Not every wedding dress suits an afternoon tea celebration.
Tea party weddings (whether in a garden, vintage tearoom, or intimate backyard) call for something lighter, more relaxed, and beautifully detailed. A dress you can walk in, sit in, laugh in… and enjoy cake without worrying about a train.
This curated collection focuses on tea-length, vintage-inspired, and garden-friendly wedding dresses that feel elegant without being overdone. Perfect for brides planning a tea party wedding, elopement, vow renewal, or relaxed daytime ceremony.
✔ Comfortable enough for a long afternoon ✔ Easy to move in (and dance) ✔ Flattering vintage silhouettes ✔ Ideal for garden, tearoom & outdoor weddings
Classic tailoring with vintage lace and a matching satin bow make this one of the best high tea party wedding dresses. It is just beautiful for a summer high tea wedding.
This beautiful full lace bridal dress with satin tie is made for elegant tea party weddings. Pair with some dainty matching gloves for a real vintage feel. You cannot go wrong with classic lace high tea party wedding dresses.
For a more traditional bridal look, that still works perfectly in a high tea setting, try this dress with classic lace capped sleeves and a wide lace border. Beautiful for a warm summer day.
This wedding dress is designed to make you feel and look beautiful all day and all night long on your special day. Perfect for a casual wedding, or garden wedding.
This vintage lace dress is so perfectly elegant for a wedding afternoon tea or high tea party. Classic shaping and a full skirt ensure you will look gorgeous and feel great.
If you are looking for a style icon dress, a 1950s style pencil dress with folding and waist tie makes a simple but bold statement as stunning high tea party wedding dresses.
Planning a tea party wedding? These guides can help you style the rest of your celebration with ease.
This page contains carefully chosen affiliate links. We only feature styles that suit afternoon tea celebrations and feel genuinely wearable — no ballgowns, no overwhelm.
What to Wear for a Beautiful Outdoor Afternoon Tea
Garden tea parties call for a slightly different approach to dressing. Outdoors, comfort, fabric choice and movement matter just as much as elegance. Whether you’re hosting or attending, the right dress should feel effortless, flattering and appropriate for a daytime garden setting.
Over the years, I’ve curated and styled countless tea party looks; from relaxed summer garden gatherings to more formal vintage-inspired events. This guide brings together timeless garden tea party dress styles that work beautifully outdoors, without feeling overdone or impractical.
Start Here: Garden Tea Party Dress Styles
Choose a style below to explore dresses that suit different garden tea party settings — from relaxed summer afternoons to elegant vintage-inspired gatherings.
🌸 Floral Garden Dresses Soft prints that feel at home among flowers and greenery → Floral Garden Dresses
Floral dresses are a natural choice for garden tea parties. Look for prints that feel balanced rather than oversized, and fabrics that move easily when walking on grass or garden paths. Soft florals tend to photograph beautifully outdoors and feel effortlessly appropriate for daytime events.
Lightweight fabrics such as cotton, linen blends or viscose
Mid-length skirts for ease of movement outdoors
Defined waists to keep floral prints elegant, not busy
Avoid heavy synthetic fabrics that trap heat in the sun
🎀 Vintage-Inspired Tea Party Dresses
Vintage-inspired tea dresses bring structure and elegance to garden settings. Think classic 1950s shapes, gentle pleating and feminine details that feel timeless rather than costume-like. These styles are especially well suited to hosted tea parties and more formal garden gatherings.
When the tea party has a clear theme or formal invitation
When you want a polished look for photos
When hosting and wanting a confident, put-together feel
👗 Fit & Flare Garden Dresses
Fit and flare dresses are one of the most reliable options for garden tea parties. They offer structure at the waist while allowing freedom of movement, making them ideal for both hosts and guests navigating outdoor spaces.
Not all garden tea parties are formal affairs. For casual or warm-weather gatherings, relaxed dresses made from breathable fabrics can feel just as appropriate — especially when styled thoughtfully.
Dressy afternoon tea dresses strike a balance between elegance and daytime ease. These styles are perfect when the event calls for refinement without evening-wear formality.
