What to wear-London afternoon tea

[Whentostarthrt]

Have been invited to a 40th birthday afternoon tea in a posh London hotel (not the Ritz!) in late November. I’m feeling it will be a little bit too early to go full Christmas glitz - what would you wear to give a nod to it being nearly Christmas without looking like you’ve jumped the gun a bit?

Oh I’m not worried about what other people think - I’ve got some choices that will work very well, am just enjoying the inspiration from others!

Also have to say I think it’s such a shame if people do rock up to afternoon tea/ the theatre/ fancy restaurant in scruffy jeans or old anoraks. It’s nice to make an effort for somewhere nice! Doesn’t have to be evening gown and pearls, just something that reflects the nice surroundings and the sense of occasion

Totally agree. I was in a Michelin star restaurant for lunch recently, and a man on the next table was in a baseball cap and hoodie, both of which he kept on for the duration. I really don't get it. He also barely spike to his companion, who I think was his father. Can't understand why you'd pay so much money, then sit in silence looking scruffy.

I’d wear a really nice dressy jumper with a long satin skirt - Zara have some lovely ones. Then lovely coat and heeled boots!

I wouldn't worry too much. These hotel tea things are usually very overated and a big let down.

As for pe Christmas clothes you cant go wrong with velvet, sillk, satin and cashmere.

Enjoy.

@Whentostarthrt Those events are not that special for some people and they never make an effort! Mostly men. I’d suggest not going ott for tea though. It’s absolutely not needed. We go to tea quite often and Michelin starred restaurants - a silk top and skirt/trousers is great. Cashmere - you can get a bit hot! I’ve never ever seen anyone in sequins at tea or restaurant. Barely at Royal opera house! Works parties? That’s different.

https://mintvelvet.com/products/pink-multi-button-cardigan

try this option OP

The styling of that Carven dress is cracking me up. Oh! I just spent $2k on a pretty incredible dress. I know what I'll wear it with....my mouldy old Birkenstocks and the socks I wear when I'm on my period. 😁

@Whentostarthrt if it is Claridges you are going to, it was full on Xmas there on Saturday…choir boys singing carols at the afternoon tea - the whole shebang. You could definitely go full sparkles and not be out of place. Have a fab time, and definitely dress up, London at this time of year is my favourite.

I would go for a satin skirt and a cardigan with maybe some embellishments. Or a satin top and velvet trousers or a leather midi skirt. I think you absolutely can wear something that is embellished or sparkly at this time of year but also think about the fabrics you wear. If you will be walking around lots prior then I'd go for a coat rather than a blazer. I usually plan an outfit around the bag I want to wear as a starting point.

I love afternoon tea and if it's at a fancier place, you have an excuse to dress up so why not?

Embellished - yes. All over sequins - no.

Wow. You may be far too cool or superior to get enjoyment out of a nice meal with lovely friends in a lovely environment, but it’s something I am looking forward to, so why feel the need to rain on my parade?

I haven’t at any point said I’m worried about what to wear, nor have I declared that I’m going in a sequinned gown. It’s a fun occasion with friends I don’t see often, so why is it looked down upon to actually be excited?

I have this on order! Someone else also recommended it so I have high hopes 😁

@Whentostarthrt Pearls are just fine. Maybe not a tiara! It’s definitely a woman thing to dress up but as someone did suggest sequins, I’d say that’s bling too far!

Any clothes that make you feel good and confident

I go with friends, why not see if friends want to go for shopping and afternoon tea and then book yourself in - if your dh is tight with money leave him at home

Anything nice and smart and add a scarf! Xx

I agree.

That's really lovely

Why is everyone afraid of looking too much or too try hard? I look too try hard all the time, I love to wear things which are a little bit more sometimes, and I always get a good reaction and appreciation so what's this fear? You might wear a sparkly top and someone says-what?

There's also the people who say they never try hard and then reveal they just throw on a silk shirt and some fashionable trousers- that is quite try hard!

There is a whole TicTok/Insta/FB reels of men looking scruffy when they are out with more glamorous women. It's a power play. It doesn't read the same if women do it.

Afternoon tea sounds wonderful OP, I went to one a few weeks ago, although not in a hotel, and it was lovely with all the china cups. I prefer afternoon tea to dinner sometimes these days as I'm bored of eating out places these days (another thread).

A silk shirt isn’t all over sequins! There’s a difference. One is day wear and one is party wear. Tea in a lovely hotel is in the day. It’s not a party. Therefore pulling on a sequinned dress is not making more effort, it’s making the wrong choice for the event. Low key sparkly thread or buttons - great. It’s a case of degree and how much you are a “look at me!!!” personality.

This may sound very snobby but for people who are 'up from the country' in London they do often over-dress. Whereas people who eat etc in high end places often, when it's not so much of an 'occasion' tend to dress down in comparison.

Yes, it sounds snobby. And patronising. For many people, going to a nice hotel or restaurant is a special occasion. I’m lucky to be able to eat in nice restaurants a fair bit, but it’s not something I take for granted.

And there are high end places outside of London btw.

I'm guessing you've either not been in London that long or you spend your time in a different part of it to me @JunoJuliaBravo, if you and your circle are in the habit of sneering at others because of their clothing choices.

Fortunately for the OP, a lot of us love getting dressed as much as she clearly does, regardless of where we're going 🥳