A relaxed A-line dress for summer weddings and warm-weather events
If you are shopping for an a line tea length mother of the bride dress for summer, you are probably looking for three things: comfort in the heat, coverage that feels appropriate, and a shape that does not cling. This dress is built around those ideas.
It has a V-neck with a draped bodice, short sleeves, a high waist and a flared A-line skirt that ends at the knee. The fabric is a polyester and elastane knit with slight stretch. It comes in nine colors, from Burgundy and Navy Blue to Light Grey, Dark Green and Yellow, and it is $69 with free shipping to the US.
One honest note on length: the listing says knee-length, and that is what our burgundy photo shows. It is not a full tea-length hem that falls mid-calf. If you want a hem well below the knee, check the length numbers in the size guide below before you order.
Why it works for the mother of the bride and other summer guests
A shape that does not fight you in the heat
An A-line skirt starts at the high waist and flares out gently, so air moves around you. Nothing is tight at the hip or thigh. The listing describes the fit and silhouette as loose, which is what most people want when they will be standing outdoors, hugging guests and sitting through a long reception.
The high waist also keeps the proportions simple. The bodice is draped, and the skirt carries the shape from there down.
Sleeves and neckline that feel put together
The short sleeves cover the tops of the arms without adding the weight of a long sleeve. The V-neck is a classic, flattering cut that works with a necklace or on its own.
A word about formality. This burgundy version is a jersey-style knit with a wrap-look bodice, and it reads a little more relaxed than a satin or chiffon gown. It fits well for a daytime wedding, a garden ceremony, a beach or backyard celebration, or a rehearsal dinner. If the wedding is black tie or very formal, you may want something with more structure and sheen. We would rather tell you that now than have you find out at the venue.
Fabric and feel
The product details list the material as polyester with elastane, in a knit construction. The elastane gives it slight stretch, so it moves with you when you sit, walk or reach. It is not a stretchy, clingy fabric. The loose cut does most of the work on comfort.
We do not have a fabric weight, fabric percentages or lining information from the supplier, so we will not guess. The listing does not mention a lining. If that matters for the color you choose, especially lighter shades like Light Grey or Yellow, think about what you plan to wear underneath.
Photos can also differ slightly from color to color. Some of the listing images show a version with details such as lace or a different neckline, so look closely at the photo for the color you want. The specs for this listing are V-neck, short sleeves, A-line, knee-length and draped decoration.
Care instructions
The supplier did not give us a care label, so we cannot list exact washing settings. Please follow the label on the dress when it arrives.
As a general habit with polyester knits, a gentle wash and low heat are safer than hot water and a hot dryer. Hang or lay it flat to dry if you want to be careful, and steam or press on a low setting if it wrinkles from the shipping bag. Test any iron on an inside seam first.
Size guide
The dress is offered in S, M, L, XL and XXL, and the only measurement published is the dress length for each size.
A full chart with bust, waist and hip measurements is not published for this dress. The lengths above are what we have, so use them as a guide to where the hem will land. The listing does not say exactly where the length is measured from, so compare it with a dress you own rather than assuming.
How to measure
Use a soft tape measure and measure over light clothing or underwear.
- Bust: around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape level across your back.
- Waist: around your natural waist, the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button.
- Hips: around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
- Length: from the top of your shoulder, beside your neck, down to where you want the hem to fall. Compare that number with the length column above.
To check the length against a dress you already own, lay it flat and measure from the top of the shoulder to the hem. If your favorite A-line dress is 36 inches and you like where it hits, size L (36.22 inches) would be a close match for length.
Which size should I choose?
Because the cut is loose and the knit has slight stretch, this dress is forgiving through the middle. Length is often the bigger question.
- If you are between sizes and want a roomier, more relaxed drape, choose the larger size.
- If you are on the shorter side and want the hem at or just above the knee, look at the S and M lengths (32.28 and 33.86 inches).
- If you are tall or want the hem closer to the lower knee, look at L, XL or XXL (36.22 to 40.94 inches).
- If you plan to wear shapewear or a slip, measure with it on.
All sales are final, so we would rather you take a few extra minutes now. If you are unsure, message us with your measurements and we will help you pick, based on the information we have.
How to style it
Keep the look simple, since the dress already has a draped neckline and a full skirt.
- Shoes: a low block heel, wedge or dressy flat is comfortable on grass and gravel. Metallic or nude sandals work with most colors.
- Jewelry: a pendant or short chain sits nicely in a V-neck. Drop earrings are enough on their own.
- Layers: a light cardigan, a wrap or a cropped jacket is useful for air-conditioned venues and evening breezes.
- Bag: a small clutch or crossbody keeps your hands free.
- Color choices: Burgundy, Navy Blue and Dark Green are the easiest to dress up for a wedding. Black is the safest all-purpose choice. Yellow and Light Grey are better for daytime and casual events. As a mother of the bride, it is a good idea to check the wedding colors with the couple first so you do not match or clash with the party.
Where else you can wear it
A mother of the bride dress does not have to be worn only once. This one is easy to get more use out of.
- Summer weddings as a guest, including garden, beach and backyard ceremonies
- Rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and engagement parties
- Church services and Easter or Mother's Day brunches
- Graduations, anniversary dinners and cruises
- Everyday summer outings, with flats and a denim jacket
Shipping
Free standard shipping to all 50 US states. Orders are made to order and ship from our production partner within 1 to 3 business days, then arrive in about 7 to 14 business days. You get a tracking link by email as soon as your order ships.
All sales are final
All sales are final. Because every item is made to order, we do not accept returns or exchanges for change of mind or fit, so please check the size information before ordering. If your order arrives damaged, defective or not as described, email us within 14 days of delivery with a photo and we will send a replacement or a refund.
Contact us
Email hello@dressdune.com. A real person replies within one business day.
Why shop with Dressdune
Dressdune is a dress shop, so this is what we spend our time on. We write our product pages from the supplier's specs and the actual photos, and we tell you when something is unclear instead of filling the gap with guesses.
That includes the details that are less exciting to print: the length is knee-length, not mid-calf, the size chart only lists length, and this version leans casual rather than formal. We want you to buy a dress you will actually wear.
Pricing is simple. This dress is $69 and ships free to the US.
Frequently asked questions
Is this dress really tea length?
The listing specifies knee-length, and the burgundy photo shows a hem at the knee. It is not a true mid-calf tea-length dress. Check the length column in the size guide (32.28 to 40.94 inches) and compare it with a dress you own to estimate where it will fall on you.
It depends on the wedding. The A-line shape, V-neck and sleeves are appropriate, and in a deeper color like Burgundy, Navy Blue or Dark Green it works well for daytime, garden, beach or casual weddings. For a very formal or black-tie event, a more structured or dressier fabric may be a better fit.
Is the fabric stretchy?
The material is polyester with elastane in a knit, and the listing describes the stretch as slight. The silhouette is loose, so you get room from the cut as well as the fabric.
What colors does it come in?
Burgundy, Purple, Navy Blue, Light Grey, Dark Green, Blue, Green, Black and Yellow. Sizes offered are S, M, L, XL and XXL.
Can I return it if it does not fit?
All sales are final, with no returns or exchanges for fit or change of mind. If your item arrives damaged, defective or is the wrong item, we will replace or refund it within 14 days of delivery. Please measure carefully and ask us if you are unsure before ordering.
