Need a couple of good outfits for work trip (hot)

[expatnow]

... the hot refers to the climate rather than my goal of how I would like to look, but here is hoping for a hat trick... I have a few work trips in the middle east over the next few months and it will be hot, hot, hot. Of course, I will be in very chilly air-conditioned offices for much of the time, but I tend to have to go from meeting to meeting and so a bit of travelling outside. So... I am thinking of adding to my wardrobe with a few nice dresses. Long (obviously), but could be short sleeved or sleeveless as I can wear a jacket during meetings and whip them off for hotel lunches/ evenings at the bar. Has anyone seen anything that would suit. I am a size 8, short (5' 0") and would wear high heels.

I think M&S are great for work dresses. What is your budget?

I hadn't really thought about budget. Since I go out there a lot a couple of nice dresses would be useful so £300? Also need some new shoes....

I'd probably go more upmarket then. Check out Hobbs and the Hobbs Outlet, Reiss, LK Bennett.

Expatnow, you mention that you travel there quite frequently, so you are presumably familiar with the place - so I'm assuming that sleeveless dresses are appropriate for the location you are travelling to? For more conservative Muslim countries, I tend to wear trousers with shirtwaister-style shirts (eg. ones that over the bum), usually with a long-sleeved t-shirt underneath. All in cotton, which means that although there are several layers, I don't get too hot. If everything is nicely ironed, it looks office-smart but completely covered. I find that if I am on the safe side when it comes to being covered, it's one less thing to worry about and I can concentrate on work!

However if your environment is more relaxed, Hobbs and Reiss as suggested by suebfg sound good - in a nice breathable material. Could you get away with a good quality pashmina to cover up, which you could then remove in the evening?

Thanks, Suburbuan. Yes, I go there a lot and it is conservative, but it is SO freezing with the aircon inside that I usually wear a light jacket or pashima all the time when working/ in meetings. Good idea about layers. I usually wear trousers, but looking for a few dresses. I am very short, so long shirt with trousers makes me look a bit silly, I think!

LK bennett has some very nice and flattering work dresses, but might be bit over budget if you want 2 for 300.
www.lkbennett.com/clothing/dresses?page=1

I would just add one more point - if you are buying dresses at this time of year, look out for ones that are lined or made from non-breathable fabrics. I have found that even sleeveless dresses this time of year from places like Hobbes tend to be made of thick material or are lined with polyester-type fabric, which makes them hooooot. (Yes, I am obsessed with natural fibres!) It can be frustrating buying for work trips when it's not the summer season here...

Sometimes I find it's worth buying something that's long-sleeved or less 'summery' as long as it is in cotton, because you will still stay cool. (NOT linen however, it's my bugbear - I don't want to end up looking like a crumpled Dan Cruikshank-like Brit professor abroad whilst the locals look cool and smart in neatly ironed shirts!! )

How about something like this? Not sure if it is formal (or long) enough for your workplace, but there are a few others you could browse:
www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Dresses/Below-Knee-Dresses/WH471/Womens-Riviera-Shirt-Dress.html
Or this
www.whitestuff.com/go-crazy-midi-dress-prod405778_komono_ppl/
Or something like this, with peg trousers I think it might suit a petite frame - I still think it might be the way to go:
www.comptoirdescotonniers.co.uk/eboutique/womens-collection/tunics-and-shirts/5073-otus-color-pool-otus.html

(Can't afford a shopping spree at the moment, so doing it vicariously!)

... by the way, when I say 'look out for', I do of course mean 'don't buy'.