Cool midi/maxi dresses - tips please!

[MellowDoubter]

Any tips on where I can find a cool midi/maxi dress that's not animal print, black or tiered please? Something that's casual enough for an afternoon pub trip etc?

Needs to be a bit fitted up top as I'm short and would prefer not to look like I'm wearing a tent (I.e. not Cos), and ideally with short t-shirt length sleeves. Thanks!

Hi OP. Do you mean cool as in not hot, or cool as in fashionable? I have a Hush Kensington shirt dress in bright pink with a red print on it which might fit your brief, I'll see if I can link to it.

www.hush-uk.com/kensington-shirt-dress-floral-animal-pink-red/001717-3081.html

This one says it's animal print, but if you look at it it's actually hearts and flowers, which is quite nice. It's super comfy and will be nice on a hot day. The top isn't very fitted but I like a bit of space in my clothes, if you bought a size smaller than usual you'd be good to go I think (elasticated waist so v forgiving).

Hi @thecognoscenti, thanks! That's exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for, but I don't suit reds and they're out of my size (8). But definitely along the lines I was thinking, thanks!

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0938389012.html

Does this fit your bill OP? (Not sure why it looks like the model has pooed herself or something though!)

Simple one:
www.zara.com/us/en/long-belted-dress-p01044175.html?v1=98740547

Have a look at Nobody's Child in their 'Midi/Maxi' dresses section - lots of stuff quite similar to that Hush dress posted above

I have this Boden one. Technically I suppose, a flamingo IS an animal but it fits beautifully (I'm short as well!)

@thecognoscenti

https://www.hush-uk.com/kensington-shirt-dress-floral-animal-pink-red/001717-3081.html

This one says it's animal print, but if you look at it it's actually hearts and flowers, which is quite nice. It's super comfy and will be nice on a hot day. The top isn't very fitted but I like a bit of space in my clothes, if you bought a size smaller than usual you'd be good to go I think (elasticated waist so v forgiving).

Thanks @thecognoscenti I’ve just ordered it!

Would also second Nobody’s Child as @Letsgetreadytocrumble mentioned. M&S are currently stocking Nobody’s Child too.

Oh and I’ve bought a couple from New Look recently, will see if I can link...

I also keep getting Mumsnet recommendations for this but I can’t imagine buying clothes from Amazon for some reason

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/green-check-ruched-puff-sleeve-midi-dress/p/679610039

Fits a treat, very flattering although I’m a 14

The shirred top stops this looking like a sack. Most colours available in smaller sizes www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/all-eyes-on-you-midi-dress/?category=midi-dresses&color=230&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

Thanks everyone! I'd never even heard of Nobody's Child, so will def take a closer look at those...

That's great. @Snooks1971! I took a while to be won over by the handkerchief hem, and by midi dresses in general, but actually these ones are so comfy and flattering.

I've just bought the Nobodys child Esme dress, think i might get it in the other colour too

www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350184449.aspx?docid=746620#srt=noSorting&searchkeyword=midi%20dress&shoppingtool=search&pgnt=3

www.crewclothing.co.uk/womens/clothing-and-accessories/womens-dresses-and-skirts/alysa-midi-tea-dress-blue-woj543/
Crew has a few nice dresses

I’d definitely recommend Nobody’s child. I also just bought a dress from Tesco today which is exactly that type of thing. Floral print, shirred waist band, midi length, looks great and perfect for pub lunch etc.

I like Sézane for summery dresses - I just got this one: www.sezane.com/en/product/mae-dress/garden-blue#size-6 And have a couple from last year too - they bring new stock out every month or two and always have a few midi/maxi dresses.
www.sezane.com/en/collection/dresses/midi-long-dresses

Try Monki, I have a few from there

Monki is 20percent off til midnight too with DRESS20

Love this

www.reiss.com/ie/p/printed-midi-dress-womens-nerissa-in-blue/?category_id=1121&gaEeList=W%20-%20Dresses

And this...spendy but beautiful

www.reiss.com/ie/p/halterneck-midi-dress-womens-orla-in-yellow/?category_id=1121&gaEeList=W%20-%20Dresses

Ha. I’ve just ordered 2 from cos this evening that I was about to suggest until I finished the op. They’re not tent like!

@misery sorry...I didn't mean to suggest all Cos stuff is tent-like! I just think often their stuff is not cut for shorter people, I.e. you need to be a bit more statuesque than I am. Would love to take a look if you can post any links!

Oh yes @MellowDoubter you are probably right about height. I’m tall so they don’t tend to swamp me. I got these! The black one comes in turquoise and beige too.