Short and frumpy in Florida

[Ignoranus]

Off to Florida this summer, couple of days in Miami then driving around the state.

I'm short and quite frankly frumpy. 5'2 and a size 16 I never manage that effortless, cool look. I'm always the slightly sweaty, red faced woman who has over colour coordinated and look like ive tried too hard and missed by a mile.
Cropped trousers are mumsy and frumpy and make me look even shorter and stumpier, vest tops and strappy tops although nice and cool show the bingo wings. I honestly don't know what to buy to go. We went two years ago and I wore longish shorts and vest tops and looked fine but mumsy and frumpy. Teamed with my Skechers for walking around the parks and I felt like someone's Nanna. I may be 44 but I'm not ready to look like that yet.
I want practical and cool for the parks but also effortless and stylish.

What can I buy? Should I be looking at dresses? Everything I look at is polyester or garish patterns. I'm really struggling. Some pointers on what to buy would be very gratefully recieved, thanks.

[ozymandiusking]

Have a look at Marisota on line, they have a large selection of tops and shorts. Just because you feel frumpy doesn't mean to say you can't buy pretty things. Having said that, I don't mean bell sleeves, frills on the bust, and frills around the arms which would make anybody look like a reptile! they do next day delivery .

[Bluntness100]

Honestly don't worry about this, having been to Miami I can honestly say there is a lot of very very large people there and there is a lot of very large women who favour leggings stretched to the max and short tops.

[DownHereInTheHorridHouse]

I really think maxi dresses are a bad idea - I took some on our first few trips and I felt so overdressed, which is the very thing you mentioned in your OP. If you want something floaty, then cotton sort of gypsy-top things are good with denim shorts as they let you breathe a bit. Matalan have some surprisingly decent ones just now that are cheap and a lot less frumpy than the likes of Fat Face.

[MumBod]

Trust me, you'll feel like a stick.

I went in February this year, and nobody gives a damn. Honestly. Just wear the shorts, the vest, whatever.

And have a great time.

[TheVeryThing]

I think the main thing is to choose cool fabrics in colours that suit you.
I have to admit that I have an irrational dislike of vest tops and I find being slightly more covered up in something cotton helps me to stay cooler.
In the summer I see lots of women in very bright colours and garish patterns that they probably wouldn't wear at other times of the year.
If that's what they love & it suits them, great, but it's not actually compulsory.
Maybe just try on lots of different pairs of shorts until you find what suits best, and pick some nice cotton t shirts. A loose, floaty shirt can also look good over shorts.
Just make sure your footwear is comfortable.
Have a great time!

[BreakfastAtSquiffanys]

Shorts, vest tops (not spaghetti straps) with a loose shirt over will actually be cooler than without the shirt. Avoid too much pattern but go for a range of colours you like.
Go to a charity shop and buy half a dozen of those thin patterned pashmina sized scarves (I found loads of nice ones for £2 each) as bright and varied as possible.
Use scarf instead of belt on shorts and try to use colours in them to tie together your random collection of tops and shorts. If you've got a reasonable eye for colour it can look stylish but casual.

Scarf can also be used to protect sunburn or carry shopping home!

[SellMySoulForMoreSleep]

Ahh OP, I could have written this, apart from I'm not going to Florida! I'm the same height/size and I know what you mean about being frumpy/over trying with coordinating etc. I can really highly recommend the range of linen dresses that next do every summer. They cost between £22-£35 in different colours and patterns. The main reason I love them is the shape. They properly hide everything, have handy pockets at the front and I always feel really nice in them. They do a petite version but I prefer the length of the standard size, I find the petite a little short. The best bit is even though I am a proper size 16 (bordering on 18) I wear a 14 in this dress. I have it now in 5 different colours / designs. Here's a link to a floral one but they do plain ones in lots of colours too if flowers are not your thing. http://www.next.co.uk/g75128s2#432649
Also I LOVE the clothes from Hush, they never make me feel frumpy - they cost a bit more but are worth it. I have this jumper and I properly love it. I bought it in large which looks great. I also have some of their t-shirts, lovely quality clothes that fall well and make me feel slimmer than I am. Ignore the skinny model, it looks good on larger women too! https://www.hush-uk.com/womenswear/daywear/summerstellaajumpergreyymarlkellyy_green.htm

[carrie74]

Shopping: Hit Old Navy for great value cotton - vest tops, Ts, shorts, jeans. I always buy PJs there, and lots of my kids' clothes.

Gap Factory for same as above (I often buy swimwear here).

J Crew (Factory if you're outlet shopping, a good promo if you're at a normal mall), best shorts ever in different lengths, loads of Ts in every colour under the sun.

Loft for a slightly smarter look.

Ralph Lauren for ultimate preppy style (definitely outlet for amazing value).

Get trainers here: Nike outlets, Skechers, Adidas, Asics, Converse, whatever your thing is.

Uggs often cheaper too (but double check with exchange rate).

Basically, if it's made in the US, it's likely to still be cheaper to buy in the US even with the exchange rate.