Tea Length Formal Dresses

A well-rounded wardrobe should generally contain at least a couple of tea length formal dresses. Ideal for a wide range of situations and environments, tea length dresses are classic and flattering to all figures.

Closely associated with formal occasions, tea length dresses fall to the area between the knee and the ankle. Since it's more modest, it's appropriate for women of all ages – young and old alike can find compromise in this versatile, timeless piece. It's a style that can be worn to numerous events, from parties and proms to dinner meetings and dances. Tea length dresses are often favored as bridesmaid dresses, too.

In truth, there are a few places tea length dresses can't be worn, and that works to their favor in a big way. If the style isn't overly dressy – that is, made from a material like satin or heavily embellished – it might even be possible to wear it during the day with a cardigan or light shawl.

If you're in the market for an attractive tea length dress for your next big event, you should have no problem finding something that really meets your needs. The following stores are outstanding one-stop shops for gorgeous selections of tea length formal dresses:

• eDressMe: If you love your share of glamorous dresses (who doesn't?), you'll flip for the selection at eDressMe.com. Look for a wide range of styles here – you'll find everyday-appropriate looks that make summer days just a little bit more sweet, and you'll even find graduation dresses and bridesmaid-only styles in a rainbow of colors. Prices vary, but since most of the dresses are designed by big names (think Badgley Mischka and Nicole Miller), you can expect to pay a fair amount.

• Jay's Bridal: If it's bridesmaid-specific dresses you're after, pay a visit to Jay's Bridal. Pages and pages worth of tea-length dresses abound, in a wide range of colors. Some are more understated while others pop in radiant colors.

• Macy's: Both in store and online, Macy's offers a great selection of tea length dresses for formal occasions. You might have an easier time finding styles for everyday special events than for weddings here, but you can also count on getting a great deal, especially if you have a coupon in hand.

When shopping for tea length formal dresses, keep a few of these helpful tips in mind. They can mean the difference between making a so-so and a so-fabulous impression!

• If you're attending a very formal evening affair, opt for a dark or jewel tone color as opposed to something light and summery. Dark colors are, by nature, much more dramatic and elegant, and a tea length dress can even resemble a glamorous cocktail dress when it's the right color!
• Tea length dresses aren't known for being warm and cozy – charming and feminine, yes, but not really appropriate for cool weather. If you must wear your tea length dress during fall and winter, don't forget to add an elegant layer on top. A shimmery shawl or wrap is a great choice, while a light cardigan suits a less brisk evening. Of course, a long coat is always appropriate when the weather demands it.
• You may come across a style with sleeves every now and then. If you know you'll be wearing that dress in chilly weather, don't hesitate to go for it – it might save you serious discomfort on the special day.
• Don't go overboard if you're a bridesmaid wearing a tea length dress. You certainly don't want to overshadow the bride (and no doubt she'll make sure of this!), but you also want to appear classy and sweet. Avoid prints and generally dramatic colors, unless the wedding theme calls for it.
• Don't skimp on accessories for those extremely formal occasions. If your tea length dress is on the simple side, embellish your overall look with delicate jewelry. A strapless dress is stunning paired with a strand of gleaming rhinestones, for example. If you're wearing your hair pulled back, consider elegant chandelier earrings to complement your look.

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