Travel classic comfortable non frumpy clothes tall and plus size don’t want to look stand out British

[BollockstoThis1]

Thinking ahead to travel and really don’t suit black I look too pale and ghostly. I need some comfortable practical cool to wear clothing that looks effortless but well put together and not black. So I avoid looking obviously British. I am early 50’s, tall and plus sized. Size 20-24 depending on brand so nothing that digs into my middle. Thinking maybe lightweight jacket either denim, beige, navy or pale green and very comfortable bottoms with a classic plain or plainish top unlike my usual bright colours and garish prints and comfortable footwear. Thanks

Unfortunately, just to point out, I've lived in Europe for 25 years now, (American in Ireland) and I think I dress pretty European. I am petite and have dark hair. Holidayed in Spain last two years - speak fluent Spanish- and everybody everywhere speaking to me in English. I think if you have certain facial features and a certain look people just assume you're from a certain place. I was exhausted by it! After 30 years or so trying to fit in, I literally decided last summer that I'm just embracing who I am and not trying to "fit in" or convince everyone I am this or that...

Lagenlook means “layered look. I suppose Oska Ischiko, which is layered and very stylish , might be considered lagenlook although it's not a term they use; probably because the expression now seems to be appropriated by sellers of "made in Italy" tat.

I would have suggested Oska Ischiko but I'm not sure they go to size 20 (and the "eugh, I don't want to look British" irritated me)

I think people are getting upset about it unreasonably because it's obviously used as a shorthand for a foreigner tourist out of place unable to cope with heat or dress for it properly. Americans might ask how to look like less American or Gulf Arabs how to look less rich to not attract thieves for examples. You're stared at more and targeted by con artists, have comments made by idiots, racists and xenophobes when they spot you're not from the area, specially if you're from a certain background that is currently hot on the news ie Muslims around 9/11 dressing in ways to disguise hijab like a hat or scarf tied in alternative ways.

Yes it sucks to have to disguise, wish we never had to blend in anywhere and were all treated well wherever we went but it's not the case.

Another thing is being tall and plus size of itself attracts a lot of attention already. Lastly, what I said about tattoos and tacky sunglasses with gems on the side are not exclusive of Benidorm goers, you see British people dressed like this in the UK, North and South. People are just not used to dressing for hot weather (slowly changing thanks to climate change) and often don't invest in summer pieces in their usual budget because it just won't get as much use so their clothes and outfits are mismatched and cheap. The tattoo comment and wild hair colours, some of it due to European countries being more sexist particularly the ones we admire for style: Italy and France. They are very fatphobic and still aren't as open minded to tattoos, notwithstanding the comment that tattoos are popular in Italy, yes it's seen as rebellion by the youth whereas here the British are used to seeing all ages tatted up, it's less of a shock. We also react less openly to strangers tattoos, in Italy and France they will shout and say it to your face if there is something unattractive or shocking about your appearance, far worse than the UK who may snigger quietly with their friends.

I think I know what you mean OP - you’re after that classic preppy look of natural fibres, loose fit and neutral colours (but not black). I would say this look is more about money/background than nationality but I’ll probably get told that’s snobbish.

Have a look at H&M, La Redoute and John Lewis - all of these websites let you filter by material so you can just look for stuff made of cotton or linen. If budget allows them Poetry has a lot of this sort of stuff. Boden is often good for natural materials too but go for the plain navy not the prints.

Accessories make a big difference with this look, good sunglasses, maybe a floaty thin scarf, leather belt, simple neutral bag, subtle jewellery.

Will there be a probation officer(social work) panel coming up soon would anyone know? Thank you

OP thank you for this thread, I came to ask almost the same thing. I am size 20 but only 5ft 7 so not tall. I have failed in previous years and fallen into the cheap holiday clothes thought process and then been annoyed that I don't feel it has worked when there.
I have always wanted to look more chic on holiday with outfits put together. This thread has given me food for thought.
Thanks again.

It is the knotted hankie on the head that gives us Brits away, innit?!