Urgent holiday wardrobe help

[StiffyByngsDogBartholomew]

hi everyone

i need some urgent help. I am currently off work with stress and depression due to a very stressful neverending situation at work which was due to be finalised last week but has now been postponed again. Dh bless him has booked us a holiday to try and get away from it all but due to the financial stress and mental health stuff I have a. Not bought any clothes for over 2 years b. Put on 5 stone so whatever I had from happier times no longer fits c. Lost all interest in my appearance, I look like someone has dressed me out of a bin

i have literally nothing to wear other than a pair of linen trousers. i currently wear
1 manky skirt that has seen better days
2 tops
a pair of black jeans
a horrible jumper than needs to be thrown out its been worn so much
one pair of cheap primark trainers
one pair of slightly less shit tu lace up shoes
my work uniform
a boring black swimsuit that is a bit tight

So I need someone to help me with what I need to get for a 10 day beach holiday with not much money and leaving in 11 days.

Dresses dresses dresses, tu at Sainsbury's are great and Asda has some good ones too, if you've got £100 I'd get 4 dresses and some cycling shorts or snag chiub shorts to go under them , you can wear during day or evening. One pair of flip flops for wet places and I wore my big buckle Birkenstocks everywhere but to max or next have good copies.
Honestly I could go on holiday with just dresses maybe a nice floaty cover up to go over your cossie.
Vinted is also brilliant, if you have a brand you like and know your size but can't afford it, see what's on there

Sainsbury’s have some great things at the moment. I’d get a couple of pairs of lightweight wide legged trousers, some floaty skirts a few tops and a cardigan, jumper you can put over the top on cooler evenings. Maybe a couple of sundresses.

I'd probably just hit Primark and or the supermarkets, for budget.

Do you need a list of what to buy? Like two lots of swimwear, a pair of flip-flops or similar. At least three 'bottoms' (your choice of skirts, trousers, shorts) and five tops (at least one long sleeved). If you can wear dresses (I struggle to get any to fit), then a couple. A jacket. Cardigan or similar for cooler days. Pretty sandals and also comfy walking shoes (eg trainers).

Don't forget lots of suncream 😎

Also have you got any friends who are your current size that you could borrow some holiday stuff from?

Have just bought a couple of dresses from m & s for £19.50 each. Casual enough for holiday and smart enough for work and not full of polyester! Am a size 18 - 20 with boobs and a big belly, and these don't cling!

Thankyou all

no, none of my friends are the same size as I am currently, 22. I'm hoping that I might get some sort of exercise regime started while I'm there as there's a gym and a bit healthier eating as it's all inclusive and lots of pictures of healthy food on the buffet/grill restaurants

recommendations for supportive sandals would be great. I have a bit of plantar fasciitis in one foot so cheapie primark flats are out but a bit of low heel would be ok.

i could do with a list tbh, I was thinking to try and get everything in the one shop so that they might form a capsule wardrobe I can wear at home in the summer while I try and get rid of some of this sadness weight

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-printed-knee-length-tiered-dress/p/clp60647485?color=NAVYMIX#intid=pidpg1pip32g2r8c2

I got this in the navy

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-spot-print-mini-shift-dress/p/clp60647796#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r10c1

Also this one, and a plain linen shift dress for just under £30. They also have lots of linen at the moment - perhaps they've realised people got want polyester / viscose in the summer!

Turquoise Flamingo on Instagram has some great tips about a three colour rule for holiday packing.

Could you use your linen trousers as a base colour and head to the high street to pick out some vests or T shirts in two colours to wear with them?

HM has some lovely, well priced, loose linen shorts with elasticated waists that go up to XXL and shirts to match, that make a nice cool comfortable outfit.

There are nice tiered maxi skirts around at the moment which are very flattering.

New Look have some lovely brown sliders in which won't break the bank.

Sandals - Tescos fake Birkenstocks are great - only about £25 and very supportive and comfortable. I had Plantar Fasciitis too and I wore them all last summer with no problem. Fitflop would be my other recommendation but they are pricier.

In fact Florence and Fred at Tesco had a few nice things when I was in there last week, summer dresses and linen shirts, and they go up to a 22.

I have to be careful with my feet due to Plantar Fasciitis. I have some of these and they are really comfortable and good for walking. There are not the most amazing looking sandals but look OK and at least you can choose a colour you like. www.moshulu.co.uk/activity-sandals-p17#attribute%5B1%5D=34

Cossie- Asda do nice ones, M&S I like ruching on the front, get a nice pattern or colour though not black
Cover up- vinted or tu, nice floaty one I used a kimono from 100 stars , would also work over jeans and vest at home
Dresses - as I've said, that's all I wear as size 22 and felt nice on holiday . I did get lovely one from joules last year, msxi length , straight not flary with 2 slits up sides
Light kimono tops if you do wear shirts and vest, will make you feel more confident
Chub rub shorts
Nice cardi, waist length not long if wearing with dresses
Flip flops I have plantar and def not trad flip flops , I use Birkenstocks plastic ones, amazing, or also fit flops

Enjoy, I'd love to take you shopping , get nice colours that'll look good in the sun and make you happy

We are coming into U.K. summer months so I’d suggest that you buy stuff for the holiday you’d also be happy to wear when you are back including when back at work.