Garden weddings and formal outdoor teas often call for slightly elevated dress styles. Look for refined fabrics, thoughtful details and silhouettes that feel celebratory while remaining comfortable outdoors.
Hosting vs Attending: Choosing the Right Garden Tea Party Dress
If you’re hosting, comfort and movement matter just as much as appearance. You’ll likely be on your feet, moving between guests and spending time outdoors.
If you’re attending, you have more freedom to lean into statement styles, florals or decorative details — while still keeping the daytime garden setting in mind.
Whether you’re hosting a garden tea party or attending one, the right dress should feel comfortable, confident and timeless. This page is updated regularly with styles that work beautifully outdoors — so you can focus on enjoying the day rather than second-guessing what to wear.
Mad Hatter tea party hats are meant to be fun — but the best ones still feel stylish, wearable, and comfortable enough to enjoy the party.
This guide brings together the best Mad Hatter–inspired tea party hats for adults, from subtly whimsical styles to bold statement pieces. Each hat is chosen for its look, comfort, and party-ready appeal — so you can be playful without feeling like you’re in costume.
All hats on this page are available on Amazon and selected for quality, reviews, and wearability.
These hats are ideal if you like the Mad Hatter theme but still want to look polished. They add personality without overpowering your outfit and work well for garden parties and adult afternoon tea events.
Best for:
Adults who don’t want full costume energy
Garden tea parties
First-time Mad Hatter hat wearers
Mini Top Hat Fascinator
A classic top-hat shape with subtle Mad Hatter details. Easy to style and surprisingly versatile.
These hats lean into the classic Mad Hatter look — think top hats, cards, teacups, and playful trims — while still keeping the overall look intentional rather than chaotic.
Whether you’re heading to a classic garden tea, a vintage afternoon tea, or something delightfully whimsical, this guide will help you choose a tea party hat that feels right — elegant, comfortable, and unmistakably you.
Use this page to find your style. When you’re ready, I’ll point you to the best hats to buy for that look.
This page includes carefully chosen recommendations from shops I trust, selected for style, comfort, and wearability.
Garden tea parties suit lighter colours and breathable materials
Indoor events work best with smaller silhouettes
Comfort always beats drama
Still unsure? If you want a hat that works for almost any tea party, start with a classic garden style — they’re the most versatile and easiest to wear.
Choosing a dress for afternoon tea doesn’t have to feel complicated. The best high tea party dresses are elegant, comfortable, and easy to wear. They are
pieces that feel special without being overdone.
Whether you’re attending a garden tea, hosting an afternoon tea party, or dressing for a bridal celebration, the right dress should feel polished, flattering, and entirely wearable.
Start Here: Find the Right High Tea Dress for You
If you’re not sure where to begin, start with the option that best matches your situation:
You don’t need a complicated outfit as a well-chosen dress will do all the work.
Best Tea Party Dresses If You Don’t Usually Dress Up
If you’re not someone who wears dresses often, look for styles that feel familiar and comfortable: soft fabrics, defined waists, and easy lengths. A good high tea dress should feel effortless, not restrictive.
These dresses are ideal if you want to look appropriate for afternoon tea without feeling self-conscious or overdressed.
Why these work: They’re flattering, comfortable, and easy to wear for a few hours.
Best for: first-time tea party guests, relaxed afternoon teas, simple elegance.
Garden tea parties suit dresses that feel light, feminine, and daytime-appropriate. Think soft colours, floral prints, and flowing skirts that move easily as you walk around outdoors.
These dresses photograph beautifully and feel right at home in a garden setting.
Why these work: They balance elegance with comfort and suit natural light.
Best for: outdoor tea parties, spring and summer events.
As the host, your dress should feel special without overshadowing your guests. A slightly more structured or polished dress works well — something that feels intentional, elegant, and comfortable enough to wear all afternoon.
Hosting dresses often have one standout detail rather than being overly ornate.
Why these work: They feel elevated while remaining timeless and practical.
Best for: hosts, formal afternoon teas, milestone celebrations.
Or take a cue from the women of Mad Men with this classic green off-the-shoulder dress made to hug every curve. This Green Wiggle Dress is by Belle Poque
Best for: High tea parties when you want turn up the glam, retro style!
