Best Accessories for a High Tea Outfit in 2024

Have you been invited to a high tea recently? It's a popular way to celebrate many occasions in Australia but you might be wondering what exactly do you wear? Keep reading for our advice on modern tea party attire and the best accessories for a high tea outfit in 2024.

What is a high tea? 

First things first, let's clarify what we mean by high tea. A high tea (in Australia might we add), is essentially an afternoon tea. Many luxury hotels and beautiful cafes in Australia offer this and it's the perfect excuse for dressing up with your girlfriends to enjoy a brewed cup of tea with delightful pastries (think scones). High tea is also a popular way to celebrate a baby shower, bridal shower, or birthday.

What to wear to a high tea? 

When it comes to modern tea party attire, the general dress code is smart casual. Given that high tea is a daytime affair, yet generally in quite refined places, you want to strike a balance between formal and casual. Some high tea outfit ideas include: 

• Ballet flats, sandals or wedges
• Semi formal dress with a high neckline
• Silk or linen blouse
• Tailored skirt 
• Light and flowy dress
• Chic blazer

Winter high tea outfit ideas

For high tea parties that take place during the winter, there are plenty of chic options you can wear despite the cooler weather. Some of our favourite high tea outfits for winter include: 

• Formal boots
• Tailored skirt with tights
• Winter dress 
• Tailored pants 
• Cashmere sweater 

What not to wear to a high tea? 

Given this is a semi formal dress code, it's recommend to avoid wearing sneakers, stiletto heels, jeans, ripped pants, short dresses or skirts, shorts, and sportswear (leggings). 

6 Best Accessories for a High Tea Outfit 

1. Nadia Top Handle Bag

Let's start with a splash of colour with our gorgeous Nadia handbag. It won't go with your entire wardrobe but it'll sure turn heads. Perhaps better suited to the cooler seasons, it will pair perfectly with a black dress, black tailored pants, or a crisp white shirt. This stunning minimal top handle bag has plenty of room for a large smartphone, sunglasses and makeup essentials and includes a removable shoulder chain so you can switch to hands free at a moments' notice.

Features of Nadia Bag: 

• W19cm x H13cm x D.8.5cm
• 50cm drop length
• Detachable shoulder chain
• Gold tone hardware
• Magnetic closure
• Fits a large smart phone

 2. Veronica Double Sided Bag

Next, we suggest a classic black shoulder bag. It'll go with everything in your wardrobe with ease and can also be used for the office, after work drinks, or more formal events. If versatility is what you're looking for, then the Veronica bag is the one for you. It features a beautiful textured vegan leather finish that gives this bag an elevated look. 

Features of Veronica Bag: 

• H21.5cm x W17.5cm x D10cm.
• Shoulder chain drop length 50cm
• Gold tone hardware
• Magnetic closure
• Two large compartments
• Removable shoulder chain
• Fits a large smart phone

3. Josefina Framed Clutch

A great option for the warmer months, or a lighter coloured wardrobe is our Josefina Clutch. In a neutral beige shade with tortoiseshell buckle, she's sweet and easy to wear to a high tea party.  We love her retro feel and she'll allow the wearer to make a real entrance. 

Features of Josefina Clutch: 

• W28cm X H14cm X D10.5cm
• Vegan Leather
• Frame closure
• Removable shoulder chain with 55cm drop
• Chain top handle with 12cm drop
• Gold Tone Hardware

 4. Marlo Ball Mesh Handle Bag

Probably our top pick for a high tea outfit bag during the summer or springtime. A white bag is fresh, clean and perfect for daytime events, and the Marlo is a particular favourite. It features a tactile ball mesh body with a natural wood frame and vegan leather trim. 

Features of Marlo Bag: 

• H28cm (including handle) x W20cm x D9cm
• Ball Mesh Body
• Natural wood frame
• Vegan leather trim
• Gold tone hardware
• Magnetic closure
• Fits a large smart phone

5. Caylee Wood Bead Handle Bag

A soft pink is perfect for the warmer months, bridal shower high tea parties, or baby shower tea parties. The wooden beads are a chic touch to putting a modern spin on this handbag which we love. It has plenty of room for a large smartphone, sunglasses and makeup essentials and includes a removable shoulder chain so you can switch to hands free at a moment's notice.

Features of Caylee Bag: 

• W19cm x H16.5cm x D9cm
• 50cm drop length
• Detachable shoulder chain
• Gold tone hardware
• Magnetic closure
• Main centre compartment
• One internal patch pocket
• One internal zipper pocket

6. Wendy Acrylic Bead Bag

Our final suggestion for a bag for your high tea outfit in 2024 is the stunning Wendy. Add some polish to your day and night time looks with the super cute WENDY Acrylic Bead Bag. This stunningly minimal bag has plenty of room inside for a large smartphone, sunglasses and makeup essentials and includes a removable shoulder strap so you can switch to hands free at a moments' notice.

Features of Wendy Top Handle: 

• W19cm x H13cm x D8.5cm
• Detachable shoulder strap
• 50cm drop Shoulder Strap
• 8.5cm drop handle
• Gold tone hardware
• Magnetic closure

Ready to complete your modern tea party attire with one of our stunning handbags? The right bag can bring your entire outfit together, and add some freshness to a tried and trusted dress or blouse in your wardrobe. Liked this? Take a read of the best minimalist bags, best shoulder bags, modern 90s shoulder bags, party ready summer handbags, and the best flower crowns.