Savoy afternoon tea

[Savoyafternoon]

I am spending the day in London in a couple of weeks. Travelling in on the train. Then afternoon tea at the Savoy.
I am usually in jeans and trainers. Age over 50.
Any suggestions for something that’s comfy but smart enough?

@Dressinggownonthefloor thank you ! I'm pro- dressing up a bit and being comfortable (physically and emotionally).

There's a dress code at the Ritz but smart casual at the Savoy. Be comfortable OP especially if you'll be walking round London. Lipstick, nice jewellery and good handbag and you can't go wrong.

Don’t people find the wearing nice things part of the fun? I rarely get the chance to justify much beyond jumper and jeans so an event where I can wear something a bit different is very welcome. I recently went to the theatre and wore a dress (Seasalt, shoot me) and it really added to my enjoyment of the day.

This.

I have lunch or dinner at The Savoy several times a year and stay there at least a couple of nights per year too. It’s really just smart casual there with a minority of people who are more dressed up. I wear smart trainers and jeans there all the time. I haven’t had afternoon tea there, but am going to The River Restaurant next Monday for lunch so will be walking through the afternoon tea area to get there. I will report back as to how dressy or not everyone looks! 😂

I think if you're walking around London as well, comfort will be so important. I think the recommendation for Seasalt and White Stuff is that it's not tailored and the fabric is often jersey, so it might work. You want to look nice, a bit special, but not trussed up.

Instead of saying dismissively "oh, London is really casual", it might be useful to suggest outfits that are both elegant AND casual/comfortable. That's certainly my holy grail at the moment, as someone who likes comfort but also enjoys getting dressed up. OP, I like the wide leg trousers and fancy blouse combo mentioned above.

For me, what I'd wear is a nice blouse/top and skirt/trousers or tea dress. You need something which is comfy but stylish.

FWIW, @BlossomBlossomBlossom 's choices I personally think aren't my taste at all, not within budget and the knitwear is quite niche. They also don't fit OP's budget brief.

No time to read the full thread, OP, but I've never really had to wear jackets in my working life and as I got into my 50s I discovered that a smartish jacket can make everything look pulled together and smarter instantly. Not necessarily a suit-style jacket but something like this, maybe, if you want to break out of work suit territory.
https://www.zara.com/uk/en/cropped-wool-blend-jacket-p03046377.html?v1=312664936&v2=2352724
Even if I'm wearing jeans I'm immediately smarter with a jacket on. I know it's the kind of look a lot of older women go for but they do it because it works. Wide-legged work trousers, a jacket and a charity-shop brooch or a statement necklace and you'll be able to walk in anywhere without worrying if you're smart enough.

I agree, @ThewaytoAmarula . If you have an interest in style it's nice to get dressed up. I wouldn't wear trackies with holes in to put the bins out, never mind go to the theatre in London.

Having enjoyed a number of afternoon teas out in London hotels I've always felt most comfortable being on the smarter side. I'd go for a shift dress and suede knee high boots (low heel) with a wool coat. Handbag wise, I always use a shoulder bag for the journey and tuck the strap inside just before going in, turning it into more of a clutch. Have a fabulous time!

What are you doing for the rest of the day? I would be tempted to wear trainers and comfortable clothes for walking around all day and bring a light weight dress and shoes for the Savoy - (but to be fair that is also because I would enjoy picking 2 outfits).

The thing is that ‘smart casual’ often implies ‘new and expensive’, and even if I thought trainers were suitable, I wouldn’t want to have spent the day in them walking through puddles.

I'd wear black silk shirt, black wide legged trousers, with flat boots. I'd have my hair done, red lipstick, a bold necklace or earrings or bangles, mac and bag, and in the bag I'd have a fine knit wool jumper and an oversized scarf.

That will take you everywhere you want to go in the day and the evening.

I'm all for getting a bit dressed up but keeping in my comfort zone. So while wide-leg trousers are a work thing for the Op; a train journey plus walking around London and being a jeans/trainers person, all combined means I'd be looking for a "dressed up" pair of trousers to keep comfortable but still feel a bit different from normal.

So maybe navy satin or faux leather both would go with smart trainers for walking. On top jersey as it would be comfortable in day and not crease or silky depending on what you went for trousers wise.

Its only a couple weeks out so still firmly in coat weather, which means what ever Op chooses needed to go with whatever coat she's using. So to be honest I'd be starting there.

I can't imagine wearing jeans at the Savoy, I mean I wouldn't get dressed up like a dogs dinner but jeans? Just feels like I dunno, surely it's special? Even if you are wealthy enough to frequently stay or eat there? I wear a dress to the theatre too, with chunky boots but would never wear jeans.

Whenever I look on S&B I always find there’s a trend. The first few posters make perfectly normal suggestions & then one poster will appear & trample over everything, pouring scorn on the other suggestions & acting like an authority on fashion linking to lots of ‘directional’ fashion pieces through Cos, Arket & the like that are nothing like what the OP asked for. I presume it’s the same poster that name changes.

To be fair the flip is posters being very dismissive of any experience as something they do every other week and always wear jeans and a jumper.

Yes, not keen on either !

@OneFrenchEgg I’m sure that’s true. I don’t look on S&B that much it’s something I’ve observed whenever I do!

I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t be allowed trainers but check about the jeans. If you’ve already got suitable clothes then spend your budget on comfortable shoes as you can’t wear trainers but want to be able to walk. These are amazing. The most comfortable flats I’ve ever worn and I like the way they look

https://www.allbirds.co.uk/products/womens-tree-breezers?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIztCdwKrahAMVCIpQBh0W1gOGEAQYCyABEgLQMvD_BwE&size=uk-5&utm_campaign=PMax%20%2F%2F%20UK%20%2F%2F%20Flats&utm_content=&utm_medium=pmax&utm_source=google&utm_term=

They also don't fit OP's budget brief.

How d’you mean, @Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain ? The OP said

Budget not really thought about but for something I fall in love with probably up to £150.

The three items I suggested cost £145, £160, and £146. (Two of them reduced in the sales.) Each a top that could be worn with something OP already has for her afternoon tea, and then worn until they fall apart with jeans or whatever. Perfectly fine if you, or the OP don’t like them - sharing different tastes is the point of S&B - but I don’t think my budgeting was bad? Have I misunderstood something?

On another note, & Other Stories are excelling themselves in the gloriously pretty white blouse department right now. They must be intent on sending everyone to afternoon tea this Spring …

S&B would be a much happier place if we banned the word 'London' and replaced it with 'special occasion'.

Ain't that the case here huh?!

I agree! Why should 'London' be the default word for the last word in style/special occasions?!