Help a fat 40 something

[Mrsboathook]

I am off to my little sister's hen do in Portugal in a month. I am 41, size 18-20 (big saggy tummy and hips), leg's definitely not a good feature, arms not too bad. 36 GG/H top size,do have a waist. I have absolutely no idea what to wear/pack. 3 days of activities, including a catamaran. Everyone else is size 10 early 30 something and extremely glamorous (including my best mate, who may not be 30 something but looks amazing). Please help- tell me what to wear. 2 nights out, boat trip and sightseeing. Budget not enormous. I have no style- it's all about damage control. I don't think I've bought anything not from a supermarket for 10 years.......

You need a couple of banging swimsuits for a start! I think the river island plus range is great. Some lovely dresses too. Go for midi length so you’re still getting some sun but you feel less exposed? H&M would be worth a look too.

Hello!

I'm 39 and a size 18-20 so very similar to you! I also wear a 34HH bra 😂. I'm a very odd shape and all hips, boobs and belly.

I would go out in person shopping if possible (I know how hard that is when you're bigger than a 14 as none of the sizes are there when I go). If you're really on a budget, maybe just try some of the supermarkets or H&M.

I'd look for some beautiful midi dresses in solid, neutral colours (I try to avoid prints as I'm tall as well as fat so I do end up looking like a sofa if I wear big, loud patterns). Some amazing sandals with block heels maybe and get some new accessories. I focus on accessories and go pretty neutral with clothes and feel this makes me feel a bit more chic which can feel like a big ask when you're bigger.

The reason I'd go with dresses is that it takes the decision making out of getting dressed and therefore reduces what you need to pack.

Oh yes and swimsuits! There are so many better plus size / big boob swimsuits around these days

Actually H&M have gorgeous dresses in both numerical and I’d look at a size l-xl and see what fits best. Quite cheap as well. It won’t let me upload pics or id add some

And amazing sunglasses and hat

Perhaps I shouldn’t ask, but what’s the reason for the exclusively supermarket wardrobe? Finances? “That’ll do.”? Not knowing where to look? It does seem a shame!

Anyway - how about something like this top and skirt from Ganni? They always have a small selection of Extended Size clothes, so are worth considering if it’s a look that appeals.

This also would be wonderfully smart:

https://www.ganni.com/en-gb/stripe-mini-dress-F7541.html?dwvar_F7541_color=Black

Also available in your size.

@MarciaSaysANumber, so the op has stated budget is small & you've posted a ganni outfit at £265 .
Just why?

@Mrsboathook I tend to order clothes off websites to try in-store. As my local stores aren't brilliant. So if they're not right I can return them right away.
Matalan are often good for holiday wear. As are M&S & H&M. Next is also worth a punt & Tk Maxx have holiday wear on their website you can order into the shop to try. It would be helpful to make a list of what you think you need & shop accordingly.

Thanks all for the ideas so far! I actually have a semi decent swim suit (bought for centre parcs...). Loving the idea of midi dresses. Will look on H&M website. I live very rurally and mail order will probably be the only way I get some choice!
The Ganni stuff looks nice but the wrong shape for me- my tummy and hips are my worst areas, and I don't really wear anything shorted than knee length.
Will definitely look at big hats!!!!

In a month you can lose 3 kilos if you put your mind to it, and then the clothes you already have will look better. Not that you shouldn't treat yourself to something new.

Omnes has summer dresses like this though you might prefer wider straps.

🙄 You absolutely do not have to do this. I hate mn sometimes

@AgnesGray yeh, it was a ludicrous suggestion, @Mrsboathook is free to ignore me.

Look at laura.adlington on Instagram previously on bake off. She's a similar size I think and does lots of fashion try ons in m&s etc. She's just recently tried on lots of gorgeous m&s dresses.

I love Laura Adlington too! I think she's a few sizes bigger than op though... About a 24 I think. So no closer to an 18/20 than an 8/10 would be to a 14! Still useful for inspiration though.

(She's also amazing and has a lot to say about serious stuff - as well as clothes - and has just written a book)

Oh and @Fuerza don't sweat it

There are many reasons losing 3 kilos in a month in order to look good on holiday might be considered a bad (if not ludicrous) idea, but it seems to be the knee jerk reaction 🤷‍♀️.

@AgnesGray I was looking for her size, as I wasn't sure, but I couldn't find it. My eye was just drawn to the pretty dresses. I'm sure they will work on many sizes.

I don't blame you as she does have very pretty dresses

I saw this costume in M & S today and it's so nice, it would look lovely underneath the Matalan kimono for the boat day...

Also get a spray tan before you go, it makes all the summer clothes look better.

Supermarkets are actually great for holiday stuff at the moment Tu have some fun dresses in, also H&M. I'm big and I wear only dresses on holiday, floaty maxi with gorgeous gold wedges and chunky necklace, go different rather than compete with the others. Make sure they are fitted at the top/bust so doesn't look like a tent.
Get a black maxi one with fitted wrap top too, your boobs will look great
Get some fab sunglasses, a pretty sarong to match your swimsuit, or a matching floaty cover up which will look glam on the boat trip.
I am bigger than you and easy to say but once I have done the planning and got a few things I feel nice in, I get a pedi, do my hair and make up super glam and refuse to let it get in the way. Have the best time, it will be fantastic

I love that matalan cover up, I'm off to google it !

Why do you think a£265 fitted mini would be good when she said her legs are big? Just because they make it in bigger sizes it doesn't mean it will be suitable.
She can get her whole trip outfits and accessories for that price

I was your size/shape last year. My to-go summer holiday uniform to feel nice and confident is: Snag Tights Chub shorts (I like to size up) and a casual but cute dress.
TU, Matalan & M&S fit me better than H&M.
Comfy birkenstock or similar sandals and a great pedicure in a color that pops.
Some glam accessories like a shoulder/cross body bag wish a splash of color.
I also like big straw hats and those big French style woven/basket totes to the pool. Have fun!

I am a similar size and have bought some lovely maxi dresses with pockets from Joanie Clothing and Silkfred recently. Both flattering cuts but not sure of your budget. Look better on than in pictures tbh.