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Original poster

Need to up my "dressing for breakfast on holiday " game

163 replies

tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 10/04/2023 18:30

We're off to Sorrento this summer (first abroad jaunt since before covid) and whilst not a posh place it's a bit smarter than our usual AI choice hotel.

We'll be either lazing by the pool or going into town for a walk by day, the odd trip so whilst not a dressy holiday per say I think I need something more substantial than a floaty dress over a bikini for breakfast kind of outfit.

I'm still thinking dresses as they are easy and if I choose carefully will suit different parts of the day and activities.

Can anyone recommend some good online places to look, probably top budget of £40ish. Also easy free returns a must - Cupshe have some lovely things but their returns aren't free for example.

Really need ideas as I'm going to be around chic Italians Confused

OP posts:
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user12345678912334 · 13/04/2023 21:29

I second "Made in Italy" clothing. I have at least 3 of their dresses
Currently on holiday somewhere hot and lots of classy continental ladies are in similar. I am very much in keeping in my linen/cotton dresses.
I also have a big bag, sunglasses and metallic slides. Plus a straw visor (from Primark!)
Get a lot of things from H and M And Zara.
Breakfast dresses are definitely a thing. No shorts and vest tops, if you want to look cool and classy.

Oxosarah · 13/04/2023 22:43

I've got some pour moi dresses which are really nice

menopausalbloat · 13/04/2023 22:59

Sorento is very pretty. Try and take a trip to the top of Vesuvius, if you haven't. Incredible views over Naples from the top.

KillerSandy · 13/04/2023 23:47

Girlattheback · 11/04/2023 21:45

I think you might neeeed this … H&M dress

I love this one. Was looking at it today.

Willowtre1 · 14/04/2023 07:41

I love love the concept of breakfast dress and the support for it on this thread! Also the sundowner dress- I feel that has to be particularly floaty and unrestrictive after a day of sunbathing. I will also be scouring m&s as love the look of some of those posted.
I recently bought a couple of mango dresses for my holiday this summer that I realise will make perfect breakfast dresses! These
https://shop.mango.com/gb/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits-short/printed-textured-dress_47048636.html

Printed textured dress - Women | Mango United Kingdom

Flowy fabric Textured fabric Evasé design Short design Printed design V-neck Short sleeve Unclosed Plus Size Available Recycled polyester is obtained from polyester textile waste, marine litter or PET plastic bottles that are used to produce new fabric...

https://shop.mango.com/gb/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits-short/printed-textured-dress_47048636.html

GetYourActTogether1 · 14/04/2023 07:45

This is a great thread, I will give you all a nod when I’m next in holiday and having breakfast.

Original poster
tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 14/04/2023 07:48

zurala · 13/04/2023 16:57

I'm really confused by this thread. What is a breakfast dress? Don't you just get dressed in whatever your going to wear that day? Why do you need a dress just for breakfast?

Basically I'm in need of something I can put on for going down to breakfast then after to go down to the pool I'll just chuck a sheer dress/kaftan type thing over my bikini. This item will be a)quite floaty and slightly see through and also something I'm not precious about getting a bit sweaty or a bit of sun cream on. The dress I'll wear for breakfast (also for a mooch in town for coffee perhaps) I don't want to look grubby IYSWIM.

Also we've not been on an "abroad " holiday in years so I just want to treat myself as I've not replaced holiday clobber for a loooooong time Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 14/04/2023 07:50

It’s probably a step up from just pulling on a pair of shorts and a vest. I first encountered it on a holiday in a very nice hotel in Thailand. I felt very underdressed in my shorts and vest so sorted myself out thereafter.

//

Exactly this Count. I'm not knocking AI hols as we did them for many years and bloody loved them but where we're going is a step up and quite chic by comparison- for us it is anyway!

OP posts:
Original poster
tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 14/04/2023 07:51

LadyOfTheCanyon · 13/04/2023 17:15

Oh no! A breakfast dress is a must.

If you're going from breakfast to pool you want something that covers you up stylishly but it still easy to get on and off over your head for lunch/ swims etc. personally I can't be faffing with shorts/ T-shirts when I'm a bit sticky from swimming/ sun tan lotion etc.

Equally, a lot of cover ups designed for pool wear are way too flimsy to be decorous at breakfast time.

Hence the breakfast dress. ( I didn't know it had a name before this thread, but I'm here for it. )

I'm pleased to be of service Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 14/04/2023 07:52

MadamBuxton · 13/04/2023 17:42

This was my breakfast dress on a recent break and I felt great in it https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-rich-printed-v-neck-tunic/p/clp60583095?color=WHITEMIX&prevPage=srp#intid=plpnav_pid_pg1pip15g2r1c1

linen blend but didn’t crease

Thanks I do like that. Love the green too

OP posts:
Rainallnight · 14/04/2023 07:52

Unbridezilla · 13/04/2023 13:52

Next has loads of midi/maxi options at the moment that could fit the bill, around £25-40. I've done a similar online shop this morning. Really surprised because I can't remember the last time I liked something from next!

