Anyone interested in a plus size summer style thread?

[peachesandpickles]

There's been a few of us 16+ looking for advice in recent weeks. I think it might be good to have a thread where we share our best finds and swap advice.

Anyone interested? I'm an 18 on top, 16 on bottom apple shape.

Currently I'm trying to find some non-tunic type tops to wear with short, a-line skirts so I'd love some recommendations.

Also looking for flattering shorts. I'd love just one pair this summer.

My one recommendation so far is to find a good quality jersey maxi dress. I bought one a few summers ago and love it. Despite what a lot of people say I think maxis can look well on plus sizes especially if it is straighter jersey one rather than full on billowy one.

Hi there I'm a size 18 on top and 16 bottom I'm more of hour glass shape- although got a bit of a belly .
Peplum skirts and tops are v flattering on me - desperately looking for a peplum tankini but not seen one x

Peaches and pickles - would a basic jersey vest too work if most ur weight is on ur bottom half ? Dotty ps are good for em xx

Hi Blossum, thanks for joining in. I was starting to think I was on my own.

My worst area if my stomach and find some light jersey tops can cling a bit. What are the DP ones like? Are they very flimsy?

I'll keep a look out for peplum swimwear for you.

I bought a pair of shorts from Monsoon which are flattering - nice and wide round the leg which makes your legs look skinnier IMO:

Similar-ish to these but no tie front:

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.8/5630550210

Also nearly bought these but a little too expensive for what I wanted them for (beach holiday) - am going to keep eye out for sale:

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.8/5630716110

I would love to join you but with two warnings

1. I am not very fashionable. I think I look nice enough most days but would never be called stylish...
2. I am a bit bigger than you two, more like a 22 or 24 or something but not really sure to be honest
3. I am not very good at shopping and usually only lurk on the S&B boards

Ok that was three, not two, but you get the idea!

Hi all :) think this is a great idea for a thread. I am a size22. I have always been a very definite pear shape but as I've got older my weight has gone on around my middle and I really don't know what my shape is :{ . I need three wedding outfits for this summer and am having no luck. Separates seem to be my friend but I always revert to white trousers for summer and black trousers for everything else soooooo boring. I'd love some tunic tops to wear with leggings but any I have tried make me look pregnant .... Not a good look at 47 ;)

Hi Blossum, thanks for joining in. I was starting to think I was on my own.

My worst area if my stomach and find some light jersey tops can cling a bit. What are the DP ones like? Are they very flimsy?

I'll keep a look out for peplum swimwear for you.

No I find them quite solid jersey type - they often do 2 for £15 xx

I hate to confess this but do others have to put talc at the tops of ur thighs when wearing a skirt with no tights ?!

Hi to keely, hearts and maverick, all welcome.

Hearts - not sure I count as stylish either but I love clothes and fashion blogs and online shopping.

Keely, I like the Monsoon shorts. I wouldn't have thought to look there although I do like Monsoon for dresses.

Maverick - I bet you will have loads of suggestions for your wedding outfits when the thread gets going. What is your budget like? I bought a dress from kiyonna.com, an American site, for a family wedding last year. Lovely dresses and photos of customers wearing them so you get a good idea of how they look.

I like the dresses on Igigi.com too but haven't bought any yet.

You do have to factor in customs unfortunately.

Blossum - get mitcham roll on deodorant for the top off your legs, it stops all rubbing when wearing a skirt.

Can anyone recommend any good places to shop online ? I usually use simply be but choice not always there x

Add message | Report | Message poster nancy75 Tue 17-Jun-14 19:43:11
Blossum - get mitcham roll on deodorant for the top off your legs, it stops all rubbing when wearing a skirt.

Omg why didn't I think of this ?!!!!!!!!
Talc sort of wears off - fab thanku x

I have recently seen that Mango are doing a plus size range, I haven't bought anything as yet but like to look of quite a few bits

Blossum :) it needs to be roll on deodorant and you do have to do a funny little waddle to let it dry after you put it on but it does work!

Pink clove & taking shape are 2 really great online plus size retailers.

Boo hoo now stock plus size but have read lots of items come up small. ASOS curve is fab for real on trend stuff. Lovedrobe is great too especially for occasion wear.

Love Gemma Collins online shop too. For additional items follow her on Instagram & anything you see can be ordered by phone.

I follow a few plus size bloggers too can find lots on Twitter they can give lots of ideas on clothes, shoes & accessories.

