What Is a Tea Length Dress?
05 Dec 2023
It is difficult to imagine a summer closet without a dress. In warm weather, this product is worn not only for events and dates but also for ordinary daytime walks. It is hard to find someone who has not heard of the little black dress, which, as Miss Coco once said, should be in every girl's closet. But what is a tea length dress, not everyone knows, although it is found in our closets much more often. Tea length dresses are a new trend in the world of fashion, which has become especially popular in recent years. The name of this style comes from the English tradition of a tea party, at which the ladies were in light and feminine images. These outfits are distinguished by their lightness and airiness, as well as delicate colors and patterns. We tell the history of the emergence of the trend and explain where it is better to wear tea length dresses .
What is a tea length dress, not everyone knows, although it is found in the summer closet of every woman. The term "tea length dress" appeared in England, in the 1870s and represented a summer home dress, and, as it should be at that time, it was closed - with long sleeves and a high collar, but without a corset. Tea length dress was customary to put on to the evening tea party, known as five o'clock tea. And since it was still hot at this time in the summer, plus hot tea, the tea length dress was sewn from lightweight breathable fabrics. Of course, both the purpose and appearance of tea length dresses in 2023 have changed significantly, and their modern version has turned into a real summer must-have. We tell you where to look for fashionable tea length dresses for summer and what to pay attention to when choosing. But if you want a model that will always be in fashion, then take a closer look at summer tea dresses.
What is a tea length dress, not everyone knows, although it is found in the summer closet of every woman. The term "tea length dress" appeared in England, in the 1870s and represented a summer home dress, and, as it should be at that time, it was closed - with long sleeves and a high collar, but without a corset. Tea length dress was customary to put on to the evening tea party, known as five o'clock tea. And since it was still hot at this time in the summer, plus hot tea, the tea length dress was sewn from lightweight breathable fabrics. Of course, both the purpose and appearance of tea length dresses in 2023 have changed significantly, and their modern version has turned into a real summer must-have. We tell you where to look for fashionable tea length dresses for summer and what to pay attention to when choosing. But if you want a model that will always be in fashion, then take a closer look at summer tea dresses.
What Defines a Tea Length Dress?
A tea length dress is one whose hemline falls "above the ankle and below the knee". Originally, the tea length hem came to just above the ankle, but a modern tea length dress is probably 3-4 inches above the ankle, in the mid-calf area. The tea length hem can be contrasted with a cocktail dress, whose hem usually falls somewhere around mid-thigh and just above the knee.
Where Did the Tea Length Dress Originate?
The emergence of tea length dress is directly related to the popularization of the tradition of five o'clock tea in the United Kingdom in the 70s of the 19th century. The ritual involved gathering family members and their immediate circle around a tea table, during which a woman had the right to remain in a comfortable light dress without a corset or tourniquet that restrained movement. Since it was a home tea party in the family circle and the presence of only the closest friends, the lady's attire remained homely and comfortable, without the torturous conventions of the fashion of the time.
Since then, however, not only the purpose but also the style of the tea length dress has changed. If earlier it was a midi or maxi length dress with long sleeves and stand-up collar, today it is already any mini or midi outfit with different lengths and shapes of sleeves, appropriate both in the daytime and in the evening. Nevertheless, some of the components are still unchanged - light fabrics with floral print, emphasis on the waist, and ruffles. But designers do not neglect monochrome light-colored fabrics - after all, minimalism has long been a classic.
As the Duchess of Lorian wrote in her book of 1896, it is befitting for a society woman to have, among other things, "one or two home toilets in which she can give free rein to all her most elegant fantasies". The tea length dress was such a "home toilette", which was worn without a corset and was very comfortable.
Over time, the appearance, and most importantly, the role of the tea length dress changed. At the beginning of the 20th century, it had already become almost festive and it was supposed to go out in it. Since the British tradition willingly assumed tea drinking in the open air, tea length dresses began to be sewn from light breathable materials, such as cotton, so that the ladies were not so hot in the warm season to drink hot tea in the garden. For the same reason, the colors were chosen light - so the material was less heated by the sun's rays. During this period, tea length dresses were decorated with lace and often represented real lace masterpieces. However, even though these dresses were quite chaste and had long sleeves and closed stand-up collars, it would be bad taste to wear a tea length dress in the evening or even for a visit to a guest or ball.
