IBIZA holiday: 43 yrs old & wobbly!

[Howldens]

Hello fashion forward friends!

As the title says I’m going to Ibiza in early September for a friends 40th and I am freaking out.

I used to be slender and gorgeous but these days I’m just a bit… stocky!! Two giant babies, breastfeeding, lockdown and wine have definitely taken their toll.

That said, I refuse to give up or get down. I want to look chic, fashion forward, and attractive (if possible!).

I don’t think (at least I very much hope) we won’t be going to any mega clubs. But I think beach bars and Al fresco dinners are definitely on the cards.

I’m 5ft 5 probably a size 12, veering towards apple shaped but not fully Apple yet..,legs best feature, everything else is wobbly. I can get my arms out if I have to.

got Botox last week, highlights sorted (tho not sure these are chic as my hair can will get frizzy), will get a fake tan.

I know all this is pointless and I should just let it all hang out. Usually I am VERY low maintenance (hence not having anything to wear at all!) but don’t want to come away feeling down about myself so trying to make an effort.

final thing - I would prefer Vinted for environmental reasons…..

what can you all suggest!!

I would say sack off the idea of praning around in a bikini and hotpants and embrace glam holiday style.

I am mid forties, 5ft 7 and a size 14/16, but fairly toned. On hot/beach holidays I tend to go for bold print maxi skirts and vests in the evening and denim shorts and t shirts/cotton blouses in the day.

I wore this a lot on my most recent holiday with a gold belt and brass custom made pendant.

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/product.pleated-midi-kaftan-dress-green.1162601002.html

And this is what I mean by a bold maxi skirt. I tend to wear this with a good quality black vest top (my favourite is from Arket) and a statement necklace.

Yes! Glam holiday style is exactly it!

I really love Farm Rio stuff but I’m not sure I can justify it and I’m also not sure if prints are good.

I love these:

https://www.farmrio.eu/products/lime-leaf-midi-skirt

https://www.farmrio.eu/products/sweet-forest-lenzing-ecovero-viscose-midi-dress

https://www.farmrio.eu/products/romantic-garden-manuella-blouse

but some times I think I just get seduced by the photography and also the things I used to be able to wear….

I have a beach cover up from a company called Pitusa that I absolutely love! I’m the same sort of size as you and it’s super flattering. There are a couple on eBay and vinted - the one I have is low backed with a v neck, like a big draped but flattering t shirt. Looks great over a bikini.

Ooh I quite like this one: https://www.revolve.com/mobile/pitusa-athena-braided-back-maxi-dress-in-watermelon/dp/PITR-WD88/?&d=F&currency=GBP&countrycode=GB&gbraid=0AAAAAD9qhJg7UJWEQBNxX315Z8lvWTMVR&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvp30o5bngAMVpZ9oCR1WAwO3EAQYBiABEgJO-vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&product=PITR-WD88

Devotion Twins dresses are always all over Ibiza

There are lots of high street knock offs now but the real deal will always look better, and last forever

At your height and a size 12, you'll look great in everything. Don't stress!

Enjoy your holiday.

Prints are very very good 👍 i like the PP suggestions on bold print maxi and plain t/vest or denim bottom and bold print top. I like an oversized white shirt or oversized washed out denim shirt as a cover up. I think the key is your footwear and accessories. Get lovely sandals (I prefer the comfy ugly but funky type - Birkenstock, Teva) and some unusual accessories (I like vintage gold and more modern bold things.) And create your own vibe. Enjoy!

God since when has a size 12 been considered large? Honestly you'll be fine op. But if not, chic back one piece (I've got a nice one with well placed and still flattering cut out bits from cupshe. Long floaty kaftan, low wedges, huge sunglasses, huge hat, straw tote and some
Nice gold jewellery/stack able bangles and your golden. Enjoy!

I'm same age, same height and same dress size as you OP and I think I look great! 😂

Yes. Think it’s great advice to focus on accessories. Will probably go for gold birkenstocks (or knock off), big shades, jewellery etc.

thanks.

and I don’t mean to suggest there’s anything wrong w size 12. In fact I feel great - but the photos are never reflective of how I feel. Simplest answer is to avoid the camera!

thanks all

https://www.asos.com/accessorize/accessorize-flute-sleeve-jacquard-beach-summer-mini-dress-in-green-white/prd/203822691?currencyid=1&browsecountry=GB&affid=25888&_EAIaIQobChMIx9am0q3pgAMVV4toCR3LpAwMEAQYByABEgL-i_D_BwE&channelref=product+search&ppcadref=12029787983%7C117574734673%7Cpla-361282089597&gbraid=0AAAAADqFjOAfxgJg0yapOMKaNP0rDLKQg&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx9am0q3pgAMVV4toCR3LpAwMEAQYByABEgL-i_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

good dupe of a devotion twins dress!

hope you have a fab time & rock anything you wear

If a 12 with good legs, short shift dresses/tea dresses look great especially if getting a tan. Sandals during the day and wedges in evening. Sarongs look great too over your beachwear. Have a great time 😊

Try mint velvet sale for gorgeous dresses
john Lewis - sell lots of concessions including doing their own.
id take some linen flared or wide leg trousers as can dress up or down and wear several times with different tops and get different looks with different belts.
long full tiered skirt with floaty vest top - next have some lovely ones or halter neck with a halter neck or strapless bra underneath
Even M & S have some gorgeous dresses and you can order all sorts of designer clothes from their catalogue click n collect in store.
next catalogue do designer clothes also to collect in store.
You don’t need to spend loads. You sound lovely and I am sure will have an amazing time.

I'm a similar shape and size to you albeit a bit shorter. I find some of the Boden swimsuits really flattering (there's a sale on at the moment although I have to size up to 14) and these are forgiving to my shape paired with a kaftan or similar and Birkenstocks.

Omg.

Could Free People be the answer?!

would this work on an Apple-ish or no?

https://www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/sundown-skirt-set/?color=011&countryCode=GB&gbraid=0AAAAADmlMfmV6ta8d3r-oRXHFSO889hQ2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6ajNuffrgAMV-RYGAB1NbAyREAQYCCABEgI2DvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&inventoryCountry=GB&size=M

fuuuuuuck it’s expensive

You are pretty much my ideal size (dieted back to a 14 from 18-20 this year but still have a little way to go) and so I imagine you look lovely… however, you asked for suggestions and so here are mine!

I am the same age as you and find midi dresses are my friend, they look really chic and slimming (caveat - in my opinion and on me 😂) and I love the look paired with strappy sandals (flat or heeled), big shades and gold jewellery.

Since your legs are your best feature, you could also try smart Bermuda style shorts with sandals and a nice top or a shift/tea dress would also look great?

Fantasie is great for supportive and flattering swimwear.

When going abroad to hot areas I find Maxi dresses the best option (paired with sandles).

They one piece usually fit enough for 2 weeks easily in hand luggage, breezy but keep you fully covered so less sunburn or self consciousness etc... and can be both dressy and casual.

Eyebrows! Getting these tidied and tinted (if necessary) will make a huge difference to photos. Agree with PP's about accessories. Tk Maxx is great for sunglasses, pashminas, necklaces if you're on a budget. I'm also an apple shape and highly recommend the tummy control swimsuits from M&S. Have fun!