Wedding and bridal tea parties call for soft, romantic dresses that feel celebratory without competing with the bride. Light colours, delicate details, and classic silhouettes are ideal.
If you’re attending as a guest, understated elegance is always the safest choice.
Why these work: They’re graceful, photograph beautifully, and feel appropriate for meaningful occasions.
Best for: bridal showers, engagement teas, wedding celebrations.
Vintage-inspired dresses are a natural fit for afternoon tea. Full skirts, classic prints, and retro silhouettes create a timeless look that feels thoughtful rather than trendy.
These dresses work especially well if you love a traditional tea party atmosphere.
Why these work: They echo the heritage of afternoon tea while remaining wearable today.
Best for: vintage lovers, themed tea parties, classic high tea settings.
The pencil dress style is one way to turn up the vamp and stand out in the crowd in this black and white polka dot dress with large red roses. This Vintage Pencil Wiggle Dress is by Grace Karin
If you’re attending an afternoon tea party and wondering what kind of hat to wear, you’re in the right place.
Choosing a tea party hat doesn’t need to be complicated. The right hat should feel comfortable, suit the style of the event, and add a little sense of occasion — without feeling like a costume.
Whether you’re hosting a garden tea, attending a Mad Hatter party, or dressing for a bridal afternoon tea, the hat you choose should feel like you, just slightly elevated.
This guide makes it easy.
Start Here: Find the Right Tea Party Hat for You
If you’re unsure where to begin, start with the option that best matches your situation:
You don’t need a large or dramatic hat to look appropriate at afternoon tea, most guests choose a simple, elegant piece and keep the rest of their outfit understated.
Best Tea Party Hats If You Don’t Usually Wear Hats
If you’re not a “hat person,” look for styles that feel secure, lightweight, and easy to wear for a few hours. Fascinators and headband-style hats are often the safest choice and still look beautifully put together.
These hats are ideal if you want to participate in the tradition without feeling overdressed or uncomfortable.
Why these work: They sit comfortably, don’t require constant adjusting, and pair well with simple tea party dresses.
Best for: first-time tea party guests, small gatherings, relaxed afternoon teas.
This Feather Fascinator pillbox Hat is elegant enough for a royal wedding. Wear it jauntily to one side with the front pulled forward towards your eyebrow for a dramatic look.
A great choice if: you want to look polished without feeling overdressed.
Garden tea parties call for hats that feel feminine, relaxed, and practical. Natural materials, floral details, and medium brims work especially well outdoors and photograph beautifully.
A garden tea party hat should feel charming rather than formal — something you can wear while moving around, chatting, and enjoying the setting.
Why these work: They suit outdoor light, feel appropriate for daytime events, and don’t overpower your outfit.
Best for: garden teas, spring and summer parties, outdoor afternoon teas.
Mad Hatter tea parties are your permission slip to have fun. These hats are meant to be expressive, imaginative, and slightly over the top — in the best possible way.
Bold colours, dramatic shapes, and playful details all work here. This is one occasion where “too much” is often just right.
Why these work: They set the tone instantly and become part of the party atmosphere.
Best for: themed tea parties, costume-style events, creative hosts and guests.
This Black and White Organza Wide Brim Tea Party Hat makes this a stunning hat for any occasion. The floaty feel of this makes it a fun hat to wear to a less formal wedding or garden tea party.
Best for: Mad Hatter tea parties where playful and expressive styles are encouraged.
We love the combination of ruffles and pizzaz with this hat. It’s a little bit fabulous and a lot bit cool. This Organza Ruffles Wide Brim Hat in Pink is bold, dramatic and guaranteed to turn heads!
Why this works: bold enough to feel fun without tipping into full costume.
As the host, your hat should feel special without overpowering your guests. A polished statement piece works beautifully — something elegant, memorable, and comfortable enough to wear throughout the afternoon.
Hosting hats tend to be slightly more refined, with one standout detail rather than lots of competing elements.
Why these work: They signal occasion and care without feeling showy.
