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

I am going away tomorrow and could have written this post (apart from the size 8 bit). I actually cut the top half of a few of my dresses and bought nice coordinating tops to make them feel a bit more up to date or at least make a change.

I'd be really shocked if that's not AI, or at a stretch the poster has spent waaaayyyy too much time using it.

Poetry?

https://www.poetryfashion.co.uk/product-RP62-POEDS/colour-a-petrol-sand/dresses-skirts/printed-silk-sleeveless-dress.htm

I don't live in the UK and ended up buying a shed load of dresses from Roman for my month long holiday in Barbados (delivered to the UK). Luckily they all fit me and looked great. I was really happy. They are not expensive and you can return items. It is difficult finding summer dresses this time of year.

https://www.roman.co.uk/dresses/summer-dresses

I love that Poetry dress!

We stayed at Unico 20 87 recently and the majority of people, including the Americans, were in nice outfits for dinner.

Thank you all for your help.

I have ordered these two for the evening

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/zw-collection-lace-dress-p06895045.html?v1=504027106

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/polka-dot-midi-dress-p04387032.html?v1=498937597

and these two for the pool days

https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-ribbed-midi-bodycon-dress/p/clp60788218#intid=pid_pg1pip6g4r1c2%7Cprodflag_Just%20Arrived%7Cprodflag_srp_ts_QP_12

https://www.mangooutlet.com/gb/en/p/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits/dresses/bow-halter-neck-dress_87024778

and these sandals https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1281581004.html?srsltid=AfmBOopsUEqcAsntjAmluuXggS0gtcsyGjlPeTefwgyjWpSKluHvILFlumA

and while I was at it, this - nothing to do with holiday but to replace the charcoal one I have had for years and it’s now https://www.marksandspencer.com/fleece-hooded-dressing-gown/p/clp60694422?color=PEONY#intid=carousel_FUNH_AT_PHOENIX-RECENTLY-VIEWED_END_HP_25_2:3ac6fb9a-8171-44a5-a4f6-a3f748da69bd

I would love one more evening dress, linen or cotton, in a bold colour, with a single shoulder, below the knee but fitted, soft drapes…. If anyone finds one, please share.

A PP highlighted Realisation Par - the Carrie dress might fit the bill.

Reiss have a beautiful satin midi in a few colours, asymmetric neckline rather than one shoulder but rather lovely. Also a few other dresses in their new in section might tempt you, the cobalt blue cotton one is crying out for someone to take it on a gorgeous holiday!

Is this too bright? https://www.whistles.com/product/196219.html?utm_source=google&utm_source_platform=google_ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NEST_Whistles_UK_EN_BoF_PerformanceMax_Promotional&utm_id=23505580225&utm_content=agid_-ad_&utm_term=&utm_matchtype=&network=x&device=c&placement=&targetid=&utm_tpl=live&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23505588619&gbraid=0AAAAADtW8ds50Q0rifzSMwiFec7CziKuY&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI__633v6EkwMVvs9EBx25lAbjEAQYByABEgKHBPD_BwE

@Defiantly41 Thank you, I love the orange dress! Tempted to get it for the pool time. But I would like a more softly fitted silhouette for the evening like the Reiss dress from OP and midi but not too long, as I am 5.3 - just on the edge or petite. This one looks perfect but I am not sure if the colour is too dark? Would love it in red or lemon yellow or cobalt. https://shop.mango.com/gb/en/p/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits/casual/asymmetrical-dress-with-side-slit27025827

That's gorgeous! OP, may I ask where you'll be staying in Mexico? I have a thread running on the holiday board looking for hotel recommendations. Sorry to hijack your post!

@skippy67 We are going here, never been before, DH did the research. BA was cheaper than TUI.

https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/hotel-information/All-Inclusive/TRS-Yucatan/MX-CUN-8772100&duration=7?DM1_Channel=PPC&DM1_Mkt=UK&DM1_Campaign=&DM1_Keyword=trs%20yucatan%20hotel&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11777966590&gbraid=0AAAAAC9dcjsEYGiznsTGuVdUekO84i0CA&gclid=CjwKCAiAqprNBhB6EiwAMe3yhrioHYhQXPtVZ9gK3aNyiN30z6MNROdy5jx23FdVrJhfsUQOOu4jYRoC4u4QAvD_BwE

Just to check as its not front page news with all thats going on, but are you aware that parts of Mexico are a bit risky at the moment? If not you might want to have a look at which bits are effected. Make sure travel insurance covers you etc.
Hope its all ok and you have a lovely time

The current Mexican issues are nowhere near the main touristy part where OP is going.

Don't think that's quite right. The hotel is near Playa del Carmen where there is definitely cartel activity/people getting shot.....though it's normally targeted shootings. Though 2 tourists got shot in Tulum a couple of years ago by stray bullets. if you stay in your resort guess you'd be fine.

The US embassy had a shelter in place warning for the area last week though that's since been lifted.

The severity is high: The U.S. Embassy has officially directed all U.S. government staff in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tijuana to shelter in place and work remotely.

It's certainly worth doing some checking if OP wants to leave the resort to get up to date advice as things can change quickly.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico

FCDO / UK government makes no mention of the PDC area.

I do wish I hadn't seen that!

I'd go with some well fitting denim shorts, a couple of really good white tees, and vest tops, an oversized white shirt, and a few simple dresses and stick to black, white and maybe one colour. Big hat, and sunglesses, good earrings, and some Emery sandals, a black pair and tan pair.

Sod anything that's not a natural fabric. Have fun!

Love these suggestions. Agreed it's tricky...floral feel dated for summer. Love this thread.

😂😂

@queenofwandss The Zara dresses have come, and they are stunning and fit like a dream! I feel like a goddess!! Thank you so much!

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/blue-gingham-bow-back-midi-dress/p/919082149?extcam=UK_PPC_PLA_Generics_LowPrioritySale__Google_MT__DV_m_CID_23061735286&ppccam=PLA_NW_g_AGID_184742949726_LOC_9044936_DM__TID_aud-1024611444132:pla-2443474025890&ppcfeed=FIID__PRID_9191226&cclid=Google_Cj0KCQiA8KTNBhD_ARIsAOvp6DJRSnjlvn9jWJxiR3Hj_O2FsM4r5oJqvp0vYQBM9Y8UWhoOErYVN3oaAkBMEALw_wcB&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23061735286&gbraid=0AAAAAD2UatPiCjSF7lavsol8rmlSYPue&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8KTNBhD_ARIsAOvp6DJRSnjlvn9jWJxiR3Hj_O2FsM4r5oJqvp0vYQBM9Y8UWhoOErYVN3oaAkBMEALw_wcB

https://www.brandalley.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=beckham