The charm of tea dresses lies in their effortlessly flattering design, lightweight fabrics, a softly fitted waist, and breezy short sleeves. They’re the stars of the warm season, perfect for everything from garden parties to casual brunches at home.
What we love about our collection of tea dresses is their timeless floral prints, which make them a beautiful addition to your summer wardrobe. In this blog, we’ll show you how to build a summer capsule wardrobe around a tea dress, mixing comfort, versatility, and classic charm in one stylish formula.
1. Start With the Perfect Tea Dress
Choose a tea dress in a colour or print that reflects your personality. Soft pastels for a gentle, timeless look or bold florals if you love to make a statement. A mid-length hemline and breathable fabric keep it versatile enough for both workdays and weekends.
The tea dress collection at Ballentynes Fashion Central features flattering silhouettes with scoop or V-necklines, gathered waists, and frilled hems that add just the right amount of texture and charm. Bonus points? They come with handy side pockets. Available in pretty shades of pink, green, and lilac, with multicolour floral prints that perfectly capture the spirit of summer.
2. Add Everyday Layers
When the days get cooler or when you want to add a touch of polish, layering is the way to go. Choose a silhouette that complements the easy flow of your tea dress. For casual outings, a cropped denim jacket adds just the right amount of structure without overpowering the look. Heading somewhere more formal? Opt for a tailored cropped blazer for a refined finish. And if you want something light and breezy, a cute bolero makes the perfect throw-on layer for summer days.
3. Swap Out Shoes for a Whole New Look
Your footwear is the finishing touch that ties your whole outfit together. You can match the colour of your dress for a coordinated look, or play it up with something fun and chic to add contrast and balance.
For pink tea dresses, try pink strap sandals with cushioned soles for comfort and style, or go for nude ballet flats for a more sophisticated finish. If you’re wearing lilac hues, a pair of white T-bar wedge sandals adds a bit of height and elegance, while colourful low-profile sneakers in green keep the look playful and relaxed. For green tea dresses, orange sandals make a fun and unexpected pairing that instantly brightens your look.
4. Accessorise Smart
When building a capsule wardrobe, your accessories should do more than just look good; they should work hard, too. Choose versatile pieces that can easily transition from day to night, like minimal jewellery that adds just the right amount of shine without overpowering your outfit. Opt for stylish yet practical hats that protect you from the sun, and bags that balance fashion with function, something you can take from brunch to evening catch-ups without missing a beat.
5. Keep It Simple, Keep It You
The beauty of a capsule wardrobe is that every piece earns its place, and a tea dress is the perfect starting point. This timeless piece does the heavy lifting; just add layers, shoes, and accessories that fit your lifestyle. Dress it up with a blazer for brunch, keep it casual with sneakers, or accessorise for an evening out.
Building a summer capsule wardrobe around a tea dress means creating a style that’s authentic, effortless, and truly you. Once you find that perfect floral or pastel piece, your wardrobe will bloom with versatility and confidence.