What do you wear on a hot holiday when you're the wrong size of 40 and overweight.

[PossumInAPearTree]

Because honestly I have no idea.

Last time I went on an abroad hot holiday was about 10 years ago and I was slimmer. Am now a size 18.

I don't think shorts suit me at all. Short shorts are out because I'm too fat. 3/4 type chino or linen shorts just look like something my mother would wear and make me want to cry. I think last time I went away I had denim Capri type shorts but I suspect they won't look as good on me as they did a decade ago. Do I give up on shorts? I think denim shorts and shirts and I would look like Waynetta Slob.

Pool wear/sunbathing gear I'm ok with. I've got a couple of nice swimsuits, a sarong and just ordered a nice kimono. It's more stuff for walking around the town in the day. I've got a couple of maxi dresses which will do for evenings out.

I bought a couple of pairs of full length harem type trousers last year. Not the crazy baggy ones but just cotton and full length so was thinking maybe those. No idea what to wear on top half.

When do the shops start having more summer stuff in? Going to Tenerife so it's not the height of fashion culture. But I don't want to look a mess.

[MrsMeeseeks]

Wear whatever you like and enjoy yourself! I am also 40+ and a size 16 and I still wear short shorts and bikinis on holiday.

ASOS curve have some lovely dresses and playsuits. H&M are good for linen separates.

Have a lovely time!

[Crumbs1]

Just looked and seen this link
www.marksandspencer.com/floral-burnout-a-line-skirt/p/p60065028?&pdpredirect
I have this colour which I wear blues, greys, white and cream with and also in a couple of other colours - onevsort of peachy/salmon with touches of navy and another mainly green.

[FriendofBill]

Kaftan in linen/cotton
Shirt dresses

[Sgtmajormummy]

I live in a Mediterranean country and am soon going to be the wrong side of 50... My arms are not my favourite feature but I have good legs.

In Summer I mainly dress in loose shift dresses with a short sleeve made of viscose, cotton or linen blends. They can be any length but I like maxi with a knee-high split. Dresses cut like tshirts but not "nightshirt" plain are fine with a bold necklace or big chiffony scarf.

More casual clothes are often long jersey skirts with more elaborate tops (crinkle cotton peasant or smooth embroidered blouses).
Occasionally light threequarters leggings and a linen A-line tunic, still with sleeves.
I think, even though they're comfortable, cotton or linen 3/4 trousers shout "English Tourist", especially with Hotter sandals.

The last few years I've worn light corky strappy sandals with a platform, a bit like a Birkenstock with a heel. Sometimes unlaced Converse with invisible cotton socks.

I avoid artificial fibres as much as possible and try to go for flappy coverage over skin exposure. I burn too easily and have to tan very slowly.

[TwentyCups]

Cropped leggings and short tunic style dresses, long necklaces and sunglasses. Cropped leggings solve the issue of chafing and will be comfortable, and allow you to wear short beach style dresses without worrying about flashing your bum when you bend over!

[HeddaGarbled]

Linen trousers and loose tops.

[blue2014]

Jumpsuits - honestly, they're bloody brilliant. Cool, flattering and cheap. Try some on. I'm a size 20 and would have thought they wouldn't work but they really do

[PossumInAPearTree]

I'm looking for cropped white leggings now and can't find any. Don't think there's enough summer stuff in the shops yet.

[BarbaraofSeville]

If you're in the UK, the summer stuff will be in the shops soon, which is far too early in my opinion seeing as we haven't finished with winter yet.

[secondhoneymoon]

Not too early for those of us going on holiday soon! It's hit in other places way before it's hot I'm the UK!!

[PossumInAPearTree]

Tell me about it. And normally by the time any hot weather has arrived here it's all polo jumpers and duffle coats in the shops.

[flowersalloverme]

Over the knee cropped trousers in a lightweight material but with ties at the bottom to make them look non grannyish! They are brilliant for not chafing which can happen with dresses in the daytime. I know... your thighs rub together!

A few loose dresses for the evenings, but TBH I just throw on the cropped trousers and a zingy top. No one cares what you look like as they are only interested in themselves, and that's the truth. Really, you are never going to see holiday people again either!

