Holiday wardrobe - Help needed please!!!

[Starlight1984]

Hi all,

2 weeks to go until we head to sunnier shores and I am massively struggling to find any holiday clothes. It doesn't help that it's February and so the shops don't really have any summer stuff in currently!

About me - I'm 40, 5ft6", size 10/12, big boobs (32FF), hate my flabby arms and not-so-toned stomach (although I am going to have a tanning session before we go which usually helps with feeling a bit more confident!).

I'm probably a bit of a tomboy / country bumpkin (live in leggings, wellies and hoodies most days) but I do like to get dressed up occasionally. My ideal summer outfit is a plain black or white vest, wide legged trousers with a bold print and a pair of sandals. I categorically do NOT suit anything with buttons (boobs make them gape), anything with an empire line (make me look 9 months pregnant), short skirts (make my legs look like a rugby player).

I already have bikinis and shorts (I like Zara "boyfriend" denim turn-up shorts and have about 5 pairs in different colours) but need:

• tops - for daytime to throw over a bikini for lunch or for day trips
• casual day dresses
• outfits for evenings
• cover ups for beach / pool

Any help would be massively appreciated!!!

If you are struggling with stock in shops try Vinted it's not seasonal their you can type in exactly what you put above with the sizes and it will take you to hundreds of black linen trousers from a quid to 200 quid. Just be aware the Vinted sizes are American so read the description. It will say L/12 which will be a UK 16 but the description should say Top Shop Trousers, size 16

If you are flying from a major airport, you will find summer things for sale in shops as soon as you get airside.

@Starlight1984 M and S have some great oversized linen shirts in stock which are brilliant over a swimsuit for lunches. I never bother to button them up and just pull on some shorts; smart enough for majority of beachy places for lunch.

I’ve just bought a load of stuff from Zara for super cheap in the sale. But you may have missed the most of it now.

Was also going to suggest M and S and they've got a load of stuff in already.

But also look for the same items on Vinted - I once wanted one of the long beach shirts that @MissFritton65 mentions but they didn't have my size so I ordered one off Vinted while I was still in the changing rooms after finding the one they did have didn't fit. It was less than half the price despite being new with tags.

I remember reading an article by someone who did this- went with hand luggage and bought all she needed in the airport!

It’s possible. I know people who have done it, but in case you stick pins in an effigy of me(!) when you land the other side, l should add you are unlikely to find a bargain.

Depending on where you are going, you might also find some nice things at your destination. I travel fairly regularly to Singapore for work and l’m always bringing things back.

I certainly wouldn't risk it. I don't enjoy clothes shopping at the best of times and having to do it on holiday or else not be able to wear anything except the clothes I'd travelled in wouldn't appear on my list of top 10 things to do on holiday.

Without knowing where you're going, what you're planning to do, what the vibe is (dressy v casual)... It's really hard to advise. It sounds like you know what your style is and what you're looking for. With online shopping it's not usually that hard to find summer clothes even in winter.

River Island have their holiday shop online. So do Next. These are good places to start. Also look on H&M for cotton basics. Also consider googling, e.g. 'black cotton midi dress', 'wide leg linen trousers' and see what comes up.

Thanks all! I don't think I'm brave enough for buying clothes at the airport / when we get there - what if I still don't find anything I like?! I'll end up spending 2 weeks in my leggings😂

@owlexpress I have actually ordered a few bits off River Island which I'm waiting to arrive. A girl at work mentioned them and I brushed it off as I haven't shopped there in about 20 years but they do actually have lots of decent stuff!

I will take a look at Next and M&S tonight!

We're going to Sri Lanka 😍It's half sightseeing / travelling around and then half lounging by the pool with cocktails at a beach resort... Both are in very nice hotels so definitely need some lovely evening outfits.

@Starlight1984 I've been to Sri Lanka and it's beautiful but not overly dressy even in "smart" hotels. I'd have a look at maxi dresses or jumpsuits in cotton or linen for the evenings - Me and Em are very good for these!

Ooooh thank you! I haven't heard of that website. Will check it out.....

Oh Jesus I've just had a quick look whilst eating my lunch. You definitely should not have told me about this website!

Absolutely gorgeous stuff but not the cheapest! I absolutely LOVE this dress...

https://www.meandem.com/cheesecloth-tulip-print-halterneck-frill-maxi-dress-soft-white-sherbet-lilac

@Starlight1984 it's beautiful! The pieces are lovely but yes not the cheapest!
I've got several of their dresses and you won't be disappointed!
Have a look at Cos too .....their linen is lovely too.....slightly more affordable!

Thank you! What's the sizing like on Me + Em? If I'm 10/12 would I go bigger or smaller??

@Starlight1984 they are pretty true to size! There is guidance with each piece as they can vary a bit depending on the style. However they are great with returns so if in doubt order both sizes!

I got this dress from JL for my next holiday and had plenty of space for my 34E. I ordered in a size 12.

https://www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-olivea-linen-blend-shirt-dress/blue/p111979543?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappios&size=12&&_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ

Oh this is nice!!! Have you got it in blue or orange?

Oh they don't have blue in my size anyway. Orange it is!

Go to the clearance sections of the stores suggested above. Lots and lots of summer clothing available.

Vinted sizing is NOT American. When it says 12 it means UK 12. We can argue about whether this is in fact “large” but it certainly doesn’t mean size 16

For Vinted, I'd take the sizing as whatever is printed on the size label, so if you're buying something from M&S and it says size 12, then it's an M&S 12.

How that compares to an even more arbitary S/M/L or H&M or Reiss size 12 is irrelevant.

under ladies on the next website they have a section called holiday or holiday clothing. That might help plus they’ve still got their sale running too.

I’d give New Look a go as well, quality isn’t great and it’s mainly polyester but they seem to have a huge range of summer type dresses in at the moment which would be fine for a weeks holidays in the sun

Are you anywhere near a TKMaxx? I was in there the other day lots of summery tops.