Best for: hosts, formal afternoon teas, milestone celebrations.
This Black and White Tea Party Hat is stunning! Wear it tilted to one side with the brim pulled low over your eyes to turn up the drama! Gorgeous for stunning photos and standing out in a crowd!
Best for: hosts who want to look elegant without overshadowing their guests.
Bridal and wedding tea parties call for softer, romantic styles that feel celebratory without competing with the bride. Pale colours, delicate details, and classic shapes are ideal.
If you’re attending as a guest, subtle elegance is usually the safest choice.
Why these work: They photograph beautifully and feel appropriate for meaningful celebrations.
Best for: bridal showers, wedding teas, engagement celebrations.
Classic garden tea party hats are designed to look elegant, effortless, and appropriate for almost any daytime tea event.
These styles are perfect if you want to feel polished without being overdone — whether you’re attending a garden party, afternoon tea, or formal outdoor celebration.
Below you’ll find a carefully curated selection of classic tea party hats chosen for comfort, timeless style, and ease of wear.
Still deciding? If you want something that works for nearly any garden tea party, choose a simple fascinator in a neutral colour — it’s the easiest and most elegant option.
Need the perfect handbag for that vintage tea party wedding? We have you covered. We have rounded up the very best tea party handbags, clutches, and purses for every kind of vintage tea party or high tea event.
When you want to make a statement this Box Evening Bag by Milisente will help you out. Beautifully designed and just the thing for a vintage tea party.
A 1920’s vintage party is all about the glamour of pearls, sequins, and shimmer. Your handbag should also fabulous like this Circular Clutch by Zebrum! We love it.
It is tea party season and we have found the best tea party hats for all the Weddings, christenings, engagements, anniversaries and many more events that can be celebrated with a fantastic tea party.
We have rounded up the best vintage tea party shoes for every kind of vintage tea party. We have found the best shoes for vintage high teas, afternoon tea parties or vintage tea party weddings! All guaranteed to add that extra wow factor to your outfit!
Classic Vintage Tea Party Shoes
Classic Shaped Mary-Jane Shoes with a small heel are perfect for a vintage tea party. These nude shoes with the very vintage style teardrop cut-out are perfect.
Sometimes you want to go with shoes that are a little different from everyone else. These fantasy Mary Jane Heels with vintage tea party design could be just the thing!
Retro 1950s style Afternoon Tea Party events are fabulous for weddings, bridal showers, and birthday parties. These events are perfect for fun swing dresses as we found here. Pair any of these fun dresses with a pair of retro-styled 1950s shoes like these Jade Green Classic Vintage Shoes!
The Great Gatsby has inspired many fantastic parties and a decadent 1920s style wedding party is one of the best. We have found the most beautiful 1920s styled shoes for this event, such as these Lace Closed Toe Shoes by JiaJia. Just beautiful with lace and pearls and a tiny kitten heel.
A Victorian Tea Party has all the trimmings of a perfect Downtown Abbey event. Long Victorian-style dresses, lots of lace, pearls and the perfect shoes make these events so much fun!
These Victorian Ankle Boots are just the thing for under your many layers of skirt and petticoats!
Victorian Tea Parties are also great for a steampunk style look. It’s a little goth, a little romantic and a lot of fun. Perfect your look with these Steam Punk Style Boots
It is tea party season and we have found the best tea party hats for all the Weddings, christenings, engagements, anniversaries and many more events that can be celebrated with a fantastic tea party.
1920s dresses are perfect for tea parties, garden gatherings, and vintage-inspired celebrations that call for a little glamour without feeling overdone.
Whether you’re planning a 1920s tea party, attending a Gatsby-style event, or hosting a themed afternoon gathering, these dresses capture the elegance of the era while remaining comfortable, wearable, and fun.
This curated collection focuses on 1920s dresses that work beautifully for daytime tea parties as well as evening celebrations — flattering silhouettes, soft movement, and classic details inspired by the Roaring Twenties.
