Dressing for tea: 10 elegant buys

Tea time style

 
Afternoon tea is a topic close to our hearts here at All About You, but to make the most of this lovely event we think it\'s about time we started to dress for the occasion. Taking tea in a floaty tea dress, teamed with ladylike accessories can only add to the experience, and here are our ladylike choices of the best around buys around....

Fits like a glove

 

Ladies love their gloves and these leather lovelies are a modern take on a nostalgic look.  

 
Red leather ladies gloves,
£20
Dents

Pearly queen

Forget the Sloane-ranger connotations, peals are dainty and elegant, and perfect for taking tea in.  

 
Adjustable pearl necklace,
£85
John Lewis

Heady heights

Hats are perfect for sunny days but a fascinator can be just as elegant and often easier to wear.  

Cream fascinator,
£40
Coast

Forties florals

A floaty tea dress surely ought to be worn while sipping an elegant afternoon tea.  

Pink floral tea-dress,
£40
Wallis

Nostalgic undies

We\'re not suggesting you take tea in your underwear but elegance does start with the basics. And this Charnos\' 50th anniversary lingerie set in chocolate brown is influenced by traditional summer tea parties in the 1950s. Almost as delicious as the tea and cake!

Balcony bra, £35 and briefs, £18,
Charnos

Floral fancy

Afternoon tea calls for an abundance of tea dresses, here is another of our floral favourites.

Tea dress,
£35
Dorothy Perkins

Carrie\'s corsage

 
Pin a corsage to your lapel for instant Sex and the City chic, and now the corsages championed by Carrie Bradshaw are available for you to buy so you have no excuses!

Silk corsage,
from £45
www.palmboutique.com

Beaded beauty

 
Afternoon tea requires a dainty clutch for pure ladylike chic and we love the beaded detail on this gorgeous little bag.


Clutch,
£25
Accessorize

Cinderella moment

 
It may not be a glass slipper but it is the ultimate satin sandal, perfect for slipping into ahead of some afternoon tea.


Sancho sandal,
£99
LK Bennett

It\'s a wrap

Finish off your afternoon tea outfit with an indulgent silk wrap, not the most practical but don\'t forget afternoon tea is all about spoiling yourself.


Silk wrap,
£19.50
Marks and Spencer