Hot weather clothes for a heffalump!

[pigmcpigface]

I am overweight - size 14, .5 foot 4. I'm trying to lose some, but I have to face the fact that when I go to Italy this summer (squeeee) I will probably still be fat. The weight is largely round my stomach and thighs.

I don't have ANY summer clothes that fit. I would like something that looks elegant and will keep me cool. It needs to be fairly robust, as I will be running around a lot (and walking a long way). I am not confident enough about my body to wear anything very revealing - short dresses are definitely out.

I would really appreciate some advice on how to dress to look as graceful and elegant as is possible for a heffalump like me!

What is your usual style? I was struggling with exactly this problem yesterday. I have a great black linen shirt which is quite straight - from seasalt ( which is not my usual style of shop at all) which is a really good length and skims over my bum and hips. I wore that with a pretty vest top and linen trousers and a couple of buttons done up. It may be too hot in black for an Italian summer. I've seen similar shirts in Tesco's. I think I will spend money on accessories this summer and save for some smaller Autumn clothes.

I am not sure I'm sophisticated enough to have a 'style'. I really like stuff from Cos. I tend to like what I would describe as 'architecty clothes' (if that makes sense).

You speak very unkindly of yourself. Be nice!

I hope you find something you like.

whingey - I really hate the way I look! I feel so ashamed and embarrassed, and constantly undignified!

How about something like this from Cos - loose top (in cotton and definitely not black) and some cut off trousers like the ones the model is wearing - preferably in cotton/linen).

I am shorter than you but bigger! Look at Debenhams own label and also Mantaray, I have few nice tops from them. In fact thinking of shopping there tomorrow.
www.debenhams.com/women/mantaray

Trousers might be a good plan. I just realised I actually don't own a single pair. I have three winter dresses from Cos and a bunch of leggings and that's it

Loose cut lightweight (but still structured) cotton trousers will be your friend! Worn with some summery well-cut tops that skim waist/hips without drowning you.

White Stuff generally have some summer cotton/linen cut off trousers that are flattering and comfortable.

That Cos look is very much what I meant. And I really do know what you mean by 'architect-y'! What about eBay? I've been buying a bit on eBay as I don't want to buy stuff I hopefully won't be wearing next year.

Am I right in thinking I will look less dumpy if I go for a cropped trouser?

I love the paper bag trousers that are around, but I fear I am about 3 stone too heavy to look good in those.

Tell me if I'm totally off, but what about a loose fitting pale dress and a pair of white trainers? - something like these two?

www.shein.co.uk/Stripe-Button-Keyhole-Back-Swing-Dress-p-369114-cat-1727.html

www.google.com/search?q=amazon+white+leather+trainers+hidden+wedge&client=firefox-b-ab&source=lnms&tbm=shop&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiZ5PSPz8jaAhVIqaQKHRwPAvAQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=631#spd=18441658394280556849

I love that look myfamily! (Great username btw). Though I think I'm going to get silver trainers. I have a silver handbag! (the Kin one from John Lewis).

I think I'd need a dress with sleeves, though. I am not sure I should inflict my shoulders on the world!

Whatever you do don't make the mistake of wearing anything tight fitting. It makes a huge difference to how hot you feel if you wear looser clothes. I see people looking ridiculously uncomfortable in skinny jeans in hot weather, and I can't think of anything more uncomfortable or unsuitable. I have found that even wearing a loose top is so much cooler than a close fitting vest top.

The outfit that RatherBeRiding looks very suitable and comfortable.

Enjoy Italy. I love everywhere I have been to in Italy.

What are Cos sizes like - generous or small ?

Lonicera - tight fitting is aesthetically unacceptable as well as uncomfortable in my case!

trigger - Cos sizing is generous. Most of their clothes are meant to fit very loosely.

For the look that myfamily recommends - should I get hi tops or ordinary trainers?

Will hi tops make me look fatter?

Evans usually do a good range of linen-mix trousers that wash well, are wide and comfortable, and look reasonably good. I live in them in summer. They don't last long but they are the best thing I have found for hot weather.

"Will hi tops make me look fatter?"

If you are going to be in Italy in summer you won't want to wear hi top trainers. Unless you are walking on very rough terrain you will be more comfortable in walking sandals.

• oo just seen that you're going for silver ones - that'll be lovely!!

How lovely to be going to Italy!
I'm a 14/16 and I found wearing natural fibres, loose-fitting and body skimming the ideal for anywhere hot, so wearing linen or cotton or linen- or cotton-mix is much more comfortable than synthetics.
I liberally use talc which helps to absorb sweat and do wear in any new shoes/sandals before you go (definitely take blister plasters!)
I've just Googled 'loose fitting dresses' and there are some lovely ones at florydory and Next.

I am going to look at Superga shoes:
www.superga.co.uk

Friend recommended them for being very comfortable.

I am over weight but taller than you.

I wear
shirts rather than T - shirts, or at least not clingy T shirts. I find the cling of most T shirts is very unflattering, a shirt is better, my all time favourite is an incredibly lightweight white and blue shirt with no collar and a deep V. It looks lovely.
I found some nice sleeveless linen look ones in Asda last year, there were no sleeves, but they did have shoulders, so not too revealing.

crop trousers that are a bit loose. i like 3/4 cargo style, but as I said I am taller. I do have some shorts, but only one pair that I like the look of, and they are falling to pieces

tunic length dresses with crop leggings under (this is a new look for me, the ultimate trouser person, but I am liking it!)

remember that black is hot, but darker colours do look better.

if you have a problem with thigh rub in hot weather then the leggings under dress can be very handy if you are walking a lot.

I would also go for walking sandals, I would be too hot in trainers

I'm VERY lucky tiddlywinks - I'm so excited.

Lonicera - Sorry, I wasn't thinking of Italy with the trainers (of either type). There is mission creep happening here . I love the look of hi tops, but am worried I will look even more squat in them.

I think the suggestion of natural fibres is an excellent one!

For those who have chafing, I found this wonderful stuff called BodyGlide. It's for wetsuits, but it cuts down on any skin-on-skin abrasion!

Please stop calling yourself a 'heffalump', even if you are overweight, it doesn't mean you're hideous.