Dinner in Milan if pale & not good in heat

[WhatToWearMilan]

If you were very pale skinned, strawberry blonde & not good in heat generally but you had a dinner with a professional contact in Milan in July, what would you wear?

50yrs old 5ft 9" & size 12

I want to look as good as i can! There will possibly be some sightseeing and lunch / dinner / drinks

https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/100-linen-midi-dress-l06624747 What about something like this? Would suit your colouring. Simple but it looks expensive, and can dress up or down.

I'm similar colouring OP, but auburn rather than strawberry blonde.
If you're going to be sightseeing, I'd personally feel more comfortable in cropped trousers rather than a dress. These are definitely something I'd go for: https://www.newlook.com/uk/p/945953639?extcam=UK_SOC_APPPDPSHARE

With a green or cream vest or t shirt.
Some really nice footbed sandals, I like Blowfish and Moshulu sandals.
Simple jewellery, in your preferred tone.
And some classic tortoiseshell frame sunglasses - definitely go for a polarised lens!

Another vote for loose cropped trousers in light uncrushable fabric (similar to above), nice cool top, some statement accessories like good bag, hat (?), sunnies and good shoes/sandals.

Cool, light trousers are much better in the heat than a dress IMO. But if you prefer a dress, the looser the better, and if you need them, get those anti chafe bands for thighs.

Thank you for the suggestions
I generally prefer trousers in heat
And don't like vests due to risk of shoulders burning but this has given me something to consider

Italians tend to be two extremes in my experience. Either super elegant and understated - very big on natural fabrics, silk, wool, linen cotton; or more the Versace look. Milan was very hot and humid when I visited there in August.

I would simply say that "I am not terrible good with heat. Is it possible to book an air-conditioned restaurant and take a dress with a light jacket or shawl? Will there be time to pop back to the hotel for a quick change, or shall I dress to go out after sightseeing?"

For daytime, linen trousers and can't go wrong with a pale linen shirt and a straw hat.

If it's day to evening then a simple navy, khaki or pale blue linen dress would work with your colouring.

Also - pick up a battery operated fan on Amazon. Life saver!

The person i'm meeting is v elegant (& wealthy)
I think once we meet we'll stay out so won't be going back to change

I’d go for a black linen dress, tan sandals and gold earrings. Pale people very often look super elegant in black. www.meandem.com/crease-less-embroidery-stitch-detail-maxi-dress-black?glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23699499838&gbraid=0AAAAADtaHAJr48dezDdU5y1x8GNdS-6f8&gclid=CjwKCAjwuanRBhBSEiwAY5y6Vzmk_FvkrjKWDWEszUXu9RkG77fNMAUlCgVo3t_5-h-ZJeAmdPp95xoCxLYQAvD_BwE

I’m similarly built and coloured and wore this last year with big sunglasses and gold bangles. Lots of compliments, I felt very Italian despite being stuck in Manchester not Milan lol

https://www.hush-uk.com/linen-blend-petunia-wide-leg-trousers-dark-brown/012955-0450.html

This is interesting as i wear lots of black generally & i have a fab black COS dress but worried it might be a no no in heat

I love the me+em drsss & hush set

I was in Italy recently and many women were wearing cropped, wide leg linen trousers in fairly formal settings. Slightly exaggerated dimensions ie; very wide or very cropped helped make them look like something special.

If you burn, I'd team these with a linen blouse with shoulders in it - eg a short sleeve style. Its a myth that strappy synthetics are cooler than light natural fibres that cover the skin.

I'm a similar colouring and don't do well at all in heat. I've not been to Milan but I've been in Rome in August and basically avoided going out as much as possible between around 12 noon and 4pm. This wasn't as hard as it sounds as we'd basically have an extra long lunch and then dive into a museum or gallery for the rest of the afternoon.

I think Milan is north of Rome so it might be less brutal but, if you cope with heat as badly as I do, then I would prioritise - and I realise you might not be calling the shots if this is a client - trying to agree a schedule that doesn't involve wandering the streets mid afternoon.

As for what to wear, there have been some lovely items posted but they're mostly sleeveless and I personally cannot bear the feeling of arms and shoulders cooking in the sun. I'd probably keep it simple and go for wide, loose trousers and a long sleeved shirt. Linen is great if it's a tight weave - I don't mind creasing but I hate the drooping. Failing that, cotton. If I couldn't avoid being out in the afternoon, I'd also wear a hat.

