Dear Mumsnetters, please help me get dressed for my summer holiday

[BloggingAboutTediousThings]

I am going on holiday in exactly five weeks. I really looked forward to it, tried to loss as much weight as possible. I lost less weight than expected and feel horrible about myself. I am just under 13 st but horribly apple-shaped. According to shopyourshape.com I am an inverted triangle:

As an Inverted Triangle body type, you have a proportionally larger upper body. You have broad shoulders, and ample bust and a wide back. Your hips are slim and your bottom may have a tendency towards the flat side. Your waist is subtle and you have a tendency to gain weight in your belly and upper body. Your beautiful, shapely legs are your best asset.

It actually does describe my body perfectly. I have lots of clothes in my wardrobe but I tend to wear skater dresses with tights, that's it really. I only wear and own one pair of jeans. It is difficult to buy trousers for me, because I need a larger size around the upper body but then it's too big for my legs.

I am going to Miami and Las Vegas with my friends, who are incredibly beautiful and slim. I really want to make an afford and look 'good'. Should I dare to try something different? What would you suggest? I have around +-500GBP to spend. As I am still losing weight I don't want to spend too much money on clothes at the moment, but I want some style ideas.

Mumsnetters, can you help please?

I'm the same shape as you and the 50's shape works really well on me, is pretty closely related to the skater dress thing really.

What's your colouring, size, height and age? Do you have some damned good bras?

I've just bought this swimsuit which is amazing flattering and has excellent tummy control. more of the same style.

MrsLettuce
Thank you!
I am brave enough to wear a bikini, they actually look better on me than swimsuits. It's more the what to wear when not at the beach thing that bothers me at the moment. What to wear etc. Would a playsuit look good on me?

I am 16 on top, 12/14 on the bottom. 5'6 and I am 22. I buy cheapish bra's at the moment in Primark and TK Maxx (Triumph, Wonderbra).

MrsLettuce Oh, thanks so much for recommending me this website. They have exactly the kind of bikini's I was looking for.

It'll be warm right?

If I were going I'd get me a wonderbra ultimate strapless and a good line in 50's halter dresses, ballet flats and cropped cardies. Maybe something along the same lines but glam for evening?

Random example (not knowing your colouring) : this, this and sweet flats

Bra price doesn't matter - a good fit is essential. Maybe have a gander on the bra threads?

adorable

Yes, will be hot. Miami at the end of June, Las Vegas for the first July week. Was in Vegas last year the same week and it was over 40 degrees everyday.

what do you mean with my colouring?

parrots?

As in blond, brunette, redhead? Eye colour? skint tone?

I do like a http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/uk/en/zara-neu-S2013/358003/1227040/LONG+PRINTED+DRESS good floaty tent in very hot weather

I do like a good floaty tent in very hot weather

(am the same sizes as you but 5'3")

I have brown hair, brown greenish eyes. Skin tone is fair.

I'm the same shape - I'd suggest shorts to show off your legs with looser vests on top. With slim hips patterned or bright shorts will look great. Sounds a bit granny ish but look for pull on styles (ie elasticated waists) so you can get the right fit at your waist without swamping your hips.

Yy to halter necks, and 50's style dresses. Also go for cotton -
Polyester a sweat fest.

Will look around and link in a bit.

Ooh, beautiful!

sun hat then?

Lettuce,

I wish I could wear hats. I have a massive head, I am not joking. Not only that but a lot of hair.

Lettuce, I love the website with the dresses. So lovely. Did you order there before? How is the quality of the dresses?

Those are a few bits and pieces that I like and considering buying. Not something I would usually buy. Good thing about Very.co.uk is that I can order and it arrives the next day. So maybe I should give it a try and if I hate it, I can send it back.

Studded playsuit
Peplum Top
This either in red or black - or both
Another dress

Maybe another thing to mention: I am trying to get away from the colour black.

topshop animal print

topshop playsuit

another playsuit

Love the Topshop playsuit.

what do you think about this dress?

It's nice, but honestly, you're 22, you have fab legs, it's going to be boiling - show them off!

I'd second the rec for nice bright/patterned shorts and loose-ish tops. If you're top-heavy (you sound like a similar body-shape to me) then avoid falling into the holiday trap of ill-fitting spaghetti strap vests just because you're on holiday. In my experience, strappy vests are the one item that most single out tourists as tourists!

Also, I'd recommend a couple of nice empire-line type dresses (maybe ones that show off a bit of cleavage?) that can be worn as beach cover-ups and also dressed up a bit for drinks.

Also, don't underestimate the power of accessories on holiday! For years I hardly took any jewellery (trying to travel light) and then went away last November with a suitcase full of chunky wooden necklaces and big bangles, and it was amazing the difference it made - really pulls your look together (sorry, hate that phrase...) Do you have some nice sunnies too? Always makes me feel more stylish, wearing nice sunglasses!

Also, metallic flat sandals are always useful for me on hols, as are a nice comfy pair of tan leather does or similar.

Have a fantastic time - I am v jealous!

Tan leather does = tan leather wedges...

Laquila

Thanks. Yes, I can't wear spaghetti straps. It makes my shoulders look even bigger than they are. No need to travel light, as I can take two suitcases with me as well as hand luggage.

Do you think I could wear aviator shades? I have a round face. Looking for some shoes now.

Would it look good? Another play suit