Seeking the perfect sun dress. Does it exist?

[fadingfast]

I’ve just bought this Next sun dress thinking it would be perfect, but the belt thing with the striped middle section just draws attention to the fact that I have no waist. Has anyone seen anything similar?

I’m 50, tall and a size 14-16 (16 on the top half). I carry weight around my middle, so waisted dresses do nothing for me. I’d like something midi or long and sleeveless (but not spaghetti straps). I’m not usually very brave with colour or pattern but open to trying something new. I don’t suit black/brown/rust/orange (I’m more of a ‘spring’ for colours). Not overly keen on the tiered shape, as because of my height and size I think it would resemble a small marquee. I think a column style might be better.

Any ideas, or am I looking for the impossible??

Bumping for the evening traffic!

scampanddude.com/products/maxi-sundress-bright-green-with-lilac-zebra-print

I have a blue version of this from scamp and dude - it is tiered but it is flattering. I got it in a sale.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/high-neck-midaxi-tiered-beach-dress/p/clp60577414?intid=mobileappppdpshare

This is also surprisingly flattering as well and a really good price at M&S - hope that helps.

A different style but this https://www.roman.co.uk/paisley-border-print-maxi-dress-14165440 was recommended on a tall FB group I am on. It is a lovely dress but as I am at the upper size range so it didn’t quite work for me. I am 5’11’ and the length was perfect and it has pockets. It comes in the same print in navy, burgundy and black.

Next Tall have some dresses in tall without a tie belt or you could maybe try Long Tall Sally or Seasalt.

Or maybe one of these which both come in tall https://www.next.co.uk/g7525s2/c42489
or this one https://www.freemans.com/products/bonprix-kaftan-maxi-dress/_/A-932426_8

Have you looked at Emily and Fin? Some of them might be too waisted for you but i used to love their summer dresses

I really love this one! Not sure I can quite stretch to the price, but will keep any eye out for sales.

This one actually looks pretty good for me, thanks, although would prefer sleeveless.

scampanddude.com/products/adults-maxi-sundress-pink-bordering

They do have others similar reduced - worth signing up to emails as they occasionally do a random discount period and also you will get 10% off first order when you sign up. I am tempted to get another...The quality is very good.

Another good one is saint and Sofia Greenwich dress and that is frequently reduced. I have 2 of these and they have pockets too.

uk.saintandsofia.com/products/greenwich-tiered-midi-dress-navy-jersey

Next do have a stripe dress without a belt that seems to be the style you want. The thicker stripes might be a bit more flattering.

https://www.next.co.uk/g88301s1/399300#399300

I like [[//www.toa.st/collections/womens-holiday-shop/products/coral-print-cotton-dress-brown-ochre-multi the cross-over detail at the back is a very nice feature. It is a bit pricey though.

I know you asked for dress suggestions but these jumpsuits from Next are a great alternative.
I have them in three colours and they are so comfy. I wear them with just a vest underneath to stop them showing too much boob.
Im 5’11” but I just bought the regular length instead of the tall, they come up a nice midi length on me.

https://www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/multicoloured-stripe-linen-blend-frill-midi-cami-dress/14553874.html

https://www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/pink-double-cloth-mini-dress/14558026.html

Matalan have loads of very reasonable sundresses.

I tried that and dismissed it for same reason. I’m a 12, age 48 with weight on my stomach.

https://www.tesco.com/zones/clothing/womens
There are some lovely dresses in Tesco.
This oneis made from really thick sustainable cotton and much nicer in real life.
25% discount with the club card making it just under£25.

It's the blue and white sleeveless midi dress.

https://www.next.co.uk/g9588s1/m79264?dp=a&dndl=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmtGjBhDhARIsAEqfDEdqigBS9FmzHkvhjn7ZNngKHnjA-Ch4jn4AT05NtW11pLLOmmxq6GkaAquZEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#m79264

Try searching for trapeze dresses - Next have some lovely ones that are very flattering and don't draw attention to lack of waist (I have this issue too).

I have this one - very airy and comfortable, thin tie waist is very adjustable too

https://www.veromoda.com/en-de/product/10286770_2161_1027621/regular-fit-v-neck-long-dress

This one from Next? https://www3.next.co.uk/g8865s1/d06304#d06304 Sleeveless, 100% cotton, various colours, very long. I have no waist either and it works for me (I have it in black). It does come up large.

I’ve just returned the same dress in black , it looked horrible on .

M and s

(if straps aren’t too thin)

No actual specific dress suggestions OP but I sympathise with the No Waist thing. Anything waisted or belted makes me look absolutely dreadful, and at least two sizes bigger than I actually am. Shame as I love the waisted/belted style!

Trapeze or swing style dresses are great for me; if you’re happy with your legs then go shorter to balance out the flowing fabric if that makes sense? I would look unappealingly stately in a very long column or loose trapeze dress but I look good (I think!!) in a knee length or just above knee length trapeze style. I think by definition ‘swing’ styles are also on the shorter side.

Unbelted shirt dresses are fab too, esp if they skim the body closely. I mean a style that is not made with a belt, obv, not just taking the belt off a belted one!

Bias cut, also, is a nice way to gain ‘shape’ if you have no waist (and, in my case, a flat chest but a decent bum).

that’s the sum total of my 48 years of waistless wisdom!

@pashmina696 Love your Saint & Sophia dress - semi fitted and pockets!!! Can I ask what their sizing is like? And do you know if you pay for returns? Cheers

Saint and Sofia sizing is good I haven't had to go up or down from my usual size- I haven't returned anything sorry I don't know - it will say on the website - I have a skirt, culottes and 4 dresses!