The tradition of dressing up for afternoon tea has evolved over the centuries, reflecting broader trends in fashion, class, and social etiquette.
Here’s a look at how afternoon tea attire has transformed since its origins in the 19th century:
The Victorian Era: Elegant Beginnings
Afternoon tea began with Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, in the early 1840s. By the time Queen Victoria made afternoon tea popular, it was considered a high-society event, especially among the British aristocracy. For Victorian ladies, afternoon tea became an opportunity to dress in stylish, elegant attire. The “tea gown” emerged—a long, flowing dress that was less structured and restrictive than typical day wear, allowing women to look refined while still feeling comfortable.
Tea gowns often featured lace, silk, and fine embroidery. These dresses typically lacked corsets or had looser corset structures, making them less formal but still perfectly suited to the gracefulness of afternoon tea. Gentlemen, on the other hand, would wear tailored suits, complete with waistcoats and pocket watches.
Edwardian Era: The Height of Afternoon Tea Fashion
During the Edwardian period (early 1900s), afternoon tea fashion became even more elaborate. Women’s tea gowns grew in popularity, especially those featuring the “S-shape” silhouette created by corsets, which accentuated curves while maintaining an hourglass shape. High lace collars, floor-length skirts, and delicate gloves were popular elements of tea attire.
Large, ornate hats with feathers, lace, and floral accents became a staple accessory. It was common for women to pair these hats with matching gloves, parasols, and handbags, creating a coordinated look. Men continued to dress formally for tea, often in dark suits with ties or bow ties.
1920s-1940s: A Shift to Practicality
As societal norms relaxed and women gained more freedom in the early 20th century, tea attire became less restrictive. In the 1920s, shorter hemlines and looser silhouettes became acceptable, reflecting the new fashion trends of the “flapper” style. While tea gowns still existed, they were shorter and simpler, often with modest embellishments. During the 1930s and 1940s, especially with World War II impacting fashion, afternoon tea became less formal. Dresses were simpler, and hats, though still common, were smaller. Men’s attire for afternoon tea also grew more relaxed, with simpler suits or even smart daywear becoming appropriate.
1950s-1970s: Tea as a Casual Tradition
The 1950s saw a return to elegance and femininity in tea attire, with fitted dresses, pearls, and heels becoming popular for ladies. The post-war economy allowed for more indulgence in fashion, and afternoon tea became a time to dress up again. However, by the 1960s and 1970s, the formalities of afternoon tea attire continued to relax as the tradition spread beyond the aristocracy.
Casual yet polished clothing became the norm, especially as tea rooms opened to a wider audience. Women might wear chic dresses, skirts, and blouses, while men could opt for casual suits or dress shirts with trousers. Tea attire was still stylish but no longer as strictly formal as in previous decades.
Modern-Day Tea Attire: Elegance with Individual Flair
Today, afternoon tea has made a resurgence as a charming social event for people of all backgrounds, and dress codes vary based on the venue. Many enjoy dressing in vintage-inspired attire, such as floral dresses, lace details, and classic hats, evoking the romance of Victorian or Edwardian tea parties. For a formal tea event, semi-formal or “smart casual” attire is typical, allowing guests to dress elegantly but comfortably.
Modern tea attire is about expressing personal style, whether it’s with a vintage hat, pearls, or a beautiful dress. Men often wear dress pants and button-up shirts, sometimes adding a tie or blazer to create a dapper look.
From Victorian elegance to modern sophistication, afternoon tea attire continues to embody grace and charm. Each era has added its own unique touch, making dressing for tea an enchanting part of this timeless tradition.