I just got an invitation that said “Attire – High Tea.” What in the world does that mean? My first thought was that I was being asked to wear white gloves and some kind of a hat… rather than to guess, I went online. Apparently, High Tea is a tea held at 5 or 6pm, and business attire is appropriate. Who knew?

I grew up in a family of women who instilled in me the importance of being appropriately dressed at all times. My grandmother, a veteran of the Progress Club (which was a big deal in society circles in the town I grew up in), hosted
many social gatherings. And the tea was always served from her finest china.

Times have changed. The definition of what is appropriate isn’t just different from times gone by, it is downright distorted. We have become a very causal society. Because of our culture’s lackadaisical attitude toward attire, when we are required to get gussied up, generally our first thought is “what can I get away with wearing.” To help you plan for your next soiree, here are some tips and definitions: