What did you where as a wedding guest in a hot country?

[dameofdilemma]

Am starting to panic a bit....have a wedding to go to in a hot Med country where day time temps are mid 30s.
Wedding is in early evening but could still be 25 degrees.

I want to cover my legs as I have eczema scars so am thinking a maxi dress in a cool thin fabric. I never wear long dresses and tend to where jumpsuits instead but think it will be too hot.

Everything I've seen is either full on bridesmaid or too beach casual or the fabric and cut is meant for a colder climate.

Have looked at ASOS, Monsoon, Reiss, Warehouse, Mango, etc.
Am a short size 6-8 so a lot of more expensive brands (Whistles etc) are just too big. Am expecting to have to alter whatever I buy but some brands just don't work. Neither do I want to spend £££s as likely will rarely wear it.

Am really lost, where do you buy long dresses that aren't too formal or casual??

*wear

Whay is your height? If you're not too tall, maybe a midi (ie mid calf on the model) would work? Loads around

I'm properly short, 5ft so have looked at midis too.
Midi length might work but I've seen mainly ones with sleeves or casual ones. Also need a straight fitting dress as a full skirt looks all wrong on me. A lot of the midis are fit and flare shape.
Also florals or big patterns look terrible on me.

Eg french connections wedding guest dress section is floral , sleeved midis.

Maybe it's too early in the season to look for summer dresses??

Do you want it waisted or more like a sleeveless shift?

Also .

Budget?

A structured shape will look better (anything too flowing or drapey won't work well with my height) but if the waist is in the wrong position it will be tricky to alter.

A belted waist or empire can work (empire on other people is at my waist!).

Budget up to £70ish as I literally will never wear it again I expect!

I wore a knee length, cotton, navy and white wrap dress with flat leather sandals. I actually turned up for the ceremony in a black and teal sleeveless floaty thing, with heels, but it was so, so hot.

We had to go back to the hotel for something for DC anyway, so I changed into the more comfortable option while we were there.

Oh just saw knee length is no good! Maybe something with a split? I'd definitely go for natural fibres.

Last time I went to a summer wedding was in the Med and it hit 40. Anyway I wore a sleeveless fit and flare knee length navy floral frock (collect the bride) navy lace dress (congratulations to the groom night) and a navy sleeves floor length dress with beading (wedding night) This was an Albanian wedding and I flew with only a cabin bag so the dresses I chose had to co ordinate with one pair of navy suede pumps although I did pack a trio of clutches and earrings!

The only thing I can say is do not get anything poly it really is no good in the heat. Anything outside? A cotton shawl or a cotton brolly can be good to stop any burn. And don’t forget get a decent facial sun cream that you can wear under make up - I use Vichy.

Oh and I get dress from sales in places like monsoon and sugar hill. And as for never wear again just choose something classic then you have an appropriate dress for another occasion. I just wore the floral one for a naice lunch for my mothers 60th.

Am going cross eyed looking at a sea of flowery midi dresses.....just not me at all.

Sleeveless seems to mean cami straps which doesn't work with a proper bra. Am guessing sleeves tho will be impractical in the heat.

The search continues.

Since you're so teeny, could you not brave it sans bra? You'd get away with it more in the heat I reckon.

Cupoh - my teeny mid 40s post breastfeeding chest still needs hoiking up 😁

It's depressing shopping for something you have to buy rather than something you actually want to wear. Humph.

Might be worth looking at some jumpsuits if they’re more your usual style - I’m a similar height and size and wore a wide-leg, halter neck Topshop one to a wedding in Greece and found it okay in 30+ degree heat. I got it cheaply (brand new) on eBay

"Cupoh - my teeny mid 40s post breastfeeding chest still needs hoiking up*

you're preaching to the choir! I'm only 36 though 😬😬😬.

Hmmmmmm how about a maxi skirt with a split and maybe a wrap top or something?

I also have fleeting moments where I resent buying clothes for weddings abroad. It's expensive enough to attend! And then you have to buy something to wear with very limited knowledge and experience of shopping for the weather.