The Dress Code for Afternoon Tea
Have you ever dreamed of sitting in a charming living room of a little house with retro charm, holding a hot cup of tea in your hands and a soft light illuminating the room? Tea with friends, especially during the Christmas season, represents a moment of luxury and refinement that transcends the simple afternoon break. It’s a ritual that deserves to be celebrated with impeccable style, reflecting the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the holidays.
When it comes to choosing an outfit for an afternoon tea, the key is to maintain a balance between elegance and comfort. No strict rules are necessary, but a bit of good taste, along with an eye for seasonal trends, is essential to avoid style mistakes. In this article, we will guide you through some practical ideas on how to dress with elegance for a tea afternoon.
The dress code for the five o'clock tea
Although the "five o'clock tea" no longer requires such strict attire as it once did, there are some style rules to follow to avoid mistakes. Here’s what to avoid:
- Sneakers or overly casual shoes: A fundamental rule to avoid a fashion misstep. To stay sophisticated, choose elegant shoes, such as a pair of heels or heeled boots.
- Too short skirts: Opt for skirts and dresses that just touch the knee or have a midi length, perfect for an elegant atmosphere without being excessive.
- Too wide or too long sleeves: During tea, the risk of spilling your cup or plate is always just around the corner. Avoid sleeves that are too wide that might interfere while you’re serving yourself.
- Patent leather accessories: Instead, opt for more sophisticated materials like leather, suede, or velvet.
Now we can focus on the pieces and accessories that will make your look perfect for a Christmas tea with friends.
Perfect outfits for afternoon tea
The important thing is to choose clothes that express your personality and that are appropriate for the holiday season, without sacrificing style. Here are some outfit ideas that may inspire you.
Look 1: Romantic elegance with pastel shades
For a refined and romantic look, pastel shades are a winning choice. A dress or blouse in tulle or silk in powder blue or rose pink tones are ideal for a tea with friends, creating a sweet and festive atmosphere. I recommend pairing the outfit with the New York women’s pants in stucco jersey from Mason's, which add a touch of class without being too much. To complete the look, beige pumps and a small metallic-detailed bag add sophistication.
What to wear:
- Silk top or pastel tulle blouse
- Beige pumps
- Elegant bag with metallic details
Look 2: Comfortable yet stylish with denim
Even denim can be a great choice for afternoon tea, but with a more elegant twist. Opt for a high-waisted denim pant that exudes class, like the Victoria 5-Pocket Denim Pants from Mason’s, paired with an oversized sweater in warm shades, perhaps bordeaux or forest green, typical winter colors. This look is perfect for those who want to be chic without sacrificing comfort. Pair it with heeled boots and maxi earrings for a complete look.
What to wear:
- Oversized sweater in winter shades (bordeaux, green)
- Heeled boots
- Maxi earrings in gold or silver
Look 3: Refined and bold in black
A completely black look, perhaps with some metallic accents, is always a sophisticated choice for an elegant tea. A black dress with a midi cut, paired with an elegant jacket or blazer, can be the perfect option. The Easy Straight Pants from Mason’s in black with zebra print are ideal for those who prefer a simpler outfit but with a touch of class. Complete the look with high heels and a small bag with crystal appliqués.
What to wear:
- Elegant blazer in matching tone or pattern
- Colorful high heels
- Bag with crystals or other details, or clutch
Taking the time for tea with friends, especially during Christmas, is a moment that deserves to be celebrated with elegant and refined style. No strict rules are needed, but a bit of good taste and the awareness of choosing the right clothes and accessories are key. The pieces from Mason’s, like the women’s pants or other models from the collection, are ideal for this occasion, offering both comfort and style.
Wear what makes you feel comfortable, but with a touch of sophistication, and enjoy every sip of tea with your friends.
