Sip, Style, Repeat: What to Wear to a Tea Party?
Tea parties where elegance meets earl grey…
There’s something timeless about a tea party. Whether it’s a lavish high tea at a grand hotel or a charming garden gathering among friends, tea parties invite us to slow down, dress up, and savour every detail—right down to the porcelain. But as much as we adore the dainty sandwiches and clinking teacups, the real question is: what should you wear to a tea party?
From flowing dresses to delicate accessories, the art of tea party dressing lies in capturing a mood—one that blends elegance, tradition, and a hint of playful refinement. Whether you’re attending a formal high tea or a whimsical afternoon affair, choosing the right outfit (and the perfect headpiece) can make your experience feel even more special.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the history and etiquette of tea parties, explore different styles for every type of event, and offer styling tips and fascinator suggestions from Merve Bayindir Millinery that will have you dressed to steep in style.
A Brief History of Tea Parties
The tradition of the tea party is steeped—quite literally—in elegance and social charm. Its roots can be traced back to early 19th-century England, when Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, introduced the concept of afternoon tea to bridge the long stretch between lunch and dinner. What began as a private moment of refreshment quickly evolved into a stylish social event, complete with finger sandwiches, delicate sweets, and refined attire.
As the custom gained popularity, it spread across the upper classes, becoming a staple of polite society. Afternoon tea was held in drawing rooms and manicured gardens, with women donning lace gloves, structured gowns, and often a decorative hat or headpiece to complete the look.
Later came high tea, often confused with afternoon tea but quite different in nature. High tea was more robust—both in menu and tone—often enjoyed by working-class families as an early evening meal. While afternoon tea was dainty and social, high tea was practical and filling.
Today, tea parties exist in many forms—from classic hotel teas and bridal showers to garden fêtes and themed events. What hasn’t changed is the delight in dressing for them. The tradition still invites us to channel a sense of occasion, indulge in the details, and express ourselves through beautiful, well-curated style.
One Tradition, Many Looks: What to Wear to Any Tea Party?
Not all tea parties are created equal—each setting has its own mood, dress code, and charm. Whether you're attending a traditional high tea or a whimsical garden gathering, understanding the type of event can help you strike the perfect fashion balance between elegance and ease.
1. Traditional Afternoon Tea Party Outfit
Held in elegant hotels or formal venues, this is where refined dresses, tailored silhouettes, and graceful accessories shine. Think florals, lace, or pastels paired with classic pumps and a small structured handbag. A fascinator or subtle hat adds a timeless finishing touch.
2. High Tea Party Outfit
Despite the name, high tea is actually more hearty and practical. If you're invited to a high tea-style gathering—especially in the evening—opt for sleek midi dresses, richer fabrics like satin or crepe, and slightly bolder accessories. This is the perfect occasion to add a dramatic headband or structured fascinator.
3. Garden Tea Party Outfit
Nature calls for something light, joyful, and a little romantic. For an outdoor setting, try flowy dresses in soft prints or pastel colours, low-heeled shoes or sandals, and floral headpieces that complement the natural surroundings. Keep it airy, elegant, and fun.
4. Themed or Vintage Tea Party Outfit
When the invite hints at a theme—say 1920s glamour or Regency romance—it’s time to embrace the fantasy. Tea-length dresses, vintage-inspired gloves, pearls, and whimsical fascinators are all fair game. These are the moments to fully express your style.
5. Winter Afternoon Tea Party Outfit
Colder months call for deeper tones, luxe textures, and a bit more layering. Choose long-sleeved dresses in velvets, wools, or heavier silks, paired with tights and boots or elegant flats. Top off the look with a jewel-toned fascinator or a cozy yet polished headpiece.
No matter the style of the tea party, the key is to look polished, feel comfortable, and enjoy the ritual of dressing for the moment.
Tea Party Dress Code Decoded: How to Perfect Your Tea Party Look?
Whether you're sipping Darjeeling in a manicured garden or enjoying Earl Grey in an elegant salon, dressing the part is half the joy of a tea party. But don’t worry—tea party fashion is less about strict rules and more about capturing a mood: polished, poised, and delightfully feminine.
Here are some timeless style tips to help you get it just right:
1. Choose the Right Fabric
Light, airy fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, or chiffon are perfect for warmer months. For cooler seasons, opt for velvet, wool blends, or satin to keep things elegant and seasonally appropriate.
2. Embrace Soft, Elegant Colours
Pastels, florals, muted jewel tones, or soft neutrals are all fitting choices. Spring and summer call for lighter shades, while autumn and winter tea parties shine in deep greens, burgundy, navy, or dusty rose.
3. Go for Classic Dress Silhouettes
Tea-length dresses, midi skirts, or a fitted blouse paired with a skirt create an effortlessly polished look. Avoid denim or overly casual attire—tea parties are all about elevating the everyday.
4. Accessorise with Intention
Pearl earrings, a vintage brooch, gloves, or a delicate handbag can add a charming finish. Avoid large statement pieces that might overpower your outfit or compete with your headwear.
5. Footwear That’s Pretty and Practical
Choose elegant flats, kitten heels, or heeled Mary Janes that are both stylish and comfortable. Garden parties may require block heels or wedges for navigating grass with ease.
6. Don’t Forget the Headpiece
Whether you opt for a fascinator, a structured headband, or a floral piece, headwear is the finishing touch that pulls your whole look together—more on that next.
