Summer dress recommendations - classy understated size 18 / tall

[Chocolatey1234]

Anyone recommend any nice summer occasion dresses size 18 and tall 5ft 10, ideally not too structured and fabric breathable incase we have a warm summer as I have a tendency to over heat 50’s, so also nothing strapless or strappy.

Not black, all cream/white (as one of the events is a wedding) or pale pink. I don’t mind a bit of colour. Budget ideally up to £175 max but ideally under this if poss. Thanks

Maxi or midi length as I don’t want too much leg on display. I like the colours and sleeves of this dress but the fabric isn’t breathable and its out of stock in my size. https://www.phase-eight.com/product/priscilla-abstract-floral-pleated-maxi-dress-22175700085.html?gad_source=1&utm_source=rakutenmarketing&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=2740319%3ACafe%20La%20Moda&utm_content=10&utm_term=uknetwork&ranMID=44103&ranEAID=rkRbnuKbEU8&ranSiteID=rkRbnuKbEU8-YJNF0kDuQZuMjaaVpD50wg

www.phase-eight.com/product/violet-floral-dress-10001780000.html#cgid=occasion&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=10001780000&pos=2

I looked at that one earlier tonight but wasn’t sure I wouldn’t look like a sack of spuds with the waist tie. I like the colours in it.

We have no stores in our town so I would have to order everything online and try on at home.

Do you like any of these?
Joanie Clothing cotton, modal and viscose midi dresses.

Pictures are just some examples; I got 75 results in size 18.

Examples from Nobody's Child in cotton, linen and viscose. Loads of others!

Thanks @Garlicworth really appreciate your efforts its for high summer so I didn’t want long sleeves or anything too dark coloured. I like the green one best from Joanie ok for a holiday but the print isn’t dressy enough for one of the events (haven’t tried Joanie or Nobodys Child before so unsure of fit length for tall).

Of the NC ones I prefer the look of the green or the navy one. But the green is cut on the bias so maybe not the most flattering on a size 18 with a mum tum. The navy looks nice but perhaps too dark not keen on the big fussy sleeves and cut away back on the others.

How about something from one hundred stars? This is one example but they have different styles and prints that might be an option?

One hundred stars

I’m in love with this one from Boden

Stripy sleeveless from Boden

I think this Monsoon dress could be very flattering

Colourful abstract print, Monsoon

I looked at a green one from One Hundred stars it says the model was 5’9’ and she was leaning awkwardly. I figured to make the dress look longer as people of 5’4’ wear the same dresses.

@DonningMyHardHat sorry no I need something dressy and understated.

Jasper Conran

This probably comes under the heading of ‘too structured’, and I’m not sure of the fabric. But it is just an example of what you could get on your budget:

https://www.hurrcollective.com/listings/puff-sleeve-pleated-crepe-dres

This is gorgrous

https://www.hurrcollective.com/listings/floral-jacquard-midi-dress-si

But you could equally buy something from Sister Jane - this is currently sold out but they’ll either restock or have similar things soon. Again I don’t know about the fabric but the cut will make it quite airy:

https://sisterjane.com/collections/dresses/products/blue-bell-jacquard-maxi-dress?edit=one

Mmm thanks both I am tall but still a size 18 and conscious of my tummy.

I want something that is flattering, comfortable to wear, that I suit, isn’t overly warm, understated that I feel good and confident in. I am not even sure if such a thing even exists.

No statement voluminous balloon sleeves, no big bows but must have some form of sleeve even if just a short capped sleeve or angel
sleeve.

Im 6ft and bought a Nobodys Child dress from John Lewis last year. It's not waisted, more a bodice style, so there's no height issue. It's midi, so below the knee on me but not a proper midi. I'm a 14-16, bought a 14 but i'm not busty.
So i would say the brand is worth a try for your height.

It was the Nobody's child Lily style dress "Lily Jasmine ditsy print". A bit casual for what you want? A great comfy cool summer dress that is forgiving of my meno-tum and the cap sleeves are flattering too.

At 5'10" you do really need proper tall clothes. There are several good-looking occasion dresses on Long Tall Sally:

www.longtallsally.com/dresses/occasion-dresses?page=1

There are some here too but they are probably not 'occasiony' enough:

amallitalli.com/collections/dresses-skirts

https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-blend-embroidered-midaxi-shift-dress/p/clp60716012#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r3c4%7Cprodflag_New

I think a lot of the shops arent selling the proper summer stuff yet.

I have been very disappointed with the quality of Long Tall Sally clothing both the fabric and finish.

Me (6ft size 14-16) again.
I also have a Phase Eight maxi dress that is lovely for smart occasions. It's again bodiced and flowing without a waist so my height not an issue. It's more of a long midi on me.

I find "tall" dresses often fit poorly as they have to be the right kind of tall for your body shape iyswim.

@Chocolatey1234 totally agree about LTS. And not always the right proportions
Order some non-waisted Nobodys Child dresses to try.

Me and Em dresses are pretty decent for taller people I think?

Thanks I will try them and Phase Eight. Its so difficult when you are tall as you have less choice. But I will definitely look now.

I would set up a search for dresses on John Lewis site using the filters.
Length, sleeve length, colours and fabrics. They will show you loads of options/ brands.

I’m taller than you and found Gina Bacconi dresses work well. They’re true to size, and on John Lewis as well as their own website (they have a sale on). Agree with you on LTS quality, yuk.

Thanks just spent an age on John Lewis with a filter only to discover they also fetch up
some that aren’t even in stock in your filtered sizes.