Panic shopping for a “nice” holiday… please help 🌷

[NotOneMore]

Going away in two weeks to a really lovely looking all inclusive in Mexico, a real treat. I have got out my “holiday clothes” to wash and start ironing and felt my heartdrop - with exception of one linen dress (linked below), everything feels dated and samey - tiered floaty midi dresses. They will still be great for the pool as cotton and super light but too twee for the evening. I have outgrown this style but must be going to the same brands because all I see is more of the same and I do not even really know what I want. I want to look grown up and sophisticated. I am mid forties, size 8, petite pear shape. Do not like shirt dresses, collars or strong prints. My dream wardrobe is somewhere between Victoria Beckham, and Georgina from Riveriera. Budget is not designer but up to high end high street. OK for sassy footwear and bags, just the evening clothes. Thank you.

This is the dress I love, bought last year: https://www.reiss.com/style/st378803/d43758

To add - does not have to be dresses. I love the look of cords but have not found the one. A waistcoat with trousers looks so chic - all trousers seem to have a naff elasticated waist…

Poetry for good quality linen trousers and tops. Also, Massimo Dutti but their quality isn't what it was.

this H&M white halter dress

this Mango coral/red co-ord

this Zara mini halter neck dress

this Zara broderie midaxi

These all give the same vibe to me as the Reiss dress (I also have that dress).

Some nice trousers in a neutral colour and then matched with a white silk shirt for one night, a slinky bodysuit for another night, a jersey tank top for day time could also be good for a staple piece.

@queenofwandss thank you! I love the Zara black dress and the white H&M, though it out of stock in my size. How did you find them, because you have naked the vibe? Thanks again!

I searched “linen blend dress” in google and then just browsed their suggestions in the shopping tab, the H&M dress was one of the top ones.
Have an amazing holiday, I love Mexico!

https://www.momoni.it/gb/roca-dress-in-stretch-viscose-satin-lime-green-8-43509.html

https://www.momoni.it/gb/gris-dress-in-solid-colour-chiffon-coral-8-42988.html

https://www.forte-forte.com/gb/pizzo-stretch-long-sleeved-dress-with-slip-9-29770.html

I wonder if what you really want is:

https://uk.realisationpar.com/

(There are prints, but also some plain or nearly plain designs. All silk. And, best of all, I recall reading a while ago that VB bought all her holiday clothes there …)

I've ordered a pair of lightweight white jeans from River Island to go with plain knitted vests I bought last year and a selection of jumpsuits from Next Clearance.

We were in Mexico last year (at the Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya which I HIGHLY recommend btw!) and we saw all sorts of styles - the ones that caught my eye were the wide leg & floaty shirt co-ords, along with a crop top (if you're daring enough), or cami (if you're like me and prefer not to show belly). These look really sharp with the right footwear and jewellery.
I'm more of a high street shopper so can't recommend much but I've seen these sorts of co-ords in River Island.
Have a great time!

Oh and picking up on your second post - I saw quite a few ladies wearing a waistcoat and floaty/wide leg trousers combo, looked great.

Sounds like you need some sleek, tailored pieces that work in the heat but still feel elevated! For your body shape and style goals, try looking at straight-cut slip dresses in silk or satin - COS and Arket do beautiful minimalist ones that hit that sophisticated note without any fuss.

Mango's premium line often has really good tailored wide-leg trousers that you could pair with a simple camisole or knit top - very VB energy. For something a bit more special, check out Massimo Dutti's evening collection - they do that effortless European sophistication really well and the quality is lovely.

& Other Stories sometimes has those perfect straight-line mini or midi dresses in crepe that photograph beautifully on holiday. Zara's studio collection might have some good blazer-dress hybrids too if you want something more structured.

Are you thinking more dresses or would you be open to separates? Separates can be brilliant for holiday evenings because you can mix and match more.

@YourUmberKoalayour post reads just like the times ChatGPT is buttering me up and agreeing with everything I suggest … 😂

Not my intention!!

Oh well! I agree with everything you said, though.

https://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-petite-lori-textured-midi-dress-plum/p113660419

https://www.johnlewis.com/forever-new-lea-petite-linen-halterneck-mini-dress/p113572713

My experience of nice AI in Mexico is that everyone will be in tshirts and shorts. It will be mainly Americans and they don't do dressy on holiday. A couple of skirts or dresses in natural fibres if you feel you need new stuff.

River island have a nice petite trouser and top outfit https://www.riverisland.com/p/petite-beige-linen-blend-wide-leg-trousers-931150

I am the same size and shape except a decade older. Not usually a fan of M&S but they have linen separates that look lovely.
https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-linen-balloon-trousers/p/clp60787548?color=WHITE
https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-linen-v-neck-popover-top/p/clp60765509?color=WHITE#intid=pid_pg1pip9g4r1c1%7Cprodflag_srp_ts_QP_100+

I usually get on well with Reiss Petite: https://www.next.co.uk/style/su588242/f35953

This^ They’ll all be in gym wear or t-shirts with slogans so don’t worry about being under dressed!

This.
We have been a few times gourmet AL and agree natural fibres, anything else is vile to wear in the heat!
Also agree that many just wear very casual.

Cos
Arket
& Other Stories
Massimo Dutti

I have just been away to warmer climes and got the things I wanted from Vinted - because they don’t get that much wear back at home (and you might be sick of them again before your next holiday as with your tiered dresses).

That said, if I like something or a style I just wear it even if it’s no longer in fashion so you might not want to go by me.