Outfit for afternoon tea in London

[Birdy65]

I’m going to have afternoon tea at Claridges in a couple of weeks to celebrate a friend’s birthday. We’re travelling into London from Southampton so I need to be comfortable for the train and travelling on tubes.
I would appreciate some advice and ideas for an outfit, including footwear.
I live in jeans with flat boots or trainers, so would find it difficult to wear heels all day, so would definitely need comfortable shoes or boots.
We are due to go to a Christening in Edinburgh at the end of March, so I’ll be happy to buy a new outfit including shoes/boots to wear to both.

I recommend some chelsea boots for wearing with your dresses :)

My last tea was at Fortnums; I wore a black/flower print Oliver Bonas shirt dress, with 60denier opaques, my Grenson Nanettes and my All Saints leather biker-it was January so I threw a big scarf on to get there!
Enjoy x

Not been to Claridges, but afternoon tea at The Dorchester was a mixed bag - I felt absolutely fine in what I was wearing, which was a nice midi skirt, smart/casual black top and a pair of flat chelsea boots.

I always get the absolute fear when packing for London...until I'm in London and then the sheer amount of different styles people wear makes me realise that as long as I am smart enough for a dress code, no one really cares what I wear but me.

In general I don't think you can go wrong with a tea dress with black boots and tights (weather depending) midi dresses, or midi skirts. Changing shoes as seasonally necessary - chelsea boots/nice straps flat sandals

Do you have time to visit John Lewis or another department store to see the personal shopper?

@Birdy65 , may I suggest that in your totebag you not only carry your festive shoes but also a small bag with some toiletries like your mascara and a comb, and maybe a nice foulard that matches your blouse or dress!

I really wouldn’t worry. People are quite casual in London. I used to work across the road. I wouldn’t wear old jeans or trainers but a simple dress or trousers and smart trainers fine. Nowadays lots of business people wear smart ish jeans and a shirt and no one bats an eyelid.

I wore a vintage MaxMara silk shirt dress and boots when I went for high tea at Claridges. Coincidentally I’m going to high tea tomorrow (not at Claridges) and will be wearing a vintage navy silk bias cut midi dress and boots. I wouldn’t bother getting overly dressed up, stick with something simple, elegant and comfortable.

I went a few weeks ago, went straight from work in black jeans black jumper and black Chelsea boots (I like black 🤣). I would say dress up as much as you feel but in this post covid world casual is king. Enjoy!!

I made a decision at the end of the lock downs etc that I will not be buying heels again unless for an event like a wedding.

I now wear dressier trainers to go out or flat dressy pumps. I look better in heels but I am done with days and nights out being ruined due to me having sore feet.

For a meal out in any smart London restaurant I would most likely wear a dress and trainers.

Mint Velvet have some lovely flat options

www.mintvelvet.co.uk/collections/all-footwear

may I suggest that in your totebag you not only carry your festive shoes but also a small bag with some toiletries like your mascara and a comb,

Erm … You haven’t been on this planet long have you, @Sennelier1 ?

Why @MetaDaughter ? I do it all the time 🤷🏼‍♀️ If I've been away from home for hours, then have a dinnerparty (or such), I first pop into the ladies', change my shoes, check in the mirror if everything is as it should, then walk out into the restaurant 🤷🏼‍♀️

@Flobb It’s really hard to find something perfect that isn’t a gazillion pounds from Chanel / Gucci / etc. The cheapest versions always look stiff and twee. And even mid range tweed is bedecked with gold buttons. I suspect the best route would be to engage a tailor with access to outstanding tweed fabrics.

Here are a few possibilities - though no trouser suits.

And these:

Try again:

When I am queen of the whole world, gold buttons will be banned. So tacky.

Sorry, that was supposed to be for @MetaDaughter

As if a vintage MaxMara silk shirt dress and a vintage navy silk bias cut midi dress isn't dressing up.

I am.completely confused.

Isn't it perfectly normal to carry a small brush, powder compact and lipstick in your handbag?

Maybe best to just move on, @RosesAndHellebores !

@MetaDaughter I love that blue skirt. Thank you for sharing

I’m annoyed. Tried to add another five photos, which briefly appeared but then disappeared - twice.

Could you take your heeed boots in a bag and Chang when you get there. Or pick up a pair of ballet pump type shoes.

(@Islandgirl68 I think in general people find MN most enjoyable if they read what has already been posted on the thread before adding their own comment. )

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie I most certainly don't own anything with gold buttons 🤣

Claridge's is the best. I always tell the desk I've arrived and then go to the lovely loos to freshen up and change shoes. You can leave any bags /luggage in there too. Enjoy!