What to wear for afternoon tea

[AzureRose]

Im being taken for afternoon tea on valentines day. I accidentally saw the booking on my partners phone when he was going through his emails. He doesnt know I know.

It is likely bad weather with a bit of walking involved so no heels or anything but I need an out fit that wil go with my mart but stompy ankle black leather ankle boots. I never wear trousers.

Any ideas?

I’d go for a corduroy or denim skirt and a big cosy but smart or merino wool type jumper and a nice scarf. That all smartens up some practical smart boots

How lovely, I wish my husband was that thoughtful. I wear black quite chunky ankle boots with opaque tights and a midi dress or short dress all the time. You could wear a jumper dress or a smart tea dress. It really depends on how posh the place is.

Definitely a dress. Are you wanting something new or to wear something you already own?

With clumpy boots, I’d go with a shorter dress and black tights probably. A midi dress could also work.

I’d avoid a big jumper in case the venue is warm.

I could get something new. Im a size 12 and 40s.

Any suggestions?

Not too short as my thighs arent my best feature.

A skirt, jumper and thick tights is a good option, possibly a thinner jumper incase it's warm in there and then put a coat on

Which shops do you usually like? I’m older than you and finding it harder to find nice short dresses that aren’t too short.

Pleated maxi/ midi skirt?
I saw an couple of interesting ones on M&S, Next and Tu depends what colour you are after.
added : sorry missed that it’s an ankle boots so not sure how they would go with pleated skirt but still worth considering.

Jersey dress - you can layer a t shirt underneath or a cardigan over the top if its chilly. Plus opaque tights. Depending on budget Tu have a rather nice looking long one in black or light gold. Fat face always have lots as do Boden and Next.

Hobbs do loads of midi lenght. But I have a lot of those already.

Speaking of Hobbs, I like the look of this one but it’s a) very expensive and b) polyester https://www.hobbs.com/product/monikah-dress/0126-5351-9045L00-BLACK-COPPER.html

I quite like this from Whistles too https://www.whistles.com/product/animal-swirl-cocoon-dress-38623.html

How lovely!

Any clothes will be suitable though. Jeans/skirts and books and a jumper.

Will wait for the sale.

I often get the jersey dresses but jersey will always pill.

I just saw an interesting and smart black knitted dress on the M&S website, it is by French Connection. I think it would go with your boots.
Have fun at your tea!

I saw a burgundy knitted dress on John Lewis which I nearly linked to- I think that was FC too.

I was in Harrods last week for afternoon tea , it was amazing!
I wore a black merino roll neck, black straight leg cropped leather trousers and a Rixo coat with suede ankle boots. There were ladies on the next table in sequins, there were others in satin midis, there were some people in jeans and trainers too, so whatever you choose, you will fit in.
Great idea to start with comfy boots though and definitely a bag big enough to carry an umbrella! Although I have a very small handbag one from Boots.
Have a great time.

I’d go for a dress - something stretchy and not too fitted over the stomach - it needs to be comfortable for sitting in and for when you feel
really full after eating all the cake!
Not too warm as it’s likely to be warm in the room, a jersey dress with a cardigan and nice scarf would be ideal so you can remove layers

Apricot do dresses like this (also polyester) but nowhere near that price

I really like the Whistles pink dress @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie have you ordered it? I think I’d want a 14, it’s the only size sold out, maybe the universe is trying to tell me something 😂

I bought this jumper dress from Mango as I already had the coat, they match perfectly - I find taupe quite a good colour as it looks good with black boots and tights

I like it too. It will be a bit longer on me. It is not meant to be a summer dress?

But it would look good with black opaque tights.

I haven’t got/seen this one, but I’ve got a couple from Whistles in a similar style. My concern would be that I’d want to see the fabric in real life, as Whistles has really gone down hill in terms of quality.

It depends where you're going. If it's the Ritz then obviously I'd dress up much more than if it was in a small local cafe.
I go for afternoon tea several times a year at various venues and people wear all sorts of things. Some wear smart dresses, others jeans and casual top, it doesn't matter at all.

I’d wear something like that with black tights, boots and a leather jacket but it also looks like it would work with sandals and a tan too.