Fat SAHM dreading summer, pls help...

[lynds1]

Can anyone tell me what to buy - I'm desperate for new clothes but just find clothes shopping hiddeously depressing. I'm currently a size 14 - 16 (prob closer to 16) 5ft3 & have hidden my body all winter in leggings, long tops & boots - & with my coat zipped up whenever possible! With the warmer weather starting I'm going to be looking seriously weird keeping my coat on all the time if I can't find some flattering summer clothes! I've no redeeming bodily features - just massive boobs, tummy, thighs & calves, sob... Is there any hope or should I just stay indoors :-)

Feel your pain, Im a 16 and summer can be tricky.

Can I suggest you try and find heels you can wear often, i'd really recommend a comfy wedge for summer, I swear by Clarks as they really are comfortable. This will give you height and confidence as heels def slim you down. They have loads

I'd buy some of those linen mix trousers they do in next every year for £20 here, Id buy them in a length that you NEED to wear them with wedges. I swear this makes me look 1/2 stone slimmer. I buy a black pair and either a stone or white pair every summer and they are a godsend.

I also love turned up jeans, they look great with the wedges and go with every top under the sun.

Another summer staple of mine is short cotton cardis, hide all my less than lovely bits, I wear them over nice printed summer sleeveless tops/camis and get away with it on all but the very hottest days.

First of all you are not that fat(sound pretty normal sized to me!). I am a similiar size but a bit taller(5'6). The things I want/will buy for summer are-
breton tops(long and short sleeves.different colours)
2 pairs of denims(bootcut-I like them ffs! and straight)
A tea dress
2 maxi dresses(1 casual and 1 glam one for going out)
pretty white blouse(am a sucker for broderie anglaise)
a couple of 3/4 length sleeved cardigans to wear with t-shirts/jeans.
A denim jacket(fashionistas say go for cropped styles but am not sure?) to wear with the tea dress and maxis.

Thanks Gillybobs, it's nice to know I'm not alone! I have got a couple of pairs of those Next linen trousers (black & white) but usually wear them with flats so they don't do me any favours - I will definitely look into wedges. Also really like your idea of cropped cardigans over cami's - which will also help to hide the not so nice top of my arms.

You've been really helpful, thanks again x

Aww thanks pink... but I suspect your 3 inches may make all the difference! If I wear t-shirts my big tummy makes me look pregnant & the same goes with maxi dresses - particularly empire ones. I think the problem may be more about body shape than size... Some bigger ladies than me look fab but I honestly look like im made of jelly...

Empire line dresses which end at the knee. Wear with sandals.

If they're sleeveless add a cardigan.

Kaftans are good too.

Size 16 is not fat by the way!! Don't be feeling bad about yourself.

xxxx

Thanks moongirl. I'm not always so negative but the prospect of warmer weather has sent me into a panic! Empire line sadly just makes me look pregnant but I do like your kaftan idea, though I'm a bit scared of bare legs! Xx

What about wearing kaftan type top with knee length leggings (navy ones are nice in the summer)?

I am a similar shape to you lynds1 and feel your pain. I hide myself in jeans and baggy t shirts/jumpers. There are some lovely suggestions on here I might just invest in a few myself. I like the cami top and cropped cardi idea and the kaftan top too. Where is good to buy? I often find these kind of ops aren't so generous in the boob area!

Did I mention my fat knees???! Knee length leggings would be a great summer solution - just not on me, lol.

If you come across some nice kaftans / camis that would fit in the boob dept Laura, PLEASE let me know & I'll do the same xx

No the leggings I mean come below your knees, sort of capri length IYSWIM. Mine are from Wallis, fairly good quality here they are

Some of my leggings are £1.99 from eBay and they're alright. I took a risk thinking they may be the crappy thin fabric but they're quite thick.

Obviously I'm not expecting them to last longer than till the end of summer though!

H and m do cotton cardis for a tenner, various colours. They have v neck and crew neck. Goof for hiding bulges under arms etc.
Mine have lasted several summers

If you don't suit empire line do you suit dresse /tunics belted on the hips?

Aha - I get what you mean now thanks. I was imagining some sort of cycling short type of look (shudder!!)

Xx

How about a really pretty skirt- eg White stuff- with a plain fitted top so attention is on the skirt not your shape iyswim?

I would second the poster who said get yourself some heels (wedges) to add a few inches and I'd go for dresses and maybe a little shrug or short-sleeved jacket if you have wobbly arms. You don't sound that fat to me, I think often something tailored and a bit fitted (not clinging) is more flattering than floaty and baggy.

I can see your point, I do look bigger in baggy clothes & definitely think wedges are the way forward as my linen trousers looked baggy last year when I wore flats. I'm just worried about dresses / skirts as my legs aren't the nicest! I've got quite a 'thick' waist so worry about looking like a box!

Thanks for the h&m tip Kristina, I'll have a look...

Thanks everyone, you're all fab xx