Please help me with holiday clothes, I have no sense of style whatsoever!

[Hopingforno2in2023]

So off on our first family holiday abroad in July to Lake Garda. I have zero, and I mean zero summer clothes as the ones I had had for years were full of holes by the end of last summer. I have never had a sense of style and lack confidence when it comes to clothes. However I really want to look nicer.

I am tall (177cm) and a size 12. Have very large breasts (G cup) and wide hips. Basically hourglass figure. I find my breasts an absolute nightmare to dress, everything looks frumpy. I don’t like tight fitting clothes.

if anyone is able to point me in the direction of clothes that will suit my figure and be suitable for Italy in the middle of summer I would be so grateful.

I have been browsing at M&S and found this: https://www.marksandspencer.com/printed-wide-leg-cropped-trousers/p/clp60592348?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I got the black print

Maybe have a look at Bravissimo? They size by dress size, but also by how 'curvy' you are (basically your bust size). I've had some nice dresses from there that fit my chest, but don't swamp the rest of me too.

Avoid linen imo -it tends to crumple and look shapeless and tired as a result imo

I used to live in a place that got to 35c + in summer. Key to looking put together from
the locals was not dressing for the beach like a lot of UK holiday wear is - ie shorts / shorter skirts were paired with nice t-shirts / tops tucked in. Wafty pleated sheer skirts with neutral coloured vests / t-shirts and jewellery or semi fitted long dresses ie not shapeless midi dresses or tailored culottes and t-shirt?

I like emily & fin for cotton dresses / they do each print in different lengths and sleeve styles

@Hopingforno2in2023 - I have one of these which can look nice over a vest type top and trousers etc for a relaxed evening - not just bikini wear - done in lots of colours & very forgiving https://www.simplybeach.com/products/amnesia-kaftan-indigo

It's worth thinking about getting a good dress tailored so it fits your bust. Buy up a size and have it taken in. I've realised as I've got older that the better things fit, the better people look and it doesn't really matter what people wear!

They don't do clothes anymore. I've had a couple of nice things from them in the past.

Thanks all. I think I will go for shorts, skirts and culottes with vests, T-shirt combos. I have bought a nice pair of shorts and a linen shirt so far (the shirt to wear open over a vest top so don’t have to worry about the gaping).

I have bought Pepperberry stuff in the past but shame it no longer exists.

I love shirt dresses but they don’t love me (and I’m only a D cup).

Have a look at Collectif and Pretty Kitty fashion. They do vintage cuts which suit hourglass figures, I find them to be very flattering. Have a look at Dolores style and swing dresses.

I like the option of rolling sleeves up or down with long sleeved shirts.

I love this one that you posted the link to. If it gapes at the top could you not wear it open with a vest top underneath, this could work with shirt dresses too possibly? Im the opposite, (flat chested) so find v necks too low as no shape, so i’ve took to wearing a cropped vest top underneath so it covers where i need without feeling like i’ve got too many layers on.

https://www.whitestuff.com/womens/dresses/blue-mlt-pip-midi-dress/?utm_source=Skimlinks&utm_medium=affiliate&awc=31742_1683997497_5d436b174bf2568a403824829bd6fd84

I also agree with what someone said (sorry don’t know how to mention names) regarding having items altered, i have to have lots altered due to being short, found a lady on the local fb page, means i can now actually buy/wear what i want without being restricted by fit in the shops. Good luck

That bit about not dressing like you're heading to the beach is such fantastic advice, thank you! I'm late 30s with two small children and would love to look 'put together ' in the types of outfit you suggest rather than just denim shorts and a vest top or a short beachy dress

Does anyone know of good sites that do free returns (and delivery)? Really want to order a tonne of not-my-usual stuff to try on and check I don't look like I'm playing dress up / it works with flat sandals without looking dumpy as I'm only 5ft 4. Most of the models I see on websites are wearing strappy heels which whilst I'd love the opportunity to flounce around in if I was 20s and childless just isn't practical for day to day wear anymore.

i don’t have fashion advice to add, but as a fellow large boob sufferer (H going on I! Eek, breastfeeding currently and they’ve grown) I am following with interest.

I sympathise and agree - dresses just not fitting round the bust/ swamped elsewhere.

I also got some nice stuff from Pepperberry, shame it is no longer

I’m hourglass but smaller boobs. I’ve just ordered a whole bunch of cotton dresses and some of them are going back because they are too large round the chest area… could be perfect for you?

For example this from Great Plains is really comfy cool fabric but was too large on the chest for me. Straps are wide enough to cover a bra.

Will try to remember the others in this category

this linen kaftan could work well with large boobs & a waist. Although as a pp said, linen does crease, but hanging it up in the bathroom while you shower will help.

this is very comfortable and would look decent on your figure I think

Try and stick to a colour palette, black/white and tan/raffia accessories, or navy and white with red (or tan) accessories, so everything will mix and match. Or buy neutral bottoms so any colour top will go.

I had a lot of success with some linen blend, 3/4 length, loose culottes - I bought two pairs in white, and two pairs in navy, and then I wore any colour top with the white and it always looked good, and I bought a variety of white tops to go with the navy (and they also went with the white - white on white is a great summer evening look). I also had a midi skirt which was tiered so it was flattering and very comfortable to wear. M&S has a lovely lightweight denim one, not sure if it's sold out or not yet. Goes with everything.

Tops were pure cotton and sleeveless, or angel sleeve, or with a frill detail at the shoulders to add a bit of interest.

I've just purchased the cotton rich chino shorts from M&S. there's lovely and soft and a nice length.
these

They also do a longer length.

Also, have a look at Kettlewell. They're expensive but really good quality for nice plain tops. Their square neck vest is so comfy and looks really good quality. It's double layered at the front so sits well over boobs.

They also do a v neck double layer front vest which is good for a larger chest. Good range of colours too

I feel your pain with shirt dresses being too tight over the boobs. I haven't liked the dresses I've tried on and had this problem with (despite going up two dress sizes) enough to want to pay for them to be altered. I have a brilliant alterations person, but it's not cheap.

I would look at Seasalt - I’m a similar cup size to you, albeit different shape (shorter) and they’re more generous in the bust than most. (Fellow ex-Pepperberry customer here and cup size G/H.)

For the shape of the dress, Sugar Hill Brighton has a lot that look promising but I’ve never ordered from them. But lots of lovely v necks.

Wow so many suggestions thank you! Will sit down and look through them all this afternoon.

So far I am going for white/neutral tops and more colourful bottoms. Have managed to get some nice things from M&S and Seasalt on Vinted BNWT and even managed to get a bravissimo swimming costume in my size.

I wear Seasalt a lot coffee as they definitely are more generous over the bust, in fact am wearing a Seasalt dress right now!

On practical matters, if wearing a dress in hot weather it is really easy for the thighs to rub and be painful. I have these https://www.amazon.co.uk/wirarpa-Chafing-Underwear-Leggings-Multicoloured/dp/B08XQKR5N8?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1 which you wear instead of pants. Makes wearing dresses in the heat so much more pleasant.

Good tip kissme!