Outfit ideas for afternoon tea

With Cinch Championships tennis at Queen’s well and truly underway, Wimbledon coming up in a few weeks and National Cream Tea Day marked on our calendars for the 25th, we’d say it’s about time to get the scones out and talk afternoon tea! A British tradition (and must in our eyes) that’s been going since the early 1840s, afternoon tea is the perfect excuse to get together for a little indulgence – bubbles optional. But before we even get to menu choices, there’s an important decision to be made… what to wear!

The formal occasion

If you’re going ‘out, out’ to a venue, either to celebrate a special occasion or just because, it’s a nice excuse to dress up but gone are the days (for most places) where there’s a formal dress code. These days it’s more of a smart-casual affair so it’s up to you how dressy you want to go. Jumpsuits are a fantastic go-to that can be easily dressed up with heels and jewellery or down with trainers or sandals, and there are a number of beautiful options from many of our top fashion brands right now.

This stunning frill jumpsuit from Dannii Minogue is a particular favourite of ours and it comes in Petite and Regular sizes, as well as two fabulous print choices including this summery Orange Floral that will have heads turning when you walk in for tea!

The ‘Mad Hatters’ tea party

Planning to have afternoon tea out in the garden Alice in Wonderland style? This calls for tumbling down the rabbit hole of prints and having some fun with colour. This midi dress from Kim & Co is a gorgeous option that comes in three different prints that would have even the Queen of Hearts’ approval! The floral Black Multi is certainly the most whimsical choice, ideal for a garden party, but we’re also mad about the striking tropical leaf Multi print and elegant Pink Multi.

Of course, if you’re not graced with high temperatures and beaming sunshine for your outdoor tea party you’ll need a layer or two to hand. This Cropped Drama Kimono from MarlaWynne will help to keep any chills at bay and goes with practically anything. Colours like the Stone Blue and Cloud are getting snapped up already so bag your favourite quick.

The indoor affair

Dust off the tea set, invite your nearest and dearest round and have a good catch up over a cuppa. It’s how afternoon tea was first done and even if you don’t have a drawing room, you can still create the perfect set up of sandwiches, cakes, tea and friends around the kitchen table. We’d go quite casual and comfortable for this one with something like the printed T-shirt and trouser set from Frank Usher.

It’s made from a soft jersey fabric perfect for lounging and eating in but also features a rather fabulous all-over animal print that gives it a super chic and on-trend edge. Choose from this bold and bright Aqua colour or go for Natural if you prefer subtler tones. Fancy dressing it up? Pop on a pair of heels and a statement necklace or if you’re happy with a more relaxed indoor vibe… stick with socks or slippers!

The tea-for-two

Planning a date night with your other half or a potential other half? Make it an afternoon tea instead! We can already picture your eyes meeting over a pair of petits fours. Like the formal occasion, this is another nice opportunity to dress to impress and we’ve got some great options that’ll leave them dazzled.

Going head-to-toe Kim & Co with this one, start with this pretty short-sleeved blouse that comes in a romantic Rose Multi print, perfect for a date. The short sleeves are ideal for this season and is it just us getting hungry or does that print look like little cakes from far away? Style it with these cropped trousers in Navy and don the matching jacket for an even smarter finish.

You can find all the pieces mentioned and loads more in our Love Your Style collection, including ones currently available in interest-free instalments and a few great savings too. We hope you find the perfect outfit, whatever type of afternoon tea you have planned!