Help! Work summer clothes for curvy middle aged mess!

[smileymileysmiley]

Have a great new job starting next week - except i have to spend some days in swanky trendy office. Need advice on summery capsule wardrobe - am size 18 hourglass but like more boho type clothes. Find summer office dressing hard - need to order some stuff from somewhere like M&s or Next - need shoes/sandals - trousers and tops/ dresses with maybe a jacket that will match all(no blouses or button fronts as too busty)

Hate shopping as i always wanna lose weight and it never happens ! Please help me feel great

I find summer dressing difficult because so many tops or t-shirts have a round neck which does nothing for my broad shoulders and 32g. This is made worse by the fact that lots of tops are made to tuck in, which I don't want to do. The bottom of the top then cuts across me in a line which is unflattering. I think the clothes retailers know this because they rarely have a good picture of the line. There's always hands in front of the model twisting.

I try and find tops with a tuck at the front so they hang nicely or a curved hem. I know you said no blouses but I've had no luck with tops. The best I've found is this. There are a couple similar at French Connection and Uniqlo but you said Next. They also do long sleeve.

I would wear it with cigarette pants and chunky sandals.

This sort of shape with a bit of ankle on show.

This sort of sandal. I find a cross strap or one going diagonally flattering.

It's not the most fashion forward outfit but it would look simple and clean. Maybe a chunky gold necklace and earrings.

Jackets are harder at the moment for hourglass figures as oversize has been in for a while. Whistles do a fitted jersey blazer that works and I bet Lipsy on Next have one similar.

thanks - i like the tip and sandals - not sure about the trousers , prefer a wide leg

I dress similarly to @MerylSqueak, although with loafers or smart leather trainers. If the trousers are looser, the front tuck works surprisingly well (and I have the dreaded 'apron').

I also like vest tops with a semi-fitted blazer, absolutely no longer than mid-bum. But those are hard to find in shops at the moment.

A wide leg trousers works well with a chunky trainer (Adidas bold?) as long as the shoes are clean / fairly new to be 'office smart'.

I mentioned those trousers as I think loose on top and loose on the bottom can make you look bigger than you actually are. I tend to do loose on one and more fitted on the other. Unless I'm going for an all out swoosh effect.

I recently got some Marina Rinaldi and Ulla Popken tops from Vinted for the summer. I don't like blouses for the same reason as you OP. I have had a good number of compliments when I wore the tops.

Congratulations on your new job. In case you ever feel like wandering beyond Next and M&Spencer:

https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/fashion-beauty/best-plus-size-clothing-brands-uk-b1818504.html

https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/best-plus-size-fashion-brands