In the mid-twentieth century, a term such as "tea length" appeared. It was considered to be the length of a dress or skirt below the knees and up to the middle of the ankle. In 1947 Christian Dior turned tea length dresses with an emphasis on the waist into a symbol of femininity and sophistication. It was thanks to the legendary New Look silhouette that pleated skirts and fitted dresses settled on the world's catwalks for centuries. Grace Kelly played a huge role in their popularization - lush outfits, exposing one of the sexiest parts of the female body, the ankles, became part of the DNA of the image of the Hollywood princess. As a rule, for sewing such outfits were chosen light breathable fabrics of delicate colors. Another distinctive feature of the tea length dress to this day is ruffles and lace, giving it a smart and feminine look. Nevertheless, up to the 30s of the last century, it was considered an element of exclusively domestic women's closet.
By the end of the 20th century, the tea length dress completely lost its clearly defined role and turned into a somewhat girlish, romantic outfit: most often it is a shortened dress, in extreme cases midi, in most cases fitted, with delicate, often floral, prints.
Since then, however, not only the purpose but also the style of the tea length dress has changed. If earlier it was a midi or maxi length dress with long sleeves and stand-up collar, today it is already any mini or midi outfit with different lengths and shapes of sleeves, appropriate both in the daytime and in the evening. Nevertheless, some of the components are still unchanged - light fabrics with floral print, emphasis on the waist, and ruffles. But designers do not neglect monochrome light-colored fabrics - after all, minimalism has long been a classic.
As the Duchess of Lorian wrote in her book of 1896, it is befitting for a society woman to have, among other things, "one or two home toilets in which she can give free rein to all her most elegant fantasies". The tea length dress was such a "home toilette", which was worn without a corset and was very comfortable.
Over time, the appearance, and most importantly, the role of the tea length dress changed. At the beginning of the 20th century, it had already become almost festive and it was supposed to go out in it. Since the British tradition willingly assumed tea drinking in the open air, tea length dresses began to be sewn from light breathable materials, such as cotton, so that the ladies were not so hot in the warm season to drink hot tea in the garden. For the same reason, the colors were chosen light - so the material was less heated by the sun's rays. During this period, tea length dresses were decorated with lace and often represented real lace masterpieces. However, even though these dresses were quite chaste and had long sleeves and closed stand-up collars, it would be bad taste to wear a tea length dress in the evening or even for a visit to a guest or ball.
In the mid-twentieth century, a term such as "tea length" appeared. It was considered to be the length of a dress or skirt below the knees and up to the middle of the ankle. In 1947 Christian Dior turned tea length dresses with an emphasis on the waist into a symbol of femininity and sophistication. It was thanks to the legendary New Look silhouette that pleated skirts and fitted dresses settled on the world's catwalks for centuries. Grace Kelly played a huge role in their popularization - lush outfits, exposing one of the sexiest parts of the female body, the ankles, became part of the DNA of the image of the Hollywood princess. As a rule, for sewing such outfits were chosen light breathable fabrics of delicate colors. Another distinctive feature of the tea length dress to this day is ruffles and lace, giving it a smart and feminine look. Nevertheless, up to the 30s of the last century, it was considered an element of exclusively domestic women's closet.
By the end of the 20th century, the tea length dress completely lost its clearly defined role and turned into a somewhat girlish, romantic outfit: most often it is a shortened dress, in extreme cases midi, in most cases fitted, with delicate, often floral, prints.
What Do You Wear With A Tea Length Dress?
The tea length dress is synonymous with comfort. It is always the loosest silhouette possible, with wide sleeves, a comfortable neckline, and light fabrics. Universal models without prints can be easily mixed into a spectacular mono look, and our focus was again relevant this season metallic textures, shades of mustard, and golden lime. The image with echoes of safari style is built around a lush A-silhouette dress, complementing the relaxed mood with oriental babushkas with a sharp toe and the shine of precious metals. A micro bag with a brutal chain and a pair of laconic jewelry will complete the outfit for walks and romantic summer evenings.
