Child free weekend, wardrobe assistance required

[titsbumfannythelot]

My lovely DH is treating me to a city break in Venice soon as a gift for a significant birthday.

I really need some new clothes but have no idea what's stylish. I have refrained from buying very many clothes of late as I need to shift some weight but I think I need to bite the bullet and get some news things.

I'm tall and a 14 and although I feel shapeless for now am probably an hourglass, the trip may also involve an evening at the opera. Any ideas or inspiration would be very much appreciated.

Wide legged floaty trousers are on trend right now. There is a move away from skinny shapes.

Coast have a sale on for lively dresses - but a size up they are a bit small
Try Dorothy Perkins as well for tunic tops and leggings and ankle boots
Warm jumper/coat

If it’s a weekend you won’t need much really

Venice is lovely but you have to dress quite practically and for changing weather. If you're going within the next few weeks/months I'd highly recommend packing wellies as it floods often with very little notice. You can buy them there but they're very basic and not all that comfortable.

It's a lot of walking and getting on and off boats so I'd say tight fitting bottoms in comfortable boots (or wellies) and warm fitted knits above as it can get chilly. Italians always have very nice coats, those thin padded ones with actual shape and capes. Proper hats are popular as well but I wouldn't attempt dressing like a local if that isn't you style back home. Mostly, don't worry about appearing like a tourist, it's all tourists mostly.

Opera does require slightly more formal wear, I'd be looking at a jumpsuit as a long dress might pick up quite a bit of water. Bring shoes you can switch into when you get there as streets are not made for walking in heels and you have to be pretty skilled to get on and off the water taxi with them.

Thanks for the very helpful hints