Tea for Two, Three or Four? - Post Lockdown Tea Dresses
As we head towards the weekend and the lockdown restrictions start to ease we’re looking to the classic summer staple, the Tea Dress to take us from the lounge to the bar to reuniting with friends. Originally popular in the 19th century these dresses (or gowns) were intended to be worn un corseted and without the assistance of maids for upper class women to take tea in at home and in comfort. Fast forward to the 1940’s and with women holding the fort on home soil during WW2, the Tea Dress became a style staple for the multitasking modern woman to run errands in whilst feeling presentable. They were also the go to for social gatherings in each others homes. Skip to the 1950’s and with the explosion of post war opulence these once simple dresses were reimagined with embroidery, petticoats and nipped in waists and were worn by high society women taking afternoon tea. Nowadays they’re the classic smart/casual go to embracing both femininity and practicality. We’ve picked our favourite 21st century versions that are perfect for living it up at home or venturing back out into the world.
The Edit
Rixo Steph Floral Midi Dress £285, 2. Karen Millen Dalmation Print Dress £83.40, 3. Never Fully Dressed Melon Print Lucia Dress £89, 4. Simply Be Ditzy Wrap Dress, 5.ASOS Smock Tiered Dress £35 6. Mango Maxi Polka Dot Dress £59.99, 7. Simply Be Ditzy Floral Dress £28, 8. Topshop Cut Out Dress £35.10, 9. John Lewis Floral Tea Dress £155, 10. ASOS One Shoulder Striped Dress, £13.50
