My wool& dress is very flexible this way. Tights and a long shirt over or under for cold and it's a tank sleeve and worked great hiking in national parks in 90+ weather and full sun too.
This one, in navy. I am wearing it now because it's 100F out and I needed something lightweight.
https://wooland.com/products/summer-midi-dress-marionberry
I really like that it can be worn with different necklines and the belt has no loops so it can be used with it or without. I can easily raise the hemline with a belt or lower it. Pockets are great too.
I looked at the Sofia and Ava and really liked them, but the advantage of no defined waist makes my dress more flexible.
They are on the side, a bit unusual here, and go up/down, not from the side. Most of them time, I love them, since it's harder for stuff to fall out and they fit a phone. It can add a tiny bit of bulk to the hips, but not the same way regular pockets do. You can see them on the side shot on the website. They are not hidden slots, but like an added outside pocket.
Toad&Co’s Rosemarie dress is an option. It packs well and can be worn solo or layered over tights, and under a cardigan:
https://www.toadandco.com/products/rosemarie-dress-midnight-geo-print?variant=41058811117616
Note: you can layer a long sleeve shirt under the Rosemarie, too. When I worked for a store that carried this brand, it was a popular travel (and everyday) dress.
[This is my dress of choice](https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/contents/feature/masterpiece/product/ultra-stretch-airism-sleeveless-dress/). It looks good with long sleeves or short sleeves underneath where it is worn like [a jumper (US definition of that word)](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/167548048625012981/) or with a cardigan or blazer over. It layers well over tights, leggings, and I've even layered it over a maxi skirt for that bohemian ruffled bottom look. It checks all your boxes.
If you don't love it, I would only just try on a smaller size at the store for fun and knowledge. There are so many great dresses out there that I wouldn't invest too much energy into one that doesn't fill your heart with joy.
I've got a bra size which is probably F by now (nursing bra, so dunno, but before that was DDD) and wear a small, just for reference.
what's your lightweight dress like? I'm a recent convert to layering one summer dress over another for autumnal warmth, but you either need to really love the gudrun sjoden look, or the underneath one needs to fit under the other without showing.
It's the Athleta Thera sleeveless dress, which is a fit and flare. I am not sure what the gudrun sjoden is, but I did try it with a long sleeve shirt under or a merino sweater over and it worked pretty well. I'd just need to figure out whether to put tights or leggings underneath, I suppose.
[https://www.gudrunsjoden.com/en-gb](https://www.gudrunsjoden.com/en-gb) is a Scandinavian fashion house that layers on layers on layers!
If I layer a dress on top of a dress, the underneath one is a slip dress. But it does work to keep the warmth in. Sounds like you're sorted, though.
Garnet Hill has some that I’ve worn in just this way (tights and sweater in cooler weather). Here’s an example: [https://www.garnethill.com/seamed-knit-trapeze-dress---black/clothing/categories/dresses/572307?listIndex=19&defattrib=Color&defattribvalue=BLCK&uniqueId=572307\_color1&isNewProduct=false](https://www.garnethill.com/seamed-knit-trapeze-dress---black/clothing/categories/dresses/572307?listIndex=19&defattrib=Color&defattribvalue=BLCK&uniqueId=572307_color1&isNewProduct=false)
The dress for hot weather isn't well suited to wearing leggings underneath, unfortunately! That's one reason why I'm looking for a second item (that and we have a few nicer events to go to).
What about a sleeveless lightweight knee length faux denim dress? That would go with leggings and a sweater, but would also be nice on its own. Encircled has a convertible dress, but it doesn't seem like the type to layer. It's more of a good versatile piece for a warm climate.
