TIME FOR TEA
These Edwardian Tea Dresses are some of the older pieces we have in our Womenswear collection. As was the style, they are highly decorative, and highly delicate!
1901-1914 Edwardian Decorated Tea Dress with Silk and Lace:
Silhouettes of this time changed greatly from the century before it, which was dominated by crinoline cages or bustles, v-shaped bodices and puffy sleeves. At the beginning of the 20th Century, you would find a higher waistline and a straighter skirt, more reminiscent of Regency-era clothing. They often would have lace modesty panels, as shown in the second dress here, and would be made up of many layers and elements for a more romantic look, such as a lace overlay on the skirt or bows and rosettes.
1901-1914 Edwardian Decorated Tea Dress with Silk and Lace (details):
1901-1914 Edwardian Tea Dress with Silk and Lace Overlay and Modesty Insert:
While the dresses were more modern (and less capacious) they still took some effort to get into, with lines of eyelets to fasten at the back. We can assume that the wearer of these dresses were of some financial and social importance, due to the help you would need getting into it, perhaps from a lady’s maid.
