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Summer dresses

50 replies

Gettingbysomehow · 27/06/2026 10:53

Ive been looking for a beautiful dress for weeks with no luck.
Why are dresses so hideous this year?
Horrible patterns.
Gaudy colours.
Ruching, tiers, frills on everything.
I finally found two nice dresses in Monsoon and Boden but the reviews said they were see through. I cant wear a transparent dress at 64.
The others ones that were ok were either linen which I hate because of the creasing, backless which is a no or a big baggy mess with yards of material in it.
Im a size 10. How hard can it be to find a nice dress?
Baukjen have some nice dresses but Im not spending £200 on a basic summer dress.

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sweatymessi · 27/06/2026 11:34

It’s not really a dress season so there are less options out there.

I have only bought 2, a polka dot M&S one & a denim maxi from TU.

LobeliaBaggins · 27/06/2026 11:43

I just bought this from Boden. Not received it yet. ( wait for image to upload)

Summer dresses
Gettingbysomehow · 27/06/2026 12:21

PhaedraTwo · 27/06/2026 11:26

Well without even prompting this popped up.

Summer dress £59

Not sure what the problem is. M and S, Boden, supermarkets for starters are awash with summer dresses.

This one is lovely. M and s is awash witb dresses Id never wear. I just didnt like anythinv.
Boden has some nice dresses but too much gaudy patterning and the transparent dress syndrome according to the reviews..
I very much like the dress that popped up on your feed actually.

OP posts:
Gettingbysomehow · 27/06/2026 12:23

LobeliaBaggins · 27/06/2026 11:43

I just bought this from Boden. Not received it yet. ( wait for image to upload)

I have a dress already that is exactly like this one. Different brand.

OP posts:
Gettingbysomehow · 27/06/2026 12:23

Maybe I am the problem....too picky.

OP posts:
Gettingbysomehow · 27/06/2026 12:25

Dammit Phaedra Two. I went to buy the seasalt one you posted and the smallest size they have is 14 😪

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BunfightBetty · 27/06/2026 12:33

Gettingbysomehow · 27/06/2026 12:25

Dammit Phaedra Two. I went to buy the seasalt one you posted and the smallest size they have is 14 😪

Seasalt is carried quite widely by Next, John Lewis, department stores, etc. High chance you can get it elsewhere if you Google.

Sunshineandrainbow · 27/06/2026 12:57

Gettingbysomehow · 27/06/2026 12:25

Dammit Phaedra Two. I went to buy the seasalt one you posted and the smallest size they have is 14 😪

What size are you after and petite or regular.

PhaedraTwo · 27/06/2026 13:05

Gettingbysomehow · 27/06/2026 12:25

Dammit Phaedra Two. I went to buy the seasalt one you posted and the smallest size they have is 14 😪

This is really nice

https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/carved-wood-sleeveless-yarn-dyed-dress

Seasalt gets a battering on MN-not sure why given some of the other brands promoted zealously. They are almost entirely natural fibre, ethical and sort of a toned down, much cheaper Toast.

I really like Palava

https://palava.co/collections/collections-womens-dresses

SS26 - Dresses

Women's Dresses All Palava's dresses are produced in limited runs, so are almost guaranteed to be one of a kind. We only use natural, breathable fabrics, and always add pockets!

https://palava.co/collections/collections-womens-dresses

LobeliaBaggins · 27/06/2026 13:08

I also like this. Linen blend so won't crease as much.

Summer dresses
BorgQueen · 27/06/2026 13:36

I’ve had to return 3 maxi dresses that were dragging on the floor, they seem to think we are all 7ft tall. So called midi dresses are now almost ankle length, I’m 5ft 7 so not tiny.
I agree about most clothes being hideous, in style and material, sick of looking at £70+ dresses to feel they are like 70’s bri-nylon.
I’m living in 3 dresses I bought 5-7 years ago from Joe Browns and Jasper Conran ( Debenhams) Well cut,
nice cool cotton jersey and most importantly v neck - most dresses for sale currently have weird high necks or worse still, notch which I detest as I cant stand anything sat on my collar bones.

Gettingbysomehow · 27/06/2026 13:42

Sunshineandrainbow · 27/06/2026 12:57

What size are you after and petite or regular.

Size 10 regular.

OP posts:
ErrolTheDragon · 27/06/2026 13:44

sweatymessi · 27/06/2026 11:34

It’s not really a dress season so there are less options out there.

I have only bought 2, a polka dot M&S one & a denim maxi from TU.

How can summer not be a dress season?Confused

anyway, there are lots around in different styles. The OP probably wouldn’t like the prints on the ones I’ve got this year from Mountain warehouse which are a lovely practical light jersey type of fabric - the sort of dresses that are as easy to wear as a tshirt but cooler and prettier than trousers or shorts.

