What does a mum wear on holiday?

[FirstTimeFuckDies]

I'm going on a once in a lifetime trip with my DH, DD3 and DD9m round France and Spain. We'll be away for 6 weeks from late May to early July. We're mostly staying in villas in coastal towns/cities,. including a week in Ibiza. I'm really excited but have absolutely NO IDEA what I should wear and how to pack most efficiently, which is why I'm turning to the wise folk of S&B (where I'm a long time lurker) for some advice.

We are driving so space isn't hugely tight but my stuff will definitely take a back seat to the disproportionate quantity of crap two small girls require.

I'm 5'10, size 16, 38DD and feeling pretty awful about myself since having 2 babies in 2.5 years. My legs used to be my best feature but now my thighs are all flabby. My stomach is a disaster and my hips are permanently widened. I would say best features remain my legs but nothing much above the knee. Thanks to COVID I haven't been abroad since becoming a mum and I have no idea how to dress this new (awful) figure.

My usual style is quite simple (boring) and I tend towards a mum uniform of jeans, jumpers and trainers in blue/black/white. I'm also still breastfeeding so need to consider this with tops/dresses.

Ideally I would look casual but well put together, however will settle for not having people look me up and down with disdain.

I'd love some suggestions as to what key pieces would be and perhaps some guidance towards specific items. I'm thinking so far:

Lightweight trench coat
Light kimono-style jacket/cover up
Cross-body straw bag
Sandals of some kind
Sunglasses of some kind
Swimming costume

My budget is definitely mat leave (the part where you don't get paid any more) but I've also got some John Lewis vouchers stashed away so can splash out on a couple of items if I'll get a fair amount of wear out of them.

I'm putting myself in your hands!!

Forgot to say I generally prefer natural fabrics eg cotton/linen rather than polyester, aware that may be at odds with my budget!! Not adverse to trawling through Vinted though.

Maxi dresses with sandals are a good look in warmer weather. Maybe a denim jacket would be better than a trench as it will go with more things and looks a bit more summery. I'm a similar size and shape to you although not as tall. I like looseish trousers with cotton or linen t shirts and sandals or trainers. Shorts can be good also, I understand you are not 100% happy with your legs but a pair that fit well round the waist and thighs will be flattering.

You could try Facebook selling sites to make your money go further. I have got quite a few bits from Hush that way.

Thanks so much for your reply, denim jacket is a good call although I'd previously had trouble finding one that looks good because of how wide my hips are, in a similar vein I'm still looking for the perfect leather jacket. Have you got any tips about the style of denim jacket that might suit?

I've never tried Facebook selling sites either so will have a look, any you'd particularly recommend as a starting point?

Cropped denim jackets are great with maxi dresses

Have you heard of the website Popsy? Lots of dresses in fun prints and they are very reasonable and sooo flattering for all shapes! They also do free alterations and the dresses look lovely with sandals, a cardigan, denim jacket and can be dressed up for the evening. I promise I don’t work for them 😂

Natural fibres are your friend.get a couple of swimsuits you feel comfortable in (perhaps M&S), but focus on dresses/shirts in cotton or linen. Even viscose. Avoid polyester at all costs.

Totally agree with that a maxi dress or two is needed. These will absolutely be your go to hero pieces. If you need a cover up of any kind, it should be cropped or not finish below the waist.
A pair of wide leg trousers would also be fabulous and could be matched with t-shirts or vest tops. Layered with a boat neck sweater for the evenings if needed. Linen maybe not a good idea due to travelling but possibly a linen/cotton mix.
A vest style midi dress for daytime, this could also be used as a cover up over swimwear.
The key is for mix and match pieces that form a capsule so you have lots of choice from a few pieces. The boat neck sweater could be worn over the maxi dress for example to make another outfit. Try to go with simple and classic styles to make it easier to blend them.

H&M surprisingly good for midi dresses in cotton and linen, they wash well too.

Breastfeeding and it’ll potentially be hot? High waisted skirt at a length you like + a light weight tshirt tucked in or even a cropped t shirt. Then you can just lift up the top a little on one side and your back and stomach will stay covered.
Don’t plan only daytime outfits involving jackets or cover ups because you will be too hot.
I’d throw in some lightweight high waisted shorts or super lightweight trousers. Take a couple of sunhats in case you loose one and a couple of pairs of cheap sunglasses. A pair of trainers and a pair of sandals you can walk distances in. Remember lots of the towns you visit will have cobblestones and tiny narrow streets. Take clothes that work with a babycarrier as well as with a pushchair. It’s easier when most things work together - if you buy everything in colours that co-ordinate this is easier. Like neutrals plus blues and terracotta oranges. Or neutrals plus a bit of pink or a a bit of green or whatever colours you personally like and gravitate towards.

@heartofgoldcoins I've always been nervous of cropped things but sounds like it's the way forward for jackets or cover-ups so I'll put this on the list!!

@TwinkleTwinkleSeren I hadn't heard of Popsy before but have had a look, some really nice shaped dresses but I'm not sure the prints are very 'me' - to be honest I think the only print I have in my wardrobe is the odd bit of leopard! Maybe I need to branch out a bit more..

@IvorCutler totally agree with you about the natural fibres. Swimsuits are a trauma I haven't even scratched the surface of but finding the thread on costumes for tall women helpful.

