Last Updated on February 15, 2026 by Eve Dawes
Your guide to what to wear to afternoon tea, the most elegant dresses and afternoon tea outfits
Afternoon Tea or High Tea outfits pretty much follow the same dress code so if you’re deciding on what to wear to Afternoon Tea keep reading. High Tea and Afternoon Tea used to be very different: Afternoon Tea is a snack while High Tea is a post-work, heartier meal. However, American’s tend to call afternoon tea, high tea and even in England the distinction has become less. High Tea at somewhere like the Savoy London is just the addition of an extra hot course served between sandwiches, cakes and scones. I’m American-English and grew up in England with the tradition of Afternoon Tea so I’m used to the dress codes and etiquette. So what’s acceptable to wear to afternoon tea and what’s not? What do ladies wear for afternoon tea at the Ritz? What are the best afternoon or high tea dresses and outfits? Here are some fun facts and beautiful outfits to ensure you pass the dress code!
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Afternoon tea and high tea dress codes
Some places that serve afternoon tea have stricter dress codes than others e.g. The Ritz requires gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie to afternoon tea whereas the Savoy is a lot more relaxed. Although neither allow sportswear. A couple of ways to know what to wear to afternoon tea is:
- To read the venues dress code.
- Check out their Instagram feed to see what other people are wearing.
What to wear to afternoon tea
I always love dressing up, customs, and keeping traditions alive. From the very first time I had Afternoon Tea at The Ritz when I was 10 I’ve adored the ritual of Afternoon Tea and an excuse to eat more cake. As well as finding an elegant dress to accessorize in a way that’s fitting for the surroundings.
What do ladies wear for afternoon tea at the Ritz?
This has definitely changed over the years but the dress code at the Ritz is still pretty stringent. Yes, Ladies can wear trousers, but a pretty dress is much more suitable.
The ladies of London society in the 20th century put on their finest dresses for an afternoon outing at The Ritz, our wonderful guests in the 21st century need no excuse to don their most elegant outfits to make the occasion extra special. When dining in the breath-taking ambience of the hotel’s Palm Court…equally divine outfits come as standard.
Ritz
When considering what to wear to Afternoon Tea the first thing to check is the venues dress code. Followed by whether you’re dining inside or outside, the weather, and customs of the country you’re dining in.
What not to wear to afternoon tea
Obviously sports wear, shorts and sneakers/trainers are not permitted in most hotels serving afternoon tea but there are other things you might think are ok but are actually a faux pas.
Gloves are an elegant addition to any afternoon tea outfit with the caveat that you take them off once you’re seated at your table. Gloves should be removed and put away, along with your phone, not left on the table.
Can I wear a hat to high tea
Hats and fascinators are a beautiful addition to your afternoon tea outfit but whether to keep them on or off is little tricky and different people in different countries will tell you different things. Some articles will tell you it’s part of the outfit versus others saying to remove it once at the table. It seems that wearing it inside is historically correct while modern polite practice is to remove it indoors. I’d personally just take my cues from the people around me. One caveat, it’s always ok to wear it when taking afternoon tea outside.
Other things to consider when choosing your afternoon tea outfit is to make sure it’s not too sexy. As much as I love cut outs, minis and plunging necklines, afternoon tea attire tends to call for more elegant styles.
What’s the difference between afternoon tea and high tea
What I’ve noticed living in the US is that most Americans call afternoon tea, high tea. Whereas, the English call Afternoon Tea ‘afternoon tea’ and ‘High Tea’ refers to a heavier meal eaten later in the day. A lot of London hotels have now added a hot dish to their afternoon teas to be able to offer ‘High Tea’ which is more popular with Americans.
Despite its name, high tea actually originated with the lower classes…working stiffs didn’t have the luxury of an afternoon lunch break, so they took tea right after work with heartier fare. Using the term “high tea” when you really mean “afternoon tea” is a dead giveaway you’re American.
NPR
Afternoon & high tea etiquette
The Ritz has a really good etiquette guide which also includes the differences between the different names of afternoon tea and some fun facts along with their etiquette tips. Which includes how to eat your scones and when to pour milk into your tea but take them with a pinch of salt.
Whether you’re a rule follower or breaker, Afternoon Tea is there to be enjoyed at a relaxing pace. The main thing is to follow their Afternoon Tea dress code so you’re not denied entry and most definitely to keep your pinky down unless you’re being ironic!
Shop the best afternoon tea and high tea dresses
These are the best high tea dresses and afternoon tea outfits from florals to solid colors, tweed to chiffon, minis to maxi dresses, designer to luxe for less for under $100. Here’s what to wear to afternoon tea for an elegant but fashionable look for all seasons.
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More London and afternoon tea guides
Now you’ve figured out what to wear to afternoon tea, here’s where to book it:
