What do you wear in the summer when you hate summer clothes?

[ThisIsNotARealAvo]

I spend the winter in dresses, opaques and ankle boots and I love this look. When the summer comes I never know what to wear for work. I have ordered some of those tapered jersey trousers as they are comfy, but probably not smart enough for work. I'm a size 18 so not very confident about my shape. I don't like getting my legs out, although I don't mind showing them off in tights. I have a big tummy so trousers and tops often look frumpy. I used to carry on wearing dresses with leggings and ballerinas but I have massively gone off that look.

I'm ok in jeans and t shirts (kind of) at the weekends but work is a nightmare. I'm a teacher but quite senior and most people dress quite smartly.

Any ideas gratefully received. I don't mind splashing out if I will feel confident this summer!

Excellent thread idea. I am in similar job - winter uniform sorted but quietly dreading trying to find summer smart yet comfy stuff.

Teacher here.

Cotton skirts, cotton t-shirt, cotton jacket, nude hold ups
Maxi skirt if I can't face hold ups, with cotton t-shirt and jacket as above

Yup nude hold ups or tights if you don't want your legs out. I wear a lot of the same dresses and skirts as in winter (which then layer with long sleeves). Then wear ballet flats or wedge closed toe sandals.

Wouldn't a pair of wide leg linen trousers be preferable to nude hold ups? They go with with almost any top and look good with slider sandals.
http://m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/Junarose/Junarose-Tailored-Wide-Leg-Trouser/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6355860&cid=9577&Rf900=1612&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=50&sort=-1&clr=Black&totalstyles=67&gridsize=3&unjtttvfrompage=0

Cotton chinos with a smart shirt and ballet flats ?

pin.it/zEmSkw7

i know you will kill me but i would tackle this at root cause and use this as a reason to lose weight so you can enjoy the weather

you could get down to a 14 by the summer holidays

jack killing is a strong thing tons at but I think you are being an idiot and not helpful really.

to say not tons at

Jack are you a slimming world rep

I also wear the a lot of same dresses that i wear in winter (in winter i layer up with chunky knits). I dont like nude tights or hold ups though, i just go for bare legs, little bit of gradual tan moisturiser just to take the edge off the pale! Although i usually keep a little bit of colour all year round so not too bad.

Otherwise i do try with summer trousers, but have yet to find a really flattering pair tbh. Lmk if you find any!

Chinos from m&s or next, cool linen shirts
Linen shift dresses and pretty flats
Maxi skirts and sleeveless cotton shirt
But I agree that it's better to enjoy the weather and flippy summer dresses by dieting. I'm currently having success with Slimming World

And no I'm not a rep
I just think if it's bothering you, you could see great results quite quickly.
Otherwise try some of the above good suggestions.
I find the £20 M&S chinos perfect for work

Agree linen trousers are comfortable but they crease too easily for a smart workplace look

I wear cropped trousers , loose tops and long jackets

Cropped trousers suit my apple shape and allow me to wear low to mid height heels as I'm not good in higher heels

I struggle with dresses for work because I hate nude tights ( I know this is irrational ) . I don't mind bare legs outside work .

I forgot to say that I'm size 10-12 and still have summer work outfit dilemmas so I don't think it's got much to do with size

I also think it's a bit rude to tell someone to diet unless they have specifically asked for weight loss advice .

She said she was a size 18 and not confident about her shape. I certainly wasn't judging her, just trying to say that if it does bother her, she could get slimmer before summer really hits.
Back to the clothes...

I like a maxi vest style dress under a soft cotton blazer or shaped top with wedges or heeled brogues. I am pear shaped and struggle with tucking in tops so have to look for shaped blouses etc i like cotton chinos with wedges and blazer but it's hard to find flattering smart chinos-i am better with flares.

Watching closely, I'm terrible with summer work outfits. My legs are so pale they are blue. Any gradual tan.... Orange and patchy! I've bought Zara black chinos, next navy ones and now I need some shirts. I've seen some in h&m. Really I need more. Maxi dress/skirt not an option as I am only 5'5 and i feel swamped. Agree it has nothing to do with size as I'm at the 10/12 mark too.

I too have a big tummy. And I'm short. Trousers don't do me any favours and I struggle at work. Could you try a long skirt and top? The crepey material of a long skirt seems quite flattering. New look have a nice black belted one but it's way too long for me.

I'm currently exploring the Bardot ruffle style dress as this seems to suit my shape. Doesnt cling to stomach either. Mango have some but not work wear I know.

I live in black tights and boots so summer is hard. Can you wear a long plain maxi to work with a short smart jacket?

Roll on autumn!!!!

I have these cropped chinos in a few colours. V good quality, decent fabric, well worth the initial ££.

Maxi dress with fitted soft cotton jacket / open fitted shirt / cardi

Or a maxi skirt

I wear this with haviannas usually but I'm sure there's better footwear out there

I fully take the point about slimming down in order to enjoy clothes/ hot weather more and this is in fact the plan. I have lost a few pounds since starting slimming world but I don't think I'll be a 14 by the summer as it seems to have started now! I was hoping for some ideas for this summer so thanks to everyone who posted

Love those chinos Bike

I'm right alongside you, ThisIsNotARealAvo.

I am watching this thread with interest. I am also working hard to lose some weight before the summer holidays/wedding season.

I hate looking in the mirror and not liking what I see - plus last summer's clothes are looking a bit tight.