Jeans and t-shirts while sight-seeing in UK

If you are going to The Orangery at Kensington Palace for tea you will be having Afternoon Tea, which is scones, finger sandwiches and pastries. High tea is an evening meal with meat, veggies, potatoes with a pot of tea. I would dress a little nicer then jeans for Afternoon Tea.

Tourist sights - no problem. Afternoon tea (high tea is something else) - sometimes. You might just have to bring along one sundress or something similar. Not a bad idea, altogether, since if you are lucky enough to get a hot spell, jeans may be too warm.

I think you might be more comfortable for High Tea at Kensington wearing something a bit less casual- the T-shirt would be OK with a jacket on top, and maybe a pair of slacks rather than jeans. But otherwise you'll fit right in. As always in the UK, the weather is anyone's guess. It can be chilly in September, but it can also be really warm. So bring the jacket anyway!

Thanks everyone! I'm glad I asked. Ralph, I don't own a UGA shirt and never will...my husband and dad went to Georgia Tech!

I have made jeans and t shirts go with any occasion, casual to dressy. Its all in the accessories and what ever print is on the shirt. Nice pair of shoes, cool funky jewelery and make you go from casual to dressy. But like another poster suggested, don't wear college/sports t shirts, or a shirt that is too big and baggy. Sometimes a thin cardigan can dress up a top too.

Don't know when you are going, but it was too hot in London in May for jeans during the day, and barely tolerable at night for walking. A well fitting lady's teesay, Chico's with jean trousers, is just as comfortable as Levis and a Hanes tee. Takes up the same space in a suitcase and looks much better. Just my two cents.

I think folks are being a little generous in their replies. I'm absolutely a jeans and t-shirt gal, but for high tea, you need to dress up. Jeans and a t-shirt won't cut it in the elegant surroundings of an upscale tearoom.

How about a scarf? Bring one or buy an inexpensive one at Primark. Throw that over the tee shirt and you look like everyone else.

I agree. Context matters just as much in the UK as at home. Jeans are fine in tourist places like Hampton Court and on walking trails. I saw lots of jeans in St. Paul's and no one turned a hair. You get better service in classier restaurants and stores though, if you dress better. But, dark designer jeans and nice blouses will get you much further without changing clothes. A nice scarf wouldn't hurt a bit.

I'm with those that recommend a scarf for dressing up an outfit. Even if you don't want to wear one all day long, keep one in your bag. That way if you're someplace where you feel a little "under dressed" you can slip into the loo to freshen up and add the scarf.

It should be ok if you don't mind standing out as a tourist! :) Most women in London seem to wear skirts/dresses/long sweaters, tights, boots and the ubiquitious scarf. I know that Harrods has a dress code and will not let you in if you have worn out jeans on.. saw people turned away for that on last trip. I always dress relaxed but nice... simple dresses and flats. Don't wear things like cargo shorts and Teva sandals. Not that it isn't allowed, but it just stands out like a sore thumb! I can always spot the yanks...and my point there is that you don't want to become a target for anyone looking for prey.

I agree that for the tourist sights you'll be fine. Depending on what "jeans and t-shirt" means, you may be one of the most casual there, but most people won't care. Basically, if you mean baggy jeans, white sneakers, and a baggy t-shirt, then many people will be dressed "better" but that shouldn't matter. If you mean nicely fitting jeans and shirt with walking shoes, then you'll be pretty normal. For tea, I'd go dressier. Even nice jeans, a t-shirt, cardigan, and scarf would be OK.

Thanks everyone! It's been very helpful to get this feedback. Yesterday I bought three pairs of jeansone black and two very dark blue with no fading and no fancy stitching on the back pocketsthey're very plain and dark and I think they will definitely work but I'll still be comfortable. And I will be bringing light cardigans so I think I'm all set! And you are all correctit is afternoon tea at Kensington, not high tea.