Tea Length Formal Dresses

With their hemlines hitting anywhere from a few inches above the ankle to a few inches below the knee, tea length dresses offer a modest and feminine look for cocktail parties, weddings, and other formal events. These beautiful dresses typically feature full or a-line skirts and are flattering on many body types.

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The illusion of a two-piece ensemble can make for a stunning tea length style. This beautiful mint gown has a short-sleeved top, scoop neck top with lace and beading and a full sweeping skirt of chiffon. It's ideal if you'd like a modest formal look. It comes in sizes from small to 6X and retails for about $250.

A lower v-neck is the perfect accompaniment to a longer hemline, giving a gown a little sexy flair without compromising modesty. This youthful Grecian-style tea-length chiffon gown comes in hot pink, purple, and black. It features a low draped neckline and a rhinestone-accented empire waist. This gown comes in sizes 6 through 16 and retails for $50.

Hitting a few inches below the knee, this simple grape chiffon tea length dress has a fun, elegant feel. The elegant neckline and slight empire waist are accented with silver beading, and the A-line skirt is flattering on most body types. It comes in sizes 2 through 26 plus and retails for $245.

Tea length dresses were popular during the 1920s and 1930s, and it's fun to choose a gown that's a modern take on these vintage styles. This glamorous chiffon dress comes in black or navy blue and features delicate tone-on-tone beading and a cute handkerchief hem. The modest v-neck echoes the shape of the hem and a matching chiffon jacket completes the look. This dress comes in sizes small through 2X and retails for about $250.

A portrait collar looks flattering on almost everyone, and this sleek black gown is no exception. The bodice features a ruched wide waistband, and elbow-length sleeves end in French style satin cuffs with rhinestone detail at the cuffs. The full, tea-length satin skirt offers plenty of drama. This gown comes in sizes 6 through 10 and retails for about $120.

A trendy high-low hem is ideal with a tea length gown, since the high part is never too high. This pleated pink chiffon dress has a simple rounded neckline and ribbon tie belt, allowing the fetching hemline to take center stage. This dress comes in sizes 6 through 16 and retails for about $60.

An asymmetrical hemline and ruched bodice give this simple navy dress sophisticated modern glamour. The wide neck and gathered waist are flattering on many body types. This elegant dress comes in sizes 2 through 26 plus and retails for about $186.

This beautiful tea length gown would work perfectly for almost any formal occasion, from prom to evening wedding. The elegant bodice is embellished with lace overlay and a sash accentuates the empire waist, balancing the full satin skirt perfectly. It comes in sizes 2 through 26. The dress retails for about $100.

A stunning sunburst effect accents the strapless sweetheart bodice of this dark blue chiffon tea length gown. The sheer skirt has a shorter opaque underskirt behind it, giving this dress a youthful feel. This dress is great on many body types, but it does have a youthful feel. It comes in sizes 2 through 26 and retails for about $120.

Longer hemlines don't necessarily mean dowdy gowns. In fact, there are lots of beautiful styles for all ages and body types. No matter which gown you choose, wearing a tea length formal dress will make you feel elegant.