Holiday in the heat- what to wear for a larger woman

[pantsofshame]

Would any of you stylish larger ladies be able to give me a few tips on what to wear to be comfortable but look OK in the heat?

I have put on quite a bit of weight since I last went on holiday somewhere hot and have no idea how to dress. I was hoping to slim down but thanks to menopause/life/etc this has not gone as well as I wanted so I am due to go on holiday in a few weeks and currently size 16-18 with a particularly large middle area. The temperature with be in the 30s during the day and still hot at night. In the past I would have worn vest tops and light weight shorts during the day and a strappy dress at night. I've tried the same things in my current size and it's not a good look. I have tried empire line dresses too and I look very pregnant (to the extent that I have been asked if I am, which is quite upsetting since I have just gone through an early menopause). I also get terrible thigh chaffing if I wear a dress without tights. I am also incredibly pale which does not help the overall look.

I plan to do some sightseeing, a few beach days and evenings at restaurants/low key bars. Does anyone have any ideas on what I could wear to look and feel a little better? Thank you

I’m a size 18, I find light slightly cropped trousers and a sleeveless but not strappy tops works well, I also found a couple of strapped fit and flare dresses which were perfect for skimming my tummy - in a more structured cotton and slightly A-line hitting just on the knee. Mine were from Tesco a few years ago but are still perfect. I ware a light cardigan to cover up if needed.

I can’t do frills and linen is awful on me stuff which is a pain given the shops at the moment, but things that are in light materials but still with a bit of structure work well.

Cycle shorts under dresses sorts the chafing

Get some liquid talc from the baby section at Asda for the chub rub.
I use it at the top of my legs and between/under boobs.
I’ve also got some pale pink pants, like cycling shorts, to wear under dresses. They do remind me of bloomers though !

These tops from John Lewis are fab, www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-linen-tunic/p5967614
very cooling

You sound like me, even down to the pale skin! I’m also currently a 16-18, trying to diet back down to a 12-14 but finding it very difficult 😬

I live in midi dresses in the summer and find them incredibly flattering, especially with shape wear underneath (which could help with thigh chafing in your case?). Lots of brands have a good selection of midi dresses in stretchy jersey with short sleeves, some with shirred waists. Brands I would recommend are Boden, Roman Originals and Popsy.

YYY to cotton long leg shorts to sort the chafing. Wear colours that suit you (immediately takes 10lbs off), focus on your good areas, wear light, floaty, natural fabrics, great nails and hair, wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off you, shoulders back, walk tall and enjoy your holiday.

Midi and maxi dresses - good call. Joules have great ones this year and offers on at the moment.

Magic trousers - light colours for day, dark colours for evening....so flattering.

https://thestyleattic.co.uk/products/magic-pants?variant=33786848542858&currency=GBP&utmmedium=producttsync&utmsource=google&utmmcontent=sagorganic&utmmcampaign=sagorganic&gclid=CjwKCAjw7IeUBhBbEiwADhiEMaw0Bb7wPQ8k8Ud5EeDKiij4AaLDX3GDxkjlRsS7ggVmYXX1eXmYpRoCm10QAvD_BwE

Thanks Jellycat- I've never tried cropped trousers as I'm a little bit taller than average so always thought I'd just look like they are too short. You've inspired me to give it a try.

Passport123- do you have any tips on where to buy cycle shorts for this purpose? Or what to look for? (I've tried longer leg shapewear under a dress recently and it rolled down over my middle)

I would say you need to look for cotton clothes. All these lovely dresses are usually in sweaty materials.

Over shirts worn open over vests or camis....

https://manamou.co.uk/products/bobbie-broderie-shirt-white-1?pos=3&&sid=549d7433f&ss=r

Cheesecloth looser style tops...

https://manamou.co.uk/products/bonnie-cheesecloth-top-white?pos=4&&sid=1ccedbb2e&ss=r

Snag tights do great long legged pants.

Also little cotton cardi over a vest top can look good and not too warm for evening

Look at Marks for linen/linen mix wide leg trews and loose but not voluminous linen/linen mix tops. They have a great selection at the moment. Good for day or night. Have a lovely holiday.

