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!

That Dorothy Perkins dress is lovely, I'm going to go try that on! Millpoo from Seasalt looks practical - am slightly nervous about the weight of jersey, though, in heat?

re: the knee issue, Cos do some dresses that come down just below the knee. They are long enough for you to feel like you have some cover IYSWIM!

For those looking for midi/below knee styles - have a look at George. They've got some lovely pieces in this year. I'm not tall enough to carry of a maxi length, this jumpsuit and dress are nicer on than the photos suggest and are a perfect length on me.

I like the dress very much. Still not convinced about jumpsuits having done rather a lot of that in the 70s/80s (?)

How would you feel about a shirred sundress? I have bought two from M&S, from their beachwear section. I think they are fine though for walking about. There are adjustable straps (like bra straps), a whirred section over the bust to the waist, and then loose, ending below the knee. I love them. I think they are £25 each, one is in navy and one is navy and white patterned.

BTW, I am a size 10-12 on top, 14 on the bottom, no boobs, carry all my weight on my tummy and hips and thighs.

And I am a shortie.

M&S have some really lovely semi-sheer cotton/ramie shirts in navy and orange/red in a loose style.They’re on one of the blogs today - stylememos.co.uk.
Like the look of those George jumpsuits Bejazzled. Are they natural fabrics?