summer maxi dresses that are modest (with sleeves and not backless)

[notabeachbum]

I'm looking for modest summer lightweight maxi dresses.
I'm going visiting a rural and conversative area abroad with a friend who has family there. I've never been before but she tells me it's very conservative and best not to wear my usual holiday attire of shorts etc. So, I'm thinking of long maxi dresses with sleeves and not low necklines or backless.
Where can I get such dresses? I'm late 20s and 5ft 6, size 14. Ideally I'd need ones that cover me enough without needing to wear a tshirt or vest top underneath. The weather there will be baking hot, so don't really want to do layers. Any ideas?

I would get linen trousers, or palazzo pants, and wear with cotton or linen tunic / kurta style tops - try East clothing, sea salt and monsoon or if you can visit an Indian clothes shop in the uk they will have kurta pyjamas. Also 100 Stars do beautiful versions plus dresses which would work.

I’m 5’6” and there’s a khaki tiered one that is a maxi with like balloon sleeves and then another one that is black and white, orchid pattern, I think, that is at least mid calf on me.

If you go for a shirt dress beware of where the lowest button is! I bought a modest dress for a conservative country and only realised when I got there that when I walked my whole thighs were on show!

I love that dress.

I use these (I have several) and find they are brilliant for immediate modesty when needed (visiting churches abroad etc.). You could use the dresses you have and pack a few of these. Otherwise, I agree with others that loose harem style or wide flowy trousers + loose tunic top would be great too.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zeagoo-Chiffon-Cardigans-Cropped-Jackets/dp/B0CQYTZ119/ref=sr_1_53?sr=8-53&xpid=dCCpLVPp08yj9

Loads of choice at this small independent, the owner works with families/producers in India

Natural fabrics.

Flowing trousers, kaftans, long skirts, cotton jump suits,, long skirts and dresses.

KARMA - clothing

Oh, I like those. They look so elegant.

They can be dressed up or down, they don't crease (big bonus!) and fold up to hanky size for packing. Great for many occasions and so versatile. Glad you like them like I do. 😊

Have a look at EAST. They have some lovely fine cotton long dresses and long sleeved blouses that would be suitable. They have a sale on now; and also look on Vinted and eBay for good used.

I would steer clear of any man-made fabric. And avoid black. As an example I was in Turkey last year and took a sleeveless seersucker dress with a cotton lining (from Seasalt) and it was too heavy to wear - I was boiled.

Buy some cotton knickers too to help keep you cooler.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/YESNO-Dresses-Casual-Bohemian-Pockets/dp/B08RHP91YN/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=8G3FSNS5GUNK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-KwyweRQ8k476UHQyOapLuxdJ5sctUo42imcIk4uJgcTNEmvvHUVs5LduB5QnTpjpcaElyqIAH7-CJnNKFUOa2jOWpVZL-UCHaV0Q43rvpMVX93Bo_TiDCIs24lNS7mk1mJaANaaKle3YR9XE6oz0bZSbEZFT7k3IWGnqd-rkZeYqj_4WFnNtvAMELmxYDDmO-I-29oyFla_8QvjcArEnw0e8XDOiP6rF7e0wBRH1hBqrXXA6lnci5_jAsix5sUsy6RRkyceNnb7GTS_JflVciieD2lrct-GaVGaujU-8.-dgaGg4btULyMYRGPPpYNQrLssQnpRSLd_3CDRQMj8s&dib_tag=se&keywords=yesno+dresses+for+women+uk&qid=1750513595&sprefix=yesno%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

I have four of these. The skirt is v generous and the top quite fitted so you might want to size up if you’re a bit top heavy.

cotton and has pockets.

East
https://www.east.co.uk/products/melba-dress
https://www.east.co.uk/products/emelia-dress

Joe Brown has some lovely modest boho maxi dresses with long sleeves. I bought one earlier this year and it has had so many compliments. People think of Joe Brown as slightly out-of-fashion hippyish stuff but this year, I think they have got a few pieces right. Worth a look.

Was also going to ask where.

Joe Browns have some lovely maxi dresses

http://newdayoriginals.co.uk/
These have a wonderful selection of modest dresses and some great sales. Avoid the Everoo ones and they'll be really unbearable in the heat

East is lovely. Best suggestion. It's much nicer now than when it had real shops.

The East model also models for Plumo

https://www.plumo.com/categories/Fashion/Dresses/

It shows a bit of chest, half the arms and quite a lot of leg if the wind blows. OP should clarify what she needs, but this would not be the kind of thing the hijabi women where I live would wear. They wear dresses that cover all the arms and the whole body.

We go to visit DN, who has worked in several countries in the Middle East. I second wearing loose trousers, a top and a sun hat - it’s cooler than t shirts and shorts, plus sun cream! I take a light cardigan to cover my arms, and a scarf for my head, when we go in mosques - otherwise they may make women wear an abbaya (sp?) in some, which is even hotter on top of your clothes.

I also second wearing a lacy vest/cami under low cut dresses.

You can also look at getting full sleeve shirts with maxi skirts. Upi might have strappy maxis and can wear an open top over them. Something you can mix and match later or might already have in your wardrobe

You can also look for kurtas and light trousers here. I live in them in summers.

Another vote for linen or cotton tunics and trousers. The tunics will hand wash & dry well.

This maxi dress is lovely. www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/p/jo696

If you are in London head to Khaadi in either of the westfields. They’re a Pakistani brand and full of modest and stylish clothes.

I dress modestly and I buy a lot of long dresses from Monki.

Daughters of India. I really want one but they are £££! Often pop up on Vinted.

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/browse/brands/everbelle/c:1043154/