How To Put Your Best Foot Forward In The United Kingdom

My last blog post was about language, so it is only natural for me to make a blogpost in regards to non-verbal messages. With that being said this blogpost will be all about the United Kingdom's daily customs that do not pertain to language.

Before we get started, I decided we should highlight why education surrounding non-verbal messages is so important. Nonverbal communication in regards to culture is so important to educate yourself on because when visiting and interacting with an individual from another culture you always want to be as respectful as possible. If you are able to properly educate yourself on these nonverbal cues and customs, you will certainly set yourself up for success when visiting another country. Although, this does come with some potential obstacles. I say this because many of these customs will not be instinctual for you, and you will have to be overly conscientious about them when you are out and about. 

Casual dress in the United Kingdom is certainly common. Great British Magazine emphasizes that a t-shirt and jeans are certainly acceptable dress for day to day activities. With that being said it is important to note the weather in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is notorious for overcast, rainy, and chilly weather. As a result of this weather, warm clothing such as jumpers, sweaters, hats and gloves, are certainly something you will see locals dressed in. It is also recommended to have an umbrella readily available since you will probably need to use it at least once a day. 

In terms of formal dress, I will say that it seems like there are more rules compared to Formal wear in the United States. According to Man For Today there are five British dress codes that all men in the United Kingdom need to be aware of. These dress codes are white tie, black tie, morning dress, cocktail dress, and lounge suits. 

White tie dress is the most formal dress, and has certainly become less and less common throughout time. This form of dress is used most often nowadays for royal ceremonies. The first rule of white tie for men is that their bowtie or tie must be white, and it must be hand tied around their neck. Secondly the suit jacket must be a tailcoat. Men will also need to wear a white, low-cut, evening waistcoat, and high waisted trousers (pants) with black panther leather shoes. For more details on white tie dress codes, click here.

Black tie dress codes are the second most formal dress code, but in recent years has become the most formal. Man for Today claims that this is most commonly worn at “formal dinners and evening events after 6pm, including some galas, balls, and important charity events.” This dress code requires that men wear a stiff white shirt, pressed black pants with one black braid on each leg, and black panther leather shoes. You will also need a suit jacket that is known as a dinner jacket, and a boy tie of any color except white. For more details on a black tie dress code, click here.

Morning dress is the dress code most commonly reserved for men at events such as “weddings, memorial services, daytime events in the presence of H.M. The King, and at some events during ‘the Season’” according to Oliver Brown. For this dress code men will need to wear a black or grey morning coat jacket with a cutaway tail, houndstooth or grey trousers, a plain white shirt with a detachable collar and a two cuffs, a single or double breasted waistcoat, a simple tie, pocket square, and high polish lace up oxford shoes. For more details on morning dress, click here. 

Cocktail dress is reserved for events that are more formal than business, but less formal than black tie. Think of it as a happy medium. Men are welcome to wear more of an elevated suit than their usual lounge suite, but there is no need to go all out with a tuxedo. There is a lot more freedom in this realm of dress. With that being said I recommend scrolling through this article for some more inspiration. 

The final attire is a lounge suite. Lounge suits are worn on a daily basis by men for office wear and day time business events according to Man for Today. A lounge suite is a regular suit with the jacket and trousers being made out of the same material. You could pair it with a collared shirt and tie, or even a turtleneck. Click here to gather more inspiration on lounge suits. 

Now that we have dress codes covered, we have to talk about one of the most common daily acts that Brits partake in. Obviously I am referring to high tea. If you visit England you have to go to afternoon tea, but before you do so, you must learn the common practices for afternoon tea. Here are some tips from The Republic of Tea.

Women are allowed to wear a tea length dress, or a nice blouse and slacks. Men are expected to wear a collared shirt and slacks. No jeans or t-shirts allowed, this is not a casual event. Food is served on a three tiered tray and it is expected that you eat from savory to sweet. Speaking of sweets, it is not proper etiquette to dunk you scones in your tea during afternoon tea. It is also a good idea to break your scones into small pieces before eating. This will make sure your mouth is never too full.

I know that was a brief crash course on the etiquette of high tea, so I have also linked this video, to give you some more information. I highly recommend giving it a watch!

Thanks for following along, and as always, I’ll catch you next time!

Xoxo,

Lil