How To Dress For Afternoon Tea: An Etiquette Guide

Before the question could dominate our every waking hour, we enlisted the help of fashion bloggers Carl Thompson and Sophie Milner to throw open their wardrobes and take on 'smart casual' at one of London's classiest afternoon tea venues, Fortnum & Mason. 

It's a dilemma that affects us all according to Fashion Slave's Sophie Milner, who says friends are often asking her advice on what to wear for Afternoon Tea. If, like us, you don't count a fashion blogger among your besties, you're in luck because Sophie shared a few choice style tips: 

• Dress for the occassion. Throw on that pretty frock and feel like you're truly indulging yourself. 
• Tea dresses are the perfect thing to wear, especially in the spring and summertime. 
• When temperatures drop, things tend to be a bit more trend-lead. And feel free to layer up! 
• Add your own edge
• Whatever makes your feel cool, comfortable and stylish.

What about all the bros out there? What pieces fall under contemporary/smart-casual? How do we know whether we're under cooked or overdressed? I wasn't looking to reinvent the wheel of smart casual, says Carl, but I did want to break away from the traditional stigmas. Here's Carl's dos and don'ts:

• Don't wear a tie or jacket. Smart-casual should look effortless. 
• Do wear a shirt. You can't go wrong with a crisp button-down. 
• Don't wear black brogues or toe caps. These statement shoes are there to make an impact on the truly showpiece occassions. 
• Do wear what makes you feel comfortable. It's a pleasant experience, and you're going to have bellies full. Try some relaxed black jean trousers. 

So glad we got that one sorted!  Now all you need is to dig out your favourite outfit - avoid a tight waistband - and grab a suitably dressed afternoon tea date.  Do it in style like Carl and Sophie at Fortnum & Mason.