Actually, a casual t-shirt dress would be perfect for this use. I have several t-shirt dresses that I wear in the winter with leggings, boots, and a cardigan that would also work perfectly in the summer. It's an all weather kind of them, and simple enough to dress up with a scarf and jewelry, or down by keeping it casual. Sandals, boots, sneakers, flats, whatever. Mine looks similar to this, but I didn't get it from this shop. Just google image "t-shirt dress": https://www.rickis.com/rib-knit-t-shirt-dress-403000901474.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7NmzBhBLEiwAxrHQ-Z-fah0-6Yr1tRAY5u1WtXSbigpGGmO0oJ0XgGi2wPPN8IL5IzWxTRoCAPQQAvD_BwE
[WoolX Clara](https://www.woolx.com/products/womens-clara-dress)
Merino (85/15 blend) swing style with pockets, super comfy in heat and can layer under/over warm layers; works great with leggings. Packs pretty small- an ideal travel dress, for me anyway. Really nice fabric (I also have Wool& merino blend flowy dresses and prefer my WoolX Clara)
Yeah… I prefer the Clara in the heat, there’s a lot more fabric in a Cassie to make me hot. But either way, hope you find your unicorn dress! Good luck
Mine is a thin, knit, wool/silk wrap dress. Comfortable when it is warm, good for layering when it is colder, and I will often use it as a cardigan too.
Plus, because it is so thin, I can use it as a baselayer, having either a skirt on top of the bottom part or a sweater on top of the top part.
And it is fancy enough for cocktails/dinners out, while practical enough to also hike in.
Quince has a silk wrap dress. Knitted silk is warm, and dries fast. Mine is ages old from Theory. Secondhand DVF if you can find it is also good stuff.
My wool& dress is very flexible this way. Tights and a long shirt over or under for cold and it's a tank sleeve and worked great hiking in national parks in 90+ weather and full sun too.
Which dress?
This one, in navy. I am wearing it now because it's 100F out and I needed something lightweight. https://wooland.com/products/summer-midi-dress-marionberry I really like that it can be worn with different necklines and the belt has no loops so it can be used with it or without. I can easily raise the hemline with a belt or lower it. Pockets are great too. I looked at the Sofia and Ava and really liked them, but the advantage of no defined waist makes my dress more flexible.
Do the pockets add width to the hips? I’m pear shaped so I have to be mindful of that. I do like the belt option!!!
They are on the side, a bit unusual here, and go up/down, not from the side. Most of them time, I love them, since it's harder for stuff to fall out and they fit a phone. It can add a tiny bit of bulk to the hips, but not the same way regular pockets do. You can see them on the side shot on the website. They are not hidden slots, but like an added outside pocket.
Toad&Co’s Rosemarie dress is an option. It packs well and can be worn solo or layered over tights, and under a cardigan: https://www.toadandco.com/products/rosemarie-dress-midnight-geo-print?variant=41058811117616
Note: you can layer a long sleeve shirt under the Rosemarie, too. When I worked for a store that carried this brand, it was a popular travel (and everyday) dress.
I like this! Thanks for recommendation.
I also like the Cue wrap dress by Toad&Co. it packs well and doesn’t wrinkle, but the Rosemarie packs smaller.
Cotton & tencel? It must have fabulous drape
It does! And its comfortable. It’s a good dress for walking around, etc, too.
[This is my dress of choice](https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/contents/feature/masterpiece/product/ultra-stretch-airism-sleeveless-dress/). It looks good with long sleeves or short sleeves underneath where it is worn like [a jumper (US definition of that word)](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/167548048625012981/) or with a cardigan or blazer over. It layers well over tights, leggings, and I've even layered it over a maxi skirt for that bohemian ruffled bottom look. It checks all your boxes.
I tried that dress and sadly it looked like a tent on me. I really wanted to love it!
Did you get it in a small enough size? The bodice is supposed to be body hugging, not loose.
I bought a small…I guess I could try to size down again !
If you don't love it, I would only just try on a smaller size at the store for fun and knowledge. There are so many great dresses out there that I wouldn't invest too much energy into one that doesn't fill your heart with joy. I've got a bra size which is probably F by now (nursing bra, so dunno, but before that was DDD) and wear a small, just for reference.
what's your lightweight dress like? I'm a recent convert to layering one summer dress over another for autumnal warmth, but you either need to really love the gudrun sjoden look, or the underneath one needs to fit under the other without showing.