Tulipvase · 27/06/2026 14:46

This is my current favourite dress. I imagine the pattern might be a bit marmite. It’s cool and floaty. I’m short so it’s basically a maxi on me. Have had compliments when wearing it.

www.fatface.com/style/su892946/g09211

Gettingbysomehow · 27/06/2026 15:02

I found the lovely seasalt dress on another site and I ordered it. Thank you everyone 😍

OP posts:
Sunshineandrainbow · 27/06/2026 15:50

Gettingbysomehow · 27/06/2026 13:42

Size 10 regular.

12 regular is the smallest on seasalt website.

Glad you have found elsewhere

EleanorMc67 · 27/06/2026 20:59

PhaedraTwo · 27/06/2026 13:05

This is really nice

https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/carved-wood-sleeveless-yarn-dyed-dress

Seasalt gets a battering on MN-not sure why given some of the other brands promoted zealously. They are almost entirely natural fibre, ethical and sort of a toned down, much cheaper Toast.

I really like Palava

https://palava.co/collections/collections-womens-dresses

I would agree that I'm perplexed by how much Seasalt is derided on MN. Ethically, they rate very highly, as well as being a UK brand. Maybe it's because they're everywhere - but then so are M&S/Monsoon/Next etc ...

I think it's partly because they stock a lot of above-the-knee tunic dresses - the jersey kind worn with leggings - plus cropped trousers (both of which seem to be seen as a last resort from comments I've seen on MN). Also, their floral patterns in particular can be quite dated, while also distinctive (although they sometimes get patterns, especially checks or abstracts, really spot on). Their knitwear is pretty good (in particular the men's jumpers).

Both the check dresses linked are really nice colourways, & I like their linen dresses too. They're not exciting - but they do come in some lovely colours & simple cuts, & would be easy to style with the right footwear & other accessories to look contemporary (& not instantly identifiable as Seasalt, if that's a factor).

For instance, this really plainly cut mauve one is a bit dull on its own - but is a great colour on the model, & with the shades, chocolate suede sandals & a striped raffia bag it all comes together as a cool- & relaxed-looking outfit with minimal effort. Nothing ground-breaking - but a lot better than some of the polyester mesh frocks suggested on here for summer wear!!!

However, what frustrates me personally about Seasalt is that even their regular length in dresses & skirts is too short - I look like I've had a growth spurt in their clothing! I wish they'd do them in tall! (I think your Palava dresses also look perfect for more petite women, but the length & cut are wrong for me.)

Summer dresses
Summer dresses
sweatymessi · 27/06/2026 21:31

@ErrolTheDragonas in dresses aren’t massively on trend this summer. It’s more about trousers and separates.

gillefc82 · 27/06/2026 23:15

I’d really recommend Nobody’s Child. Can only talk about their dresses and bikinis as haven’t bought anything else from them, but good quality, fit nicely, look lovely and the delivery/returns process is all quick and easy.

www.nobodyschild.com

Gettingbysomehow · 28/06/2026 08:18

I also found this Baukjen dress on sale reduced again. Ive been coveting it for ages so I bought it. It will be great for autumn. Its right up my street.

https://www.baukjen.com/products/hannah-printed-jersey-midi-dress-chestnut-leopard?country=GB&tmsrc=googlead&tmcid=20555597977&tmsid=151879278605&tmid=673933293505&tmkw=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20555597977&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjIPSBhCCARIsABGyK7uBKgUPifUsfP6wuNWu_jVp7B4KQ-e0QjqbE-INXaqZn2EBEl4rNBUaAkA5EALw_wcB

Hannah Printed Jersey Midi Dress - Chestnut Leopard | Baukjen

Elevate your style with our Hannah Midi Dress in Chestnut Leopard. Comfort meets elegance, perfect for work or dinner. Effortless fit and flattering silhouette.

https://www.baukjen.com/products/hannah-printed-jersey-midi-dress-chestnut-leopard?country=GB&gad_campaignid=20555597977&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjIPSBhCCARIsABGyK7uBKgUPifUsfP6wuNWu_jVp7B4KQ-e0QjqbE-INXaqZn2EBEl4rNBUaAkA5EALw_wcB&tmcid=20555597977&tmid=673933293505&tmkw=&tmsid=151879278605&tmsrc=googlead

OP posts:
MissyB1 · 28/06/2026 09:22

Tulipvase · 27/06/2026 14:46

This is my current favourite dress. I imagine the pattern might be a bit marmite. It’s cool and floaty. I’m short so it’s basically a maxi on me. Have had compliments when wearing it.

www.fatface.com/style/su892946/g09211

I love this! Im 5ft 3 and would like it to fit as midi rather than maxi, should I order it in petite do you think?

triggers34 · 28/06/2026 10:14

I’m not sure why Seasalt is so derided on here either , just popping on to say they do a generous blue light card discount of 25% . Was years before I realised that , their mens clothes are good too!

LobeliaBaggins · 28/06/2026 12:31

I like a lot of Seasalt and that checked dress is lovely..Might buy it.

Gettingbysomehow · 28/06/2026 12:33

LobeliaBaggins · 28/06/2026 12:31

I like a lot of Seasalt and that checked dress is lovely..Might buy it.

I dont like all their clothes but some of them are lovely and I always buy the knitwear.

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