To think a normal length cotton dress with sleeves is in fact the Holy Grail

[Orangeanddemons]

Because I can't find one anywhere, apart from Boden which I don't like.

I'm tall, so knee length is short on me. I work in a school, I neither want maxi or above knee level. I want just below knee or above ankle. These don't exist.

If they do they are ponte hideousness. Who buys all these polyester mini dresses?

[Bunbaker]

This is beautiful IMO.

[JonesRipley]

Caitlin

OP works in a school.

[JonesRipley]

OTOH, she may have savings...

[Orangeanddemons]

I have no savings.

All those Asos ones have been looked at and rejected, due to polyester/ viscose. I like the style of them though. I have a million t shirt dresses and really want a woven dress.

I think this thread is proving that it is indeed a Holy Grail.

[crabbyoldbat]

Long Tall Sally have several that might fit the bill, if only they were cotton, like these one:
www.longtallsally.com/p/tall/keyhole-ditsy-print-tea-dress-05G05#05G05MUL
www.longtallsally.com/p/floral-posy-pleat-side-dress-05G37#05G37MUL
www.longtallsally.com/p/tall/kyoto-print-embellished-dress-05G10#05G10BLU
www.longtallsally.com/p/tall/ruby-rocks-spot-wrap-dress-65Z13#65Z13EBL

[Orangeanddemons]

I've looked at Liberty...the prices!

I have decided to make one. Like this www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty//Blue-Rosemary-Round-Neck-Chambray-Dress/101965 in a chambray or denimy type linen, but long enough to cover my knees.

Thanks for all your help

[AnyoneforTurps]

Lands End: some of their stuff is mumsy but the plainer things are nice and they use good quality natural fabrics: www.landsend.co.uk/Women/Dresses_Skirts/ix-5730?start=12&sz=12

[Orangeanddemons]

I've tried Lands End and Next. The first ones are all too short or sleeveless. Next is an experience I don't really want to repeat...

[Selvedge]

Patra ?

[MissBattleaxe]

YY to Patra www.patra.com/Products/SPJD/jersey-dress

[winklewoman]

Have you actually looked at the East dresses yet?

There are several similar to this, one or two are reduced.

www.east.co.uk/anokhi-ido-print-dress-cre/

[MissBattleaxe]

I bought a dress from East 6 years ago and it's still in fantastic condition. it's great quality, flattering and doesn't need ironing. I love it.

[LightastheBreeze]

Hmm, Might pop into JL myself to look at the East dresses. i particularly like the one Bunbaker linked to

[Orangeanddemons]

Yes, I've looked at them. Am going to have another look though, as didn't see anything I like first time

[IfNotNowThenWhen]

Oooh, I love some of those People Tree ones!
Never even looked on there before!

[winklewoman]

MissB, I quite agree with you about the way East clothes last and stay looking good. I find their bubble fabric brilliant for taking on holiday, just roll it up and bung in your case. I popped in today and got a really lovely linen shirt dress, plus another couple of things (supposed to be on an economy drive but still....).

Those cotton dresses which might appeal to the OP are produced each year in different patterns and slightly varying styles. I have three and they have resulted in more compliments and enquiries about where I bought them than virtually anything else in my wardrobe.

[MorrisZapp]

I got a fabulous dress in the Levis outlet store a couple of weeks ago.

It's a cotton shirtwaister in a blue and pink check, with hip pockets (a non negotiable for me) and proper knee length.

It's basically a knee length cowboy shirt, but properly dress shaped. It has full length sleeves and a tab in case you prefer them rolled up.

Think it was reduced from something like ninety quid to about thirty quid.

Bring on the summer!

[Orangeanddemons]

I like the Bunbaker dress too. Do you think it's cut on the bias?

[MrsLettuce]

has this been linked yet?

[MrsLettuce]

Oh and there might be something www.poppyengland.com/womens-dresses-c48 here amongst the daffy prints.

[Orangeanddemons]

Oh Mrs Lettuce. I love those. I love the blouses too. All in cotton as well! And with sleeves. I like the pale green wish dress, and the blue grace dress. They are fab!

[HolidayCriminal]

I was going to suggest get one made. I think I have similar body shape (& boy do I identify with lumpy knees). I almost always wear leggings under dresses, though, so well hidden (phew). And cardigans or jumpers or layers shirts (so cold-blooded) so sleeveless not an issue.

[FiscalCliffRocksThisTown]

Boden are notmy style, but they do do most of their dresses and skirts in two lengths now!

[3littlefrogs]

I would love some old fashioned shirt waister dresses made of cotton.
Then I could be cool and comfortable, have my bulges disguised and not worry about the skirt riding up.
Is that too much to ask?

[Polkadotpatty]

I'm 5'9" and, er, not exactly racing fit. I love the cotton options from Gudruns Joden, although the website is not the easiest to navigate so if you like the look it's worth ordering a catalogue or visiting a store: www.gudrunsjoden.com/uk/2014_summer/inspiration/2014_summer_chapters/2014_summer_woodlands