@Rina66 I like the look of the magic trousers (and the sizing would be a bonus as it sounds like I could still wear them when I lose a bit of weight). Would you be able to tell me how long they are? I can't find a leg measurement on the website but it says the model is 5ft5 and they look slightly cropped so I'm wondering if they would be too short for me as I'm about 5ft10?

Great tips about dresses/tops everyone- thank you. I think I just need to go out and try on some things that are not what I would usually wear.

I'm a similar size and also am an H cup size - finding clothes that suit me is not easy. For day time I tend to go for t-shirt type dresses, as they sit ok on me whereas anything with a defined waist or a-line make me look huge. I'm going on holiday soon and have bought these in several colours:

www.next.co.uk/style/st703707/471125#471125

www.next.co.uk/g641015s2/968757#968757

I also bought this dress - it doesn't look great on me but not bad enough to send back:

www.next.co.uk/g641013s6/698519#698519

I'm a bit stumped when it comes to evening wear (doesn't have to be really smart) but have a few old ones I think I can get away with.

Not sure if helpful - the best way is to try on loads and when you find a style you like, buy it in several colours / patterns (or at least it works for me!)

Thanks Jellycat- I've never tried cropped trousers as I'm a little bit taller than average so always thought I'd just look like they are too short. You've inspired me to give it a try.

I’m 5 4 and found if I buy the M&M cropped trousers in their regular length they hit just on the ankle as opposed to being properly cropped - you might find their long length work well. I agree with just trying on loads of things and don’t get disheartened about stuff that doesn’t look ok. I’ve been buying clothes for a trip and it’s been hard going but I’ve found stuff I’m happy with now, it just took a bit of hunting.

The last few holidays I’ve been on I’ve been surprised at how casual people dress in the evening. Lots of women just in shorts and T-shirt/vest when in the past it would have been dresses.

I am the same size and have a Fat Face Lola Linen Blend Maxi Dress which I have worn for the last few summers. The dress is currently on the Fat Face website in a nutmeg colour which I am debating whether to buy as well. I'm also a fan of buying the same item in multiple colours!

I also have those magic pants and they are great!

Great thread btw - will be so useful to so many of us I'm sure. Maybe we could all add our recent buys to help each other out?

@pantsofshame my magics are to my ankle but I'm 5'6 and I also buy the smaller size as I was a 12 when I bought them, now a14/16 and they still fit, so your weight loss theory is spot on, although I've done it in reverse! I roll them up to wear with trainers and tuck them under to crop them for sandals or boots. Sorry, not much help, I'm sure if you email they'll get back to you with an inside leg measurement.

I am a similar size and wear long line, oversized shirts over shorts. I've had to buy items this year, again due to weight gain and have bought lightweight crinkle style cotton shirts from Seasalt, a couple of 100% cotton shirts from Primark and Tu men's shorts, again 100% cotton, as I am larger in waist, smaller in hip, they fit better, not baggy on the legs and made of better quality material, plus have pockets and they came in a dusty pink, khaki and teal. I've got good supportive swimsuits already and to move from poolside, and not have to change, I bought cover ups for the swimwear, from Primark (cotton broderie anglais), M & Co (cotton crochet). I've also purchased a couple of jumpsuits from Matalan, surprisingly flattering, and plan to wear them at night with a lightweight scarf as a wrap. I looked far and wide for holiday clothing and some of the prices were daft, alongside the fact that cotton seemed to be absent from many ranges, but all of my shirts are now 100% cotton, as are the shorts. My only other purchase was swim shorts from Cotton Traders, as they seem to have great reviews and again, a good price.

Tell me more about the magic trousers ,I'm put off because they look so creased and I need all the help I can get in not looking messy .

I can only afford Nomad stuff in the sale/clearance but there might be stuff there to suit ?

www.nomadsclothing.com/

They don't stay creased @peridito - I've got them in so many colours, the white and stone are so good for summer, so much more flattering and comfortable than white jeans or chinos. I'm off to find a pair to photograph for you!