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!!

That is a really nice dress. 👏🏼

Have you tried bravissimo for swimsuits?

I find they're better than M&S as loads of support versions.

In terms of sandals - I'd go for a really good pair that are comfortable for walking but also look good. Badly fitting or uncomfortable sandals can ruin any outfit.

Sorry can't recommend any brands for that as am desperately looking for a good pair myself.

I also put on loads of weight when my children were similar ages- that's when I started checking out boden because I thought it might be more structured and I wanted to wear clothes that fitted properly.
Have a great holiday!

What a lovely trip!!
I've just bought some cotton culottes from seasalt,

https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/wide-leg-pleat-detail-intertidal-culottes

not my usual haunt but they're lovely and I've just got some sandals from monsoon too

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/aztec-design-strappy-wedges-black-24615701.html?omcampaign=ommee66bfcb67-1e8199221633&omsend=57fc161544584822aa472fea5e9a30c6&utmmcampaign=omme66bfcb67-1e88mwk366fpsunday010520222beach&utmcontent=006mmicrosofttopen&utmmedium=email&utmm_source=ometria

To form part of a capsule wardrobe to go away -
The sandals are very comfy and not too high and will go with loads

https://www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/navy-oriental-print-maternity-nursing-pleated-dress-e3322.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8ZqcupG9wIV02DmCh3SIA7pEAQYGiABEgJJjPDD_BwE

I bought a lot from Jojo when I was pregnant as they double up as nursing dresses 👗

Ok YOU need to get on Instagram so I can follow you because I love all of those things you've linked to!! Definitely going to get the culottes and if I wasn't 100% done with babies and there was even the slightest chance I could be persuaded into having a third (there isn't) that JoJo dress is beautiful.

Which parts of France are you in? The weather can be unreliable across much of the country, even in summer, so definitely include a waterproof. Also some trainers for cooler or wetter days when you won't want sandals. I would take Birkenstocks as they work with most outfits (IMO anyway!).

Mainly in the South, with a week in the Dordogne and then another week as we make our way back up to the Channel Tunnel to come home. I'll definitely be packing a raincoat. I've been holding different pairs of Birkenstocks in various online shopping baskets but coming to the same conclusion, that they are easy to wear with any outfit, comfortable enough for all day walking and therefore probably worth the initial cost. I think you've convinced me!

@horsesandterriers I haven't looked at Bravissimo before, I tend to like to try on swimwear rather than order online because so much of it looks so bad on me, but they have some nice suits on there and I am definitely in need of support at the moment. Haven't even considered the logistics of breastfeeding in a swimming costume but I guess it will be easy enough to drop a strap!

I've been avoiding Boden because I feel like it really is the ultimate 'mum' brand, but given that's literally what I am now it's drawing me in...

Should be warm in the Southern part of France, although still the chance of rain (and thunderstorms!). I used to wear the Gizeh Birkenstocks for years but last year got some Arizona. I also used to have a pair that looked exactly like Birkenstocks from TK Maxx by another brand (I think a Spanish one) that were half the price but looked and felt exactly the same.

Yes @FirstTimeFuckDies it probably is the total mum brand! 😆 not sure if I recommend it or not- just thought I'd give it a go. It was really good for trousers for me as they fitted me really well.

Before you buy anything, you need to stop talking to yourself about yourself like that.

No good comes from it.

One thing with Bowden is that although it's not cheap it's generally good quality and lasts for years. There are some good FB sites for 2nd hand Boden - either to buy or sell.

Very similar position to you although Im only one one baby not two, gone from a 10/12 to a 12/14.

Have a look at M&S midi/ midaxi skirts , loving this look right now with a trainer and sharp r shirt - can be dressed up and down.

Also Zara for a few shirt dresses, also very BF accessible.

M&S also have some really decent trainers for £25/£35 too which are bang in trend.

If you are at John Lewis I think Mint Velvet is lovely this season!

Boden are doing nice simple and not expensive summer tops. They have v neck cotton sleeveless vests £18 and cotton ts with a tiny bit of elastane for those of us with a sizeable bosom £25 They also have the ubiquitous Breton tops including short sleeved version for under £30.

Classic simple colours like you said you wear anyway and Breton stripes always look classy and summery. I would swap a straw cross body bag for a a leather or other material one. It will be a more substantial material for carrying children's nonsense in and look more 'evening-y' in the evenings ( and probably last longer too)

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/cotton-vest-navy/sty-j0683-nav?cat=C1_S2_G18
www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/essential-short-sleeve-t-shirt-navy/sty-j0169-nav?cat=C1_S2_G18

My suggestions would be:

Lightweight down jacket or gilet eg Uniqlo. Squash down to nothing but provide a welcome warm layer on cooler days/ evenings.

