Biggest I’ve ever been, help with summer wardrobe please!

[Cobb121]

So I’m currently 5’3, dress size 18-20/hour glass shape. Nothing fits so I need to buy a whole new summer wardrobe. I’m really conscious of my legs and upper arms so I want to cover those up but still stay cool. Any ideas what to buy please? Thank you

Bumping for traffic as I’ve piled on other people’s COVID stones as well as my own:( I’m 5 ‘ 4 and size 16/18, big bust, big menopausal tummy. Would love some suggestions

I'm a different size, but if I needed a new summer wardrobe I would buy a few really well fitting bottom halves - some nice wide cropped trousers, a midi or maxi skirt, and some chinos or a good pair of jeans, all in the same colour-way, maybe navy. I'd probably spend a bit of money on those, and then buy cheaper tops that would go with all of them, and could mix and match. Maybe some 3/4 sleeve linen shirts that could go over cami-type tops and be cool while still covered up?

What about some highwaisted trousers (wide leg) or shorts (bit longer and tailored)
Then some really nice simple tops like White broderie Anglais top, blue white stripy top. Also, lots of nice midi dresses about too

I'd buy
2 trousers - wide leg and tapered capri
1 shorts
2 midi dresses
4 tops
3 t shirts (go for the linen slubby ones)
1 skirt (if you are a skirt person)
I would go for really classy summer colours white, navy, tan, light blue and then everything will match

What is your budget? Size 18- 20 means Next and M and S may be a good idea, if a lower budget then Yours or Simply Be can be good. I would avoid Asos as the hit and miss ratio is just too high and you might become fed up if everything has to go back!
Primark can have really good lineny looking t shirts in the summer stock and Matalan has a great holiday section for summer dresses etc

There are a few dresses herd that would suit you

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/petite-clothing/dresses/c/uk-womens-petite-clothing-dresses

M&S have some nice things in at the moment, I went in there yesterday and bought some cargo trousers which are very generous in size and very comfortable, they had quite a lot of nice things aimed at younger people as well as older. I don’t usually buy in M&S as I have always considered it ‘old’ 🤣

I am your shape, size and height and have loads of new look midi dresses with chunky trainers or loafers for spring, or nice flat sandals for summer, easy to wear and reasonably priced. Snag chub rub shorts for underneath to prevent chaffing too.
I like casual trousers but they are hard to do when you are short.
A midi/maxi pleated skirt with tucked in slouchy top can look good too.

I got my summer dresses from Boded last year and they fitted perfectly, and I chose midi and maxi. I wore chub rub shorts underneath and I was comfortable all summer long. Next had some pretty good stuff too as did White Stuff and Seasalt.

I’d recommend seasalt, m&s and - depending on budget - poetry. Focus on well fitting basics that will keep you cool and won’t rub like some good chinos, wide legged linen trousers and some good t shirt tops.

M&S have loads in at good prices. Wide leg belted linen trousers for £30. Linen shirts, cool cotton shirts.
Then I’d get some maxi skirts from places like Crew or Fat Face.
Boden also do great summer dresses and lots of linen

Oh and try the John Lewis linen blend joggers. They are smart but so comfy

Watching with interest as I’m much the same and the first (and only) warm day we’ve had confirmed that none of my old summer clothes fit 😳

I’ve found dresses work better for me - just work out what suits your shape and colouring