✔ Comfortable enough for sitting, mingling & dancing ✔ Works for tea parties, garden events & themed celebrations ✔ Vintage style without heavy costumes ✔ Easy to wear and easy to style
1920s Dresses We Love
1920s Tea Party Dresses
These 1920s dresses are ideal for afternoon tea parties and daytime events. Think soft fabrics, relaxed fits, and vintage charm without full costume drama.
A beautiful dress for a vintage themed wedding or party. Inspired by the glamour of the great Gatsby era of the 1920s, this dress features a glamorous ruffled design, artistic cut and elegant long hemline.
If your 1920s celebration leans more Gatsby than garden party, these dresses bring a touch of evening glamour while still remaining comfortable and wearable.
Flapper dresses are all about fun, freedom, and fabulous flair—perfect for twirling, shimmying, and making a sparkling entrance at any 1920s bash! Classic flapper dresses were all the rage in the 1920s. This iconic dress was popular during the Roaring Twenties, known for its bold, carefree, and rebellious vibe.
A flapper dress is has a loose, straight-cut silhouette that falls just above the knee (a daring length for the time!) and is typically covered with fringe, beads, sequins, or feathers that shimmer as the wearer dances. It was designed to allow women more freedom of movement, perfect for the energetic jazz age dances like the Charleston. We love these Gatsby Style Art Deco Embellished Fringed Flapper Dress
This peacock sequined dress caught our eye immediately. The combination of silver, black and jade green stood out. If you want to stand out from the crowd, this unique dress may be just the thing you are looking for.
Dancing the night away in a fabulous dress is something for everyone. Thats why we were excited to find this gorgeous dress that goes up to a 5XL. No limits, and no excuses – this is a dress for a party.
While flapper dresses are the most iconic style of the 1920s, the era also embraced longer, more elegant dresses that exuded a sense of sophistication and glamour. These longer styles, often referred to as “evening gowns” or “tea-length dresses,” were designed for more formal occasions and were perfect for elegant soirées, dinners, and upscale events. The silhouette was still relatively loose and drop-waisted, but the hemline fell to the floor or just below the calf, creating a graceful, fluid look.
Made from luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, and chiffon, these longer dresses featured soft draping and often included intricate details like lace, embroidery, or delicate beading. The longer dresses were often accessorized with statement pieces—such as long gloves, pearls, and feathered headpieces—adding an extra touch of refinement. They captured the same spirit of freedom and modernity as the shorter flapper styles, but with an added sense of glamour, perfect for an evening under the stars or a lavish ballroom affair.
These long line dresses, with their elegant yet relaxed lines, became a symbol of the changing roles of women during the 1920s, offering a balance between sophisticated luxury and the era’s embrace of a more liberated, adventurous lifestyle.
1920s party dresses always paired with fabulous accessories that were just as bold, glamorous, and inventive as the dresses themselves, helping to complete the look with a dash of sparkle and style. Here’s a rundown of some of the most iconic accessories from the Roaring Twenties:
Headbands and Hairpieces
No flapper look was complete without a glamorous headband, often adorned with feathers, rhinestones, or even a decorative brooch. These headbands sat just above the forehead, adding a touch of sparkle to the bobbed haircuts that were all the rage. For a more dramatic look, women also wore elaborate tiaras or jeweled combs to hold their hair in place, giving an air of vintage glamour. Here are our pick off the best:
In addition to headbands, feathered fascinators and decorative hairpieces were also worn, often pinned into the hair or worn at the side of the head. These could be adorned with jewels, beads, and delicate feathers to add a bit of drama to the look.
Large feather fascinators look beautiful with the 1920s-style dresses we have found. This cream colored one is just beautiful. Can we wear it every day?
Long, layered strands of pearls were a must-have accessory for any 1920s party dress. These necklaces were typically worn draped multiple times around the neck or hanging down to the waist, giving a playful yet luxurious vibe. Pearls were seen as the epitome of elegance during the decade and paired effortlessly with both flapper dresses and longer, more formal evening gowns.
Pearl Accessories Set
Go all out with a long string of pearls, glittery feather headband, matching earrings, feather fan and long gloves. This 1920s costume party set has everything you need to add glam and style to your dress.