Comfort is everything. And Naice Sandals for evening and you are sorted.

You will be gorgeous as long as you are cool and comfortable.

Hope you have a lovely holiday.

[witchmountain]

In terms of anti chafing, get some Sloggi long leg briefs. They are just knickers but with long legs, so you don't have to wear another layer of cycling shorts type things. And they are cotton, unlike some of the shorts.

[QueenofLouisiana]

I bought some smart shorts in M&S last year: knee length, navy, stretchy. I wore them a lot on Tenerife over Christmas- usually with a loose cream top.

I also wore light, loose trousers when walking to avoid rubbing legs. I bought some very pretty dresses while I was there for evenings- much cheaper than at home.

I aim for a capsule, co-ordinated wardrobe so that I look smart. I may be very slightly wobbly, but I aim to draw attention to the overall look, not the fat bits!

[flowersalloverme]

I will just repeat myself, sorry folks.

Wear what is comfortable for you. End of.

All sorts can be jazzed up. And no one is looking at you, they are looking at themselves. Remember that always!

[bingohandjob]

In the summer, I buy a load of these in different colours and they are great to slip on over swimming costume and wear leggings underneath...simple, lightweight, comfortable www.monki.com/gb/Archive/T-shirt_dress/7228429-16954885.1

[bingohandjob]

These are great, too...I bought a couple in sale as wore mine to death this summer. Generous loose fit... www.monki.com/gb/Outlet/Dresses_skirts/Ankle-length_lounge_dress/12143999-16071064.1#c-47958

[Kr1stina]

www.next.co.uk/g50154s3#444588

Goes up to size 20 in tall,, which will be longer

Next will have a lot more jersey sleeveless dresses next month , you are a bit early for beachwear.

[PossumInAPearTree]

Like the next dress, will order one of those. Thanks. Also like the Monki short dress, will be good for over a swimsuit. The long one would drown me. I'm short as well as fat.

[reup]

I wear long thin linen trousers or crinkle trousers so no need for antichafing shorts. The thought of wearing anything like that in the heat makes me feel very sweaty. It's a shame the antiperspirant thing didn't work for you - I use the Lancôme one or Mitchum roll on and it's magic. Even when I was size 22 and in Greece in August.

I think having long trousers feels a bit more glamorous that 3/4 and doesn't make much difference heat wise - you can use less sun cream too. If they are very wide too they are swooshly and generate a bit of breeze on your legs!

[bingohandjob]

That long one is not too bad..I'm 5ft 4 and it's nothing as long as other maxis which make me look like I've dressed up as a Halloween ghost under a tablecloth. Skims above my ankle and doesn't drag!

[Roystonv]

Not much help for a holiday you are going on soon but I only ever wear thin, loose cotton or linen and because this can be expensive I keep my eye out for sales. Over the years I have built up a lovely holiday wardrobe that I don't wear in the uk but enjoy so much abroad. I go for plain 3/4 trousers with a pattern 3/4 sleeve blouse. No jersey, nothing tight. Have a couple of dresses for evening when not walking far.

[Pinkkahori]

I bought dresses very similar to stumblys navy link in H&M last summer. They had a few different colours. I'm an 18 but very short. I got the XL and it's a good fit. A taller person might find them short but I think they look good with cropped leggings.

[banivani]

What witch said, expect I go one step further - I bought a heap of cheap cotton bike short length leggings and wear them like knickers. They were available on the high street, often at B2G3 offers, and do nicely. Then dresses and skirts and you're sorted. I love wide linen trousers A LOT but have trouble finding them, and they do need ironing so can be difficult to bring on travels.

[knowler]

If you're still willing to look at shorts, Boden does some very good chino style ones in a variety (4?) of lengths and I think they go to a size 20. I've found that the longer length ones are surprisingly comfy and flattering especially with a small wedge heel.

Otherwise, I like very lightweight jersey summer trousers (harem style - Next used to do some good ones but haven't been in there for a few years) or jersey dresses. Comfort is key!!