Guest at destination wedding. Its going to be 40 degrees! 🥵 Please help me find a dress

[OnAMatOopEre]

I want to look cool, elegant and pretty! Am dreading the heat and anything synthetic fabric is just going ro be unbearable.

Dont particularly like my upper arms or back showing so strapless/strappy dresses are out and I would prefer a natural fabric in a lighter (but not bridal obvs!) colour.

A little bit sexy would be nice - not talking attention-seeking but not frumpy either. And preferably floaty maxi although wouldn't rule out a midi.

Im a 12/14 and 5'7

I dont know where to start- has anyone seen anything theyd recommend? Budget up to about £200

A strong pattern would probably disguise the sweat.

Mitchum ultra will help immensely.

Not sure why people are so anti-silk - as if you're in, say, plain pink linen, cotton or silk, & you're sweating, marks will show whatever fabric you're in!!!

Preventing sweat-marks is the first thing. If the best antiperspirant possible still isn't enough, then the right cut of dress & wearing patterns not plains are as important as the fabric.

It's really frustrating that you can't search by fabric in the filters on the Hope & Ivy website. Typing in cotton will bring you up all the dresses made from it, but then you have to sift through several pages as lots are more daydress than wedding guest.

Though of course it being a destination wedding doesn't necessarily mean very dressy - it could be quite the opposite.

This one is cotton & is fitted at the bodice, which means you could go bra-less (even underwear-less ...!!!). That would be a huge plus for me in such heat!!!

https://hopeandivy.co.uk/products/the-shannon-bardot-sleeve-corseted-midi-dress

This is made of Rayon which would be light and wafty:

https://www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/echo-chamber-midi-dress/?color=049

A paler spriggy floral cotton dress from Hope & Ivy. Too daytime for some no doubt, but it all depends on the wedding - & shoes & bag etc make a huge difference IMO.

https://hopeandivy.co.uk/products/the-pamela

I would look at reformation dresses

You could hire a rixo dress

https://www.marksandspencer.com/beaded-scoop-neck-strappy-midaxi-beach-dress/p/clp60774590?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

Agreed! Silk is awful in heat.

OP, if you do like Hope & Ivy dresses, have a search for cotton. There are lots more of the "pretty floral midi" type dress. Perfectly nice for a wedding, but personally (apart from the first off-the-shoulder one I posted), I don't think they meet the "little bit sexy" vibe you're after?

I personally wouldnt buy linen. I lived in the tropics for 5 years and linen looks like a revolting creased rag in 5 minutes.not wedding smart.
Ive seen some lovely dresses on Boden and Monsoon. This one 100% cotton.

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/amiee-floral-midi-kaftan-dress-blue-20009870007.html

This one from Boden sldo 100% cotton:

https://www.boden.com/products/women-cary-cotton-midi-dress-multi-ornamental-stamp-d1523mul

Id wear with nice casual sandals. Nobody wears smart shoes in 40 degrees.

I don’t like florals. I like plain dresses and then colourful accessories. I am a Cos fan but they aren’t for everyone I know.

I would wear this with red sandals

www.cos.com/en-gb/women/womenswear/dresses/mididresses/product/pintucked-cotton-midi-dress-light-blue-1292176002

I quite like a cotton shirt dress too

shop.mango.com/gb/en/p/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits/casual/belt-shirt-dress_27042538?c=70

This is a lovely dress but the wrong shape for me when I tried it!

www.stories.com/en-gb/product/cotton-poplin-midi-dress-light-blue-1340051001/

https://www.next.co.uk/springsummerfashoncampaign

www.next.co.uk/style/sv073410/y15730?utm_source=lottiedrynan&utm_medium=instagram&utm_campaign=prinfluencer&utm_content=springsummerfashioncampaign_blueshelldress&fbclid=PAdGRleARI12JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAackSxERViDcVKoOr31LP0bcsEfIgEPvedgmZ_Nahw0lhr3B0HmQdveNT7LJ3A_aem_2xyGnHlqQiPE-nBqRRKSjw

These are too busy for me but for those who like strong patterns, these might work.

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1275645006.html

She did say with sleeves.

I can’t give tips for dresses, but just to say we stayed in a hotel in Kos 2 years ago that did weddings. They had one everyday we were there, and everything was outside, from the ceremony to the dinner and the party afterwards.

We went in the September, and it was still boiling hot. So I really would find out where everything is going to be taking place if I was you.

Silk is too warm for such temperatures, unfortunately. And I'd say the idea of covered skin staying cooler than exposed skin is only true in dry heat, not when there's high humidity.

Broderie anglais dress would be nice

I would prioritise a parasol

Actually that's a lie. I wouldn't be going!

You need hand fans in your life. Pack of 4 for £10 on Amazon. We had an event in the summer two years ago, I took my hand fan with me and everyone was envious.

The first one is lovely - & loose too.

The Daisysilk one could be lovely - though I don't know anything about the brand. It is lined in silk too though. I think unlined anything would be critical in 40 degrees!

Go for something as covered as possible but in a very light natural fabric. It will be much cooler than having skin on show in those temperatures. Have a look at https://uk.white-ginger.com/ The business was started in Singapore with fabrics perfect for the local climate.