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.

Oh and good luck (and sorry for the typos )

Hello.... venturing in here slowly.. I did have another (self pitying) thread about my weight / clothes issues but I think it's gone missing and you people seem to have far more confidence than me so I've come in to hope some rubs off!

I'm a size 16-18 (probably more 18 really) and it's only really the last year I've been these size having always been a size 10-12 before. A combination of thyroid and pituitary medications and problems and a toddler and just eating crap has meant my weight has gone a bit mad. And while I am trying to walk lots everyday I don't have the time, energy or inclination to do anything more. For now anyway.

So I'm interested to see what everyone else is wearing. I'm currently wearing all of about 3 tops and 2 pairs of jeans on rotation (the "old" me would be horrified). I spend hours putting things in online baskets to get fed up and delete them again.

I'm actually going shopping tomorrow with a view to looking in Yours that's opened in our local town but I actually feel embarrassed about going in there. And I feel embarrassed that I feel that way.

I just hate my size and I wish I could learn to accept it. At least until my youngest goes to nursery and I can try and do something more about it.

Fairylea my earlier post gushes about Phase Eight. They go up to size 18, and their sizing is generous. I also love Linea at House of Fraser, and Jaegar. Planet also do great stuff in bigger sizes (online only at HoF). I find Monsoon good too, although the styling is a bit too floaty for my tastes a lot of the time.

Personally, I prefer to wear bigger sizes in 'normal' brands, rather than the likes of Evans, which I think can make you look even bigger.

Thanks Boooooo and Moonshine.
I like the M&S dress, will go into the shop tomorrow and try it on. Also like THIS from NEXT but unsure of how it will look on.

Too much pressure!!!

Thanks I'm going to look at phase eight.

One of my main problems is that I have quite a large bust so sometimes I prefer the wider straps and necklines of a proper plus size brand as it hides my matronly bras! :)

But yes shopping in "normal" shops is definitely a good pointer.

Big boobs don't need matronly bras! Have you tried Prima Donna?

Not heard of them. .. will Google.

I'm a 30gg sometimes H and while that's not huge really I do find thin straps dig in round my shoulders so I tend to go for bras with wider straps.

I'm another 'larger lady' and am finding this thread enlightening!

I highly recommend Prima Donna bras - not cheap but amazing bras!

I can't Recommend phase eight enough. Feminine comfy, great shapes.

Accessorise we'll to keep edgy.

Just to say absolutely agree, Berylstreep. I too avoid all specialist Plus labels (Yours,Simply Be, et al) and stick with ' 'ordinary' ones. Harder when you're a 22 than an 18 but can be done. Only possible exceptions are Marina Rinaldi and Elena Miro - am currently checking those out in Italy.

Like all the labels you mention, even though can't get into them all currently - but a size 18 could.

Finally, am also a major fan of Prima Donna. All my bras are from there - worth every penny and none are matronly.

I've been browsing the prima Donna bras. .. they don't seem much different to the ones at bravissimo unless I am missing something (I currently buy all my bras at bravissimo or from eBay if I know the brand and size I need). So maybe my bras aren't as matronly as I thought. I guess I just meant that for example I wouldn't wear a top with thin straps like I used to because I wouldn't want the strap of my bra showing....

I've enjoyed having a browse at phase eight. Have to say much of that range is out of my budget but has definitely given me some ideas.

Can I join in please? I am a size 16 and hate summer dressing. Strappy dresses and bikinis are not my friends!
What I really struggle with though is jeans. In theory, I can buy them from 'ordinary' shops but they are always too tight on my calves. I don't want a super skinny look but, in the summmer with ballet pumps, would prefer a closer fit. Any recommendations?

Ineed have you tried jeggins, I did recently and was taken straight away. Ive seen a few boyfirend fit styles about being modelled, some turned up - have you through about try this. I think its just a stylish way of say straiht leg jeans

I got some from Next at the weekend called slim boy fit (I think). They look ok on but I have to do a fair amoumt of wrestling to get into them. I haven't worn them for a full day yet so hopefully they will ease off as they are restricting my blood flow slightly! I don't think my calves are huge either - they are in proportion to the rest of my size 16 body. Having said that, I cam never get knee high boots to fit either so maybe I'm just kidding myself!

It is your mission to get boots to fit, I did last winter, there a lot more about now. We'll need to keep thread going.

Is it worth trying Evans jeans think they cut a bit more grnerously

I do have one pair that I got from Duo a couple of years ago. They are expensive though so I went for a classic riding boot style so they would last me years. But sometimes it would be nice to get something a bit more fashion-y that maybe won't last but doesn't cost a fortune either.
I might have another look at Evans - I find them a bit hit or miss.
I can't be the only one who has this problem surely?!

Have you tried Next relaxed slim fit jeans - they fit round my cyclist calves. Or actually Top shop jeans can be quite good if you get the stretchier material - ditto Gap.

I got THIS jacket and THIS dress for my interview... what do you all think?

INeed, I got fab boots from Jones the Bootmaker last winter. I plan to buy more this summer when they are on sale!

Hi Wild love the dress and think it would be perfect for an interview ...... But not sure about the jacket. I like it but not with that dress. Sorry :)

Arrrggghhhh! I thought it looked good . Can anyone suggest a jacket? I am really struggling to find something. I loved a short cream jacket in H&M but it only went upto a 16.

Hi Wild I can't link from ipad but I saw a gorgeous cream short jacket in Tesco. Do you need to wear a jacket as dress has sleeves ? Perhaps you prefer a jacket? It is only my opinion and if you think jacket looks good and are happy with it don't let me put you off :)

Hallelujah! After a lot of internet research, I have discovered SimplyBe stock jeans with a choice of calf fittings. Not a huge range of style or colours but worth a try.

I felt a jacket would make the dress a bit smarter overall. I am far too used to a dress and a cardigan!

I used to be relatively stylish but really struggling just now, perhaps an early mid life crisis.

Love the dress wild but not 100% on the jacket.

How about something like this here ? I find a collarless jacket more flattering.

I am living in my two Joe Browns dresses this summer, one short and very bright and one long maxi-dress in a nice navy with a print down one side.

Very flattering but I have to wear something different if I'm going to be walking for long periods of time because my thighs rub together and really hurt :(

I would love a decent pair of cycle shorts or something like that which would go well under a dress and stop the thigh rubbing