Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Holiday wear now I'm older and fatter

70 replies

44PumpLane · 01/02/2022 15:11

Good afternoon all- I need help please!

I've never been stylish, but I used to have a decent figure so clothes looked fine. But now I have a lot more fat on me (size 14 with lots of fat round the middle, a slight Diastasis Recti after twins and decently Chunky thighs), and at 39 it's not shifting quickly enough for my holiday.

I used to be an hourglass so I have no idea how to dress with a belly and a c section pooch.

I'm off on a hot theme park holiday soon and need some suggestions of shorts and tops to buy-can anyone point me in the right direction of where to buy clothing that may fit the bill?

Any and all suggestions would be most welcome!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
DoodleBelle · 01/02/2022 15:16

I would recommend empire line dresses to flatter your shape with cycling shorts underneath for theme parks ( Florida?) as I just found dresses more comfortable and breezy. The cycling shorts prevent chafing plus cover you when getting on and off rides. Cotton jersey materials to keep cool and comfy.

Original poster
44PumpLane · 01/02/2022 15:25

Thanks @DoodleBelle, yes Florida is right.

I'll have a Google of Empire line dresses.... I have a couple pairs of Snag Chub Rub shorts but you're right, cycle shorts would probably be the way forward as they wouldn't be see through.

Let me take a look.... Are there any shops you'd recomend particularly? Thank you.

OP posts:
Ozanj · 01/02/2022 15:31

Are your legs still decent? If so mini shift dresses (the kind that go straight down) work best when your largest point is your belly. It tends to even you out and if it’s short it will make you look slimmer too.

For swimwear I’d suggest shorter bikini style bottoms with zip up t-shirt style tops. They will be practically with kids but will also highlight your legs.

Ozanj · 01/02/2022 15:33

I don’t think empire line dresses work when you’re under a size 16 as they do tend to make you look pregnant particularly if all your fat is on your belly. Plus most of them are designed for pregnant ladies (just not officially) and so they are often designed to highlight your belly!!

Original poster
44PumpLane · 01/02/2022 15:53

@Ozanj unfortunately my legs are more flab than fab at the minute Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
44PumpLane · 01/02/2022 15:55

@Ozanj potentially true about empire line dresses... Particularly as my Diastasis is quite high so I probably do look more rounded round the belly, so therefore more pregnant.

I've found jeans or trousers, plus a shirt works for me for UK day wear, hence wondering if a specific style of short plus t shirt might work.

OP posts:
Billandben444 · 01/02/2022 16:28

I have a belly and found this works for me: wear a loose camisole top (that's longer than usual) and then a short loose t-shirt on top so the floppy hem of the camisole hangs down - contrast the colours and patterns. Belly covered! I found quite a selection at H&M last summer.

Original poster
44PumpLane · 01/02/2022 17:53

@Billandben444 thank you for the tip, I'll have a try of that and go look in H&M.... Appreciate it!

OP posts:
ZenNudist · 01/02/2022 18:00

I like my loose thin trousers from wierd fish in a print with a loose flowing Plaistow tucked in.

It's florida so you will look thin compared to some! Its not a fashion show so go for comfort.

I'm going in May. Will be wearing cotton chino shorts and t shirts and more of the lightweight trousers.

Dresses aren't great for theme parks but nice for a meal out.

A jumpsuit in lightweight fabric could look really stylish and be comfortable. Try hush.

ZenNudist · 01/02/2022 18:00

Loose flowing tshirt

Imtoooldforallthis · 01/02/2022 18:04

Im similar shape to you, I would say basics of chino and denim shorts and don't go too long as they look awful I wear a lot of shorts and strapless tops.

Whiterose23 · 01/02/2022 18:05

When we went to Florida a few years ago I was a size 14 and unhappy with how I looked.
I wore 3/4 length play suits and felt cool, comfortable and confident. I had lots of compliments and I don’t hate how I look in the photos.

CrabPuff · 01/02/2022 18:09

I googled for a holiday and Aspiga came up - I have a couple of summer dresses from Boden but am on “holiday” (off site with work) for 5 days and I needed a couple more options. I got some cotton trousers in the sale and I’m tallish (5 ‘8 with a. long torso) and they have elasticated waists. I will try their dresses next time but fifty quid each for trousers that I hope won’t show sweat latches as natural fibres is good. Dresses looked nice - shirred etc but didn’t dry them. Also, bought with Quidco for cashback!

CrabPuff · 01/02/2022 18:10

I’m a 14 in vanity sizing like Boden or Fatface - or 16 everywhere else and L/ XL in these trousers

Hasselhoffsheadband · 01/02/2022 18:11

Following!

AndSoFinally · 01/02/2022 18:13

I would go for knee ish length denim shorts. If you can't find any this time of year, get some supermarket jeans and just cut the legs off at the knee and roll up. I can never find denim shorts the right length so tend to just do this

Lemonweightloss · 01/02/2022 18:15

Some great tips here. I would say just because you're on holiday doesn't mean you have to wear shorts and strappy tops. I hate both. I wear dresses ( loads around. Supermarkets usually have a great selection. Try some styles on / experiment. Go with what feels good). They're not expensive either. I love playsuits - laredoute have some in the sale - lovely, bright colours. Also, wide legged trousers and like a pp said, layer up camisole and slouchy tops.
Wear what makes you feel good.
Minimal make up (but your best lippy). And enjoy !!

Knittingnanny2 · 01/02/2022 18:21

I’m loads older than you ( 65) but wear weird fish straight up and down short or cap sleeved knee length dress on hot holidays as I hate things around my waist. I’ve got them in a variety of prints, they wash well and don’t need ironing. The dress is called Talahassi or something like that!

Hellosunshiner · 01/02/2022 18:21

I second playsuits as a good idea. Combines the best of a dress and shorts in one simple outfit. There are lots of loose ones, one with kimono sleeves, sleeveless etc.

Knittingnanny2 · 01/02/2022 18:24

www.greatoutdoorssuperstore.co.uk/weirdfish-ladies-tallahassee-jersey-dress-apricot-p58307
Like this, I rarely pay full price, just buy last years colourway for about £20

ChickenStripper · 01/02/2022 18:25

When you go to Florida you will automatically shrink in your mind due to the amount of very fat women there wearing dreadful tight shorts and short tank tops. It seems to be an accepted look. I've never understood the desire to wear shorts in hot places - dresses are just so much more flattering on most people.

I haven't bought from Roman but I have my eye on this dress and this is the type I mean for you.

www.roman.co.uk/tropical-print-sundress-14121309?istCompanyId=2c7d42bf-c86e-4126-852a-34976c2accf2&istFeedId=2671bd7b-958a-4180-b178-22e89d93d179&istItemId=iaamptail&istBid=t&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh6O8vY7f9QIVDu3tCh0yRQA8EAQYBCABEgJ6vvD_BwE

Sadly there's not much about currently. Wrong season.

StCharlotte · 01/02/2022 22:13

@Knittingnanny2

www.greatoutdoorssuperstore.co.uk/weirdfish-ladies-tallahassee-jersey-dress-apricot-p58307 Like this, I rarely pay full price, just buy last years colourway for about £20
I was about to recommend these. Surprisingly flattering and very comfortable (with flesh coloured chub rub - God I hate that expression! - shorts).
midsomermurderess · 01/02/2022 23:22

What about a dress like this from Joanie Clothing joanieclothing.com/cinna-square-neck-wild-flower-print-midaxi-dress.html