6 Star-Approved Ways to Wear a Tea-Length Dress
Striking a balance between thigh-grazing mini skirts and floor-sweeping maxi dresses, the tea length hemline has enjoyed serious staying-power throughout the decades. Falling anywhere between the middle of the knee and above the the ankle, it accommodates both retro charm and contemporary elegance (and can solve a high-low style quandary in a snap!) The mid-calf proportion might seem intimidating at first glance, but a little thoughtful styling makes it a cinch to take on. See how these celebrities are wearing the cool length, and get inspired to try it out this summer!
Photo: Getty Images1/7<a href="http://teenvogue.com/about/kiernan-shipka/">Kiernan Shipka's</a> Retro Inspiration
A below-the-knee frock may seem like an unlikely choice for Kiernan, but a perfect fit and minimal accessories make a sophisticated statement instead of overwhelming the star's petite frame. And as one of the central characters on acclaimed period drama Mad Men, it's no surprise that her impossibly chic style sports some serious '50s and '60s influence. The high neckline of her sleeveless A-line dress speaks to ladylike sensibility, while her pointy satin pumps and braided updo give it a contemporary spin.
2/7Find middle ground with this cool hemline.
Photo: Getty Images3/7<a href="http://teenvogue.com/about/emma-stone/">Emma Stone's</a> Simple Sophistication
Think of Emma's white frock as an amped-up version of the '40s shirt dress. Pointy lapels take the place of a collar, and a slightly fuller skirt boosts the fancy factor. Cinching it with a wide black belt gives it a dose of modern-day edge.
Photo: Getty Images4/7<a href="http://teenvogue.com/about/emmy-rossum/">Emmy Rossum's</a> Fresh Florals
Thanks to her mix of youthful elegance and fashion-forward flair, Emmy always nails it on the red carpet. This painterly floral print is romantic, oh-so-summery, and—thanks to those minty pumps—totally au courant.
Photo: Getty Images5/7<a href="http://teenvogue.com/about/hailee-steinfeld/">Hailee Steinfeld's</a> Daytime Take
From the red carpet to the front row at fashion week and everywhere in between, we've watched this newly minted style star master the mid-calf hemline. Hailee's trick to pulling it off with aplomb? Infusing her own quirky-cool sensibility into each look with fun prints, lu accessories, and fresh, natural-looking makeup.
Photo: Getty Images6/7<a href="http://teenvogue.com/about/julianne-hough/">Julianne Hough's</a> Classic Red
When an event isn't floor-length gown formal but not quite mini-dress casual either, a tea length dress offers the perfect compromise. With its full skirt and nipped-in waist, Julianne's dress all about quiet elegance—here, the vibrant red hue gets to do all the talking.
Photo: Getty Images7/7<a href="http://teenvogue.com/about/dianna-agron/">Dianna Agron's</a> Pattern Play
Longer lengths often get a bad rap for looking dowdy, but Dianna disproves that notion with her graphic, edgy ensemble. The crop-top-and-skirt combo is a fun play on proportion, and her leopard clutch creates cool dimension against the bold, geometric lace.
