​​5 Tea Dress Style Ideas

Different Ways You Can Style Tea Dresses

While vintage clothing and styles come in and out of fashion every decade, certain items turn into wardrobe staples that beat out every season’s new trend. The tea dress is one such article of clothing that we’ve been shopping for and wearing continuously for all sorts of occasions since the style we know now garnered popularity in the 1940s, and there’s really no wonder why. 

The tea dress is the perfect in-between, coming at a practical and comfortable length with a silhouette that perfectly flatters the waist without being restricting. The dress is an effortlessly stylish choice that suits every occasion and every body type, and is something we can find from a lot of brands available to us. 

Whether you want to wear it on the weekends or for a special event, here are different ways you can dress the look and reasons to shop for your own collection of tea dresses right now.

Why is it Called ‘Tea Dress’?

The tea dress garnered its name for being the go-to attire for women hosting or having tea. The dress gained popularity in the 19th century as a comfortable article of clothing to be worn indoors with family and close friends during a dinner party, but it wasn’t attire people would accept to wear outdoors until years later.

It wasn’t until the 1930s and 1940s when women started wearing the tea dress in the day to run errands or meet with friends in the afternoon due to their comfort and ease of movement. Since then, the tea dress has become a well-loved silhouette among many thanks to its flattering yet comfortable fit and versatility for every kind of occasion.

How Do You Style Tea Dresses?

Everyday Outfit

Thanks to their practical silhouette and versatile nature, these dresses are of course one of the most dependable types to choose every day of the week. The dress comes in a range of styles, colours, and patterns and are sold by virtually every brand under the sun and around the world, so you can easily find something that suits your taste and whatever pair of shoes you love to wear every week.

Beach Holiday

These kinds of dresses are also the perfect thing to bring with you on a summer holiday by the sea. Not only is it breezy and easy to manage in hot weather, but it’s also incredibly practical to pack as it gives you a whole look in just one piece that saves luggage space. 

The dress also suits daytime relaxing at the beach and can be easily dressed up with accessories for a romantic dinner.

Wedding Attire

Whether you’re a guest, a bridesmaid, or the bride, this dress is perfect for weddings and other formal events. While they may have been a kind of loungewear and casualwear decades ago, the tea dress makes for a perfect formal look today as it features your figure flatteringly and drops at a perfect length. 

Whether it’s in blue, green, or white and in satin or cotton, once you wear this dress with the right accessories and pair of heels, you’ll have a formal outfit ready for any event.

Chilly Weather

Tea dresses aren’t just reserved for summer and spring. The dress can easily make an autumn or winter look more interesting, and all you have to pair with it are some tights, a turtleneck, and a coat. 

We’ve seen a ton of different ways this piece can be styled in the cold, so instead of dressing in drab and forgettable looks, explore your wardrobe and find all the different things you can partner with this super versatile item.

For Biscuits and Tea

Whether you prefer a vintage-inspired look or go for brand new styles, there’s no better time to pull out all the different versions you own of these dresses than tea time. This effortlessly sophisticated piece is perfect for lounging about in and for pairing with good tea and conversation in the afternoon.

Final Note

No matter what the day or event, the tea dress will always be your best bet. Thanks to its timelessness, comfortable fit, and variations in styles, you’ll never run out of different ways to wear it. We highly recommend this article of clothing to ladies looking for easy yet fashionable dressing all year round.