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Original poster

Tea Dresses

28 replies

Gales · 12/04/2013 11:56

I ready an article recently that said this was "the only dress you'll ever need"

I like them and I see that they can be great on the young or edgy with chunky shoes or pumps and denim/leather etc, but on a middle aged mum don't they look, well, middle aged and mumsy?

OP posts:
JakeBullet · 12/04/2013 12:01

Overpriced and only suit a certain shape IMHO....they definitely wouldn't suit me.

And why are they called "tea dress" anyway...makes them sound twee, middle class and a bit fraightfully naice!

I am sure they are lovely if you have the figure and the money but they seem overpriced.

Not envious at all that I wouldn't look good in one.

Original poster
Gales · 12/04/2013 12:04

Doesn't everywhere have them atm, so you can find one in any budget?

I'm not thinking of the Bottega Veneta one in the article. That would keep in clothes for about 3 years!!

OP posts:
WawaSkittletits · 12/04/2013 12:07

Hmm I was wondering the same recently and I think it depends on the cut and pattern. I'm not middle aged but I find that certain types of tea dresses make me look frumpy and mumsy.

Cantbelieveitsnotbutter · 12/04/2013 12:12

I love a tea dress, joe browns have some beautiful ones.
I'd wear one every day if I could

TWinklyLittleStar · 12/04/2013 12:14

I love a tea dress. Although when I was younger I went to visit my granny and she was wearing one that I owned. Hmm.

AlwaysSleepingBeauty · 12/04/2013 12:55

I love tea dresses, I find that there is a lot of variety to choose from, some of which I love, others I will hate. I sometimes have them shortened to make a sort of mini tea dress which I find looks younger and more modern.

Original poster
Gales · 12/04/2013 12:58

Jake, I have always thought that they were called tea dresses, because originally (in the 40s/50s?0 they were for going to tea in. Pretty and "nice" but not as dressy as Sunday best or evening wear. No idea if that's right!

OP posts:
Pinkflipflop · 12/04/2013 12:58

Care to link to some nice ones!!?

Original poster
Gales · 12/04/2013 13:00

Well I was nearly right! of the tea gown

OP posts:
YoniOno · 12/04/2013 13:03

I can't stand them! They just look so twee, not in any way fashionable and yes mumsy. Hate them with a passion. They are considered edgy if worn with leggings and a long cardigan I think Hmm

Sorry Blush I had to release my pent-up vitriol at them - people seem to love them on here though so am in a minority. They are far worse than tunics though IMHO.

Pinkflipflop · 12/04/2013 13:07

is this a tea dress?

I've just ordered it, so must be a mumsy frump!!!

And...it's Boden!!

AlwaysSleepingBeauty · 12/04/2013 14:19

I have this one and don't think it's frumpy or anything.

3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMLpF2cWPao/TmZ5-fETyuI/AAAAAAAAAcg/-ipYV6A4CPM/s1600/top+shop.jpg

Whitershadeofpale · 12/04/2013 15:49

I have this one and have had loads of compliments and it really flatters my huge norks.

I'm wearing it today with black opaques and heels and a black cardi but if the weather ever improves I will wear it will wedge sandles.

MadBusLady · 12/04/2013 16:13

If they're cut right they make me look like a slip of a thing, even though I am nearly 5'8 and a norky hour glass. Love them. Tunics, on the other hand, age me about 20 years.

EeyoreIsh · 12/04/2013 16:17

oooh, I love a tea dress. I have a gorgeous navy polka dot one with buttons all the way down the front, in chiffon silk. I love love love it.

sadly I need to lose a few kilos before I'll fit into it again. Sad

LadyMountbatten · 12/04/2013 16:19

I hate em. Polyester naff ness

LadyMountbatten · 12/04/2013 16:20

I'm with yoni. Are never flattering. Make even the slenderest look like a heffa

mumofthemonsters808 · 12/04/2013 16:25

I really like them but I agree it does depend upon the fit.Sometimes I find they look very pretty on the hanger but when I try them on they are too short but baggy at the top.Love the Top Shop dress and the black one, not sure if the Boden dress is a tea dress.I've seen all shapes and sizes and different age groups looking lovely in them.

MadBusLady · 12/04/2013 16:30

same problem, I love all Topshop dresses on the hanger but on my height they look like babydoll nighties - a bit too short and waist in totally the wrong place Sad

LadyMountbatten · 12/04/2013 16:35

Plus ugly black leggings.

Not chic.

onedev · 12/04/2013 16:37

I think they look lovely although don't wear them myself as they do make me look (& feel!) mumsy!!

noddyholder · 12/04/2013 16:42

this one looks a nice shape

EeyoreIsh · 12/04/2013 17:42

as with most clothes, I think it's all about the cut. a well cut tea dress will flatter, particular those that are large of norkage, those with a little tummy or those with an hourglass.

I don't think they suit those that are really skinny.

OneLittleLady · 12/04/2013 17:48

I like tea dresses personally. I think they can look great when worn with the right kind of thing. I have a few and wear them with opaques and ballet flats. Length is usually not a problem for me at only five foot.

Whitershadeofpale · 12/04/2013 17:54

I agree with eeyore and as a short arsed 5 2" length isnt a problem sitting just above the knee.

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