Help in finding a holiday wardrobe that works.

[Universal]

Every year I end up panic buying holiday clothes and have the attitude of, "oh yes that will do for Italy / France" etc and never wear again. This year I really want to buy a few key pieces that will be suitable for our European holiday, but I can also wear over the summer here in sunny England.
I'm not keen on shorts so I'm looking for dresses that can be worn day and night. I have seen people wearing floral trousers that look lovely too.
Can anyone help? I'm size 10/12 and 40.
Oh and if anyone can suggest pretty sandals that don't hurt my feet I would love you forever!

Hiya, Maxi dresses are fab - choose a neutral so you can wear a shirt over and it looks like you are wearing a skirt in your photos. You can also dress up or down a maxi, and jersey is very holiday-wearable.

Footglove sandals from M&S are great for long days, too, or Croc flipflops.

Happy Shopping!

Maxi dress

Dress

Maxi skirt

Skirt

Thank you for your replies. I love the maxi dress and will order it in line later and report back.

I'm thinking light patterned trousers are the way forward this year.
Maybe pegleg/hareems shape.
With plain teeshirt in the UK and vests in the heat?

French connection did nice maxi skirts last year.

Maxi and midi dresses are great.

What about some capris, or linen trousers? 3/4 lengths are nice if you don't like shorts but it's too hot for trousers. La Redoute are good for things like that.

I always pick up nice comfy sandals in New Look.
Something like this:

www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-shoes/tan-leather-embellished-twist-t-bar-sandals_302973218

Those sandals are lovely. I don't know if I should face a huge shopping trip with the two children or do a big on line order. I used to love shopping for clothes!
Thanks again.

I've just bought some linen trousers from Next in Navy and chambray

And a few shell tops from Dorothy Perkins like this

I walk a lot and I've bought Sea Salt sandals this year from www.sunsansandals.co.uk