What to Wear to The Ritz London Afternoon Tea: Outfit Ideas & Dress Code
Last updated on October 5th, 2026
Afternoon tea at The Ritz London comes with a dress code, and honestly, it is one of the nicest ones to follow.
I went during the Christmas period with my mum which you can read all about here, and walking into the Palm Court that day is something I will never forget!
Everyone was dressed beautifully, genuinely dressed up in the way that you don’t see on a day to day, and it added so much to the whole atmosphere. The chandeliers, the live piano, the smell of warm scones and that quiet, peaceful elegance all around you. It is one of those rooms that makes you want to look your best just to be in it.
Knowing what to wear to The Ritz London afternoon tea before you arrive means you can skip the stress and actually enjoy getting ready for it! Because getting ready, when you know you are going somewhere like this, is half the fun!
Here is everything you need to know, from outfit ideas for afternoon tea at the Ritz London to the small details that will pull your whole look together!
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What Not to Wear (Avoid This Completely)
Avoid:
- Trainers or sneakers
- Gym wear or athleisure
- Ripped jeans
- Shorts
- Hoodies
- Flip flops or overly casual sandals
If you’re unsure about something, it’s always safer to switch it out.
The Ritz is known for maintaining its standards and that’s what keeps the experience feeling so iconic and memorable.
Autumn & Winter Outfit Ideas
As the seasons shift into the colder months, The Ritz has a more warmer and cosy feel and your outfits can reflect just that too! I would recommend having a really warm coat as it can get VERY cold in London, however, in the hotel you are able to hang up your coats in the cloakroom before being seated.
A Classic Long Dress
A lovely long or midi dress is a great choice!
Left: Reiss – Middle: Maje – Right: Claudie Pierlot
👉 Shop similar looks:
UK links:
- Embellished velvet mini dress in black – £198.00
- Embellished boucle mini dress in red – £228.00
- Leopard print mock-neck dress – £69.99
- Burgundy mini knit dress – £55.00
- Neutral maxi knit dress with long sleeves – £69.99
- Beige high neck midi knitted dress – £89.00
- Black long belted coat – £76.00
- Brown Pleated Midi Dress – £95.00
- Red floral satin maxi slip dress – £149.00
- Black bodycon midi dress – £35.99
- Feather shoulder detail v-neck black satin maxi dress – £129.00
US links:
- Black bandage midi dress – $89.00
- Brown bandage midi dress – $89.00
Pair with:
- Black knee-high boots – £119.00
- Brown kitten heels – £109.00
- A structured handbag
It’s elegant, effortless and always works!
Tailored & Chic
For a slightly sharper look I would recommend wearing a great pair of wide-leg trousers, with a beautiful satin or cotton shirt and a great fitted blazer. This outfit looks polished, confident and has that ‘London’ look.
👉 Shop similar looks:
UK links:
- Boucle feather blazer in black – £228.00
- Black wide-leg trousers – £79.99
- Satin black shirt – £95.00
- Black fitted blazer – £49.99
Soft Luxe Knit
If you want to feel cosy but still elevated, a fine knit dress or co-ord paired with knee-high boots and a long coat is perfect!
👉 Shop similar looks:
UK links:
- Brown long sleeve knitted maxi dress with gold buttons – £50.00
- Black long wool coat – £99.99
US links:
- Black long sleeve fluffy mini dress – $95.00
- Brown maxi skirt and long sleeve off the shoulder top set – $98.00
- Black Mini Knit dress with feather detailing – $360.00
- Bold shoulder long coat with a belt – $245.00
Style it with:
- Heeled boots
- Minimal accessories
It’s comfortable, but still completely in line with the setting.
Spring & Summer Outfit Ideas
If you are visiting in the Spring and Summer, here are a few outfit ideas to wear if you’re visiting the Ritz London.
A Soft Floral, polka or plain coloured Dress
A flowy midi/short dress in soft, muted florals would be perfect for the Ritz London. It’s flowy, moves beautifully and can be paired with simple accessories to create a stunning look.
Style it with:
- Closed-toe heels or elegant sandals
- A small structured handbag
- Minimal gold jewellery
It’s one of those outfits that feels simple but looks effortlessly elevated.
