How To Style A Tea Party ft. Rachel Mckenna
- Nahomy Ortiz
- Aug 20, 2016
- 2 min read
This month’s theme is a ‘Grunge Princess’ inspired theme, when I think of this the first thing that comes to mind is Pity Party by Melanie Martinez which is pretty much an epic birthday tea party, but with no guests. Throughout history whether is in film, literature and in real life, tea parties have been fabulous ways to eat pastries and drink tea with friends in a gorgeous afternoon, most of the time celebrating a specific event like a birthday, going away party, or just a basic get-together.
Sadly, I have never been invited to one of these exclusive gatherings, but as I grow older and meet more people in college and work, my chances of getting invited to a tea party are higher, therefore I must prepare. I asked 24-year-old Rachel Mckenna whom has a lot of experience in vintage wardrobe (dressing vintage for over 3 years now!) to help me decide my possible future outfits for a tea party.
Outfit #1
All Photos by Nick Maksy
A typical "1950's summer" look, including peasant top, gingham skirt with a petticoat, and of course a cute hat. Totally ready for a tea party, or picnic, or maybe just some casual frolicking through the fields.
Vintage top: etsy.com Vintage skirt: etsy.com Hat: Antique store
Outfit #2
This outfit embodies the spirit of "tea party" heavily inspired in Alice in Wonderland. You can't go wrong with a pale blue dress and black mary janes.
Dress: instagram vintage seller @shantillylacevintage
Outfit #2
With this 1940's look, we paired some trousers and boots, they always give an earthy, adventurer vibe. For a tea party after a long horseback ride through the forest.
Top: Urban Outfitters Vintage pants: etsy.com Boots: ebay.com
Instagram: @racheldarling_ Youtube: ThePinupCompanion
Fun concept overall, the “grunge princess tea party” mix is actually a nice way to blend vintage and modern styling without making it feel too costume-heavy.
The first gingham and peasant top combination really nails that classic 1950s picnic aesthetic, and the Alice in Wonderland inspired blue dress is probably the most wearable version of the idea for everyday styling. Even the more earthy trousers and boots look works as a practical twist on the theme while still keeping that vintage direction.
If someone wanted to modernise this kind of tea party styling today, a leather bomber jacket like the Marco Enzolani one could actually work well as a contrast piece over a soft dress, especially for cooler outdoor gatherings…
I love how this tea party theme blends soft, vintage femininity with a slightly edgy “grunge princess” twist. it makes the whole concept feel more modern and fun instead of overly traditional. The mix of classic dresses with unexpected styling choices really stands out, and in a totally different way, it kind of reminds me of the bold attitude behind a Tyler Durden Fight Club Jacket, where adding one contrasting piece can completely change the vibe of an outfit and make it feel more confident and unique.