Gone are the days when people thought modest outfits were not in vogue and when little black dresses were the go-to party outfits. Testament to this fact is the ‘Tea Length’ dress trend that seems to have gripped the country, with Bollywood stars such as Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma among others sporting the outfit, and with Kate Middleton managing to turn heads with it at Pippa Middleton’s wedding.
A tea length dress is defined by the hemline that was originally just above the ankle, but the modern-day tea length dresses have their hemlines anywhere between the ankles and the knees. Fashion designer Nachiket Barve, gives a few tips to carry the trend.
Anushka Sharma sport tea length dress
“It’s called tea length because it was considered the appropriate dress for ladies to wear to tea parties. One’s body-type needs to be kept in mind while choosing the dress. Women who are short may not prefer this length because it could make them look even shorter. Similarly, those who are a little stout can avoid the flared tea length dresses. In fabrics, go for lace or taffeta silk to add to the elegance. Dressing has become quite relaxed and it’s not decided by the occasion as much anymore, so one can even wear this to a cocktail party. Wear formal pumps or peep toes, and less is more when it comes to accessorising. If the dress is light-coloured with a flare, you could opt for pearls. But if it has bright coloured prints, go easy on the accessories and wear bright shoes.”
Designer Pria Kataria Puri agrees and adds, “This trend started in the 1940s, and the ones that are being worn now also looks classic and vintage. The bustline is not visible and port neck with sleeves looks nice. There are two types — pencil and flared. For flared dresses, the waistline is pinched, which can also be replicated with a skirt and a wide belt. Small floral prints on colours like powder blue and light pink looks elegant, but one can even sport solid colours in pastels.”
