Few bits to brighten up frumpy Mum's summer wardrobe

[lilolilmanchester]

Am 5'4, size 14 bottoms and a 14 or generous size 12 top. Pushing 50.

Am on a mission to lose a stone or two this year, but it won't happen before Easter holiday in the sun. So, want to add a couple of bits to my wardrobe without spending a fortune as with a bit of luck and will power they will be too big by August summer holiday.

Am probably ok for "bottoms" for a week (jeans (blue and black) for evenings/cooler days; cropped jeans (light blue); cropped black linen trousers

Shorts: black; beige (plus some patterned ones but have plain vest tops which will go with those).

I also have plain vest tops and t-shirts, but a bit boring.

So, am just looking for a couple of nice tops (for day and evening) which would be a bit more interesting than plain.

I also need sandals which are comfortable to walk a mile or so into the nearest town which would go with the above type of outfits without looking too grannyish.

Been round the shops and not seeing anything, but equally know I'm not good at this wardrobe stuff. Any ideas please?

For sandals, the Teva Tirra is nice and designed for walking. Likewise the Merrell Siena.

Not cheap, but deals to be had if you know your size and are prepared to search online and they should last well.

Hi Abzs, thanks for those links. I like both of those for "all day" walking (especially the merrell - I don't "do" pink but thankfully they have lots of other colours. Feet size won't change so don't mind investing in good walking sandals. Would also like something a bit more "evening-y" that I could walk a mile or so in... had a fab pair of very comfortable Next sandals, about 2 inch heels (but about 1" square, rather than stiletto, IFKNWIM) which I can't find - horrid feeling they were left under the bed in our last holiday destination :-)

I can really recommend the Russell & Bromley espadrille wedges. They are £125 but incredibly comfortable and stylish. Available in closed toe or open tor, black, tan, or nude.
I would add a nice wrap dress to your holiday wardrobe, just tighten it when you lose the weight.

espradille wedges sound just the ticket - very open to anyone able to find me cheaper alternatives!

I also like the idea of a wrap dress but being average height, over average weight and "getting on a bit" , I've always found they make me look very frumpy. Links to any which might not truly appreciated.

Think I'm having a bit of a crisis of confidence clothes wise, for reasons mentioned above, so any help really appreciated.

I have had lots of good but pretty walking sandals from this range in cheap ol' Shoezone.

www.shoezone.com/SearchResults?stresults=walkeasy

M&S are selling some cheap nice wedge espadrilles

www.marksandspencer.com/gp/search?node=42966030&field-keywords=espadrille+wedges&viewID=results&intid=gnav_search

ooh, and try dressipi for dress recommendations for your shape

[obviously on a roll today]

what about brightening up your plain outfits with a nice scarf

I love this one

www.warehouse.co.uk/scatter-butterfly-print-scarf/All-Accessories/warehouse/fcp-product/307487

have you tried birkenstocks ? loads of styles and colours and exceptionally comfy to walk a mile in... in my opinion.

wow, thanks everyone.... just a quick check in as am in work

good idea about scarf Spooktrain - will look for something in my colours (Autumn). M&S link didn't work but will search through their website later, am thinking wedge espadrilles are they way to go. I like Birkenstocks HappyJoyful but prefer to have something round my heel when walking. Hadn't heard of dressipi - sounds interesting, will also take a look later.

Any thoughts re tops, as I've looked in loads of places and can't see anything I like.

thanks Hannah... I tan quickly so do tend to wear a brighter lippy on holiday - but glad you said that as a reminder to buy a new one. Also good idea re the blazer - I have something I could take. Add a scarf, wedges and a decent bag (which I've got) - I'm getting there. Thanks for your suggestions.

Now, for the new tops - anyone?

had another online search for tops and still not finding anything - anyone???