What to Wear to a Tea Party: Dresses and Outfit Ideas

What Is Tea Party Attire?

Tea party attire is dressy daytime wear: feminine, polished and comfortable enough to sit for a long afternoon. Think of what you'd wear to a garden party, a bridal shower or a spring brunch. The setting decides how dressy to go:

• Afternoon tea at a hotel or tea room: smart casual. A dress, a skirt and blouse, or tailored pants with a nice top. Some hotels ask guests not to wear athletic wear, ripped jeans or flip-flops.
• Garden tea party: a floral sundress or midi dress, a sun hat and shoes that won't sink into the lawn.
• Bridal or baby shower tea: a pastel or floral dress; avoid all white at a bridal shower unless the bride asks.
• Themed tea party: lean into the theme with a fascinator, gloves, lace or a vintage-style dress.

Tea Party Outfit Ideas for Women

• A floral dress: the classic choice, in a fit-and-flare, A-line or tiered style.
• Pastels: blush, lilac, mint, butter yellow and powder blue all feel right for afternoon tea.
• Ruffles, bows and lace: feminine details suit a tea party.
• A skirt and blouse: a pleated or A-line midi skirt with a blouse or fine knit top.
• A jumpsuit or tailored pants: in a light fabric or soft color, with a dressy top.

Tea Party Hats, Shoes and Accessories

• Hats: a hat isn't required at most tea parties, but a sun hat, a fascinator or a headband adds a festive touch, especially at a garden or themed tea.
• Shoes: low heels, block heels, wedges or ballet flats. Avoid stilettos on grass.
• Jewelry: pearls, delicate necklaces and small earrings.
• Bag: a small clutch or top-handle bag.
• A layer: a cardigan, light jacket or wrap for a cool afternoon or air-conditioned tea room.

What Not to Wear to a Tea Party

• Athletic wear, ripped jeans and flip-flops
• Very short or very revealing dresses
• Evening looks, like head-to-toe sequins
• All white at a bridal shower tea, unless the bride asks

What Do Men Wear to a Tea Party?

Chinos or dress trousers with a button-down or polo, and loafers. Add a light blazer or a linen suit for a dressier tea or a garden party.

Sherri Hill Dresses for a Tea Party

These floral cocktail dresses suit a garden tea party, a bridal shower or a dressy afternoon celebration. Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers; use Find A Store to locate one near you. If the store doesn't have your color or size, the retailer can check whether it's available to order.

Style 57539

A strapless floral chiffon cocktail dress with a bow and a ruffled skirt. Made in pink print, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 57539.

Style 57380

A floral tulle cocktail dress on a corset bodice. Made in blush with red print, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 57380.

Style 57545

A strapless floral cocktail dress on a corset bodice, with a bubble skirt. Made in ivory with blue print, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 57545.

All three are strapless, so add a cardigan or wrap for a cool afternoon. See more in cocktail dresses, and find your size with the Sherri Hill Size Guide. For more daytime events, see country club attire and what to wear to a baptism.