I’d go for some new plain T shirts in colours which suit you and with the most flattering neckline for your shape. These can also be used if you do make it to the gym whilst away

A couple of lightweight shirts which could be worn as cover ups by the pool but also in their own right as shirts/blouses when back home

Skirts or trousers with elasticated waists which will also work for you for a few months as you drop weight. If you buy your T shirts in plain colours which flatter, and your shirts on either plain colours or patterned but matching the T shirts or some of them, then I’d keep the skirts and trousers in a neutral colour to build the capsule wardrobe. Personally I’d probably have one maxi skirt, one pair of wide leg trousers and one pair of lightweight cropped trousers/chino/cargo whichever best suits your style.

if you are going to start to exercise you’ll need a decent pair of trainers particularly with the PF but choose a colour which can also be worn with your new outfits, and if you can also run to a pair of sandals that would be great.

I’d also treat yourself to a new swimsuit if the black one is uncomfortably tight to encourage you to swim. You only need one of these. You will also need a pair of bottoms to exercise in - again perhaps you could choose something here which you could also wear out and about to give you some versatility - maybe some lightweight patterned harem pants?

With 10 days left to go, you would have time to buy some of this via Vinted or online to keep costs down and if using PayPal have the option to pay over 3 months rather than in one hit if spreading the cost would help a bit.

When I went to Asda yesterday they had signs up for 20% off dresses if that helps.

Sandals - found merrells to always be supportive. Their kahunas aren't flattering but are supportive, but they do have some prettier sandals nowadays too. Also got some nice ones from trespass last year. I find sandals from "walking" brands can ve a bit more supportive.

Got nice linen trousers and shorts from next last year. Trousers were smart enough to wear to work, and got some cap sleeved t shirts to wear with these.

My go to is matalan. Lots of wide leg trousers and tops. Nice bags and jewellery. Good on price. Can order online and take back what you don't want to the shop.

Anything goes on holiday in the sun so buy what makes you feel comfortable and cool (temp wise!).

I swear to god I bring dresses on hols but honestly they always come back unworn - ALWAYS. I know others may find that odd, but I just don't suit dresses for some reason and never feel right in them. I do bring one light sundress (just in case) in midi length and that I will wear if it's roasting hot. Might be the varicose and thread veins in the legs that puts me off dresses ha ha! So for me light cotton/linen mix wide leg trousers with elastic waists are just great. All colours and sizes and can mix and match with either daytime tops or nicer ones in the evenings.

For me shorts are a no no. Just me, I don't feel right in them ever. So a couple of very light cropped trousers below knee length do the job.

At one point I used to bring a suitcase full of clothes for this and that, mix and match, what if, maybe this, oh I have to bring that, and half of them came back unworn. So I now know what works for me.

Comfort is everything. If you have that you will look great in most things. And believe me no one is looking at us at all, they are far too busy looking at themselves!

Have a great holiday, sounds like you need and deserve it so much x

I got a lovely long white shirt to wear as a cover up from M&S for £25, it's pure cotton and very flattering over vest tops and shorts or skirts.

I agree with floaty dresses or long straight tshirt dresses, no sleeves and long blouse open over. Birkenstock are great for walking around, try vinted, plenty on there.

H & M have Tunic dresses for £18.99. I’m not sure how to post a link, but these dresses are lovely for holiday and come in quite a few patterns, some of which go to size 4 XL. You can wear them day or evening. I was once stopped in the street twice in one day to ask where I got mine from!

i think I managed a link?

Fitflop shoes have been great for plantar - check out eBay. They should arrive in time
Hope your holiday is brilliant!

I would recommend Roman for reasonable priced clothes - there is some dross on there with horrendous prints and colours but in and amongst there are some nice wearable styles - I have just bought three lovely summer dresses from them and a couple of good plain skirts from their 'curve' selection.

Do a really nice denim jacket too in lots of lovely colours.

This for example is lovely - I got it in the navy polka dot and it's viscose not polyester!
www.roman.co.uk/scribble-print-button-through-maxi-dress-14347240

If you generally don't own clothes that fit you and are in normal condition do not go shopping for beach holliday items (tropical, big flower, very revealing etc.).
You will end up with clothes you will wear for 10 days and store them.

Get yourself items you can wear all summer and transition to autumn/next spring.

Pick one dark (black, navy...) and one light neutral colour (beige, white...).
Pick two other colours you like.
Get:
Neutral colour skirt if you wear them.
Solid colour dress.
Good jeans.
Some sort of cheap shorts or skirt in colour or pattern you like.
Two plain neutral tank tops.
Two nice tank tops in colour.
Two plain neutral t shirts.
Two nicer t shirts in colour or pattern.
Button up shirt with short sleves. Or two.
Neutral colour cardigan or hoodie.
Flat shoes like ballet or something comfy.

Above should be possible under £100 in Primark/Shein or in charity shop of you have time to go.

I would shop on H&M online.
I pair elastic waist lightweight/linen trousers.
I pair likewise shorts.
I skirt.
Swimming costume
2 linen shirts as cover ups for costume/ arms?
I muslin midi sundress.
Good sandals!
Yes, Fitflop are a good call..
Havianas ( anatomic ... on Tk Maxx online currently) are a good option.

If you join the H-M club ( it's free) there's often money off. 10% off the first shop.