Thanks peachesandpickles I have always been nervous of ordering of American sites what if you need to send it back is postage not very high?
I'm easy with my budget as I would be happy to wear one outfit to three weddings only thing I would say is I don't have a Marina Rinaldi budget :(

Blossum123 lanacane do an anti chafing gel which is great and I recommend you google comfort shorts for under skirts. Other mumsnet tears have recommended the Evans ones but I found them quite uncomfortable and sweaty much prefer cycling short leggings iykwim they are just like leggings but only the length of cycling shorts they are available on amazon - sorry useless at linking :(

Peachesandpickles I'm off to look at sites you have recommended many thanks.

Room for a little cough one?
I am a 16/18 and trying to come to terms with my new apple shape (I was always hourglass pre DC3).

I like the new mango range but it is rather ££ for what you get. H&M plus size is good but I need to size up sometimes so find it hard to order online.

Excellent. This is exactly what I need too. I'm a size 18 and an apple shape and really struggle in summer.

DD2 is 10 months and still BF which is making it even harder.

Think I need to invest in shorts, but they need to be knee length.

I have a new baby and whilst he is delightful, I now have a big saggy tummy and gigantic boobs which are difficult to cram into any clothes and need to be accessible at a moment's notice. So I need flattering clothes which skim the mid-section, are breastfeeding-friendly and conceal the upper arms. Oh, and are affordable on maternity pay!

I have two Fat Face maxi dresses which I wear with a nursing vest and cardi but am sick of rotating them - not a single outfit from last summer fits me now! Am a 16, sort of hourglass but with saggy protruding tummy, 36HH boobs and horrible upper arms. I doubt there is much anyone can do for me this summer but will lurk hopefully anyway!

The Boden Riviera shirt dress was a great find for me last summer - flattering flared skirt, waist belt to emphasise shape and sleeves to the elbow. I got it in long length so it fell below the knee which I prefer.

And I do recommend the Fat Face maxi dresses - sizing is pretty generous though. Have also just ordered the Camille tropical flower print dress which looks lovely and flattering so have my fingers crossed!

On another thread there is a link to a page of what real woman look like - it's the one were woman said she plus size and wants to curl up in a ball.im 15 stone .i looked at the page and iv been seeing myself as about 3 stone heavier ! Have a look x

Loving this thread. I have a separate thread but would welcome ideas for a wedding outfit for August - size 16/18, size 36G chest, definite post baby wobbly tummy and want sleeves to cover upper arm but reasonably toned legs from cycling- this is current front runner:

www.asos.com/asos/asos-wiggle-dress-in-leaf-print-with-v-back/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4144859&clr=Print&SearchQuery=leaf+print

On the breastfeeding - I found that wearing a normal vest underneath a Tshirt (I got some good ones from old navy, but anywhere reasonably cheap would do - don't want to spoil nice clothes with leaking milk) worked well - you lift up the T shirt and then pull down the vest - tummy not exposed, arms covered by T shirt and no wasted money on "breastfeeding designed" clothing which for me at least was always a bit small in the chest area (am a 36G even when not breastfeeding...). Could then pair with a maxi skirt (Boden do nice ones - also had a jersey one from Gap with a fold down waist - very comfy) or with trousers - for the summer Monsoon have some nice linen ones with a Jersey waistband:

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.8/5630231308

Both options good on post natal tummy.

Their printed trousers are also good this season.

I got these shorts in H&M . They are quite structured fabric with a slight stretch. Very comfortable too.
Also have some on the way from Boden based on recommedations on here.

Hello and welcome to all the new posters.

Thanks for the recommendations so far.

On the subject of shorts does anyone else find that shorts can pull up between the legs when walking? I haven't worn shorts for years for this reason but I think it could be that I need to find the right length and width.

Has anyone tried the skort style of skirt-like shorts that are around at the moment? I've seen them on New Look. Just wondering what they would be like.

Can I ask if those of you with linen trousers from Monsoon find them a better cut and quality than say M&S or Debenhams? Are they worth the extra money?

I haven't tried Debenhams. But I have found the linen trousers at Monsoon to be a more flattering cut on me than the M&S ones - mind you, have always struggled to find anything that flatters me in M&S. To me they're worth the extra tenner or so.

Peaches and pickles - haven't had that issue with the monsoon shorts which are quite loose around the leg.