Always have a shawl as you will need to cover arms and shoulders in most churches, which are buildings of artistic interest.

I would wear something with sleeves, as then you can wander into churches or the cathedral . I was in Tuscany for a few days in early September, not as hot as July but still warm. I am very pale ! I wore fairly smart cotton dresses with sleeves, long midi length. Only needed sandals and a hat then. A lot of wondering about wasn’t in full sun as the streets are narrow and it was easy to keep in the shade. I am not sure if Milan is similar. I had a navy dress from Me&Em, the same dress in white, a printed dress from Stine Goya , gold sandals that went with everything. I also took some trousers from Cos and a couple of silk shirts. I had a silk square in my handbag to cover the deeper necklines in church, as one dress had quite a deep V.
I managed not to burn at all. Kept indoors in the strongest sun. Churches and museums were fairly cool.

Thank you all! I am in agreement that sleevless is less ideal for me.

I'll have a proper browse tonight online!

I don't think New Look quality would cut it in elegant Milan. There is a YouTube video about high street stores' quality problems, and though they used to be reasonable for the price, New Look was the worst on the list. On the other hand pure linen will look like a damp creased rag in the heat. i was looking at Uniqlo just now, and they had a surprisingly nice looking loose linen-look or cotton blend dress - sorry don't know how to link.🍀

Linen shift in an earthy tone to complement your colouring, metallic sandals and good jewellery.

Don’t wear trousers if you’re not used to heat (Italians are), you’ll just get a sweaty waistband.

Would ganache suit your colouring?

https://www.meandem.com/twisted-front-cheesecloth-jumpsuit-ganache-brown

I have a short sleeved linen top in a subtle geometric pattern that is very versatile. It can be worn with trousers, shorts or skirts.

Can you find a broderie or linen short sleeved top, then pair it with whatever bottom is comfortable for you?
Boden Trim Insert Double Cloth Shirt, Porcelain Rose the model shows it with jeans, but it would look nice with tailored linen trousers or skirt.

Think I'd go for wide leg linen trousers and be a shift top/blouse dress it up with nice bag and jewellery

YY to make sure you are covered up: if you go into the cathedral they give you a paper bag to wear if they don’t think you are decent (neck to knees covered). Also: wear mozzie repellent and carry lots of it with you. Some of our party were eaten alive.

Buy White Pull On Wide Leg Trousers With Linen from the Next UK online shop https://share.google/H8lSIDugnIjKqiPz9

Milan is often hotter than Rome despite being further north, as there is higher humidity and we are further from the coast, so fewer breezes.

All restaurants except for cheapo kebab shops or pizza slice places are air conditioned. As is public transport, taxis etc. if your friend is wealthy there you won’t be eating anywhere cheap. Do not eat outdoors, inside is cooler and outside there are mosquitos in the evening. We Milanese rarely sit outside in the summer, unless a cool garden or courtyard.

Clothes wise go for natural fibres, linen or light cotton, or silk. Trousers and a shirt or loose top are fine, but personally I live in dresses and skirts in the summer, more circulation of air imo! I would avoid anything from New Look or similar, especially for a work do where you want to make an impact. Keep it simple with accessories - a nice bag, perhaps a silk scarf, some fairly discreet jewellery. Apart from that don’t overthink it, wear what you’re comfortable in, something that fits nicely and makes you feel good. If you’re happy and comfy you will wear it well, which is half the battle.

I really appreciate all the suggestions.
I wear a lot of me+em & french brands but i usually avoid travel in the warmest months as i am so fair

The new look trousers were v helpful for thinking about shape & pattern

Also super allergic to mosquitos so will be deet-ed to the hilt!

Slightly off topic but instead of using deet as a mosquito repellent then I’d highly recommend picaridin repellent instead. I find it’s just as effective (maybe even more effective) but is much less smelly/sticky/greasy and doesn’t melt nail polish!

I live in the Middle East and I’ve found the coolest and most comfortable outfits in the heat are floaty linen tops that cover your arms and shoulders (similar to this: Massimo Dutti shirt or Blue linen shirt). With loose linen trousers or a midi skirt.
It means you’re not worrying about burning, keeping the sun off your skin is cooler than having it exposed, and it has the added benefit of ensuring you’re not freezing when you do go into air-conditioned shops/restaurants/museums. You’ll
also be covered up if you want to visit any religious buildings on your sightseeing trip.