Ultimate summer holiday dress

[LostOrFound]

Travelling around Italy this summer, and need a versatile dress that’s going to stand up to being scrunched in a suitcase, keep me cool when sightseeing and resist gelato-fingered DC.

Any suggestions for what I should be looking for?

I like this dress from Next but don’t know what the viscose/linen mix will be like:

www.next.co.uk/style/st832003/A09494#A09494

I also love this but probably really not practical?

www.asos.com/prd/22802432?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

Love the asos one but not if you have a gelato-fingered DC!

@shazzer1978

Love the asos one but not if you have a gelato-fingered DC!

Well indeed - it fits my vision of the holiday more than what is likely to be the reality!

I can't post photos for some reason but have a look at fat face - I have a dress from there in a crinkly material and it's fab for throwing in a suitcase - the red paisley one they have at the mo is lovely and there's also a white striped smocky type one. I wouldn't get that white asos one - you'll regret it! The next one is ok but looks like it might be a bit hot - it'll be boiling in Italy in summer!

I have a fab black maxi dress (borderline, 100% cotton with lining) from M&S last year which is perfect for this, so have a hunt through their website, I also got a great striped maxi tee shirt dress from there this year, which looks fab with a belt and blazer.

M&S have some nice non crease summer dresses. I bought this one recently, think it's out of stock now though, but there are lots of similar ones still available.

@Bluebluemoon

I can't post photos for some reason but have a look at fat face - I have a dress from there in a crinkly material and it's fab for throwing in a suitcase - the red paisley one they have at the mo is lovely and there's also a white striped smocky type one. I wouldn't get that white asos one - you'll regret it! The next one is ok but looks like it might be a bit hot - it'll be boiling in Italy in summer!

I’ve had a quick scroll through their website but nothing’s leaping out at me TBH - I’m not sure what are the crinkly fabric ones you mean?

Bought this from pour moi

www.pourmoi.co.uk/#search:query=Bella+Slinky+Recycled+Jersey+Tie+Sleeve+Tea+Dress&attrib%5Bisoutlet%5D%5B0%5D=0

Bought a phase 8 one second hand (but tags on) so not sure if current, it's jersey but lace over and can be scrunched and looks perfect - I'm heading to Italy on the motorbike so needed a dress that's versatile!

This is the M&S t shirt dress I bought:
www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-striped-midi-t-shirt-dress/p/clp60539743?color=BLACKMIX

[quote MrMrsJones]Bought this from pour moi

www.pourmoi.co.uk/#search:query=Bella+Slinky+Recycled+Jersey+Tie+Sleeve+Tea+Dress&attrib%5Bisoutlet%5D%5B0%5D=0[/quote]
Love this - what's the fabric like on wobbly bits though? Bit worried it might be a clingy

Elsie's attic are great for this kind of loose throw on, one size dresses. They also do loose breezy jumpsuits great for hot weather

www.elsiesattic.co.uk/product/fuchsia-santorini-linen-shirt-dress/

Are you tall and slim? Because the dresses you posted would make me look like a summery sack of potatoes.

I love both. The Aztec print version of the first is great and the second is so romantic.

[quote yorkshireteaspoonie]Elsie's attic are great for this kind of loose throw on, one size dresses. They also do loose breezy jumpsuits great for hot weather

www.elsiesattic.co.uk/product/fuchsia-santorini-linen-shirt-dress/[/quote]
Ooh like this, will have a browse

@UnexpectedItemInShaggingArea

Are you tall and slim? Because the dresses you posted would make me look like a summery sack of potatoes.

Yes, and I generally feel more comfortable in looser fitting clothes.

[quote DazzlePaintedBattlePants]This is the M&S t shirt dress I bought:
www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-striped-midi-t-shirt-dress/p/clp60539743?color=BLACKMIX[/quote]
Like this, especially the sunny yellow. Looks very wearable.

I love the white ASOS one.. visions of wafting through the hot Italian summer all cool and lovely.
Just limit the gelato to vanilla 😃

Ooh I like that Next one, in black

Take a look at Uniqlo, their summer dresses are secret gems.

And I like Cos summer dresses too but they’re a bit of an acquired taste.

Take a look at New Look too - I got www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/orange-crinkle-34-sleeve-tiered-midi-smock-dress/p/823658681this in a coral colour last summer after admiring it on a woman in the supermarket 😃 It’s much nicer in real life. There are a few others too.

@WouldBeGood

I love the white ASOS one.. visions of wafting through the hot Italian summer all cool and lovely. Just limit the gelato to vanilla 😃

I know I’m going to end up buying it, wearing once and bringing it home a creased up rag splattered with pasta sauce.

@Rainallnight

Ooh I like that Next one, in black

Take a look at Uniqlo, their summer dresses are secret gems.

And I like Cos summer dresses too but they’re a bit of an acquired taste.

Good suggestions- I love Cos but normally buy in the sale. Might check eBay.

Unfortunately it's not just the gelato clumsiness of DC that could be the issue with the second one. On a train a few years ago and heard a shriek of complaint about a dirty train seat from a woman with a white skirt.

@Dogscanteatonions

It's lovely actually, they do the same dress in so many different colours, it washes well, I never iron it, it sits lovely.

I've been looking for a black cotton midi sundress with a fitted waist and short sleeves for about the past five years. So annoying that summer dresses tend to be white or coloured!

Italy likely to be very hot - you definitely won't want viscose mix.

I am also tall and slim, and I have this in lots of colours, it doesn't look great in the pictures but its absolutely beautiful on, really flattering, cool and comfortable. It has pockets too, and thin ribbed jersey panels down either side of the torso, so it easy to move around in. It can be more dressed up for casual meals out too.
It doesn't crease too badly, I tend to roll mine when we're travelling, and I can vouch that it washes excellently and dries very quickly in small hotel sinks after child/food related staining accidents

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274442971890?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item3fe6136af2:g:ckoAAOSwYORfIXyB&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAAA8EYGOAJaGLimTP8CRLUQ3fvqMrrQIjEzDi9XYn7bMRfUPOQuk4NGW%2FkxtTBeWv3orUCG7UHMiRnbfJaFo7MesQTUdxAbTW%2Bb1Hr446yu6QLIg564ud%2B8lfhWfISphqJnLNR4KRcCZXlUes1hpfdM7CAVua39lTmcDLtdVxYesSTlA6UsUHNsDkbyTW%2FnLklaw0bm72Z5dQauTp4Ck6yXhlCtELSuzrID%2FJ1WbfgjBkTnTt8go8RdPYJQgFTc6qvNCoWu2ZFKfAyclB68z%2FkWxUx4kbhKozhBA7mlMZ1xRHHCf%2BfIosvjyAzrxKrAhvg6HA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMtvjU6oFg