👉 Shop similar looks:
UK links:
- Beautiful floral and polka dot strappy fishtail ruffle maxi dress – £48.00
- Hope & Ivy v neck button front maxi dress with tie waist in a dreamy green floral print – £90.00
- High Neck Black Mini Dress with beautiful floral pattern – £158.00
- Balloon sleeve chocolate brown polka dot maxi dress – £85.00
- Black and white midi dress with a pleated skirt (I LOVE this option!) – £228.00
US links:
- Strapless flora maxi dress in chocolate brown – $95.00
- Beautiful dress with a coral design – $164.00
- Blue long sleeve floral maxi dress – $156.00
- Maxi dress in brown polka dot – $75.00
- Black halter neck mini polka dress – $72.00
- Pink mini shirt dress with long sleeves – $89.00
Linen & Neutral Tones
Beautiful linen pieces in soft neutrals and basic colours creates a more relaxed but polished look.
Think:
- Linen dress or co-ord
- Simple dress in netural colours
- Simple heels or mules
- Sunglasses
👉 Shop similar looks:
UK links:
- Off-white pocket linen shirt – £35.99
- Straight pleat linen trousers – £49.99
- Halter jumpsuit with belt detail in Ecru – £55.99
- Denim midi dress – £35.99
- flutter sleeve wrap maxi dress in pink floral – £90.00
- Pleated knit midi dress in Brown – £150.00
US links:
- Beige long halter neck linen dress – $179.00
- Black midi dress with bow details on the shoulder – $128.00
- Black Linen buttoned short sleeve midi dress – $98.00
Minimalist & Polished
If you prefer something more sleek, a satin slip dress or tailored midi paired with a blazer is always a good choice. Beautiful suit co-ord’s are also simple but striking.
👉 Shop similar looks:
UK links:
- Brown satin midi dress with a cape overlay – £138.00
- Classic black square neck midi dress – £55.00
- Tailored flare trousers in teal blue – £88.00
- Fitted blazer with gold bows in tea blue – £148.00
- Brown plunge sleeveless tie back cinch top – £24.00
- satin lace trim cami maxi dress in navy – £75.00
- satin tie neck detail one shoulder asymmetric maxi dress in black – £75.00
US links:
- Black mini dress with buttons and tulle – $198.00
- Brown long satin high neck dress – $39.99
- Brown adjustable halter neck midi dress – $168.00
- Black strapless midi dress – $108.00
Add:
Slingback heels and strappy heels
- US link: Black high heel shoes with mesh bow detailing – $64.99
- US link: Pink high heel ballerina shoes – $119.95
- US link: Black lace stiletto heels – $119.95
This gives a slightly more modern, editorial feel, while still fitting the setting perfectly.
The Finishing Touches: Accessories
Accessories are what pull everything together! At The Ritz, it’s the small details that make the difference and a great way to wear those items in your wardrobe you’ve been keeping for a special occasion.
A handbag
UK links:
– Chocolate brown shoulder bag – £88.00
– Black beaded clutch bag – £32.00
US links:
– Black beaded clutch bag – $54.99
Soft hair accessories
UK links:
– Iarge white bow – £10.00
– gold hair pin with a pearl – £10.00
– Gold hair claw clip with dangly seashell charms – £12.00
– Lotus flower hair clip – £26.00
Jewellery
UK links:
– Tennis bracelet – £12.00
– Ring chain link bracelet in gold with pink gemstones – £12.99
– Gold cuff bracelet – £9.99
Sunglasses for those arrival photos
UK links:
– Resin frame sunglasses – £19.99
Perfume & Body Oils
UK links:
– Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia – £122.00
– Nuxe body shimmer oil – £23.00
– Space NK shimmer body oil – £18.00
– Phlur Vanila perfume – Starts from £32.00
Hotels Near The Ritz London
If you’re travelling to London specifically for afternoon tea at The Ritz, staying nearby makes the experience feel even more special. These hotels are all within walking distance and are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries or a luxury weekend in London!
- Montcalm Piccadilly Townhouse, London West End – 13 minute walk to the Ritz London
- The Mayfair Townhouse – 6 minute walk to the Ritz London
- The Resident Victoria – 16 minutes walk to the Ritz London
Final Thoughts
Afternoon tea at The Ritz London is one of those experiences that you will never forget! The food, the setting, the music and incredible service is what you will always remember.
And what you wear plays a bigger part in that than you might expect! So take the time to dress up a little more than usual.
I hope this guide has sparked some ideas for your future visit at the Ritz London 🙂
FAQs
Do you have to follow the dress code at The Ritz?
Yes! The dress code is enforced, and guests who don’t meet it may be refused entry.
Is it better to be overdressed or underdressed?
Always overdressed. You would definitely rather be overdressed than underdressed at the Ritz London as everyone there is dressed beautifully.
Can you wear jeans or trainers at the ritz london?
No, jeans, trainers and sportswear are not allowed.
