Tea{Dress} Lady: Three Reasons Why I Love a Tea Dress

It’s only in the last couple of years that I’ve really started to embrace dresses. I don’t remember wearing them at all at Uni or when I got my first proper job – I much preferred separate trousers/skirts and tops as they just seemed so much easier and more flattering. That was until I discovered the tea dress, and since then I have never looked back. Here’s my ode to the prettiest of vintage frocks.

1. One style suits all

Whether you’re tall and willowy or petite and curvy, or anything in between, I guarantee there’s a tea dress to suit you. The nipped in waist, empire line and demure sleeve are flattering regardless of size and shape.

I like mine to hit just above or just below the knee as I find this to be the most flattering cut; I wish I could get away with a mini– or midi-length number but as I was not blessed with slim calves I will have to leave these to you leggier or petite ladies.

There’s also a whole heap of gorgeous maxi tea dresses like this one on Asos at the moment.

2. It’s femininity without the frills

The floral print that adorns most tea dresses is an easy way to incorporate a bit of colour and femininity into the most minimalist of wardrobes.

I love, love, LOVE the floral tea dress I’m wearing in the header. The detailing is just gorgeous – from the ruching below the bust to the curved sleeveline. Plus it’s 100% cotton so it’s comfy and light. Most excitingly, it’s an exact replica of the iconic Kate Moss for Topshop ‘Pansy’ dress which still commands ridiculous prices on ebay. They don’t have all sizes available on the Topshop website at the moment but they seem to restock online every so often, and I also spotted most sizes in my local store yesterday.

After seeing my tea dress Charlotte pointed me in the direction of the Liberty print version which is still in my online shopping basket shouting at me to just bite the bullet and checkout. It’s pricey but tea dresses in general aren’t – especially with all the sales on at the moment. Take this pretty grey one from New Look which is a steal at £8.

3. You can be daring … without being TOO daring

As the shape of a tea dress is so classic, you can afford to go a bit wild with the pattern or colour of the dress. For example, I would never usually be brave enough to go for a dress that’s got an in-your-face pattern such as leopard print – I tend to stick to shoes or scarves – but the simplicity of this Asos number means it’s less Kat Slater and more Cat Deeley. Similarly, this swan print dress is perfect if you find florals too twee.

Are you a fan of a tea dress or a ditsy print? Has anyone got THE Kate Moss dress?

{TO A TEA}