a non-black blazer.

12 years ago

Anonymous

I don't even know what high tea is so hopefully someone else will pop in to help!

12 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

I agree with Diana here. Unless it is a very ritzy place, your jeans should be fine if paired with feminine/dressy top and nice blazer and shoes.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I hope some of our UK members pipe up!

I would think it would depend on the hotel. In some, you'd feel out of place. In others, you'd fit right in. Is it possible to phone ahead and ask?

12 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Oh, High tea! I had it with my daughter in Kensington Gardens once, and we had the most wonderful experience. I think your dressy jeans and a nice top will do just fine.

12 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I've been to high tea in London and in the Willard in DC, and I have to say I've seen the full spectrum of dressiness or the lack thereof in both places! I'd personally aim for the dressier side of things, because I am usually looking for an excuse to break out one of my dresses. But if you're most comfortable in jeans, there would be nothing wrong with opting for a dressed-up jean outfit. Unless you want to take this as an opportunity to dress up a bit more -- if that's the case, go for it!

12 years ago

annaj

Veteran

Thanks for the replies everyone!

I ended up buying a new pair of trousers (dressy, cotton sateen finish, but not suit trousers) and wore those instead, with a short sleeved cropped blazer. It worked perfectly I think! I'm sure the jeans would have been fine as well - in fact, almost anything would go! There were people very casually dressed, and people who were obviously between wedding ceremonies and receptions in their cocktail style frocks, as well as everything in between!

Lovely afternoon though! For those who are unsure, it's "special" afternoon tea - tea, coffee and sparkling wine served with sandwiches, petit fours, scones. It's all done very "nicely" - the good old fashioned way that our grandmothers would have served tea. I came home so full I could hardly move!! (I'm sure my grandmother would never have stuffed herself silly in public though!! LOL)

12 years ago

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