What to Wear to The Ritz London Afternoon Tea: Outfit Ideas & Dress Code
Last updated on May 3rd, 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.
Spring & Summer Outfit Ideas
With Spring in full swing and Summer just around the corner, here are a few outfit ideas to wear if you’re visiting the Ritz London.
A Soft Floral Midi 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
- Anaya Floral strappy v neck maxi dress – white with baby blue detailing – £85.00
- High Neck Black Mini Dress with beautiful floral pattern – £158.00
- Floral Halter Midi Dress – £148.00
US links:
- Strapless flora maxi dress in chocolate brown – $95.00
- Beautiful dress with a coral design – $164.00
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 heels or mules
- Sunglasses
👉 Shop similar looks:
UK links:
- Off white linen tie blouse with a tie closure at the back – £79.99
- Matching balloon design Harem pants in Ecru – £79.99
- Cotton relaxed ankle trousers in Brown – £19.90
- 100% Linen shirt in Natural – £39.90
- Linen white shirt dress with bow – £79.99
US links:
- Beige long halter neck linen dress – $179.00
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
- Black satin halter neck camisole dress with beautiful lace detailing – £79.99
- Tailored flare trousers in teal blue – £88.00
- Fitted blazer with gold bows in tea blue – £148.00
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
Add:
Slingback heels and strappy heels
- UK link: Kitten heel sequin court heels – £49.99
- UK link: Black strappy heels – £98.00
- US link: Black high heel shoes with mesh bow detailing – $64.99
A clutch or mini bag:
- UK link: Black beaded clutch bag – £32.00
- US link: Black beaded clutch bag – $54.99
This gives a slightly more modern, editorial feel, while still fitting the setting perfectly.
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 it is quite warm in the hotel itself which is something to keep in mind.
A Classic Coat & Dress
A long tailored coat layered over a midi dress is timeless.
👉 Shop similar looks:
UK links:
- Neutral maxi knit dress with long sleeves – £84.15
- Black long belted coat – £76.00
Pair with:
- Black knee-high boots – £119.00
- or heels
- 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:
- 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.
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 structured handbag
- Jewellery
- A classic watch
- Soft hair accessories like clips or bows – I like this white bow and this flower dainty hair pin
- Sunglasses for those arrival photos – like these ones from Mango
- Even a beautiful perfume scent – I would recommend this one from Jo Malone and a beautiful body shimmer oil to go with it
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.