The Finishing Touch: Fascinators for Tea Parties
No tea party outfit is truly complete without a little something extraordinary on top. Enter the fascinator—a stylish headpiece that adds polish, personality, and just the right amount of whimsy to your look. More lightweight than a hat but just as eye-catching, fascinators are the tea party accessory of choice for modern elegance.
Whether you're attending a garden tea, high tea at a grand hotel, or a themed afternoon affair, a fascinator instantly elevates your outfit from charming to unforgettable.
Why Choose a Fascinator?
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It frames the face beautifully without overshadowing your ensemble.
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It feels dressy, not overwhelming, making it ideal for both daytime and indoor settings.
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It’s endlessly versatile—you can go sculptural, floral, vintage-inspired, or minimalist.
How to Pick the Perfect Fascinator for a Tea Party?
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Match the colour or texture to your dress, or use it as a bold contrast piece.
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Consider your hairstyle—most fascinators work best with loosely styled hair, low buns, or soft waves.
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Think about balance—if your outfit is simple, a more elaborate fascinator can create visual interest, and vice versa.
At Merve Bayindir Millinery, each fascinator is handcrafted to order, using luxurious materials like silk, buntal, sinamay, and veiling. From delicate floral pieces to dramatic sculptural silhouettes, you’ll find styles that not only fit your event—but express your personality.
In the next section, we’ll share some of our favourite fascinators from the Merve Bayindir collection—pieces perfect for adding charm and couture to your next tea party.
Our Favourite Tea Party Fascinators
There’s something undeniably magical about completing your tea party look with the perfect headpiece. Whether you're attending a refined high tea or a sun-drenched garden gathering, a fascinator adds that final flourish of elegance, charm, and individuality.
At Merve Bayindir Millinery, each fascinator is handcrafted in London, made to order with luxurious materials and an eye for detail that sets it apart. From delicate florals to sculptural statements, our designs are meant to complement every style of tea party—modern, vintage, formal or playful.
Below, we’ve selected 8 of our favourite fascinators and headpieces, perfect for elevating your tea party attire. Whether you're drawn to soft pastels, bold silhouettes, or timeless textures, there's a piece here waiting to crown your next cup of tea in style.
🟢 Peyton Hat – For Garden Parties or Colourful Outdoor Teas
With its emerald green sinamay base and cascading cluster of multi-coloured violets, Peyton is a joyful tribute to spring. This asymmetric saucer hat adds cheerful elegance to garden teas or vibrant afternoon celebrations.
💗 Revel Fascinator – For High Tea or Statement Looks
A bold emerald base paired with a hot pink rose and jinsin swirl, Revel is for the fashion-forward guest. This button-shaped fascinator sits elegantly on the right, offering drama and colour contrast in one unforgettable piece.
🌼 Sun Hat – For Vintage-Themed or Softly Styled Teas
This yellow and cream vintage-style half hat is embroidered with delicate floral motifs and beading. Feminine and classic, it’s ideal for traditional afternoon teas, especially those with a nostalgic or garden feel.
🤍 Val Fascinator – For Elegant Afternoon Tea & Bridal Showers
Crafted in ivory sinamay and adorned with delicate white silk flowers and green leaf swirls, Val is timeless, tasteful, and versatile—perfect for high tea, garden parties, or a bride-to-be’s special moment.
💚 Amenita Headband – For Whimsical Garden Teas or Vintage Vibes
Light green silk paired with a vintage veil and delicate resin flowers gives Amenita a soft, romantic charm. This is the ideal fascinator for those who love vintage styling and subtle sophistication.
💕 Demitto Headband – For Winter Teas, Lunches & Luxe Daywear
A plush pink velvet headband adorned with a bouquet of wired resin flowers, Demitto offers rich texture and delicate detailing. It brings soft structure and warmth, making it perfect for cooler seasons or cozy indoor events.
💜 Dusky Amethyst Saucer Hat – For Formal Teas or Mother of the Bride
This lilac saucer hat features flowing feathers and 3D floral embroidery. With silk, pearls, and a soft curved silhouette, it’s ideal for elegant high teas, weddings, or events that call for elevated grace.
🌸 Petal Canopy Wide Brim Hat – For Ascot, Outdoor Elegance or Grand Occasions
In soft pink, this large wide-brim hat makes a statement with its crinoline bow and bead-embroidered detailing. Petal Canopy is refined drama—perfect for Royal Ascot, outdoor ceremonies, or any event that demands standout style.
A Final Sip of Style
Tea parties may be rooted in tradition, but your outfit is where you can truly make your own mark. Whether you're drawn to floral prints and flowing silhouettes or prefer structured dresses with a modern edge, the key is to balance refinement with personality—and the perfect headpiece is where it all comes together.
From delicate fascinators to dramatic saucer hats, the right accessory doesn’t just complete your look—it elevates it. At Merve Bayindir Millinery, every piece is handcrafted with care, made to order, and designed to complement your individuality. Whether you're attending a garden fête, a bridal tea, or an afternoon at the Royal Enclosure, you’ll find something that speaks to your style and the occasion.
Explore our High Tea Party Hats & Fascinators collection to discover more, or create something entirely your own with our Custom Bespoke Hat Service. And for a truly personalized experience, don’t forget to book our VIP Hat Fitting for one-on-one styling support.
Because every tea party tells a story—and your look should steep with style.