Holiday wear now I'm older and fatter

[44PumpLane]

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!

In summer, I normally live in 3/4 or full length length cotton or linen trousers. They elongate the leg more than short, shorts and are loose and cool. I normally get them from asda or Sainsburys, but cant see them on their websites yet.

For a swim suit, I have this tankini with briefs, but they do high waisted pant too. Its very flattering across the tummy area and looks like a one piece when on (I'm a size 16-18 now!). The ease of having separates is great though and I'd never get a one piece again.
www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2759029_c101/tummy-control-wrap-front-tankini-top-black

Marking for ideas! Thanks all

I haven’t read the replies yet, but just what springs to mind;
Linen maxi dresses, just accessorised really nicely, with leather sandals, painted nails and some sunglasses that really suit you.
Swimwear with a long embroidered kaftan or kimono over the top.
Black wide leg high waist linen trousers (or whatever shape suits you the best) with a vest-top that shows off some cleavage, and some nice jewellery. M
Sometimes I think the accessories are the best part of an outfit.
I think linen maxi dresses look lovely on holiday.
Have fun!

Really appreciate all the replies, and the links, I'll be taking a look at some of the shops and styles mentioned. I particularly like that blue dress with the slight v neck and that could go very nicely in my wardrobe in general.

The matalan shorts and tankini loom nice and think I'll place some orders so I can try things on.

I have an annoying foot issue that means I can't wear sandals as I have to have either an orthotic insole or sketchers on..... I have metatarsalgia which means I feel like I'm walking on a stone all the time! But dresses go with trainers well too xx

No style tips but linen is lovely in hot places.

I went a few years and was also a size 14. I wore lose patterned shorts with elasticated waistbands, pretty tops and flat comfortable sandals with cushioned soles or sketchers trainers. Shorts were great for getting on and off all the rides.

Dresses almost to the knee with cycling shorts underneath is my go to (sainsburys own brand cycling shorts, £10 last summer, are my go to as the offer a bit of support/belly hold in!) a long sleeved shirt to put over strappy dresses is a good idea for sun protection

gogohm do the cycling shorts make to feel hot?

Americans of all ages, shapes and sizes tend to wear shorts in summertime and they are very practical for theme parks. If you can find a style that is flattering, they are comfortable too. I hate the top of my legs, but I have a couple of pairs of knee-length shorts that are reasonably flattering. It's worth checking out Joules, Fatface, Boden - all occasionally have good styles - but you have to try them on.

I forgot to say I always go up a size in shorts for theme parks, this eliminates any uncomfortableness and rubbing and I tend to swell a bit in the heat. I always have my shoulders covered because of the sun. My feet swell a bit too so go for the most comfortable footwear I can.

I’m another to suggest you take a look at Weird Fish cotton dresses. I’m a similar shape 12/14 size and have several Weird Fish summer dresses, they’re great value, easy to wear and wash well.

OP the great thing about Florida (especially Orlando) is that nobody gives a shit about how they look! At a size 14 you will be positively svelte!

On the first day at Disney I wore a cute dress with nice flip flops. Second day I was in my comfiest shorts, gym trainers with socks and a Minnie Mouse visor! Just have a great time!

M&S actually have several longer styles of shorts, which might work: www.marksandspencer.com/l/women/holiday-shop?filter=Product%20Type=Shorts

It won't be very hot if the holiday is "soon" @44PumpLane

@ChickenStripper it's end of March so will be warm but not overly hot.

I was there during the hottest August on record at the time when I was 22 weeks pregnant with twins, so I am au fait with the heat and schlepping about. I appreciate that I will be very slim compared to many, but it's really how I feel about myself. Last time I went wearing my "usual" outfits and I just felt very unhappy with all the pics as I just felt like a blob.

I appreciate all the suggestions and will take some time tonight to do some ordering of dresses, playsuit and shorts so I have plenty of time for trying on and returns.

Appreciate all the ideas!

[quote midsomermurderess]What about a dress like this from Joanie Clothing joanieclothing.com/cinna-square-neck-wild-flower-print-midaxi-dress.html[/quote]
Wow what a gorgeous dress !

I’d worry that dress would get all caught up getting on and off all the rides.

I agree with @CrimbleCrumble1 this dress is not practical for rides, I would do shorts (and not a light colour to save you washing them every time) and layers of top and cardigan or t- shirt and shirt in nice coordinated colours. Jeans shorts are good in hiding belly ( I’m an expert unfortunately ) if it’s not too hot and look nice even in mid/dark blue.

Linen joggers are another option depending on how hot it will be.

She won't just be doing rides will she?

@midsomermurderess not just rides, meals out, shopping and water park.

This is an adult only girls trip so not just theme parks.

Whether I'm fatter or thinner, I'm basically just a big rectangle, the very opposite of an hourglass.

I've found out by trial and error that high-waisted bottoms and shorter tops are the way to go. For this kind of trip I'd probably take capris, t-shirts or other lightweight tops, and if it won't make you unbearably hot, a couple of cropped cotton cardigans and/or a cropped denim jacket. If you really hate the shape of your bottom half, keep the capris dark and matte and add interest at the top - a t-shirt with a big red flower, a chunky colourful necklace, etc.

But remember everybody in this place is there to have fun and few people will take much notice of how you look, though some of the American visitors will probably see your size 14 as enviably sleek!

@MrsSkylerWhite

No style tips but linen is lovely in hot places.

Better to go for linen blend. Pure linen is a nightmare for creasing.

Roman do some lovely dresses and summer wear, as do the supermarkets, l got a couple of really nice ones last summer.

Linen packed in a suitcase always ends up rumpled and awful looking. Hot summer here and fatter than I would like, I've been loving midi and maxi dresses like the joanie one above (mine are all from zara but very similar) and 70s style denim midi skirts with stretchy vest tops. Shirt dresses are also cool and forgiving.

Shorts longer than upper mid thigh scream frump to me.