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.

If anyone is interested in a flattering maxi, I got 2 really nice dresses from Asda! One is black drawstring waist crochet top and the other is a butterfly print. I'm a 16 and totally avoid gathers and extra fabric for obvious reasons, these are slim cut so really very neat on.

Ineedsomehelp last Autumn for the first time ever I found knee high boots which fit my calves. Have just been to find out the make for you, they are by Caprice, who I believe are German.
I can't see mine on their website (presumably last year's style) but the groovy thing is that they zip up on the inside and buckle up on the outside (yet are totally open on that side, ie you close them as much as you need with the buckle, there's enough 'overhang' for this purpose).
Oddly for a non-trendy type like me I have had a lot of compliments when wearing them, from trendy folk!
Hope that's a useful starting-point.

Ooh thanks Choccy I`m away for a look now!

On the subject of boots I have the Clarks National Sugar from last winter.here They sound similar to the ones Choccy described - zips and buckles so plenty of room to adjust and come in a wide fit also. Best boots I ever bought.

Please persevere with the knee high boot searches - shop and try on loads. I have gone a few winters envying everyone else's lovely knee highs. Last winter I made it my mission to find boots - I ended up with several pairs.

I do accept that certain styles are not available to me but there are still plenty that are and smart. Here is what I bought - though it really depends on how wide you calfs are and at what point:

Wide fit slouch boots from Next - can pass for smart/casual, a softer look with dresses.
Wide fit riding style boots from Next - cant rememebr style but these were tighter
Some biker boots from Blowfish - almost identical to peaches clarks ones these are pull and I love them to bits - I even bought a new coat just to match theses ones.
I bought several pairs of ankle boots too

Wide fit black patent boots from clarks - waited ages for these to be in stock.

My tips are:

Shop very early as I notice wide fit sizes seem to sell out quick
Try going up half a size
Be up front with the assistant and tell her you are looking for wide fit, can they recommend any styles?
Order as many as you can from online and try on at home
Try on lots and lots and lots - Dont be put off by the first one there can be a big difference between styles.
If you find a style that fits buy it in two colours of you can afford - black or brown are safe choices for a few seasons. You can always wear edgy styles in an ankle boot.

BUT after all that don't just settle if it is not what you are looking for, you maybe better off getting them tailor made from a site like duoboots.com

Nothing to do with plus size, but I bought these gorgeous shoes yesterday in the Phase Eight sale. Hopefully they will go with lots of things.

Thanks everyone. I am sure something else will come along soon.

I agree about Evans being too big all over.

I got a lovely dress from forever 21+ over the weekend. I was a 1XL (I am a size 18ish). I can't find it online but a nice black jersey maxi with elastic under the bust for £15!

I got a few pairs of shorts from the Mantaray range in Debenhams today, two linen and one denim. All great fitting and a good length for my apple shape.

Has anyone seen some plain coloured swing vests?

On boots, I like Duo as they offer a wide range of sizes and leg measurements

Fatface sale on - a line dresses and tunics

Looking for a plain dress for a work night out, size 16 or 18. Similar to KRISP ruched dresses. Is New Look my best bet?

Amengirl - have you tried Phase Eight? They have a lot of ruched t-shirt style dresses which look good with some chunky jewellry added

Ooh a bit pricier than I can afford. I'm going to go shopping on Thurs and try a load of stuff on. Haven't been RL shopping in ages, I hate digging through racks of clothes to get the big sizes at the back

What about Amari? I got one in TKMaxx, very flattering and there are loads to choose from online.
Amari

Hi - i popped over onto the HOC winter thread (third one) and it seems the dresses Ive just ordered from Fatface maybe completely wrong for me.

I feel a bit you know, I find stuff that fits and is flattering then it's maybe the wrong colour or pattern.

I have the same colouring as Nigella - I'm fed up of this fashion/shopping business. I just dont know what to buy anymore.

It seems to get harder the older I get.