Fashion Word of the Day: Tea Gown

Yes, we have fallen behind on our words of the day already but partly because we have become so engrossed in watching the original series of Upstairs Downstairs. The series from the 1970s, much like the current one as well as new obsession Downton Abbey follows the Bellemy family from the turn of the 20th century through the end of World War I. 

Undoubtedly, Lady Marjorie Bellemy, the elegant matriarch of the household regularly entertained in her drawing room wearing an array of lovely tea gowns. 

The tea gown is a long, informal hostess gown in pale colours worn from 1877 to early 20th century. Usually made of thin wool or silk, it might be loose-fitting and worn without a corset. used in the 1920s and 1930s to desinate semiformal dress suitable for an afternoon tea or garden party.

Makes us want to have a tea party. But alas, the kettle has just gone off and I'm in my oversized denim shirt.


All words and definitions are taken from the Fairchild Dictionary of Fashion, Copyright 2003