Leggings for a fat, short, pretty old woman

[PleasantBirthday]

Hi, this may be done to death but the search function wasn't working!

We're going on a family holiday to centreparks next month and I have the impression that my usual wardrobe of midi dresses and heeled boots would look odd. My sisters in law both generally wear leggings so this is possibly the way to go. It's a toss up between looking a sight or a fool, I guess.

Can anyone recommend some? I'm thinking patterned to hopefully distract from my fatness and cellulite and ones that hold you in? I'm very short (I've got it all going on!) so petite? Or would 7/8s do or do they look weird if they're full length on you?

I'm not overly price sensitive (I should be but my main ambition is not to make more of a ghastly exhibition of myself than is strictly necessary) but these won't be worn again very often, probably, so I'd prefer not to join something like fabletics.

Thanks for reading. Any suggestions very gratefully received!

Don't wear leggings! Why can't you wear your usual dresses? Try some trainers instead of boots, to dress them down?

Yes, I agree , wear your dresses, get some great trainers and chunky sandals.
Do you need leggings because you will be on a bike ? I am good at tucking in a skirt, there is a knack to it. You could wear simple leggings underneath if you are worried about flashing your thighs by accident.

I just don't want to look like I didn't understand that it was an active holiday or that bikes would be involved, as though I thought I was going on a city break packed for that and suddenly find myself in a forest to my astonishment.

My usual dresses are often boden and they really suit me but I just feel that I'd look stuffy, uptight and out of place.

Well, maybe pack a pair of leggings too.

The Mint Velvet plain black leggings are pretty decent. Nice, thick fabric.

You can’t cycle in a midi dress, but don’t worry too much, there are lots of fat people at CP!

We go lots and they only outfits which I noticed were the first time I saw a birkini (which is great and happened about the same time the french banned them) and some bloke walking round with an incredibly offensive tattoo!

How could patterned leggings ever be the better choice?

But I’m more interested in finding out whether you are pretty and old; or ‘relatively old’ …

I'm staring 50 down. In a couple of years, people will be jovially telling me that my life is about to start.

I read that the patterns prevent the eye from discerning detail such as bulges if various kinds...

No - the patterns would just tell other people that you have been cruelly misled and wrongfully separated from your money.

Please never consider such a garment again …

You definitely CAN cycle in a midi dress.
But it is easier in a tunic dress with leggings underneath, or a tunic type dress over cropped trousers.

I think leggings under a tunic dress can look great. Definitely black leggings, good quality ones that won't look see-through, and a heavy tunic dress in rich colours.

Disclaimer - my fashion-sense is stuck in the 1990s, though I keep hearing the 90s are back in style so perhaps that's OK.

Leggings don't usually go down well on MN but I wear them most of the time with tunic type tops. I sound the same as you only older. I have M&S black leggings and navy, both full length and cropped. I have brutally honest family members who would tell me if I looked a sight
I wouldn't wear patterned personally though.

Wear a dress and possibly short cycling shorts underneath if you are cycling.

Nobody will look twice at you wearing a dress. Honestly, it's not a big deal at all.

I have M&S black leggings

Yes, that's what I have - they last for ages.

I feel for you OP- the trials of finding an outfit for a "walk".

If you have a step through bike and are doing genteel cycling you at her away with a dress but I wouldn't want to risk my lovely dress in. Bike chain.

You might be better with "active wear" as a whole outfit for doing active stuff in and then regular dresses/ stuff for the rest of the time? So maybe active wear leggings, top and jacket for bike rides. Tk maxx is good.

Or if you want regular leggings and a tunic top Tesco had some tunic tops in there new autumn range. And Sainsburys premium leggings are recommended in here (I have some but haven't tried them yet)

Final option is high waisted joggers and a T-shirt. This would be my preference and there are some amazing joggers in Tesco (black tencel) and Asda green with a rope waist pull

Final option is to say you have a trapped nerve and you have been medically advised to sit in a hot tub / lie flat and cannot partake in any physical activity .

I wear quality leggings with quality tops/tunics always with 1 classy piece of jewellery. Leggings can be worn many ways and look fun, original and not frumpy or cheap. Just wear with confidence and a bit of flair. I am "curvy" and short.

I have to ride a bike on hols very often and the only comfortable and trendy solution I have found is joggers - with narrow legs - try these ones from cos www.cosstores.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/trousers/product.relaxed-joggers-black.0721226006.html

Tuck in t-shirt/ vest and wear with oversize shirt / jacket etc.

If you will be cycling for more than five minutes you need proper padded cycling shorts. Anything else would be extreme masochism.

What they look like doesn’t really matter as long as they’re from whichever is currently perceived to be the most fashionable cycling outfitter. (Is Rapha still 👍🏽?)

Ladies, it's a logistical nightmare.

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions. I'm googling furiously today and making an Outfit Spreadsheet. I know how to make a fun holiday into WORK.

Op I'm short, fat and old but actually don't mind wearing Maiden form leggings on public, they're extremely flattering! They said I've also worn dresses with trainers or boots at centre parcs you wouldn't stand out dressed in them.

I got these in petite fitting a couple of months ago and they are lovely. Definitely an upgrade on leggings of old! www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-valuenbsppetitenbspconfident-curve-legging-black/1600356408.prd?_requestid=600765&Ntt=leggings%20petite See the many many good reviews too. Only £15.

OP, no one gives a shit what you wear at center parcs, you just need to be comfortable for whatever activity bum sex you are engaging in.

I wear these as they are very comfortable and suck everything in. More like jeggings than leggings.

Next black ponte leggings are great. They are thick so not see through. Also they come in petite. I've some that have lasted me about 7 years & still going strong!
Only thing is though, I bought another pair a year or so back & they have changed the design so they now fit much tighter. So you will definitely need to size up a size.
www3.next.co.uk/style/st375384/922876#922876

Just saw you wanted patterned ones apologies!

You can cycle in a dress but I also think it’s worth having one active type outfit - I wouldn’t want to ruin a dress/get oil and mud on it etc. Likewise might be good to have footwear you don’t mind getting muddy etc. I’d take the dresses you like but also have some more practical options for activities.

As an alternative to leggings you could try a good pair of joggers - Sweaty Betty and Lululemon so good ones which are also good for lounging around. That with a t-shirt or jumper. Also lots of fashion brands do joggers - ie not strictly activewear but fine if you’re just doing an easy walk/bike ride etc.