What to Wear to The Ritz London Afternoon Tea: Outfit Ideas & Dress Code
Last updated on June 17th, 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 – ÂŁ48.00
- Hope & Ivy v neck button front maxi dress with tie waist in a dreamy green floral print – ÂŁ90.00
- Anaya Floral strappy v neck maxi dress – white with baby blue detailing – ÂŁ85.00
- High Neck Black Mini Dress with beautiful floral pattern – ÂŁ158.00
- Floral Halter Midi Dress – ÂŁ148.00
- Black floral cami dress with a scarf detail – ÂŁ65.00
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
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 linen tie blouse with a tie closure at the back – ÂŁ79.99
- Matching balloon design Harem pants in Ecru – ÂŁ79.99
- Cotton relaxed ankle trousers in Brown – ÂŁ19.90
- 100% Linen shirt in Natural – ÂŁ39.90
- Linen white shirt dress with bow – ÂŁ79.99
- Midi dress in black & cream – ÂŁ36.00
- Denim midi dress – ÂŁ35.99
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
- Brown sleeveless shirt with a collar – $37.00
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 – ÂŁ138.00
- Classic black square neck midi dress – ÂŁ55.00
- Black satin halter neck camisole dress with beautiful lace detailing – ÂŁ79.99
- Tailored flare trousers in teal blue – ÂŁ88.00
- Fitted blazer with gold bows in tea blue – ÂŁ148.00
- Brown plunge sleeveless tie back cinch top – ÂŁ24.00
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
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 – ÂŁ84.15
- Black long belted coat – ÂŁ76.00
Pair with:
- Black knee-high boots – ÂŁ119.00
- 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 – ÂŁ79.99
- Satin black shirt – ÂŁ95.00
- Black fitted blazer – ÂŁ49.99
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 – ÂŁ50.00
- Black long wool coat – ÂŁ99.99
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 handbag
UK links:
– Chocolate brown shoulder bag – ÂŁ88.00
– Black beaded clutch bag – ÂŁ32.00
US links:
– Black beaded clutch bag – $54.99
Soft hair accessories
UK links:
– Iarge white bow – ÂŁ10.00
– gold hair pin with a pearl – ÂŁ10.00
– Gold hair claw clip with dangly seashell charms – ÂŁ12.00
– Lotus flower hair clip – ÂŁ26.00
Jewellery
UK links:
– Tennis bracelet – ÂŁ12.00
– Ring chain link bracelet in gold with pink gemstones – ÂŁ12.99
– Gold cuff bracelet – ÂŁ9.99
Sunglasses for those arrival photos
UK links:
– Resin frame sunglasses – ÂŁ19.99
Perfume & Body Oils
UK links:
– Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia – ÂŁ122.00
– Nuxe body shimmer oil – ÂŁ23.00
– Space NK shimmer body oil – ÂŁ18.00
– Phlur Vanila perfume – Starts from ÂŁ32.00
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.
