BOHO BLOG

What to wear to High Tea

What Is a High Tea? Traditional afternoon tea is served in three courses on a tiered stand alongside a pot of tea. Tea sandwiches come first, followed by scones with clotted cream and jam, and finally the sweets. Sandwiches are usually crustless, giving the whole spread a delicate, elegant look. A decidedly feminine tradition dating back to 17th century England, high tea today is a genuine cause for celebration - popular with women of all ages honouring a mum-to-be, a bride-to-be, or a birthday girl. What to Wear to a High Tea When deciding what to wear, have fun with it. Yes, your outfit needs to suit the occasion, but that doesn't mean you can't play with beautiful colours and prints to make your look uniquely yours. Do we really need an excuse to get glammed up for an afternoon of tea and scones? It's the perfect reason to get your girls together, whether it's at home, a fancy winery, or a classy restaurant. If you're after all things glamorous and feminine, high tea is exactly the occasion for it. A beautiful boho dress is the natural choice, finished with stunning accessories as the finishing touch. When choosing your outfit, keep the colour palette light and look for textured or printed fabrics - this keeps the look right for a daytime event rather than reading as evening wear. Layering & Accessories It's always worth bringing an extra layer, especially if the event is outdoors. Our range of boho knitwear pairs beautifully over a dress, skirt or pants, keeping you warm and stylish whether the venue turns out to be breezy outdoors or air-conditioned indoors. Once your outfit is sorted, it's time for the fun part: earrings or a necklace bring the whole look together. Don't forget footwear - a pair of low to mid-height heels or elegant flats is a far better choice than anything too high, since you'll want to move comfortably around the room while balancing your teacup and sweets. A wedge heel or strappy sandal works beautifully with a high tea dress, offering more comfort than a stiletto while still looking polished. A flower crown crafted from fresh blooms is a lovely finishing touch too, and has become an especially popular choice for bridal or baby showers. Dress Code Guidelines At Gypsy & Wolf, we recommend a boho dress or skirt as the safest, most elegant choice for high tea - if you're wearing a dress or skirt, aim for at least knee-length. A blouse or lightweight knit pairs beautifully with a skirt if you'd prefer separates. Pants or trousers are also appropriate, just steer clear of denim, leggings, or overly casual styles. A flowing floral dress is a wonderful option for a slightly more casual afternoon tea - comfortable, and easy to dress up or down while still feeling like a respectable, considered outfit. Found something you love but don't quite have the budget for right now? Shop now and pay later with flexible options including Afterpay, Klarna, ZipPay and PayPal Pay in 4. Happy High Tea, ladies — enjoy! Xx Frequently Asked Questions What length dress should I wear to high tea? + Knee-length or longer is the safest choice - a midi or maxi dress both work beautifully. Anything shorter can feel more casual than the occasion calls for. Can I wear pants to a high tea? + Yes - smart, flowing wide-leg pants or tailored trousers are entirely appropriate. Just avoid denim, leggings, or anything too casual for the occasion. What shoes are best for a high tea? + Low to mid-height heels, wedges, or elegant flats are ideal - comfortable enough to move around the room with ease, while still looking polished for the occasion.