Afternoon Tea Dress Code Guide
Afternoon Tea or High Tea? The No-Confusion Guide
Afternoon tea is a formal daytime affair, steeped in tradition and refined taste. But what does one wear to such an occasion? How do you dress for afternoon tea appropriately? The dress code for an afternoon tea party can be a perplexing puzzle, especially when there are discrepancies in the invitation. For example, the invitation is for a high tea, and the dress code is Morning Dress. Or when the host is known for a modern taste and there is no dress code written on the invitation. Does the host plan a proper afternoon tea (formal daytime party) with the standard dress code - Morning Dress, or is the host visualizing something more modern - not smart casual, just more modern?
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Afternoon tea is a cultural daytime formal ritual that normally starts at 2 pm and ends around 4 pm. It’s an occasion to dress up, socialize, and eat well. The menu is three courses served on a three-tier stand, with tea sandwiches on the bottom plate, scones, clotted cream, curd, butter, and jellies (or a modern version - Viennese whirls) on the middle plate, and petit fours and cakes on the top plate. Viennese whirls and mini mouse cakes are a hit, yet a selection of Assam, Darjeeling, Lapsang Souchong and Earl Grey keep the tradition alive.
Now, there is a common misconception we need to address before we look into the afternoon tea dress code.
HIGH TEA
An afternoon tea and high tea are not the same thing. Far from that! An afternoon tea is actually LOW TEA, as it's usually served at the low table set.
Afternoon tea is a refined, elegant ritual typically enjoyed around 2-4 pm (many tea rooms and hotels now offer afternoon tea services at different times to cater to a wider audience - but no later than 5 pm) on low chairs at the tea table (low table). It's characterized by delicate finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and dainty pastries, all accompanied by fine tea. This tradition originated in the upper classes as a light meal to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner.
High tea, on the other hand, is a more substantial meal often served around 5-7 pm on a kitchen table (or in summer time, patio/backyard wooden table). It evolved from the working class's need for a hearty meal after a long day. High tea typically includes warm dishes like meat pies, ham, sausages, or fish, along with bread and vegetables. It's more akin to a light supper than a dainty treat. In most parts of the world, tea is optional and often replaced by infused water, juice, beer or wine.
To put it short, afternoon tea is a FORMAL day time event, whereas high tea is INFORMAL day time event, often served after a harvest or team work.
Clearly, the dress code for high tea and afternoon tea could not be more opposite.
Here is the afternoon tea dress code guide.
Afternoon tea is a delightful British tradition that dates back to the early 19th century. The story goes like this: It was around 1840, when one day Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, found herself experiencing a "sinking feeling" around 4 pm. At that time, it was common to have only two main meals a day: breakfast and a late dinner at around 8 pm. Hungry, she asked for a tray of tea, bread and butter, and cake to be brought to her room.
This one-time occasion quickly became her habit. And the Duchess started inviting friends to join her. The practice caught on, and soon, afternoon tea became a fashionable social occasion among the upper classes.
Now this is a story. Historical evidence suggests otherwise. The Duchess's social influence waned after a scandal in 1841, and accounts from Queen Victoria indicate that similar tea customs existed elsewhere in Europe. In fact, English spa towns were serving afternoon teas as early as the 1750s, long before Russell's supposed "invention."
The truth is that the origins of afternoon tea are far less clear-cut than the neat story often presented. It likely evolved gradually over time, with no single inventor, despite the human preference for definitive answers.
Even so, as tea became more affordable, it filtered down to the middle classes.
By the 1880s, it was common for society women to change into long gowns, gloves, and hats for their afternoon tea, which was typically served in the drawing room between 4 and 5 pm.
Traditional afternoon tea includes a selection of dainty sandwiches (such as cucumber sandwiches), scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a variety of cakes and pastries. The tea itself is usually served from silver teapots into delicate bone china cups.
Until 2023 the tradition of afternoon tea was not as widespread in everyday (British) life. It was a popular treat, especially in hotels and tearooms, but not in everyday life.
But we are in the 20s now. And "old money" aesthetic is trending.
Point of view, it's fascinating how trends evolve. While afternoon tea is a centuries-old tradition, it has experienced a remarkable resurgence, particularly among Gen Z. The trending "old money" aesthetic, characterized by timeless elegance, understated luxury, and refined taste, has undoubtedly contributed to the revival of the afternoon tea.
We are drawn to the nostalgic charm and sophistication associated with afternoon tea. It offers a refreshing escape from the fast-paced digital world, providing an opportunity to connect with friends, relax, and indulge in a leisurely experience.
However, the "old money" aesthetic brought a confusion to what to wear to an afternoon tea. Two confusions, actually. But we have already solved the first one. HIGH TEA ≠ AFTERNOON TEA = LOW TEA.
Now next, to the second - AFTERNOON TEA DRESS CODE - the official dress code and modern dress codes that fit the occasion.
THE AFTERNOON TEA DRESS CODE DECODED
The afternoon tea attire dress code tends to be shaped by a confluence of factors, with the theme and hostess/guests' knowledge playing a crucial role. The general dress code for afternoon tea is