I need to buy new clothes have no idea where to start.

[DayDreamer99]

I need to buy summer clothes I have none as don't see the point in buying them usually for the 3 hot days we have each year. This year we are going to Morocco for 10 days at Easter and Egypt during the summer holidays so will need cooler clothes. I am 36 5ft3 and weigh 9st 12lbs dieting to try lose the last 7lbs to be in the middle of the healthy range. I don't think 7lbs will change my clothes size so am happy to start buying now. Both hotels are holiday villages so will be swimming a lot, Egypt resort is by the sea Morocco no beach anywhere near. I need clothes, sandles and swimwear. I have no idea about fashion I live in skinny jeans and t-shirts.

I'd say staples to start with for daytime are a pair of denim shorts, looser cotton shorts, sleeveless tops (looser fitting with shorts - h&m good for these) couple of simple jersey dresses that you can throw on over a bikini - maybe one in a bright colour like coral (quite versatile for summer) and one in a navy and white stripe? Then a pair of good tan leather sandals - birkenstock perhaps, or ugg do very comfy leather sandals. These will go with everything and can be dressed up or down. Then cheaper flip flops for beach or pool side. Go for plain white havainanas or similar so they will go with most stuff. This will cover your basics then you can see what catches your eye...

I like Hush for good quality cotton shorts and jersey dresses, vest tops I get cheaply from H&M or new look.

I haven't worn a dress in well nearly 20 years not sure if I'm to old and might look a bit silly. Tan sandles are a good idea and I do have sketchers go walk flip flops which are so comfy. I think or should I say I know I have no confidence in the way I look so all this is a bit daunting. I need to sort my hair out to it is not styled at all so I just pony tail it everyday.

This is causing me so much anxiety which is ridiculous if I like something I should just wear it and not give a stuff what anyone thinks but I can't and it is so bloody draining.

You don't have to wear a dress if you're not comfy - i just find them handy to sling on over a bikini for getting to the pool or beach. Something like this. I'm a bit older than you and don't think I'm too old for this!

A couple of white linen shirts and a couple of pairs of Capri pants/linen trousers. Moroccan & Egyptian men will treat you with a lot of respect if you dress modestly in the public areas.

Ah yes - sorry I completely didn't register where you were going and cultural aspect.

That dress is lovely I just need to work on my confidence a bit! I do worry about wearing the wrong thing had a good look on trip advisor and people mention the men a lot, dh and the kids will be with me so hoping that they let us be.

Tapered linen trousers with your existing t-shirts or some floaty tops would work. Birkenstock sandals are really comfortable and a bit smarter than fit flops. If you don't want to wear a dress then don't, or just get 1 or 2.

Unless you are going to stay within the hotel complexes the whole time, you'll need something that covers your shoulders and knees if you don't want to be gawped at or worse.

This site www.kitandkaboodal.co.uk/ does very nice loose linen dresses and tops, which are cool but sufficiently modest. Or you could try loose flowing trousers.

Sandals that are comfortable for walking are essential - for me that means Birkenstocks, but have a look and see what's out there - if there's a TK Maxx near you they have fancy flip flops and a variety of pretty sandals. I've heard that Teva sandals are good.

For your hair, could you learn how to put it up before you go? You'll need some sort of hat for sun protection, so something that works with that - maybe a single plait that you can twist up?