@MummyJ12 I like all of the suggestions you've made, especially the wide legged trousers, and I love a boat necked sweater. I'm a bit stuck on the maxi/midi dresses because of the breastfeeding, have you come across any that have buttons?

Honestly the reason I started this thread is because I have so little confidence in my own taste recently that I second guess anything I like, so would naturally be drawn to something like this (although obviously fails on the natural fibre front) but is it hideous?? I reckon the wrap style would allow for breastfeeding even if it is a bit full-frontal.

www.hotsquash.com/cool/maxi-dresses/blue-jersey-maxi-dress-44.html

Ditto would like a cross body straw bag - but are they totally naff?

There's a private Facebook group you can join called 'Can I Breastfeed in it? UK'. There are lots of helpful women on there who recommend nursing-friendly clothes in every budget.

Why is everyone suggesting maxi dresses? They are literally the worse thing for breastfeeding. Short of a ball gown I can't think of anything worse

Just joined this and literally the first question on the page is from someone asking for midi/maxi dress recommendations - so thanks for the tip!

Girl, get on Insta and follow some accounts of tall(er) and curvy(ish) woman for inspo.
It sounds like your legs are great - get wide leg linen trousers in a neutral ( high waist) and walkable wedges and cropped denims.
agree crop denim jacket with maxi will be nice
find a good bag which will go with most and REALLY cool or chic sunglasses
would you wear a tailored short? They dont have to be ass skimming?
blazer or drape jacket over blouses or tees
( breton stripes are always chic, polka dots always cute)
no pleats in your skirts and a few basic coloured tshirt dresses. Spice up with cool hat/specs/jewellery
boohoo does tall everything.
get some tan ( even a gradual colour) it always make you feel better, get shellac nails ( do you have 5pm or a Groupon for a cheap deal?) brows shaped and lashes permed. Youll honestly feel more put together with a good "base"

Seraphine do a lovely collection of maxi and midi dresses that allow for breastfeeding (including some vest styles!). It’s a little more expensive but worth a look and you can get 10% off your first order.
ASOS mama, or H&M mama worth a try for cheaper options.
Happy shopping.

@NamechangeFML I need to do this!! Any accounts you'd recommend to get me started? I find with Insta I either end up with super skinny goddesses or plus size models, I've had trouble finding models in the middle. Definitely need to practice some self-care too and get on the case with at least a pedicure before I unleash my feet on the world.

Have a look at the Joules Riley Wrap Dress. It comes in lots of different prints and is super comfortable, hides hips/mum tum/thunder thigh and is 100% breastfeeding friendly as it just pulls to the side. It's all long enough that you can bend over and play with little ones without flashing your pants.
I have it in 5 colours and wear with sandals and a crop denim jacket. It's my summer mum wardrobe staple.
I wash and hand on a hanger whilst we're away and there's no need to iron.
You'll need to search different retailers to find the various prints.
www.magrigg.co.uk/ss22-nov-joules-riley-jersey-wrap-dress-french-navy-stripe.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkcnp6P2-9wIVZ4BQBh03Mwd7EAQYASABEgJm5PD_BwE

Maxi skirt instead of maxi dresses.

M&S and Land's End do longer body swimsuits.

OP search the tag "medium size" on insta.
i domu know what age you are ( or pre- mum style)
you might like ? instagram.com/travelgram_by_stefanie?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
?

I also love DSLB ( but check the sizes first)

Don't do linen unless you plan on carrying an iron everywhere! Viscose is best in this scenario. I'd carefully consider the iron connendrum as the creased look is not the best.

Have a look at Matalan for shorts - they have lots of neutral colours in 100% cotton.

I would pick a fairly neutral palette. I'd probably have some shorts in navy/stone/white, some well-fitting t-shirts, a long-sleeved breton top (Landsend used to have some that were great for throwing over a vest top in the evenings). A couple of dresses, a long patterned skirt (that coordinates with the t-shirts above).

Sounds silly but if you grab a piece of paper and put down 7x combinations for daytime (e.g. shorts 1 + t-shirt 2... shorts 2 + t-shirt 2 etc) you'll then have a formula that you can sort of repeat each week. You can then start looking for items to tick off the list.

Fatface, Gap, Weirdfish, Joules are all worth a look.

And buy the best pair of polarising sunglasses you can afford in a robust, even wraparound style. I rate Maui Jim - I have had mine for 5+ years and they don't owe me anything now.

Gap have dresses that would work and 40% off right now. Your holiday sounds amazing too, have fun!

@maryberryslayers I love this dress - have ordered in the stripes and will have a hunt for other prints

@NamechangeFML thanks - I'm 36 and pre-mum style was also quite boring (or classic if I'm being kind to myself) jeans, t-shirts, shirt/shift dresses in blue/black/white/camel.

@RomainingCalm Would never usually consider Matalan but I do have one down the road so will give it a try. Making a list is a good plan and far more organised than I would usually be!

@BringMeTea Gap is another good suggestion I don't usually look at! But I love this

Link fail I think - but it's this one

www.gap.co.uk/gap/linen-cotton-midi-shirtdress/000797181.html?dwvar_000797181_color=000797181001&dwvar_000797181_fit=regular&cgid=women-clothing-dresses-dresseswelove#start=1&nav=meganav%3AWomen%3ACategories%3ADresses+