Afternoon tea at sketch: what to wear?!

[Isthisjustnormal]

I’m off for afternoon tea at sketch later and am struggling with how to pitch dressing: any suggestions?? I have jeans and nice silk blouse which might work (although jeans are definite ok rather than lovely) or contemplating something dressier: but conscious of having work clothes and more Eve options….? I’m going with a teen(who will prob wear dungarees!) and an early thirties family member (who will defo wear a quirky dress)… ideas/suggestions to not feel out of place??

I wouldn't get overdressed or you'll look like a tourist. Silk shirt and jeans sounds fine!

Yeah: I did think that - covid means it’s felt like a long time since I’ve been out to eat in town but we’ve been to a few theatre trips lately which has reminded me of how low key london dressing is! I think a bit of me feels it’s a treat so I want to put some effort in!

Wear what you want. Your outfit sounds ideal tbh.

It's not the Ritz so you don't have to get dressed up etc and is full of tourists and older clientele. Just wear cool casual clothes

Just wear cool casual clothes
So much easier to say than do.

A good excuse to buy some new jeans? Black slim flares, maybe?

Urgh - I hate this mantra of not looking overdressed in London. It’s one of my pet hates!. If you want to get dressed up, do so. No one will think you are a “tourist” and so what if they do anyway. I live in London and wear whatever I feel like - dressed up, dressed down. That’s the beauty of London - anything goes. For what it’s worth I went for afternoon tea just before Xmas and wore beautiful long green dress. So if you want to wear something more special than jeans and a shirt in order to mark the occasion do so - I promise no one will be looking at you or judging you. And I’m sure you will look great.

There will always be some who are more dressed up than you and others who are more casually dressed. Don't over think it; just wear something you feel good in. Enjoy!

When we went there was an man in his late 50s aging rocker type with stringy hair with a young girl in gold hot pants who - it became apparent- was not his daughter - ewww

@Verite1

Urgh - I hate this mantra of not looking overdressed in London. It’s one of my pet hates!. If you want to get dressed up, do so. No one will think you are a “tourist” and so what if they do anyway. I live in London and wear whatever I feel like - dressed up, dressed down. That’s the beauty of London - anything goes. For what it’s worth I went for afternoon tea just before Xmas and wore beautiful long green dress. So if you want to wear something more special than jeans and a shirt in order to mark the occasion do so - I promise no one will be looking at you or judging you. And I’m sure you will look great.

I couldn't agree more. It applies not just to London, but anywhere. Anything goes, so please yourself.

@Isthisjustnormal

Yeah: I did think that - covid means it’s felt like a long time since I’ve been out to eat in town but we’ve been to a few theatre trips lately which has reminded me of how low key london dressing is! I think a bit of me feels it’s a treat so I want to put some effort in!

If it's a treat, it's nice to put some effort in. Dressing up a bit is a real tonic! I say treat yourself to a new dress, or chic pair of trousers!

Agree with verite1 completely. I’m a Londoner and I bloody love dressing up whenever I can, especially after the last few years

Whenever I've seen pictures of Sketch I think that everyone who goes there for afternoon tea should be dressed like Doris Day and Rock Hudson in Pillow Talk.

But yes, definitely into dressing up more post Covid.

@PollyIndia

Agree with verite1 completely. I’m a Londoner and I bloody love dressing up whenever I can, especially after the last few years

Me too! I would also like to see a link to @Verite1's long green dress 😊

@DamsonJammyBastard

Whenever I've seen pictures of Sketch I think that everyone who goes there for afternoon tea should be dressed like Doris Day and Rock Hudson in Pillow Talk.

True! It's a great vibe. Calls for clear colours and sharp lines!

I’m a Londoner and love dressing up. Can’t advise what to wear as our styles are unique, but it sounds like a special trip, and so dress up.

Just to say, in case it’s useful to anyone in the future, we had an awesome time! We did all dress up a bit - I went with a retro 1950s inspired dress. There was literally all clothing choices represented: from jeans and nice tops through to someone in a green metallic skin tight jumpsuit; via lots of gorgeous dresses. I’m glad I didn’t go safe with my jeans :-)

Just googled pics of Doris day in pillow talk and I wasn’t a million miles away!!

@Isthisjustnormal

Just to say, in case it’s useful to anyone in the future, we had an awesome time! We did all dress up a bit - I went with a retro 1950s inspired dress. There was literally all clothing choices represented: from jeans and nice tops through to someone in a green metallic skin tight jumpsuit; via lots of gorgeous dresses. I’m glad I didn’t go safe with my jeans :-)

Excellent! I'm glad you dressed up. Any link to the outfit you wore? ( I love that style)

Glad you had a good time. It's on my list to visit later in the year.

Glad you had a great time OP. I probably should have said don't feel like you have to dress up, rather than don't dress up!