For an extra touch of extravagance, feather boas were a favorite accessory. They added movement and drama to an outfit and were often worn draped over the shoulders or wrapped around the neck, adding a fun and flirtatious edge to the look.
Long gloves—made of satin or kid leather—were an essential part of formal attire during the 1920s. For evening parties, women often wore gloves that extended past the elbow, sometimes paired with wrist-length versions for a more casual but still polished look. Gloves were an elegant nod to refinement and were often worn in neutral shades like ivory, black, or pastels to complement the dress.
Silk stockings with a defined seam running up the back were a key part of the 1920s fashion look. These stockings were often worn with garters and added a bit of vintage allure, enhancing the sleek, elongated silhouette that was all the rage in the Jazz Age.
Nothing says prohibition like a miniature hipflask or gun attached to a lace garter half-hidden beneath the skirt of your dress.
In the 1920s fans were more than just accessories; they were an important part of the social scene. They were flirtatious props during a Charleston dance and carried as a fashionable statement piece. Fans are a key outfit item that adds to the elegance and excitement of the Jazz Age. For anyone attending a 1920s-themed event or dressing up for a Gatsby-style party, a fan is the perfect accessory to add that extra touch of vintage sophistication and glamour!
While searching out the best dresses and outfits for a fantastic 1920s party, we stumbled across these divine wings. Which amp up the drama of any of these dresses by about 1000%. We are in love with this new twist on a 1920s night.
For a more rebellious twist inspired by the Prohibition era, consider a more underground gangster or mobster look. Think sharp, dark suits (often in pinstripes), paired with a fedora, a cigarette holder, and perhaps a fake “gangster” prop like a Tommy gun for extra fun at a themed party. This adds a bit of daring, rebellious charm to your outfit, evoking the daring world of speakeasies and the roaring underground.Gangster Suit
Our tops tips for having a ball of a time at a 1920s event!
Attending a 1920s-style event is all about embracing the fun, flamboyance, and sophistication of the Jazz Age. Whether you’re heading to a Gatsby-inspired soiree, a Prohibition-themed party, or simply a stylish vintage affair, here are some last-minute tips to ensure you fully enjoy the experience:
Get into the Spirit of the Era
The 1920s was a time of liberation, excitement, and breaking from tradition. Channel that energy! Embrace the lively atmosphere of the era by indulging in some carefree fun. Whether it’s practicing your Charleston steps or simply enjoying the music, remember to have a good time and let the rhythm of the jazz take over. Dance like nobody’s watching!
Make a Grand Entrance
The 1920s were all about showmanship and style. When you arrive at the party, make sure to make a statement with your attire (whether you’re donning a flapper dress or a sharp tux). Remember, this was the golden age of extravagant soirées, so don’t be afraid to embrace the drama. And, if you’re feeling bold, try channeling the Gatsby spirit—a grand entrance is all part of the fun!
The Prohibition era may have meant that liquor was illegal, but the 1920s were also the time when classic cocktails like the Gin Rickey, Sidecar, French 75, and Bee’s Knees were invented. So, grab a drink and enjoy it with a sense of nostalgia. If you’re feeling creative, try your hand at making one of these iconic drinks before heading out to the event!
Whether you’re dressed to the nines in a tuxedo or twirling around in a fringe-filled flapper dress, don’t forget that the 1920s was about both elegance and fun. Experiment with your look, take photos with friends, and enjoy the chance to wear something that’s a little over-the-top and full of flair. After all, the more glamorous the look, the more fun you’re going to have!
The music is central to any 1920s event. The jazz, swing, and blues of the time were full of energy, and if you’re lucky enough to have a live band, enjoy the chance to experience the magic of real vintage sound. Even if you’re not a dancer, let the music take you on a journey through the spirit of the era.
Capture the Moment
Don’t forget to take photos, but make them authentically 1920s! Get creative with props like vintage cigarette holders, flapper headbands, or even a mock “Tommy gun” for some playful gangster flair. The night will fly by, and you’ll want to capture all those glamorous moments in true Jazz Age style.
Relax and Enjoy the Night
Let the jazz roll, the fashion shine, and most importantly—have a roaring good time!
And then bring on the 1920s party accessories….