Agree. I do think Next is going through a good patch right now.

AgnesGray · 14/04/2023 07:53

I definitely get what you mean op! I remember being on honeymoon in a nice hotel in Valletta in my mid twenties. I definitely felt out of place on the first day when I merrily trotted down in denim shorts and a t-shirt. Switched to a long white skirt the next day and felt a lot more at home. It wasn't just about being chic it was also being covered. Like Italy, Malta is quite Catholic. Despite growing up in a Catholic country myself I hadn't considered how much more covered up I needed to be!

Original poster
tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 14/04/2023 07:54

menopausalbloat · 13/04/2023 22:59

Sorento is very pretty. Try and take a trip to the top of Vesuvius, if you haven't. Incredible views over Naples from the top.

Hi! Grin

Yes this is on our list as is Pompeii.

OP posts:
Original poster
tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 14/04/2023 07:55

Ahhh I've found my people here!

OP posts:
seratoninmoonbeams · 14/04/2023 07:56

@MorrisZapp I really think she should wear a top to breakfast too though .... 🤣🤣

RampantIvy · 14/04/2023 08:01

Italians aren’t as chic as you think lol.

That has been my impression as well. Italians on holiday dress pretty much the same as everyone else.

When we stayed in Sorrento it was the Brits who made more of an effort in the evening to dress up.

Gazelda · 14/04/2023 08:03

Just on my way back from sorrento at the moment.

Lots of people coming into breakfast in their fancy running gear. Others in sparkles. Most in dresses or wide leg linen trousers.

Accessories are the stand out feature.

Such a beautiful and vibrant town. Visit the restaurant opposite the Christmas shop if you can - wonderful food and warm welcome. Capri/blue grotto is a must as is Pompeii and Vesuvius. amalfi was great too, especially the boat trip.

Very envious of you!

VimtoVimto · 14/04/2023 08:26

AgnesGray · 14/04/2023 07:53

I definitely get what you mean op! I remember being on honeymoon in a nice hotel in Valletta in my mid twenties. I definitely felt out of place on the first day when I merrily trotted down in denim shorts and a t-shirt. Switched to a long white skirt the next day and felt a lot more at home. It wasn't just about being chic it was also being covered. Like Italy, Malta is quite Catholic. Despite growing up in a Catholic country myself I hadn't considered how much more covered up I needed to be!

Was it the Phoenicia? That was where I realised shorts and a vest didn’t cut it (unless you were the very chic French lady who was there)

VimtoVimto · 14/04/2023 08:30

I found there were quite a few Americans at our hotel in Sorrento who generally wear shorts to breakfast. Generally there was a mix of shorts, dresses and linen trousers worn.

Sorrento is one of my favourite places. I love having a drink in a cafe and people watching.

tinytemper66 · 14/04/2023 08:34

Just being nosy. What hotel are you staying at. We stayed at the Bristol last year.

givememarmite · 14/04/2023 08:53

Loving all these breakfast dress suggestions! Just what I need for my summer holiday too 😊

@tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz may I give a restaurant recommendation? Trattoria da Emilia in Marina Grande has the best sea food we had on our holiday there last year. You'll need to reserve a table (ask for one outside) it's very popular. Food is fantastic and service was great too. Have a wonderful time, it's a really lovely place

AgnesGray · 14/04/2023 09:05

Yes @VimtoVimto! It was the Phoenicia. I also wore a mini dress out one night and got called a Putana by some teenaged boys which I guess means whore Hmm. I did start wearing longer things after that. DH didn't notice as he doesn't speak any other languages. I'm a french speaker and it sounds a lot like putain which is how I knew. Apart from that I loved our trip

NeedWineNow · 14/04/2023 09:20

Oooh I love a breakfast outfit! Another one recommending Made in Italy dresses which are easy and inexpensive. Primark and H&M had some lovely things yesterday so definitely worth a look. Lots of lovely raffia/straw bags about which I always think look chic with a maxi, and also lovely glittery slides in Primark and also New Look.

gingercat02 · 14/04/2023 09:45

tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 14/04/2023 07:54

Hi! Grin

Yes this is on our list as is Pompeii.

Show quote history

Do Herculaneum too, at the foot of Vesuvius. Pompeii is good, it's much much better

KirkST · 14/04/2023 09:48

Try Vinted. Much more for your money, even some unworn/new.