I need help!

[carries]

This thread has prob been done before but can't find it. I'm a size 16, 5'7", was a pear pre children but have a substantial belly now so I'm an apple. I'm very flabby as well as overweight around tummy & thigh region. During the summer I'm always hot & sticky. I love long skirts & dresses if mild but on hot days I get thigh rub & sticky legs. I want to lose 2-3 stone for next summer but what do I wear this year! My wardrobe is sadly reduced as I threw out anything that didn't fit or look good. Which has left me with 1 Linen trouser, 1 chino, 1 ankle skimmer chinos, 3 maxi dresses, 2-3 skirts, jeans, 1 Linen tunic/dress and an odd selection of tops & knitwear. Got 3 DDs needing summer gear too so not got a huge amt of spare ££. I'm a SAHM. Oh, and I'm 40 on Saturday. On the plus side-I've no grey hair, good clear smooth skin, slim arms & good teeth. But what do I wear!!!!!!!!! Usual shops are monsoon, boden, white stuff, fat face, M&S. Cheaper high street stuff doesn't fit me too well cos I'm overweight. Please dear stylish MNers help :-D

I've seen these mentioned a few times on MN. I haven't tried them myself though.

I'm a size 14 and also struggle with summer clothes. I tend to stick with one linen sundress I got from Per Una a few years ago and a black linen straight knee length skirt with tshirts.

Those Evans shorts are the business. I'm also 5ft 7 and a size 16 and didn't have much problem re the sticky legs til I got pregnant this year. They've been a god send and keep the bump from rubbing too.

People also recommend roll on deodorant for thigh rub. I just try to alternate skirts and trousers

I really rate Next wide leg linen trousers. White and black go with everything. Gap and H&M do good basic tshirts (I'm a 16 and still bf). Mantaray at Debenhams is like White Stuff but cheaper.

For me the key to looking good in summer is covering up, remembering to pop on a necklace or a bracelet (chunky works if you're not on the small side), and have nearly painted toenails. White and navy are classic colours and work well with metallic sandals.

Thanks folks. Was off line all day today as it was a scorcher in the west coast of Scotland. Wore white linen (monsoon) and navy cotton top from oasis. Was roasting! But enjoyable. Good tips. A friend was visiting today who is size 18 & pregnant, she advised cropped leggings under maxi dresses :-D

Those comfort shorts look the biz!