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.

What are you talking about. Don't have time to read every comment.

In which case you run the risk of repeating very obvious points that have already been discussed ad nauseam.

😂

So that is very common on MN as everyone can't read all the posts, so quite often that happens. Good grief not that big an issue.

Enjoy your tea! Love Claridges and a smidge jealous lol! Aim for smart but you don’t have to be overdressed iyswim.

Just wanted to update after all the helpful responses.

I had a successful shopping trip. Asking for help in all the shops I visited was definitely the best plan rather than aimlessly looking at outfits and getting confused. I think it helped that I went shopping on a weekday so it was quieter.
I received positive experiences from John Lewis and The White Company. I now have a lovely tea dress from the White Company. I received 15% off with a VIP code and I had a gift card for £50 (Xmas pressie from in-laws as I like the candles).
I feel really good about myself in the dress. Also, I am a size 14, not 16. I was also told by two separate assistants that I’m not an apple shape, previously self assessed!
The dress will also do nicely for my Niece's christening, looks great with my long sock boots (since found hidden under my bed) and also trainers/pumps for the warmer weather.

I really appreciate all of your posts and advice. I’m now feeling really happy and confident for two great occasions this month.

Excellent update - though requiring a photo / link to dress for completeness!

Enjoy your events.

Glad you’ve found something you love. Yes to a pic!

Hardly anyone does this anymore!

Flat boots, pumps / trainers are fine for Claridges.

I always start with the shoes now and work upwards, it's so important to get this bit right to have a good time! Sock boots are great OP, they go with everything, I've got various pairs in differing heel heights. I'm always on the look out for dresses /skirts with a black background that will work well in Winter with a sock boot and opaques. They also work well with cropped trousers.

Claridges is my favourite afternoon tea, have a lovely time.

Lovely update! Enjoy your new outfit and have fun wearing it

This is the best idea so far - doesn't even have to be velvet, but the current shape of suits are so flattering, work for all ages, you can use the jacket separately, they don't look painfully dressed up.

(I know the OP has done an update but the suggestion from the other poster will help others I think!)

www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Printed-Pleated-Midi-Dress/p/A03908?swatch=Navy

This is the dress. It is a lot longer in length on me. The material has a silky feel and I think it looks dressier than in these pictures.
I’m just happy that I feel so comfortable and think it looks really nice.

Thank you all so much for your help.

Very suitable! Looks easy to dress up or down, for grand occasions or school sports day.

Looks like a great addition to your wardrobe. Would be nice with trainers too.

That’s lovely. WC stuff always feels nicer than the on screen images. I thin k it’s the fabric and little details. Enjoy your trip.

The WC assistant mentioned the same and suggested not to buy just for an event but think how many times and occasions I can wear the dress, otherwise it works out expensive. Fortunately, I received a discount plus I had a gift card towards the purchase.
It is smart with the right footwear, jewellery etc, but can definitely been worn with pumps/trainers for the warmer weather. I will definitely get a lot of use from it.

Also I don't think Claridges would do high tea.

I went this time of year and wore an a-line shirt dress, black tights and comfy boots with a small chunky heel.