Lifestyle

How To Dress For High Tea

High Tea (different from Afternoon Tea) was historically a meal for the working class who would not be able to make Afternoon Tea which would usually occur between meal times. High Tea therefore took place a little bit later on in the day once the working class were done with their work.

Whereas the upper class’s Afternoon Tea was more lavish, High Tea incorporated the main necessities of a meal – meats, cheese, vegetables, bread etc, especially since it was all still relatively expensive.

That being said, the upper class also later developed their own version of a ‘high tea’ which consisted of easily prepared foods that did not need the help of servants to make and were enjoyed when the servants were not around.

What is now commonly referred to as “High Tea” (especially marketed as such at hotels) is therefore a version of the upper class Afternoon Tea.

With that bit of background information, High Tea is a social event, and an occasion where you can pull out all the stops or attend with more low-key outfits.

Here are 5 style tips you can use, especially now that the weather is slowly starting to warm up.

1. Colour Coordination

Floral and striped dress with belt, NOVICA amethyst and pearl hand crafted necklace, Ted Baker bow pumps, Superdry sunglasses

Colour coordination is key (not just for High Tea, but in general as well) to pull off a look.

Using the  Superdry SDS-SAKURU-RX sunglasses as the base point, create a look around the blues and purples in the frame.

This is a good way to limit the colours that you wear (and helps in choosing what scheme you are going for).

Sometimes it is easier to choose an accessory and build an outfit around that colour so that you don’t get distracted from the main look. This look would be perfect for a garden party as well.

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2. Accentuation

Green angel sleeve dress, Mac Love in the Glades eyeshadow pallette, Kim Rogers gold-toned teal earrings, Baublebar seaglass necklace, Fendi sunglasses

When you’re building your look, think about what you want to accentuate so that your outfit isn’t too busy and in competition for attention.

In the case of this look, the focus is on your face. With a pair of Fendi FF 0247/S sunglasses, a great eyeshadow palette and some jewelry help to frame the look.

As a result, the accompanying dress is simple and within the same colour scheme, acting as a complementary addition rather than a contrasting one. Also, I think we can all agree that teal is a wonderful colour!

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3. Confidence

Harris Wharf burgundy flared wool coat, Aldo handbag, burgundy lipstick, Chanel nail polish, Giuseppe Zanotti pumps, Madina Visconti di Modrone golden snake bracelet, Superdry sunglasses

Pulling off a look and grabbing attention is all about confidence. Confidence should be present through your attitude, how you carry yourself, and it doesn’t harm to have a killer look to help you along.

This look focuses on red and gold: 2 colours that will give you a boost in confidence, but will also keep the look elegant. Perfect for one of those cooler spring days.

Match your Superdry SDS-HIGHBROW sunglasses with a coat and accessories in gold for the perfect look:

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4. Eccentricity

Tie front crepe jumpsuit, Givenchy shark suede peep-toed ankle boots, Humble Chic mermaid necklace, Fornash two-striped bracelet, NYX eyeshadow, Fendi sunglasses

Sometimes you just want to have a bit of fun with colour.

Contrasting colours is a great way to create a bit of excitement in a look. Based on the Fendi FF 0240/S sunglasses, this look is built around navy blue and coral.

Keeping the largest expanse of colour navy and bringing in the coral through accessories and makeup creates a perfect balance. Ideal for an evening event.

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5. Shades of Grey

IRO Ashville gray jacket, River Island skinny jeans, Alexandre Birman clarita satin ankle-tie sandal, classic princess cut diamond stud earrings, Hermes gris mouette togo birkin bag, Jimmy Choo sunglasses

We all have those days where we’re just not feeling colourful outfits. This grey-based look is simple, but still screams elegance and style.

It is not always about forcing colour, neutral tones can also carry the same stature if balanced and accessorized correctly.

After all, you can never go wrong with a pair of JIMMY CHOO GEM/S:

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