Please help with my Spring/Summer wardrobe!

[DTisMYdoctor]

I hate this time of year because I find it really hard to find clothes that suit me and don't make me look twice my size. After a clearout last year though, I desperately need some new clothes for work and for an upcoming holiday abroad. All suggestions/links most appreciated.

I'm 5' 5" (with short legs) and a size 14. So a bit overweight obviously, which I'm trying to do something about, but I need some new clothes now unfortunately. My problems are that I'm not very toned and that I have very chunky thight and calfs. I'm pretty pear shaped and curvy. I prefer clothes that have a bit more structure - loose fitting, floaty things tend to make me look huge and/or pregnant.

I don't particularly like getting my legs out. I wear a lot of knee length skirts and dresses in the autumn/winter with dark tights. Apart from their size, I do have a few blemishes on my pasty white legs that I'm quite self-conscious about.

Can anyone suggest any outfits? Not got a budget as such, but not looking for any really really expensive. For work I need to be smart, but I don't need to wear a suit or anything. Only going away for a week in the summer (should be quite warn), so don't need tons of summer clothes - but a few well chosen key pieces would be helpful.

TIA.

[CambridgeBlue]

I'm a similar shape and size to you but a bit shorter. I also hate my legs!

Things I wear that I find both comfy and flattering include jersey maxi skirts, rolled up cotton chinos, loose jersey trousers (I guess you would call them harems but NOT the really baggy full nappy/MC Hammer type) and if it's really hot longer shorts (denim or cotton).

A decent fake tan is a big help if I do get my legs out - I use one of the spray ones (think it's L'Oreal Dry something) and it gives just enough colour to stop my legs dazzling people but not so much that I look like Peter Andre's older sister :). I like really bright nail varnish too (your feet have to be immaculate though) as it detracts attention from my uglier bits.

[DTisMYdoctor]

Thanks CambridgeBlue. I'm not too keen on jersey bottoms but I'd quite like some rolled up chinos for casual/holiday wear if I can find some that are a flattering shape on me. When I've tried them in the past they've either been too baggy and emphasised my width or too tight on the calf. Shorts are a no no for me!

I might book a pedicure before my hols though!

[DTisMYdoctor]

Bump for the stylish evening crowd?

[landofsoapandglory]

Tesco had some lovely stretch chinos in yesterday. They were £14 and had navy, stone and pale blue.

I like floral, knee length, flippy skirts for the Summer, but there doesn't seem to be any about at the moment!

[applecrumbleandcream]

I saw a lovely navy and White stripy blazer in Next which I'm planning to buy. Would look lovely over a navy maxi dress.

[DTisMYdoctor]

Thanks for the suggestions - I'll have a look out for those. Have found a couple of dresses online to try, but still on the search for trousers (both casual for holidays and smart for work).