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

@Rina66 - just popped back to say thank you for the culottes recommendation. I've bought a pair and yes, they waft most beautifully!

You are very welcome @RomainingCalm glad to help, I always figure if they look good on me, they’ll look good on everyone 😂

@RomainingCalm @Rina66 How do the culottes fit size wise? I have ordered two sizes and hoping one fits but I could be anything from a 20-24 depending.

Mine are a 14 and I’m a 14, so I’d say they’re true to size. They are a loose fit with an elasticated waist though, which is what makes the sizing more forgiving.

Thanks Rina

Cropped trousers, leggings Roman originals or Primark. Lagenlook type linen tunic top

@272Newnames - sorry for the late reply. I would say that the culottes are a fairly generous relaxed fit. I bought my usual size and could possibly have gone smaller but definitely no need to size up.

Thanks remaining

@Rina66 Thank you! Culottes have arrived and tried on! I bought two pairs, a 22 in green and a black pair in a 20 as that is what was available. The sizing is definitely generous as I fitted in the 20 easily and there was just too much material on the 22 so they are going back. I would usually say I am definitely more a 22 than a 20.

But, Yey new pair of trousers bought 😊Thanks!

Linen shorts and baggy T-shirts, a line or trapeze dresses seem to hide my tum, nothing fitted, cycling shorts or harem bottoms. Yours clothing has a huge range and most things are true to size. They have swing vest tops too.

@RomainingCalm @Rina66 or @272Newnames please can you post a link to the culottes? They sound great but I can't see a link to them.

Here you go @Zonder....looks like they've got them in a pattern fabric now too....

www.next.co.uk/style/st999757/A78033#A78033

Thanks - didn't expect such a quick response! They look great.