First time asking a question in Style & Beauty. And may be TMI but here goes...
As the heading indicates, I'm looking for a dress with the following features:
a) loose fit
b) lightweight
c) cotton (not linen!)
d) ankle length/midi
e) pockets!
(and not see through in strong sunlight).
Not so much concerned about being beautiful or stylish but something that meets the above criteria and which doesn't require alterations.
Reason for looking for this type of dress is I'll shortly be returning to a country in Central Asia which was sweltering in April/May of this year and will be even hotter in July 🤦♀️ . And where women dress fairly conservatively - even Western visitors. Though plenty of colourful dresses and fabrics were being born - no need to stick to black or plain fabrics!
Note:
i) I'm 'petite / a shortie - 5'1" So 'regular' long dresses will trail the ground!
ii) I'm a size 8 - 10 but with boobs - basically, a Bravissimo woman rather than with an athletic build
iii) as an older woman, something that looks floaty and willowy on someone out of their teens can look dowdy and night dress like on me. But hell, if I have to look like a Victorian maiden aunt in a voluminous nightdress, then so be it!
I normally shop at Fatface/Seasalt/White Stuff but I didn't find anything suitable there. I did order and try on this Seasalt dress which on the face of it ticked all my requirements - ie loose, lightweight(ish), cotton, long, pockets and in a petite fit. However, when I tried it on in various sizes, it managed to be both hugely voluminous whilst tight around the bust and armpits 🤷♀️ - I give the link to show what didn't work!
https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/windblown-tiered-v-neck-above-ankle-dress?cm_mmc=AWIN--referral--affiliate--affiliate&utmsource=AWIN&utmmedium=referral&utmid=78888%7CSkimlinks%7Cwww.mumsnet.com&svcampaignid=78888&svtax1=affiliate&svtax2=928475%7C936177&svtax3=Skimlinks&svtax4=mumsnet.com&svaffiliateid=78888&awc=75481780586064c4ab962d8ee12a5c185a47514bd45edf
https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/windblown-tiered-v-neck-above-ankle-dress
Thanks in advance for any pointers!
PS When I was last in the country I'll be returning to, I did look round the markets etc to buy a dress locally but pretty much invariably they were in synthetic fabrics, often quite heavy.
Edited to say: not sure if the Seasalt link works - but maybe it doesn't much matter as it was too illustrate what doesn't work!