Three pairs of cotton shorts, loose, not too long, these will be your staples. Shorter is cooler and more flattering, especially once legs get tanned.

6 cotton tops, T-shirts, vests

Chinos/khakis, loose fitting, for evening cover up against the mosquitos!

Couple of long sleeve- Bretons, light sweatshirt (see above)

A decent hat - M&S have a lovely straw fedora in navy, white or natural.

A dress - that Joules one is nice

Decent sandals - eg Birks or similar

Trainers in case it's raining

Flip flops for the beach

Big beach bag

And as for swimwear, all ages wear bikinis in France, anything goes and no-one is looking or judging.

Think casual, comfortable, layers. You're unlikely to wear anything structured, formal, just have the dress to thrown in if needed.

@FirstTimeFuckDies

Aww Thankyou

Love a jojo dress you could have a look on eBay/ vinted people often sell them on and you can always re-sell afterwards. They always hang nicely and good for feeding 👍

I'm not quite sure what happened but 85% of my clothes are from M&S these days. My only issue is their love of polyester, but I'll have a hunt because I love the midi skirt/t-shirt look, although it isn't a massively flattering one for me as it tends to cut my mum-tum in half. Maybe with a jacket over the top though it would work. I've got a JL down the road too so planning a trip there and will have a look at Mint Velvet.

@thethoughtfox I like those sleeveless tops and £18 is a bargain! I can get one in every colour. I might also go leather cross-body back with a big straw one for the beach/toting around a million tupperwares

@FleeceNavidadfromtheSheep you sound like you know France well and mention mosquitos which I hadn't even considered - are they usually a big issue in June/early July? Also with regards to bikinis, I have literally never worn one but do you think I'll stand out more being a bit bigger and wearing a full swimsuit?

If you search Hush and Mint Velvet on FB you will find several. The people who sell on them usually list their things on all the sites and things can move very quickly so once you have joined, check your notifications.

I am am going to Lake Garda in August, being by a lake it is usually hot but not always. I'm taking the following - can only take cabin bags on so will have to pack light and wash while away!

2 shorts, one black one blue denim
2 maxi dresses, for sightseeing or dinners (travelling with DC so won't be going anywhere very dressed up)
3 cotton t shirts - one black, one navy,
one blue and white striped, maybe an extra one
2 light cardigans - one black one blue
2/3 pairs of cotton trousers (all from hush- the Cropped Easy trousers) ine navy, one black and one patterned
Denim jacket for chilly evenings
Black sandals
Sliver sandals
White trainers ( will wear on flight)
Vest tops and pants to sleep in or maybe some light PJ shorts

Whilst breastfeeding, definitely wear separates rather than a dress, so wide linen trousers or maxiskirt for bottom half with vests/tshirts for the top. I love shorts that look like skirts to the knee but more comfortable for sightseeing days/travelling. Try keep clothing colours neutral and accessorise with colour: bags, sandals, sunglasses, lipstick, hat. Also I would suggest a light coloured cotton sarong to throw over your shoulder to protect your modesty if breastfeeding in public.

Separates are a good call - I've bought a pair of culottes and will get some shorts/t-shirts once I can actually try some on to get the length right.

A query about the sarong for breastfeeding - have you found that breastfeeding in public is an issue in France/Spain? I am pretty unabashed here and there isn't anywhere I won't/haven't breastfed but wondering from this suggestion if this is less acceptable?

As for the cross body bag I bought this M and S one.

Don’t forget a hat.

Do not wear popsy for this kind of holiday if you're interested in looking stylish. It might have fun prints but stylish it isn't

Asos will have loads of dresses in their sale that suit spring time
Free people make really nice clothes for that vibe
Marks and spencer for some comfortable but nice sandals or Birkenstocks choose something robust
A pair of chunky trainers I just got puma ones they are lady like enough to pair with dresses and skirts
A white pair of shorts for with blouses etc when you go out for meals or somewhere nice
Pick a really nice hat, shoes, sunglasses

Sainsbury’s also sell great maxi dresses for summer time and spring in natural materials I live in them but I don't know if they are in stock yet

H&M for quality base layers they have really upped their game and make really thick vests and tops that look smart with anything really

Some nice perfume and makeup

Nails and fake tan

You got this