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With this phrase, it seems that either the Japanese tea ceremony, or the stiff British tea party in the summer garden ... What kind of dress is this and how to wear it?
Photo: tea dresses from the collection of the Metropolitan Museum, 1901 and 1907
Tea dress appeared in the 1870s thanks to the emergence of the tradition of afternoon tea drinking, the so-called five-o'clocktea. Since this was a home-made tea party in the family circle and in the presence of only the closest friends, the lady's outfit remained homely and comfortable, without the painful conventions of the fashion of that time.
As the Duchess Lorian wrote in her 1896 book, a secular woman should, among other things, have “one or two home toilets in which she can give free rein to all her most elegant fantasies.” Tea dress was such a "home toilet", which was worn without a corset and was very comfortable.
Photo: William Paxton, 1909 painting entitled Tea Leaves, page from the 1913 Eatons fashion catalog.
Over time, the appearance, and most importantly, the role of the tea dress has changed. At the beginning of the XX century it already became almost festive and it was supposed to go out into it. Since the British tradition eagerly suggested drinking tea outdoors, tea dresses were sewn from lightweight, breathable materials, such as cotton, so that ladies would not be so hot in the warm season to drink hot tea in the garden. It is for the same reason that the colors were chosen light - so the material was less heated by sunlight. During this period of time, tea dresses were decorated with lace and often represented real lace masterpieces. Nevertheless, despite the fact that these dresses were quite chaste and had long sleeves and closed stand-up collars, it would be bad taste to wear a tea dress in the evening or even for a visit to a party or to a ball.
Photo: New Look (3)
By the end of the 20th century, the tea dress had completely lost its clearly defined role and turned into a slightly girlish, romantic outfit: most often it is a shortened dress, in the extreme case midi, fitted in most cases, with delicate, often floral, prints.
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Photo: Miss Selfridge, New Look, Oh My Love
Even today it feels like a tea dress is a summer day outfit, although it is perfect for a summer evening. However, those who appreciate the traditions and history of this charming dress can show a little pedantry and wear it only for daytime events.
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Photo: Majorelle, Farfetch, ASOS
You can supplement such a dress with a hat and unobtrusive accessories, but special attention should be paid to shoes: ballet shoes and oxfords are suitable for a tea dress.
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Photo: ASOS (3)
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