Written by @Worldofwacker

It was my childhood dream to marry a prince and sip tea in the boudoirs of a grand castle attended to by my ladies in waiting (and I am sure I was not alone in this). I think this is precisely why the experience of high tea conjures up childhood excitement and every ounce of femininity in my being. It was with that eagerness that I accepted an invitation to attend the Sunshine Coasts finest High Tea Parlour – Aimee Provence in Buderim. 

As a fashion editor, my first thought goes to attire for such an affair. It occurred to me that finery and adornment go together with the trappings of such a soiree. So, it was with gusto I set about planning my high tea finest and sharing with you all a quick guide to what to wear to high tea. You are welcome, ladies!

High tea is the most beautiful gathering of all the prettiest things in life. Fine porcelain china, delicious and ornate foods, specialty teas, gorgeous clothing, and bubbles (must not forget the French fizz). The centuries-old tradition of high tea saw the upper-class aristocracy gather in their expensive and rare garments made from lace, silk, velvet, and fur. This is where the journey into what to wear to high tea begins for us

While times have changed, and the high tea style guide is a little more relaxed it should be noted that any excuse to dress up royally should be embraced and an event like this is the perfect opportunity to make a HIGH TEA FASHION STATEMENT. 

The art of dressing for this occasion is to embrace modern femininity – that means wear anything that empowers you and makes you feel your absolute best. For the group at my Aimee Provence high tea sitting, we all brought a unique spin on high tea style. From feminine floral to flowing linen and statement sequins there was a whole lotta WOW and some great ideas on what to wear to high tea. 

A floral maxi or midi is the easiest way to channel your inner noblewoman. Long floral dresses bridge the gap between and casual and formal. A daytime event like this should be fun, playful, and comfortable (ditch the mini and avoid clingy fabrics – there are lavender macarons to be consumed).

@Carlie wears a Dress by Sheike

Aimee wears a Dress by Tunik)

@Crystal wears a Dress by Rattamattat

Pretty prints and patterns are a great way to express your rare beauty and this dress worn by Crystal is super cute by Rattamattat.

Below, images of Casey (@caseyhillcreative) Peta (@traineemama) and Katy (@katypotaty) opted for a modern take on the high tea dress and wore a sleek long-sleeve slip dress with gorgeous lace detail, a white Broderie Anglaise dress and a button-up classic natural linen number by Billy J Boutique.

@Peta and @Katy wear Dresses by Billy J Boutique

@Casey wears a Dress by Sir The Label

Opt for A-line or pencil skirts for maximum femme de luxe. Team with knits including twin sets and cardigans. This is a clever high tea style during Winter or for outdoor garden parties. 

Owner and ultimate high tea stylist Aimee wears this look perfectly in an ensemble from Review. 

Aimee wears an Outfit by Review

Kellie (@kelliev) usually curates her outfit for any occasion starting with a statement piece. “I’m all about the quirky and lots of colour. I started with this skirt from Little Party Dress and the rest came together” she said.

@Kellie wears a Skirt and jacket by Little Party Dress

‘More is more’ and a high tea is where you can take the Maximalism fashion trend to town. This trend has been recurring over the centuries but sits in tradition where royalty wore the most exotic and rare of jewels and add-ons. The wealthy high tea society folk layered on the pearls, diamonds, gems, and precious metals. You just need to step inside an antique store to see the dedication to detail and maximalism in history. So, my guide to high tea styling is “add one more accessory to your body before you leave the house”. Layers of pearls and bangles, brooches and statement earrings are all especially important for an afternoon tea. 

Hats are OUT for high tea events – one simply does not wear a hat at the table sweethearts. Although there are two jolly good exceptions to this rule – for Winter high tea you could wear a wool beret and for Summer High Tea outdoors you should protect your precious face from the sun.  

It is headwear where you can really get creative with decorating your scone (yes, pun intended). Headbands, head wraps, scarves, flower crowns, floral clips, fascinators, slides, and decorative hair claws are essential and SO cute! You do not need to wait for the Spring racing carnival or festival to fancify your head. 

(Image Carlie – Headwear base from Lovisa Noosa and embellished by preloved jewellery components). 

So now you have the basics – Dress Up, Maximalist Accessories, Decorate Your Scone.

There are a few bonus tips for HIGH TEA STYLE; 

• Get a mani (your pretty Lil hands will be on display as you gracefully reach for a cucumber and chicken sandwich).
• Posture (sit up straight at the table – back in the day they wore RUFFS to ensure good posture – I bet you google what a ruff is). 
• Black is a completely acceptable option for high tea styling 

Finally, before we let you loose in your finery you should take in a few handy hints when it comes to High Tea Etiquette.

• Scone Etiquette – do not cut the scone with a knife – gently break that beautiful golden fluff ball apart and add the jam and cream (jury is still out on which comes first)
• Cuppa Tea Love – the stir is not circular – you should daintily move the spoon back and forth from north to south. Do not clink on the cup but finish with a light flick of excess tea and place lightly (without clinking) back onto the saucer.
• Milk It – milk in first to protect the china (unless you have a lactose intolerance – your health is more important than the porcelain).
• Pinkie Slip – unless you have a permanently broken finger from that one time you got too playful with a shih tzu x chihuahua (true story) DO NOT LET THE PINKIE SLIP – it’s rude to point your pinkie – put it away!
• ET Phone Home – once you have the obligatory Insta pics put the phones away. It does not suit the décor and you have some seriously cute food to eat.

Happy High Tea my darlings – pinkies in and chin chin! 

• Learn about the history of dressing up for Afternoon Tea