What to Wear to a Garden Party or Afternoon Tea

August 29, 2026

A woman wearing the Luna Iris A Line Midi Dress In Blush Floral

For a garden party or an afternoon tea, wear a midi dress or tailored pants in a light color or a floral print. Add a block heel or a wedge for the lawn and a short jacket for the shade. The Amanda Elegant Midi Dress in Floral ($695) measures 46 inches from the back of the neck to the hem on a size 2. Luna lists that length on the dress page. Measure down from the back of your own neck and you will see where the hem falls on you before you order.

What the garden party dress code means

Garden party attire sits between smart casual and semi formal. The host expects a day dress, a skirt with a blouse, or a pantsuit. The fabric should be light enough for an afternoon outdoors. A ladies’ luncheon calls for the same clothes indoors, with a hem near the knee or longer.

At a hotel, the tea room sets the rules. Many hotel tea rooms post a dress code on their booking page, and many ask guests not to wear shorts, ripped denim or athletic wear. Read the code when you reserve.

At a friend’s house, go by the invitation, and when it says nothing, wear a midi dress. A hat is welcome at a formal garden party and optional everywhere else. Tailored pants are fine at almost any garden party or tea.

What to wear

Dresses for the lawn and the tea room

The Amanda is sleeveless, with a draped neckline and a belt with a square buckle. Watercolor flowers in pink, orange and green cover a cream ground. It is fully lined, so the pale fabric stays opaque in full sun.
If you want sleeves, choose the Iris A-Line Midi Dress in Blush Floral ($625). It has a high neck, long sleeves, a slim belt and an asymmetrical hem. Cream, charcoal and rose flowers sit on a blush ground. The fabric has 10% metallic fiber, which gives it a soft sheen in daylight, and the dress measures 48 inches at the longest point on a size 2.
The Betty Ruffle Dress in Black Polka Dot ($695) has a square neckline and a 2-tier ruffled hem. The hem finishes just above the knee. It suits a luncheon or a tea in town more than a long afternoon on grass.

Pants and jackets

The Natasha Tailored Blazer in Sand Beige ($610) is double breasted with 4 buttons, in structured twill. It matches the Natasha Wide Leg Trousers in Sand Beige ($395). They have a high waist and a single button. Worn together, they make a tonal pantsuit if you would rather not wear a dress.
The Jody Tailored Lace Blazer in Ivory ($550) has lace on the collar, the cuffs and the buttoned placket. Wear it over a floral dress on a cool afternoon.

See every piece in garden party, tea and luncheon outfits.

What to avoid

Leave the floor length gown and the sequins for the evening. A thin stiletto sinks into a lawn. Heavy dark wool looks out of season in a summer garden. At a seated tea, a very wide brim hides your face from the table. If the garden party is part of a wedding, leave white and ivory to the bride and save the ivory Jody blazer for another day.

Shoes and layers

A block heel, a wedge or a dressy flat works on grass. Heel protectors help on a firm, dry lawn. On a wet lawn they help less, so choose a wedge or a flat if rain is forecast. Our guide to hem lengths and shoes pairs each hem with a heel height.

For the layer, the Iris Short Tailored Coat in Beige ($770) closes with a full front zipper and a clasp belt. It has a wide collar, turned cuffs and a tiered hem that ends above the knee, so a midi skirt shows below it. The coat measures 36 inches from the back of the neck on a size 2.

For a spring morning event, read what to wear to an Easter brunch. For a club lunch or a day at the races, see country club and race day outfits. Every other event is on the Shop by Occasion page.

A short checklist

Read the invitation or the tea room’s booking page for a dress code.
Choose a hem near the knee or longer, and check its listed length against your height.
Wear a wide heel or a flat if any part of the day is on grass.
Bring a short jacket for the shade and the drive home.
Keep the hat brim small at a seated table.

Questions about garden parties and afternoon tea

What is the dress code for a garden party?

Garden party attire means polished daytime clothes. Wear a midi dress, a skirt with a blouse, or tailored pants with a jacket, in a light color or a floral print. Leave evening gowns, denim and athletic wear at home unless the host says otherwise.

Can I wear heels on grass at a garden party?

You can, as long as the heel is wide. A thin stiletto sinks into turf. Choose a block heel or a wedge, which spreads your weight and stays on top of the lawn.

Should I wear a hat to a garden party or luncheon?

A hat or a fascinator suits a formal garden party. A woman may keep a fashion hat on through a daytime luncheon. Keep the brim small enough for the person beside you to see your face.

Can I wear pants to a garden party?

Tailored pants are welcome at most garden parties and teas. Choose wide leg pants in a light color with a matching blazer or a lace jacket.

What do I wear to a garden party if it is hot?

Wear a sleeveless or short sleeve midi in a light color and carry the jacket. Add a straw hat for shade, and choose a fully lined dress such as the Amanda so a pale fabric stays opaque in strong sun.

Does Luna ship free, and can I return a piece?

Shipping to any US address is free. Orders ship from California and arrive in 2 to 5 days, and you can return any order within 30 days with no questions asked.