Size 16-20 busty ladies with muffin tops ... what to wear this summer?

[BrilliantlyStupid]

Every year I dream of looking glamorous in the summer, with clothes that gently flatter my figure ... yet every year come summer I find myself hiding in my jeans, wearing the same old few tops, because I can't find anything to flatter the bust and cover the muffin top without looking like I'm pregnant (which I am not!)!
I'm posting this in the hopes that other people share the same problem... if you have bought any flattering clothes recently please post links!

I'm a size 16 with a big bust and tummy so have the same problem. I recently bought this White Stuff dress, which works really well - I think because the waist is quite high, under the bust, and it kind of skims over the rest without emphasising it!

Watching thread for any other suggestions!

I wear a lot of loose tunic tops with white or navy 3\4 length leggings. I'd be boiling in jeans, I'm always too hot.

Gorgeous dress pandapens!
I'm always boiling in jeans too but feel my bum is far too big for leggings! I have just bought a few pairs of chino trousers which look nice with the leg rolled up slightly (can't find them online or I would post a link) but not sure what tops or shoes to wear with them.

Yes dresses definitely the way to go! Lots of nice wrap type ones around. I tend to go for knee-length, don't think maxi is flattering at all.

Do you wear industrial strength underwear under dresses? I always feel too wobbly so I don't wear them. Perhaps I need better underwear?

That White Stuff dress is sold out

I wobble away I think I would have a small panic attack in that control stuff.

Some of the Pepperberry wrap top dresses might work. I bought one last year which I think was the same as this one but in a different fabric. I wish they didn't have so many busy-busy patterns though, as I don't think they're usually very flattering!

I usually wear a pair of tight shorts underneath a dress during the summer, helps you feel less wobbly plus I would be in agony from thighs rubbing together and being all sweaty if I didn't.

I find any dress that sits under the bust, puts more emphasis on bust and less on belly.

Ha ha, yes, I don't do control underwear either. Definitely need a good-fitting bra though!

I can't wear anything gathered under the bust or empire line as it just makes me looks pregnant. Not the best look since I'm 50
On the other hand I'm not ready for country casuals or Windsmoor yet either (no offence to those who wear these btw)

Formal office wear for me is slim ankle length trousers with longer length tops
Summer dresses are simple shift style, no gathers or folds, usually v neck and just above knee length.

I got this recently and it works well.

Behooven, that is really lovely! Where is it from?

I got it online in the House of Fraser sale.

here tis

Lovely dress

I'm the same sort of shape. Usually I wear a pull on black linen skirt (straight, knee length) with quite long tshirts and Birkenstocks.

I like the dress Beehoven linked to ; I can't wear empire line either or gathered as it makes me look like a hippo BUT I have a long scraggy neck and v necks on me look awful but I love that White Dress - wish it came with a round neck

Not sure what would suit...I look like a fat giraffe

Marking my place

I too mostly wear dresses ( without shape wear) . Boden have some nice ones if you pick very carefully - eg I have a couple of versions of their casual Jersey dress, which is lovely and cool.

Last summer also wore their Chelsea turnups a lot. Comfortable but quite smart. ( Sorry on phone can't link). Mainly the navy ones, with some simple long striped tops in linen mix from M and S ( which sadly don't seem to have returned there this year).

I really like the Chelsea turnups. I can see me wearing them a lot. Think i'll order a pair to try.
I really hate wearing t-shirts /jersey tops as I feel they emphasize my tummy, so I'm on the look out for nice floaty tops, pretty blouses, shell tops but I can't find anything inspiring online ... any ideas?
I might have to brave any try a wrap dress. I love the idea but can never find anything that doesn't make me look lumpy and dumpy!

I agree Brilliantly, I struggle to find tops that don't cling to my spare tyre(s)! I see people on TV wearing those tops that are elasticated around the bottom,but can't find any I like to buy. I'm also very particular about necklines as I have huge boobs, so need a quite deep scoop neck.

I can't, just can't wear white linen trousers, my rear end looks huge in them Having put on a bit more weight though I think this year I'll need to wear some sort of shorts under my skirt to avoid chafing. Anyone seen any that won't be too hot to wear?

I'm going for high waisted linen trousers this year and floaty tops.

I wear straight narrow chinos and turn them up to ankle grazers length. My legs now show some thread veins so won't do 3/4 length. On top I wear straight shift shape to at least mid thigh, preferably with some sleeve.

Not too tight, def not to big. Have decided that floaty makes me look like a tent.. I have big boobs.
Footwear.... Clark's suede pumps, fitflops, or laced up canvas sneakers.

You're a similar size to me.
I wear linen trousers and loose vest tops with a more fitted cami underneath, dresses similar to the lovely White Stuff one already posted, with mid thigh length cycling shorts underneath. Stops chafing and also because I'm a childminder, if I'm down on the floor with the kids or bending over I don't have to worry I'm flashing anyone!
I've got some lovely cotton skirts that are about knee length that I wear with sandals and loose cotton thin strapped tops.

Oh and the cycling shorts were from Asda, they did them in a wide variety of lengths and colours.

How about these ?

Fieldfare, where do you find loose vests? Can you link to some?