I have nothing to wear

16th April 2009

Heading out for afternoon tea, but not sure what to wear? Follow Alexandra Fullerton's advice and you'll soon be the chicest and smartest guest in the tea room.

Afternoon tea is a relaxing affair, so it's fair enough that you don't want to be trussed up in uncomfortable clothes. But sliding into your day-off jeans is not an option, particularly at some of the glamourous country and city hotels where jeans are a no go. We recommend you check the dress codes before you go: Claridges and The Ritz, for example, both operate a No Jeans policy, although your local tea room (click here to find one near you) aren't likely to turn their noses up if you arrive in last season's shoes.

Finding an outfit that's chic and comfortable is never an easy task but for afternoon tea, the ultimate solution has to be a dress! Not only do you solve the "nothing goes with this top / skirt / trousers" dilemma, but dresses also nod to the feminine traditions of afternoon tea (which was said to be founded by the Duchess of Bedford in the early 1800s). Of course the tea dress - a fitted, often bias-cut, usually printed, Forties-style frock - is the perfect choice but there are plenty of other options to the right…


Apart from making sure that the size you choose really fits and suits you, keep an eye on the fabrics you choose. Linens can get badly creased when you're sitting for tea and don't choose anything that's tricky to clean. It'd be typical that a splodge of jam slides off your scone and onto the lap of your best silk frock! Another thing to steer clear of is gingham: Checks are a big trend for Spring / Summer but fitting into your surroundings and being mistaken for wearing a tablecloth are two different things entirely.


Of course, if you'd rather not reveal your legs there are plenty of chic trouser options around. Just bear the leg length in mind. If you're sitting down and crossing your legs the trousers will need to be long enough to avoid flashing your tea-time companions a glimpse of your socks!


A word on accessories...

At this time of year tights and a jacket are still a must but, as the weather gets warmer, jewellery, great shoes and a bag are all you'll need. Decorative earrings, brooches, rings and necklaces are your best bet because jangling bracelets might grate on your nerves as you constantly lift your cup to your mouth. Bulky handbags are also a bad idea... what with all the tea paraphernalia tea-rooms can sometimes get a little crowded so a slim shoulder style or a neat clutch is your best bet.


The top dresses for afternoon tea

Yellow floral print dress £35 Dorothy Perkins www.dorothyperkins.com
Printed silk mini-dress £325 See by Chloe at www.net-a-porter.com
Satin column dress £180 Austin Reed www.austinreed.co.uk
Floral tea dress £45 TopShop www.topshop.com
Yellow dress £45 Marks & Spencer www.marksandspencer.com
Navy print £385 3.1 Phillip Lim at www.net-a-porter.com
Cream brocade coat £220 Episode, Silk taffeta dress £150 Episode, both at House of Fraser www.houseoffraser.co.uk