Smart formal work dress for hot weather

[SpringGreensAgain]

My go-to for the work I do (funeral-related) is this kind of dress - Hobbs generally suit me well, and for most of the year, their stuff is just fine. In the hot weather, though, it is hell.

I am looking for something in a cooler fabric, but the same sort of shape - fitted, but not tight. I am only 5'3", so nothing below the knee (nothing above it either). No belts or fussiness, and needs to flatter a larger bust, too. Capped sleeves needed at the least - can't go bare-armed, but it's also too hot to wear a jacket. Size 14-16.

I just want to be formal and understated - but not melting. Can anyone point me at possible options?

Thank you!

Does it have to be black?

I typed in black dress on that website you linked and it came up loads of options similar to the one you already have but not wool. Could that be the solution? Some of them look very comfortable and cooling

Good question! I knew there was something I'd left out. Black is not necessary - in fact, I avoid it! - but sombre colours ideal: navy, dark green, dark purple, burgundy. No patterns.

@dontcomeatme no, I'd already been through that site and there is nothing suitable. Lots of nice dresses, but not what I am after. I suppose I'll know it when I (eventually) see it!

Silk, linen, cotton all your cooler options.

If you're on Vinted, Windsmoor do lovely silk dresses - I've worn them for a few years and they are great in the heat.

You could also consider other brands to look at on there like Monsoon, Ralph Lauren, Kaliko?

Could you get a dressmaker to copy your wall dress in a lighter fabric?

Too bright?
https://www.crewclothing.co.uk/womens/clothing-and-accessories/womens-dresses-and-skirts/lea-linen-blend-shift-dress-blue-wwj039/?sku_s=1323982&country=GB&currency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20505807776&gclid=Cj0KCQjw64jDBhDXARIsABkk8J6ASUv8yafFGLL_W-ittgto2N50qsP8w8I5YPzeIk7_GMr-f1EGEUkaApdWEALw_wcB

This is just above the knee on a 5ft 9 model.
https://www.crewclothing.co.uk/womens/clothing-and-accessories/womens-dresses-and-skirts/ebony-ponte-shift-dress-navy-wwj047/?_gl=11ab1w6j_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw64jDBhDXARIsABkk8J6ASUv8yafFGLL_W-ittgto2N50qsP8w8I5YPzeIk7_GMr-f1EGEUkaApdWEALw_wcB

Worn with belt but also shown without.
https://www.crewclothing.co.uk/womens/clothing-and-accessories/womens-dresses-and-skirts/jenna-darted-lyocell-dress-blue-wwj020/?_gl=116al2fl_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw64jDBhDXARIsABkk8J6ASUv8yafFGLL_W-ittgto2N50qsP8w8I5YPzeIk7_GMr-f1EGEUkaApdWEALw_wcB

@heldinadream - thank you so much! That Ebony Ponte shift dress looks great and hopefully on me would be more knee length.

The Lea Linen is too informal, and the other won't fit well on my shape, though it's a lovely dress in itself. I really appreciate the pointers.

Oh fab. I thought that might be the best one. Glad to have helped.
I saw something else earlier that might do but I can't remember where, if I come across it I'll come back.
Spends way too much time looking at dresses. 😂

If you have budget for Hobbs you could get some made to measure dresses in your choice of fabric, probably a light "tropical wool" or a silk/cotton blend that would be cooler with a breathable lining like cupro. I think you can get away with a slightly less fitted cut in the summer e.g a shirt dress or some pleats in the skirt.
Or look for nearly new Jaeger or Winser London.

this looks perfect albeit might need taking up

Shirt dresses could also work

john lewis

hush

JL again, linen

lands end linen