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?

Honestly the Savoy is lovely - why wouldnt you want to dress up at least a little. Why do people always default to jeans. A relative always turns up in jogging bottoms and sweatshirt regardless of the event. Never makes an effort and had to be told that when she was invited to a wedding she couldnt wear joggers and a sweatshirt.

The dress code is smart casual, @OneFrenchEgg.

Congratulations, OP! Wear something that makes you feel wonderful!

Elegant is just a bit nicer - nails 'done' not just filed and tidy. It's difficult to explain it just has a different vibe - smart casual always makes me think of work dos and parties.

@BlossomBlossomBlossom your Raey suggestion was spot on and perfect. I might have to buy it now...

Congratulations OP - what a lovely celebration!

Absolutely love the Raey shirt - that would be perfect with slim black trousers and ballet pumps if wide leg trousers are not your thing.

I think you should just be you and buy one gorgeous item that you love, to build an outfit around. I (and I'm not you!) would wear a wool double-faced coat in a neutral colour (loads of MaxMara dupes in the sales ATM around £100-£150), black trousers and a silk shirt, silk t-shirt or a fine polo neck jumper in black. Understated jewellery, all black trainers, pumps or chunky boots depending on the style of trousers. I'd also wear a simple black dress with opaques under a lovely coat.

I hope you have a memorable day.

@TheOriginalMrsMoss I'm with you, perfect!

I'd go with super comfy ballet flats, 7/8 cigarette pants and a light sweater. I wouldn't want to look too dressed up and I like to be comfortable above all else!

I think for me the difference is that smart casual means you're clean and presentable, say linen trousers and a plain shirt. Comfortable elegance is more of an effort put in and you feel fabulous, or at least, a bit more special, but not blinged up.

The Raey shirt is fabulous, depending on what you put with it.

BY MALINA - Ilse graphic-print wide-fit linen-blend shirt | Selfridges.com
I liked this, it's a bit statement so it might not be your style OP and this one, but ditto REISS - Charli placement-print woven blouse | Selfridges.com
As it happens both are styled with wide leg trousers, but could go over a longer, straight skirt.

I wore my blue Hobbs jumpsuit to dinner at the savoy. Was smart and I felt comfortable too.

Last time I was in The Savoy back in December, there were many Americans in there wearing jeans and white trainers, sadly.
I felt sad that the dress code wasn't more rigourously enforced.

I think a silk shirt and trousers would be lovely. With a good coat, scarf and boots.

some of the dresses linked to are summer dresses - it’s still winter in London!

And yet I have a Margaret Howell shirt, admittedly about 15 years old, that creases and crumples — as linen is supposed to do. That's the whole point of linen. Otherwise it might as well be polycotton.

This. I went for afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason and it didn't occur to me to dress up (I'm not a 'dress up' person). I can't imagine the Savoy is different. There was a mix of people - some dressed up, others not.

Gorgeous, as is the black dress you posted also. Want them both!

I really like this

Guests can wear whatever they want, really. Doormen know the difference between guests and visitors.

It's a shame that some people think wearing jeans and trainers is acceptable in The Savoy. I was quite surprised.

I've been to afternoon tea at The Ritz too, and I didn't see any jeans and trainers there. Thank goodness.

There are some places you just don't wear them.

OP how about a dress and boots?
https://www.weirdfish.co.uk/p/sale/i/starshine-organic-jersey-dress-dark-wine-202406?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAopuvBhBCEiwAm8jaMVf20rec_cZ58dPK04l78vNDapYS-72ltpm8OiDPSSIktNP86H64BxoC2DUQAvD_BwE

Investing in an outfit you'll get a fair amount of mileage from needn't be expensive, just well cut and good quality.

I agree. Every time people mention going out in London everyone piles on to say that noone dresses up in London as if it's a badge of honour to look as scruffy as fuck.

If you have to do lots of walking in the day and you dont want to go down the wide trouser route OP I would probably wear something like the Baukjen black dress listed above which can be dressed up with nice jewellery for the Savoy. I'd make sure I had hair and nails done and would be tempted to take a good bag that was just big enough to swap walking flats to dressier shoes for the Savoy

I would go for one of two options (1) jeans, silk blouse and change trainers for some proper heels just before you go in or (2) a dress and ankle or knee high boots comfy enough for walking. I agree you can get away with anything but I'd want to look great and the Savoy is such a treat. You definitely won't look out of place, there will be a range but whatever you go for they'll almost definitely be people more or less dressed up than you. I had dinner in the claridge's restaurant before Christmas and people were wearing everything from hiking gear (patagonia fleece type stuff) to black tie. Most high end hotels are similar.

Sorry but the White Stuff, Weird Fish, Seasalt dresses just aren't up to scratch. Far too casual.

You could try a dress from Anthropologie OP? They do some beautiful fabrics and prints. I think a midi dress with tights and mid heel boots would look great and be comfortable enough to walk in. Or a skirt with a fine knit cashmere sweater. And wear a nice wool coat if you have one!

Like this? https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/farm-rio-long-sleeve-floral-wrap-midi-dress?category=dresses&color=009&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

i’m taking my mum for tea at the ritz in a few weeks too
i live in trainers
i was thinking a tea dress i might wear trainers the rest of the day but change into ballet pumps before i go in