none offending dress needed for hot holiday

[hettie]

So.... Over the years I have tried to look effortlessly floaty beach to bar chic... And failed miserably.
I'd love to find a light weight dress that I can pull on over my swimmers and that can be a bit dressed up for a beachside alfresco dinner.
In my head I want to look like this or even this but feel I often end up looking pale flustered and hot....
I have small boobs, (so v necks are not always a great look, although I have a padded bikini this year) and an up and down shape- not much waist, and sticky out tummy. Because I'm quite small (size 10, 5 ft 4), my bloaty belly often makes me look like I am newly pregnant...
Heeeelp!

Might this work? Might be bit too up and down?

This works well for me. Not wild about the racer back, but the looser tummy effect makes it worthwhile.

Ooh thanks...how heavy is fabric Queen... it's going to be 30 plus degrees....

Please ignore the terrible styling from house of fraser (what are those shoes?!) But I just bought this. It's absolutely lovely, really flattering on the tummy in particular
www.houseoffraser.co.uk/women/biba-lazela-leopard-maxi-dress/d725221.pd#252771251

Agree, shoes are ... But it could wirk. How tall are you (my mum bought me a lovely maxi once but I kept trying over the hem )

I'm 5,6" but it's not touching the floor so it's worth a go, it was an elasticated waist so you can pull up an inch or two?

There is a HOF near me so worth a try...

I walked a mile and a half (with 30 kids in tow!!) and back up a hill in 27 degrees in it. I was hot but not expiring! For sitting around and eating lunch I think you'd be fine. Mine is coming to the South of France as a throw on dress.

Maybe I need both

I have this dress in blue and white stripes, although I like the blue & red:
www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses/tunics-kaftans/wo163-mul/womens-imperial-blue-multi-stripe-adriana-tunic
It doesn't look like anything much but the fit & the way it hangs are very forgiving.

My figure sounds similar to yours (but taller though). That racer back one is lovely. How long is it queen and is it true to size?- never bought from there before.

Am prevaricating.... Feeling especially dumpy today....resisting the urge to shop for massive tent/cover up...

Hettie
That Aspiga website has lovely kaftans.
Expensive, but you will have them forever.
On a cost per wear they are probably worth it.