Not sure what to wear to afternoon tea? For most venues, the dress code sits somewhere between casual and formal, with smart-casual outfits usually being the safest choice.
From blouses and tweed jackets to smart shirts, knitwear, and footwear, this guide covers what to wear to afternoon tea for both men and women, plus a few things best left at home.
Is There a Dress Code for Afternoon Tea?
There isn't one universal afternoon tea dress code, but smart casual is usually a good rule to follow – unless the venue explicitly states the dress code.
The idea is to look a little more polished than you would for an everyday lunch without feeling as though you're dressing for a wedding or black-tie event.
Good options include:
- Smart shirts and blouses
- Skirts or tailored trousers
- Classic knitwear
- Tweed jackets and blazers
- Loafers, boots, or smart shoes
- Simple accessories to finish the look
You probably won't need a tie, heels, or anything especially formal unless you’re heading to a luxury location. Some hotels do have stricter dress codes, particularly around denim, trainers, and sportswear, so it's always worth checking before you go.
What Should Women Wear to Afternoon Tea?
There's plenty of flexibility when it comes to women's afternoon tea outfits. The best looks tend to feel smart and put together without being overly formal. Comfort matters too, particularly when you're likely to be sitting for a while.
A Blouse and Skirt
A printed or classic ladies' blouse adds interest without making the outfit feel too formal. Pair it with a simple skirt for an easy look that works particularly well for country house and hotel afternoon teas.
For a more traditional country feel, a women's tweed skirt is another good choice. Add a plain blouse, smart shoes, and a coordinating handbag for a polished outfit that still feels relaxed.
Tweed for a Country Afternoon Tea
If you're heading to a country house, stately home, or rural hotel, tweed is an easy fit. You don't need a full matching suit, either. A tweed blazer worn over a blouse can make a simple outfit feel instantly smarter – and you might get away with jeans depending on the location.
For a more coordinated look, our ladies' smart tweed collection works particularly well for birthdays, Mother's Day, anniversaries, and other occasions where afternoon tea is part of the celebration.
A skirt and blazer combination feels dressed up without becoming too formal, and both pieces can easily be worn separately afterwards.
What Should Men Wear to Afternoon Tea?
For men, the same smart-casual approach applies. Unless the venue specifically asks for a jacket and tie, there's usually no need to wear a full suit. A few classic pieces will do the job perfectly well.
A crisp men's formal shirt is an easy place to start. Oxford cotton shirts work especially well because they feel smarter than a T-shirt or polo without looking overly formal.
Pair yours with:
- Chinos or smart trousers
- Dark, well-fitting jeans if the venue allows them
- Loafers, brogues, or smart boots
- A V-neck or quarter-zip jumper in cooler weather
- A tweed jacket for a smarter country look
Subtle checks can work nicely too. Worn with plain trousers and polished footwear, they keep the outfit relaxed while still looking considered.
Can You Wear Jeans to Afternoon Tea?
In many places, yes. Jeans aren't automatically off limits, particularly at more relaxed venues – the key is to keep them smart.
Dark, clean, well-fitting denim paired with a blouse or Oxford shirt can work perfectly well as part of a smart-casual outfit. Ripped, distressed, or very casual styles are better saved for another day.
Some higher-end hotels don't allow denim at all, though, so check the venue's dress code if you're unsure. When in doubt, swap jeans for a skirt, chinos, or smart trousers.
What Shoes Should You Wear to Afternoon Tea?
Your shoes should look polished, but they don't need to be uncomfortable. For women, loafers, ankle boots, Chelsea boots, or other smart shoes are all good options. Our country footwear collection includes styles that work well when you want something practical without looking too casual.
Men can keep things just as simple with loafers, brogues, or smart leather boots. Unless the venue is particularly relaxed, we'd usually leave trainers and flip-flops at home.
What to Wear to Afternoon Tea in Summer
Summer afternoon tea is all about lighter fabrics and simple layers.
For women, try:
- A lightweight printed blouse with a skirt
- A blouse tucked into a chino skirt
- A light tailored or tweed jacket that can be removed if it gets warm
- Loafers or another pair of smart, comfortable shoes
Men can opt for a cotton shirt with chinos or smart trousers. If the occasion is more relaxed, sleeves can always be rolled up later. And because British summer weather rarely follows the rules, keeping a light layer nearby is never a bad idea.
What to Wear to Afternoon Tea in Winter
Winter is where country clothing comes into its own and layering makes it easy to stay warm while still looking smart.
A blouse paired with a ladies' knit works well with a tweed skirt, tights, and boots. You could also add a tailored tweed jacket or poncho for another layer without making the outfit feel bulky. Navy, burgundy, green, brown, and traditional tweed tones all work particularly well at this time of year.
For men, try an Oxford shirt beneath a V-neck or quarter-zip knit, finished with smart trousers and boots.
What Should You Avoid Wearing to an Afternoon Tea?
Unless your venue has a strict dress code, there aren't too many hard and fast rules.
That said, if you're aiming for smart casual, we'd generally avoid:
- Tracksuits and sportswear
- Joggers or leggings worn as trousers
- Ripped or heavily distressed jeans
- Graphic T-shirts
- Flip-flops
- Muddy trainers
- Wellies
- Heavy-duty walking boots
- Shooting or field jackets
- Very casual shorts
- Anything you'd usually reserve for the gym, yard, or a muddy dog walk
Country clothing can absolutely work for afternoon tea, but the key is choosing the smarter end of it. Tweed blazers, shirts, blouses, knitwear, and polished boots all suit the occasion far better than practical outdoor gear.
The Most Important Rule: Wear Something You Feel Good In
The best afternoon tea outfit is one you feel comfortable and confident wearing. You don't need to follow every smart-casual rule to the letter, as long as your outfit feels polished and suits the setting. Choose pieces that feel like you, rather than something you wouldn't normally wear.
Browse our women's outfits for afternoon tea or explore our full afternoon tea clothing collection to find a look that feels right for you.
