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!

I agree with @Billandben444 - layers are good

If you've time, shop for shorts when you're out there. You'll be able to get quite smart ones in a range of cuts compared to here. Worth stocking up.

StCharlotte

MrsSkylerWhite
No style tips but linen is lovely in hot places.
Better to go for linen blend. Pure linen is a nightmare for creasing.“

Indeed, though that’s part of the charm for me. No need for vigorous ironing

H & M do these in different colours/ patterns every year
Super light and easy to throw on for shopping, eating out etc

Semi-fitted sleeveless shirts worn over shorts for day and button through shirt dresses for evening are my go to. I think i might be a similar body shape to you.

Floaty culottes?

I'm 50 and lost 6 stone. Still a 16/18 but in very hot days I wear shorts with an elasticated waistband ( I have ibs so can bloat and these are super comfortable ) then a thin primark cami and I have a few very thin 'one hundred stars' kimonos to go over the top.

This photo attached is a long one but I have shorter ones too and they are so cool and look nice as well.

They aren't cheap nor particularly expensive - good all rounder to go over things. Please excuse my very pale legs, they just don't and won't tan compared to the rest of me 🤣

@Wagsandclaws congratulations on your weight loss, that is a fab outfit- your legs are amazing vey shapely- I am a similar size to you and have to hide my legs under 3/4 trousers or maxi dresses

I weight 12.2 and am 5.5. I should really be a 14 if only my weight was evenly distributed but I'm an extreme apple shape ( all tummy and boobs ) with legs that would fit a size ten pair of jeans.

Trousers or any bottoms are a real problem for me hence elasticated waists are so useful as I can be comfortable and size down slightly to accommodate my skinny legs but 18 waist.

I suppose it's about finding stuff that suits you and not giving a shite what other people say. Wear what you like, have a look at people of a similar size who are stylish - it helps a lot!

I’m just about to pack my bag for a holiday and I’m in a similar predicament. I was a small framed 8-10 for years even after first DD but after DS (who is now 4 months) I’ve retained 1.5 stones and a big flabby belly and my arse has gone flat. After a recommendation from another thread
I can confirm that next cap sleeves t-shirts are really flattering! I’ve bought three in white, black and khaki. I’ve bought a cheap £15 pair of jersey material khaki trousers from M&S that will look smart with a white t-shirt. I also bought a pair of high waisted denim shorts from Boden in the sale - perfect for holding in the belly.

@ExhaustedMumma I'm loving the high waisted trend - so flattering for apples I think.

Your new wardrobe additions sound lovely 😊

I would avoid shorts unless you have good legs. I'm a 12-14 and don't even own a pair of shorts as I just don't have the legs. My go tos are maxi or 3/4 dresses or thin all in ones- Tillets do great ones in all sorts of colours. Generally I think their website is good for summer things and it caters very much to the apple shape (I'm not but some things still work).

Good luck, as long as you're comfortable you'll feel good.

This is the Tilletts jumpsuit. I have 3 colours. So comfortable and can be over a costume or worn with sandals day or night.

@Wagsandclaws well. Done on an amazing weightloss and fabulous outfit. I shall check out the kimonos.

@justaweeone I like that from H&M, I'll have a look thank you.

I have ordered some of the high waisted denim shorts from matalan linked in page 1 as a starting point. Appreciating all the input here and have more online shopping to do!

Last time I went to Florida theme parks I just wore black work out leggings (I was 14-16 bottoms) and slightly longer flowy tops. It was great becasue you get no thigh rubbing, sweat wicks away (it is HOT in the summer) and if you get splashed on the watery rides it just dries. Loads of Americans wear this all the time and to be honest it was pretty standard wear, you wouldn’t look out of place.

Just marking to follow

@LouiseOuiOui

Last time I went to Florida theme parks I just wore black work out leggings (I was 14-16 bottoms) and slightly longer flowy tops. It was great becasue you get no thigh rubbing, sweat wicks away (it is HOT in the summer) and if you get splashed on the watery rides it just dries. Loads of Americans wear this all the time and to be honest it was pretty standard wear, you wouldn’t look out of place.

I think that's the point - you can usually tell the Brits as they tend to be so much more smartly dressed. Americans tend to be very sloppy or very conservative in their dress.

I've found that shorter but looser linen shorts and longer line t-shirts sort of even everything out...I'm not keen on my legs but longer shorts make them look fatter somehow. I got some nice ones from FatFace a couple of summers ago.
Also loose t-shirt dresses - although horizontal stripes are meant to be fattening I have a black dress with narrow horizontal stripes that hangs just above the knee and is really flattering.

Yes, I fully agree. But I also have to say it doesn’t have to look sloppy at at all. I all depends on the top you add, trainers, bag, hair etc. I think you can look really ‘informal’ in a dress or with linen trousers as well. Having said that I wouldn’t wear workout leggings out in the evening! Jumpsuits sounds great as many people have suggested for that. I hope you have a great time- whatever you decide to wear!

For the actual theme park I would go with cargo shorts and a loose Tshirt as I like to have pockets on these days out. Then take some nice floaty dresses for the evenings!