We advise you to experiment with the range of citrus colors, betting on the brightest ones, up to the ubiquitous this season neon. We rhyme a tea length dress with "dramatic" sleeves and contrasting polka dots with boiling-white mules on a miniature heel and add a soft leather bag with a shoulder strap. The matter remains for little - a pair of jewelry accents and stylish glasses in a vintage frame.
Shoes for tea length dresses can be very diverse: from sandals and high-heeled shoes to stylish mules, booties, comfortable sneakers, or sneakers. The choice of footwear largely depends on the occasion and the desired comfort. Tea length dresses are incredibly flexible, allowing you to create different looks while retaining their signature charm.
You can complement a tea length dress with discreet accessories, such as a woven bag, a compact crossbody, a straw hat, or large sunglasses. These accessories add sophistication to the dress while not overpowering it. In addition, tea length dresses can be combined with various outerwear, such as overcoats, short coats, denim, or leather jackets , which once again gives the image a more modern and stylish look.
We advise you to experiment with the range of citrus colors, betting on the brightest ones, up to the ubiquitous this season neon. We rhyme a tea length dress with "dramatic" sleeves and contrasting polka dots with boiling-white mules on a miniature heel and add a soft leather bag with a shoulder strap. The matter remains for little - a pair of jewelry accents and stylish glasses in a vintage frame.
Shoes for tea length dresses can be very diverse: from sandals and high-heeled shoes to stylish mules, booties, comfortable sneakers, or sneakers. The choice of footwear largely depends on the occasion and the desired comfort. Tea length dresses are incredibly flexible, allowing you to create different looks while retaining their signature charm.
You can complement a tea length dress with discreet accessories, such as a woven bag, a compact crossbody, a straw hat, or large sunglasses. These accessories add sophistication to the dress while not overpowering it. In addition, tea length dresses can be combined with various outerwear, such as overcoats, short coats, denim, or leather jackets , which once again gives the image a more modern and stylish look.
When to Wear a Tea Length Dress?
Tea length dresses can be decorated with small or large flowers, accent collars, or dusty sleeves. However, monochrome models to the lack of colors do not cease to be tea, so they will appeal to lovers of minimalism. These dresses are not only comfortable, but also universal - you can go anywhere in them: to a business meeting, a date, a picnic, or a walk around the city.
For a walk in the park, you can wear a tea length dress like Taylor Swift's. Pay attention to the identical tonality of the bag and shoes. Romance and yet extraordinary femininity of such an ensemble are ideal for unforgettable dates.
By the way, it will fit perfectly into the gray everyday life of the office. And men-colleagues will be grateful to you for the bright note that you will bring in the gloom, due to the desire to quickly escape on vacation to the sea. The versatility of such an outfit is simply off the charts, during the day wear this tea length dress with classic shoes, and in the evening with sneakers. Choose a bag of any size and shape, here is how someone likes it.
Go further, for romantic dates with your favorite or trips to the beach wear a miniature and very light tea length dress with a micro print. I am sure this look will be loved by your lover. For easy walking, choose either weightless sabots or velour boots in a rather masculine but classic style. The bag should be in the same style as the shoes.
For a walk in the park, you can wear a tea length dress like Taylor Swift's. Pay attention to the identical tonality of the bag and shoes. Romance and yet extraordinary femininity of such an ensemble are ideal for unforgettable dates.
By the way, it will fit perfectly into the gray everyday life of the office. And men-colleagues will be grateful to you for the bright note that you will bring in the gloom, due to the desire to quickly escape on vacation to the sea. The versatility of such an outfit is simply off the charts, during the day wear this tea length dress with classic shoes, and in the evening with sneakers. Choose a bag of any size and shape, here is how someone likes it.
Go further, for romantic dates with your favorite or trips to the beach wear a miniature and very light tea length dress with a micro print. I am sure this look will be loved by your lover. For easy walking, choose either weightless sabots or velour boots in a rather masculine but classic style. The bag should be in the same style as the shoes.
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