I have a handful of dresses I am enjoying for the summer, but I find that this year I have had way better luck finding skirts than dresses. I’ve been defaulting to patterned skirts with solid (mostly black or white) tops, and that’s fine. But sometimes I want the easy breezy solution of a dress.

I’ve combed through the websites of Nordstrom, Anthro and the like — my usual retail haunts. But I’m coming up really slim on good casual dresses for me, despite the additional options in midi lengths.

The problems? Too many ruffles and flounces, spaghetti straps, ditsy prints that are not me, and colors that don’t work for me. Also, there don’t seem to be many options that fall in between body-con and shapeless sack dresses.

What am I looking for? Easy styles that have a midi or maxi length with slit or high-low hem. V-neck or some other style that flatters a large bust. A bit of structure but not so tailored as to look like a work dress. Interesting prints that are not too bold or too small, in colors that appeal to me, preferably grounded with black or white. Short or no sleeves.

I’m also struggling with additional weight that has rendered some of my old dresses just a smidge too body-con for my preference. I’m not giving them away yet, but I’m not reaching for them either.

I just placed an order with Boden for a cute dress that may work, but I have low expectations. I’m on my phone and collecting Finds on my phone doesn’t work for me anymore, but I’ll try to add a link.

Is there somewhere I should be looking that may have some good options? I’m not in the market for anything super expensive or precious. I am hard on my summer clothes and simply don’t bother with silk dresses that require dry cleaning.

I welcome suggestions!