Tea parties are special and the relaxed social atmosphere with an assortment of food ranges from savory to sweet are our way to have fun with friends. The first-ever recorded tea party was held by Catherine of Braganza in 1662 and was reserved only for royalty. While the afternoon tea party setup was created by the Seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840 to fill the gap between morning and evening tea.
There are several factors to consider when choosing an outfit for a tea party. Take note of the venue, theme, your personal preferences, sitting hours, and socializing. The theme may range from casual to sophisticated allowing a great variety of outfits. For a summer tea party, the lightweight, breezy, and feminine cotton, linen, and chiffon fabrics.
Always pay attention to the venue, whether the high-tea party is indoor or outdoor. Pastel colors are more common in Garden tea parties and the dress code is a bit relaxed. High tea is the substantial version of a casual tea party and the dress code is semi-casual, inclining more towards modest, two-piece outfits.
Formal tea parties are more glamorous, where you should wear formal or semi-formal cocktail dresses. The outfit colors for such parties should be more refined including formal accessories.
Vintage tea parties are inspired by the Victorian era and the dress code isn’t strictly formal. You just need to get dressed like an era of vintage tea party.
Unlike a casual tea party, a high tea calls for an elegant outfit that creates a blend of timeless sophistication and polished appearance, giving you a classy and refined look.
But that’s all ifs and buts. To give you a helping hand, here are some truly excellent (if I do say so myself) ideas for tea party outfits to recreate them.
Modern & Classy Tea Party Outfits To Style
Outfit #1
Black strapless top + White mini skirt with belt + White shoulder bag + Black sunglasses + Gold hoop earrings
Pairing a black strapless top with a white mini skirt is a great way to balance your look for a tea party. The simplicity of these pieces allows them to be mixed and matched with other items in your summer wardrobe. The contrast of black and white ensures your outfit remains timeless and versatile, while the belt detail adds a touch of structure.
Outfit #2
Beige sleeveless ribbed top + White pleated mini skirt + White knee-high boots + White tote bag
While you might not typically choose knee-high boots for warmer weather, they can be a great choice for a summer tea party, especially when paired with a breezy, pleated mini skirt. Opting for a sleeveless ribbed top helps to keep the look light and airy, making it perfect for the season. The white tote bag ties everything together, ensuring you stay stylish and practical.
Outfit #3
White linen blouse + White linen maxi skirt + White blazer + Large gold earrings + Beige woven handbag
A white blazer is a great way to elevate any outfit, especially if you opt for a linen set like a blouse and maxi skirt. You’ll love how this combination feels light and breezy while still looking polished. Pairing it with large gold earrings and a beige woven handbag adds just the right amount of texture and interest. This is definitely a look you’ll want to recreate for your next summer tea party.
Outfit #4
Pink puff-sleeve top + Light wash ripped jeans + White sandals + Black mini handbag + Gold necklace
A pink puff-sleeve top with bow detail can easily elevate your light wash ripped jeans, and you’ll appreciate the contrast between the soft, feminine top and the more casual jeans. This is an outfit you’ll reach for on those relaxed summer days.
Outfit #5
Black sleeveless top + White maxi skirt + Black shoulder bag + Gold earrings + Black sunglasses
Timeless and effortlessly elegant, a black sleeveless top and gold earrings is a stylish yet classic combo to wear with your white maxi skirt in summer. You’ll find that the black shoulder bag and sunglasses add just the right touch to complete your look for a tea party.
Outfit #6
Hot pink satin mini dress with spaghetti straps + Black knee-high boots + White pearl headband + Silver necklace
The look is simple, but so effective and proves that a hot pink satin mini dress never lets you down. Dress it down with black knee-high boots or up with strappy heels; the options are endless!
Outfit #7
White mini dress with oversized bow detail + Brown crossbody bag + Black sunglasses + Gold necklace.
The oversized bow detail on the white mini dress adds a playful touch to this look, and we’re happy to spotlight any outfit that pairs effortlessly with a brown crossbody bag and black sunglasses.
Outfit #8
Black and white striped knit set (long-sleeve top and matching shorts) + Black and beige ballet flats + Black quilted handbag
Striped knits always have a timeless appeal. For days when the weather is unpredictable, they offer versatility. You can style your black and white striped knit set as a complete outfit, or casually drape the top over your shoulders for a different look.
Outfit #9
Red polka dot halter neck dress + Gold hair clip with white flower + Gold necklace + Red handbag
For hot summer days, a red polka dot halter neck dress is a perfect choice. Pair it with a simple gold necklace and a matching red handbag for a coordinated look that’s ready for any tea party.
Outfit #10
Beige strapless top with raw hem + Beige wide-leg trousers + Gold chain belt + White handbag + Gold hoop earrings
Whether you’re attending a summer tea party or enjoying a day out, a beige strapless top with raw hem paired with beige wide-leg trousers is a must-have combo for your summer wardrobe.
Outfit #11
White crop top + Gray wide-leg jeans + Gray baseball cap + Black sunglasses + Silver watch
On top of wide-leg jeans being a great way to add a laid-back vibe to your summer look, they also make a crop top feel less revealing. These bottoms can make a crop top less intimidating to wear, especially when paired with accessories like a baseball cap or sunglasses. For a relaxed summer ensemble, pair a white crop top with gray wide-leg jeans and finish with a silver watch.
Outfit #12
Blue striped button-up shirt + Navy wide-leg pants + Beige sweater over shoulders + Beige and black ballet flats + White handbag
When it comes to styling a summer tea party outfit, the real magic happens in the details. You don’t need to stick to the usual summer styles or follow the typical dress codes. A few creative choices can completely transform your look. For instance, a striped button-up shirt doesn’t have to be paired with laid-back footwear. Opt for ballet flats just like above, and throw a sweater over your shoulders to elevate the outfit. Ultimately, any look can be tea party-ready if you make it uniquely yours.
Outfit #13
White square-neck midi dress + Beige knit cardigan over shoulders + Beige woven handbag + White sandals + Black sunglasses
A white square-neck midi dress is a summer staple, and for an added layer, drape a beige knit cardigan over your shoulders. Complete the look with a beige woven handbag and white sandals. Add black sunglasses to keep it classic for a summer tea party.