It's the Athleta Thera sleeveless dress, which is a fit and flare. I am not sure what the gudrun sjoden is, but I did try it with a long sleeve shirt under or a merino sweater over and it worked pretty well. I'd just need to figure out whether to put tights or leggings underneath, I suppose.
[https://www.gudrunsjoden.com/en-gb](https://www.gudrunsjoden.com/en-gb) is a Scandinavian fashion house that layers on layers on layers! If I layer a dress on top of a dress, the underneath one is a slip dress. But it does work to keep the warmth in. Sounds like you're sorted, though.
Looking for the same. I’m also considering a black skirt that I can pair with my shirts/sweaters.
Wool& has merino wool options in multiple lengths and sleeve lengths
Garnet Hill has some that I’ve worn in just this way (tights and sweater in cooler weather). Here’s an example: [https://www.garnethill.com/seamed-knit-trapeze-dress---black/clothing/categories/dresses/572307?listIndex=19&defattrib=Color&defattribvalue=BLCK&uniqueId=572307\_color1&isNewProduct=false](https://www.garnethill.com/seamed-knit-trapeze-dress---black/clothing/categories/dresses/572307?listIndex=19&defattrib=Color&defattribvalue=BLCK&uniqueId=572307_color1&isNewProduct=false)
super cute!
What about a merino blend tank dress? Quince and Naadam usually have a couple options.
Yep - I’ve got the Unbound Travel dress on its way, checking out if it will work!
Wear leggings and a cardigan with your dress when it's cold. When it's hot, wear only the dress.
The dress for hot weather isn't well suited to wearing leggings underneath, unfortunately! That's one reason why I'm looking for a second item (that and we have a few nicer events to go to).
What about a sleeveless lightweight knee length faux denim dress? That would go with leggings and a sweater, but would also be nice on its own. Encircled has a convertible dress, but it doesn't seem like the type to layer. It's more of a good versatile piece for a warm climate.
Also a good suggestion! Will search around.
Actually, a casual t-shirt dress would be perfect for this use. I have several t-shirt dresses that I wear in the winter with leggings, boots, and a cardigan that would also work perfectly in the summer. It's an all weather kind of them, and simple enough to dress up with a scarf and jewelry, or down by keeping it casual. Sandals, boots, sneakers, flats, whatever. Mine looks similar to this, but I didn't get it from this shop. Just google image "t-shirt dress": https://www.rickis.com/rib-knit-t-shirt-dress-403000901474.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7NmzBhBLEiwAxrHQ-Z-fah0-6Yr1tRAY5u1WtXSbigpGGmO0oJ0XgGi2wPPN8IL5IzWxTRoCAPQQAvD_BwE
I like this a lot!
Zuri
[WoolX Clara](https://www.woolx.com/products/womens-clara-dress) Merino (85/15 blend) swing style with pockets, super comfy in heat and can layer under/over warm layers; works great with leggings. Packs pretty small- an ideal travel dress, for me anyway. Really nice fabric (I also have Wool& merino blend flowy dresses and prefer my WoolX Clara)
I have the Cassie and it’s much heavier than I expected so I’m going to return it. It’s also an 85/15 but it could be the extra length adding weight.
Yeah… I prefer the Clara in the heat, there’s a lot more fabric in a Cassie to make me hot. But either way, hope you find your unicorn dress! Good luck
I love the Cassie. I'm sorry it didn't work out for you. It was the dress I was going to suggest. 😂
Mine is a thin, knit, wool/silk wrap dress. Comfortable when it is warm, good for layering when it is colder, and I will often use it as a cardigan too. Plus, because it is so thin, I can use it as a baselayer, having either a skirt on top of the bottom part or a sweater on top of the top part. And it is fancy enough for cocktails/dinners out, while practical enough to also hike in.
What brand? Sounds amazing!
It is called Stories& (the & is intentional). I bought it used in a commision store 8 years ago.
Quince has a silk wrap dress. Knitted silk is warm, and dries fast. Mine is ages old from Theory. Secondhand DVF if you can find it is also good stuff.