I look awful in the summer!

[DarkFuckeryoftheHumanHeart]

Just that! My body isn't designed to be 'out there' in most summer wear, hate cleavage out, have huge upper arms, big muscly calves, humongous thighs etc. I suit winter clothes, jeans, jumpers, dresses with tights etc. I am 41 years old and have never found anything that suits me in the summer. Helllpp! Every time it's hot I am in despair as to what to wear. Short and sturdy, big of shoulder, wide of hip. What can I wear? Size 12 but would def be described as beefy

Can you find equivalent outfits to the things you like and feel comfortable in during the winter?

So, what’s your favourite winter dress - shape, length, style etc - and look for that in a summery fabric?

What style/shape jeans and top do you like, can you find that in a summery trousers and top outfit?

Oversized tops that flow.. shirts are great for covering up and still look summery.

If you wear dresses and skirts, the fashion now is for longer length skirts, midis or maxis, which will cover you up nicely. Add a loose tshirt on top

I'm the same and have stopped wearing any typical skimpy summer clothes completely. I mostly wear skater shape jersey dresses that come to the knee, with an open, lightweight cotton or linen shirt over it (sleeves rolled up) and usually footless tights. Sometimes peg shape trousers, top and a lightweight cardi. I actually find covering up feels cooler when it's hot than sitting with bare legs crossed for example.

Yes, agree we need this info.

There will be loads of options once we understand what you find comfortable. I’m a smidge older than you and I feel like it’s only recently I figured out my summer “uniform” and now I actually look forward to wearing it.

I like skater dresses, fit and flare, denim skirts etc but hate having bare legs out so unless I still wear them with leggings (which I tend to do but don't look and feel summery!) I can't wear them. Due to large ish chest and braid shoulders, loose fitting things look dreadful on me, they hang and make me look like a sack of spuds

Have a look at Suzy D (London designer does good linen stuff)

She has some nice stuff in that might work.

I came across her twisted design pleather joggers but love her summer stuff too.

suzydlondon.com/collections/linen-collection/products/sunny-cotton-linen-mix-batwing-top

With some wide leg linen trousers or over a dress?

Your build sounds similar like mine, I’ve not a big chest though size10/12 more towards 12. I wear longer midi/maxi skirts and dresses. Less flowy look better as I have a bum. Wide legged trousers and t shirts/tops. I don’t look amazing but I do feel comfy!

I’ve dodgy veins so won’t wear shorter without tights. I probably look better in winter clothes but tbh I’ve gone past caring now.

Oversized looks wrong with me too.

I agree that loose fitting can be sack like. I tend to go for a fairly fitted t-shirt and then a loose, open shirt on top. But I'm quite barrel shaped, so there are very few trousers that are just right on my waist without swamping my legs (hence the winter uniform of skinny jeans and sloppy hoodies!) so I often go for a shortish skirt and 3/4 length leggings. I'm thinking of experimenting with maxi skirts this year, but whatever looks young and fresh on other people always seems to look rather matronly on me 🤣🤣

I like the idea of wide leg trousers but sadly I also have an incredibly flat bottom so they never quite fit right. It's bizarre how effortless everyone else seems to look and I feel like a hulking mess, cowering in the shadows with leggings and cardigans etc on! I think essentially I need to change my mindset about myself but I honestly just want to look and feel comfortable, attractive and stylish in the summer and can't find any miracle clothing that will oblige!

Got a few maxi dresses from New Look actually which aren't too bad, they are high neck but shirred on top, with a slightly flared long skirt with 3/4 sleeves so everything is covered and I can still pretend to be summery but sadly can't wear everyday

See that’s interesting how we all view things on ourselves, as I always think summer trousers look better on flatter than mine as it’s prominent and I think it looks bigger/wider in trousers and with print etc, but I’ve given up caring. It’s the by product of my exercise routine. It’s how my body is. No one else probably would even see it how I do.

What about a tan? I can feel frumpy and gross in a fave summer dress one day, then as soon as I'm tanned I feel like a goddess. It's incredible what it does for your self esteem and how it genuinely makes your body look slimmer and healthier. I live in a hot country so it's easier for me to tan, but I was born in England so still have pale skin to start off with. I just bought a body moisturiser than has gradual tan in which I use and love every year, it's so easy, smells lovely and makes you feel pampered with the added benefit of tanning gradually without streaks!

@LaBeteEtLaBete I hugely agree, my skin colour is sallow without a tan and it def makes me feel better about myself. I need to tan up

I’m not a “summer person” but like wearing these trousers in the summer, dressed up or down with a top/shoes:

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0954891001.html

Despite the name, they’re not actually joggers. I’m normally a size 12 and M fits me well and they have a drawstring waist, so are quite adaptable.

I'd definitely look at maxi skirts as you can pair them with simple plain v neck T-shirts to break up the shoulder/ boob thing . If you wear an open shirt on top or even a light kimono you could do v neck vests too . Broad strap ones will make your shoulders seem narrower. The skirts will hide bum leg issues.

I followed this link from another thread and after much scrolling found these
[[https://www.tillettsclothing.co.uk/products/basic-hooded-top?
variant=39722282188913]]
www.tillettsclothing.co.uk/collections/jackets/products/lightweight-jacket-geri?variant=39768277549169
could they be useful with a vest top ? What do people think ?

www.tillettsclothing.co.uk/products/basic-hooded-top?variant=39722282156145