Advice on Affordable and Comfortable Summer Clothes

[kentishgodess30]

I feel a bit silly asking this at 38. We're planning a trip to Florida soon. Before I had children, I was purely a city getaway kind of girl. Now, I'm going somewhere very warm for two weeks and I'm not used to showing a lot of skin!

I don't have many clothes for hot weather. I've got some linen trousers and some cropped trousers, but that's about it. I haven't worn shorts since I was maybe 13 (I don't like my big calves) and I don't know what to buy. I don't want to waste money on stuff I won't wear again and it's hard for me to imagine how hot it will be.

I also can't wear tank tops because my shoulders burn in the sun. So, I need to find clothes that cover me up, keep me cool, and don't cost too much - is that doable?

M&s cotton/linen dresses. The long ones. So comfy. They also have half sleeves. The go for about £40.
John lewis has lovely natural fibre dresses for about same price. Good quality, looks like they will last.

The breeze under them is refreshing 😁

Thanks. I went to M&S last Saturday to have a look. It seems there are more items online. I might order online, although I prefer in-store buying as I can always try on items and avoid the hassle of returning and reordering

I have big M&Sso they seemed to have a lot. If you have JL, their Anyday basic range is great. Dh absolutely loves their tshirts. Cotton for about a tenner. Dresses are great price especially when on sale

You could order and try them on in changing room when you collect and return any you don't want straight away.

When are you off to Florida? And where abouts?

It's so so warm this time of year - honestly I would wear something as cooling as possible! I ended up living in biker shorts and slightly oversized t shirts, paper bag style shorts and tucked in vests (or a linen shirt in the evening) or light summer dresses. Natural fabrics only, never polyester! Not worth it in the high heat / high humidity.

I can honestly say I wore things I'd be self conscious wearing in the UK, but everyone over there was so so relaxed and dressing for the weather not a single person gave me a second glance. Even when I had a wobble about my arms or legs I had to remind myself no one actually cared! No one will notice your legs / arms / any other part of your body, everyone's just dressing for the weather and it was honestly one of the most relaxed places clothes wise I've been in the US.

@bibbityboppityboo Thanks for the message. We are planning to go at the end of July, just 2 days before the summer holidays, and our base would be Jacksonville. I have a SIL who lives there, and we will be staying with them, but not for the entire two weeks. We will be spending three nights in Orlando, as we have a couple of friends who live there. We will surely be visiting a few beaches. I've never been one to feel very confident in a bikini. Normally, I wear a sarong or an oversized shirt over it if I'm walking around for lunch, a buffet, etc. I don't want to feel overdressed.

Bear in mind the shops in Florida are full of appropriate clothing. Silk tops are great for the humidity and so much cheaper in USA.

Go for loose comfy clothing, personally I’d recommend sweat shorts and big T-shirts. In Florida you will see every body size and shape under the sun and they won’t be covered up. If there was ever a place to be body confident as a plus size it’s Florida, you really won’t stand out especially in Orlando.

As other posters have said it's a good idea to buy clothing when you get there. The quality and choice is fantastic and it's often cheaper than here. Plus you've got all the good American brands to choose from. It's going to be humid so loose clothing in natural fibres is best. Most locals in Florida are quite informal and dress in caps, shorts and tees.

Find yourself an outlet mall...
I copied this off the Visit Jacksonville website:
'The Avenues More than 1.1 million square feet of shopping awaits you at The Avenues. This multi-level indoor mall includes a Dillard’s, JCPenney, and retailers like Coach, American Eagle, Banana Republic, H&M, Chico’s, MAC Cosmetics, and more. Make it a ladies shopping day and drop the rest of the family off across the street for fun and games at Main Event Jacksonville. Located on the Southside, The Avenues is accessible from I-95, I-295, and Route 1 (Phillips Highway).'

Have lovely trip.

I would go for flowly maxi dresses with big floppy sun hats. And sandals

@SophieStew Thanks for the suggestion. I agree that it might be better for me to do most of my summer clothes shopping in the US rather than here. As others mentioned, it could be cheaper and more options

@TheGreyRockess Thanks for sharing the link, it's very helpful. It seems like a great place to shop for summer clothes

Uniqlo is great for summer, look at their linen and airism ranges

You might also need a lightweight cardi/gilet for wearing inside as the AC is usually freezing!