Tea Party Hats for Women: How to Pick Yours

What is a Tea Party Hat?

Tea parties are not just for little girls playing dolls. With more and more tea rooms gaining in popularity odds are you have seen an advertisement for afternoon tea somewhere along the line. Hats are traditionally worn to afternoon tea as English tea is often taken out of doors in the garden. As such, a hat is needed to keep the sun off the face and skin to keep the elegant look of paleness that was so desired.

Traditional Tea Party Attire

Customarily, traditional tea party attire is semi-formal. Usually, women attending tea wear fascinator hats, a dress, wrist length gloves, and bright colors. Traditionally, black is the one color that is not appropriate to wear to a tea party.

Modern Tea Party Attire

Though standards have definitely changed, hats at tea are still a must and are perfect for any tea party. There are dozens of different styles when it comes to the best tea party hat. For those that are attending tea out of doors, larger hats with wide brims are perfect, such as  hats for the Kentucky derby - think floppy sun hat but with a bit of an elegant touch. Decorative accents like flowers are welcomed on all tea party hats as well as ribbons and other delicate and lady-like embellishments. Think of tea as the time to make the most of all things girly and to find a fascinator that is going to get attention and be dainty and delicate at the same time.

Types of Hats for a Tea Party

Tea hats can vary from large and extravagant to small and delicate depending on time of day and setting. Those parties that are held out of doors generally call for more whimsical looks with hats that feature delicate flowers and ribbons while high tea may require hats that are more sophisticated. Appropriate tea party dresses and hats will vary depending on where you are attending tea, you will need to adapt your fascinator to fit the place where you are having tea and the time of day that you are taking tea.

High Tea Party Hats & Dress Code

Although many people believe high tea is a formal setting, it actually is a more casual type of tea party. High tea got its name due to the fact that it was usually eaten at a dinner table, as opposed to a coffee table, which sits lower to the ground. At high tea, a nice sundress and a more casual, yet elegant fascinator. Smaller sized fascinators, such as a headband, also are appropriate for a high tea party./p>

Afternoon Tea Hats & Dress Code

Afternoon tea, the more popular tea party event, is known to be a slightly more formal event - however, it is important to note that modern day afternoon tea parties are still somewhat casual. Therefore, when attending afternoon tea, dressing a step up from what you would wear to high tea is ideal. Light and bright-colored fascinators with elegant adornments such as feathers, flowers or bows are great for afternoon tea. A nice wide brimmed hat is also a great option for an afternoon tea that is taking place outside. For indoor afternoon tea parties, structured pill box hats and those that mimic that style of men’s hats are also attractive. Structured hats that are small are perfect for tea time and are great for those that want something that is going to be interesting and that can stand up to more decoration and more detailed extras.

For the rest of your ensemble, classic afternoon tea looks include semi-formal tea-length dresses, jumpsuits, or nice sundresses in light colors. Textured or printed fabrics will also separate an afternoon look from a nighttime look.

Formal Tea Party Attire

At a formal tea party, the dress code will be more similar to afternoon tea than to high tea. An elegant tea length dress with a fascinator is the perfect look. Similarly to afternoon tea, a structured pillbox hat, a hat with decorative feathers or flowers, or something similar is ideal. Additionally, at formal tea parties, modesty is key. Be sure to bring a shawl or light sweater to cover your arms and avoid short dresses.

Accessories For Hats

Some common accessories for the perfect tea hats are  birdcage veils. These add a bit of whimsy and delicate flare without being too over the top or too extravagant for any tea time occasion. For those that do choose a fascinator with birdcage veiling, feathers are a fun touch that adds to the drama. Traditionally, women do not remove their hats when taking tea so it is important that you choose a hat or fascinator that fits your taste and style but that is also manageable for tea time.

Silk, velvet, and other luxurious fabrics are desired for tea hats as a hat was a sign of wealth and high society in England when the tradition began. Finding the perfect tea hat or fascinator does not have to be difficult. Gold Coast Couture offers hundreds of styles, fabrics, colors, designs, and range of hats and fascinators so that you can find the one that works best for your individual tastes, and your desires.

Fascinators are a wonderful way to draw attention and to really make an impact at any party but especially at a tea party or a garden party where tea is being served. Fascinators are a wonderful way to make an ordinary outfit something extraordinary and to really make your entire outfit pop.

Where to Buy Tea Party Hats

If you are on the lookout for hats for tea parties, visit us at Gold Coast Couture. We have a large, diverse selection of english tea hats for ladies. Our fascinator hats are made by many different distinguished designers, such as Philip Treacy, Vivien Sheriff, Nigel Rayment, and more.