I really like the first dress, Uniqlo are doing some cute sweater dresses in Merino wool at the moment, it may be worth a look?

I love the first one. I like it's simplicity and that it doesn't have the empire style.

I like the first one too - especially if you get a new-ish colour like purple.

Hmmm, when I click on the link, it says the product ID is unavailable...

The link worked for me but took awhile. I like the first one too and love the pairing with chestnut brown. I wonder, though, if the "fine" cotton knit is heavy enough to fall nicely without clinging. You'd need to try it to tell.

O.K. now it works. I actually like number two the best but I see what you mean about the colors - wish it came in purple. I like the first one too but sometimes that cut just hangs on a straight figure rather than catching elegantly on the hips (in my case, it catches quite unelegantly on my tummy!).

Thank you! Shana, that's exactly what I am afraid of - that it would just hang like on a hanger. I guess it wouldn't hurt to try.
Julie, thank you very much for the Uniqlo tip. Unfortunately, the only store in US is in NYC and you can't order online. They do have product pictures on their site, and there is a purplish blue merino dress - loose, long sleeve, crew neck - which would be great. Grr. And my NYC trip that I was hoping for is not likely to happen at the moment. :(