Hovering around mid-calf, tea-length dresses fall between full-length wedding gowns and miniskirts. They’re a perfect fit for casual or formal weddings, and the best part is that they look amazing on almost anyone!
This feminine style is a great choice for daytime events that require a more dressy look. Try a dark or jewel-tone tea-length dress for a fall or winter wedding, or go bold with bright colors and fun patterns for spring or summer weddings.
Petite
As a petite woman, you know that choosing the right outfit can be tricky. That’s why picking the best pieces for your shape to look slimmer and taller is essential. The key is to choose pieces that create the 2/3 – 1/3 look, with a form-fitting top and a long, flowing bottom. Thankfully, there are plenty of options, like this feminine dress made for petites. The sweetheart neckline is flattering on shorter frames, while the lace details give it a gorgeous romantic touch.
Plus, it’s sustainably made from 100% lightweight silk to keep you cool throughout the day. You can pair it with a chic leather jacket for warmth and texture. The tea-length hemline is perfect for showing off a pair of statement heels.
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated wedding guest option, consider this elegant pink midi dress with puff sleeves. The flowy fabric and darling ruffles make it easy to wear for any warm-weather wedding, and the color will add some wow factor. Plus, it’s so comfortable and flattering that you’ll want to wear it beyond the big day.
Tall
When shopping for formal dresses, it’s important to consider what dress length will work best for you. The perfect tea length formal dresses has a skirt that falls about mid-calf or just above the ankle. This is longer than street-length dresses but shorter than prom or evening gowns.
If you have a tall body type, tea-length formal dresses are a great option to help you look your best. This length can help to elongate your legs and make them look slimmer, especially when paired with a small heel or sandal. Tall girls can also wear various styles, from sheaths to wrap dresses, but are often most comfortable in dresses with a fitted bodice. This style of dress will flatter your pear shape figure while helping to balance out your wider hips.
If you’re searching for a casual, summery look for your next semi-formal or black tie wedding, try this gorgeous floral guipure lace backless dress from Saylor. This design’s open lace detailing helps flatter the female form, while the red slip adds a pop of color that will turn heads at the event. Pair this dress with fine jewelry and a clean low bun for an elegant, sophisticated look.
Medium
A tea-length dress is the perfect choice for daytime affairs that call for a formal look. These include receptions, graduations, fancy luncheons, and weddings. The hemline of a tea-length dress, which got its name from the 1920s when ladies wore these dresses to tea parties, falls three to four inches below the knee. This hemline creates an elongated visual proportion and is particularly flattering on girls between petite and tall.
Choosing the right dress for your figure type is crucial to creating a flattering appearance. A girl with an hourglass body type has curvy hips and a well-defined waist, so she needs to choose a dress that will add volume to her upper body. A strapless tea-length formal dress with a belt feature at the core is an ideal choice for an hourglass figure.
A medium body type is also able to wear tea-length dresses in a variety of colors. Wear light-colored tea-length clothing to a beach event in spring or summer to match the gentle breeze, or opt for a dark or jewel tone to complement the changing leaves of fall and winter. If you are the groom or bride’s mother, it’s best to run your color choice by the couple before the big day to ensure it aligns with their aesthetic.
Plus Size
You can still rock a gorgeous tea-length formal dress for any event if you’re a plus-size woman. You must choose a style that will flatter your curves and balance your body proportions. For example, a high-slit dress will help you look taller by elongating your legs, while a figure-hugging silhouette and plunging neckline will help you look slimmer around the waist.
A more playful, modern alternative to formal evening gowns, tea-length dresses are a staple at summer weddings, graduations, and traditional lunches and tea parties. Their hemline typically stops a few inches above the ankle, but some tea-length dresses have a calf-length skirt. These styles are great for elongating your leg and wearing heels to make you look taller.
A tea-length formal dress can also be very flattering for women with an apple body shape, who often have slim legs and thighs but a wider upper body frame. Go for a mermaid cut or off-the-shoulder style to show off your figure and create a gorgeous silhouette. A plunging neckline will also look stunning, but you should avoid very high necklines, which can make you look even bustier and unbalanced.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find the perfect tea-length mother-of-the-groom dress for your big day! Be sure to run your dress choice by the couple to ensure it fits their wedding aesthetic.
