Sun holiday with zilch to wear - HELP

[Assert150]

Last minute ideas for sun holiday attire needed please for someone clearly born without any style/fashion genes.
Had my usual almost panic-attack wandering around shops today but broke out in an even bigger sweat when I got home and realised that my go-to holiday shop (M&S) are not taking online orders and I can’t even check online for availability in-store (Ireland)…
Aged late 40s, 5ft 3 and size 10/12 (but larger chest). Looked at swimsuits in M&S but most looked awful on me in a 12 😢 … Need ideas for hotel breakfast, pool cover-ups (that would also work for lunch) and dinners out…so not a lot then 🫣 Can’t afford to spend a fortune but desperately fed up with feeling like a frump on holidays. Any help would be much appreciated!

Next have great outfit sets , I got some short & shirt ones and they're lovely , light material. They also have lovely swimsuits and evening wear. They are usually delivered quickly unless in the sale.

Is there anything in your wardrobe already that could work? I'd take a look and be ruthless then write a list. Maybe look at coords so you can mix and match or dresses that could easily transition into evening by swapping out accessories. Depends on your budget but H&m have some linen pieces in at the moment. I'd check again as a lot of the M &S website is up and running now.

There are some good old threads on this topic. I agree very hot weather is a totally new ball game.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/4758822-not-looking-a-state-on-holiday

Thanks everyone - will try Next and H&M. Have rooted out last year’s bits but slim pickings in my wardrobes I’m afraid - I tend to live in jeans and jumpers 🫣

M&S was back online I thought?

Next do surprisingly good swimwear which usually has space for larger busts. Online that is.

Matalan ? Very reasonable

Hi OP, I’m the same height as you. I was in a hotel last year in very hot weather. The women who looked great (not me😬) wore “sets” - shorts with a matching shirt in linen/linen mix. I’m in Ireland and you can currently find these sets in Dunnes; in H and M; in Next and in Primark.

I think the shirt with shorts will suit your figure. Dunnes have great swimsuits. Pick 2 - 3 base colours then you can mix and match. The same “set” can do breakfast and lunch. Take a couple of dresses for dinner.

Hope this helps - I know that feeling of overwhelm!!!

Definitely Next for Bikinis I am a DD so need bra size one with lots of coverage and they had loads, great quality too. I ended up with this one it's lovely quality https://www.next.co.uk/style/su549534/aw9937?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=7971514255&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UWwzMlOg2qLYbzO1HgEOv5rX&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0qTCBhCmARIsAAj8C4Y9RKwL0nX1QMB8g2ihfg1ixRy1YhzdmHkRYzBnUARjIcXrzRgZAbsaAhbpEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#AW9937

If you're in Ireland, head to the nearest big Dunnes Stores. The website is shite (I'm baffled at how bad it is!) but they have some really lovely stuff including swimwear and coverups etc so it's better to see it in person. If you see something you like and they don't have your size it can be ordered in. Next is good for quick delivery but I find it expensive for what you get - better value to be had in Dunnes! Tesco also have some nice things in and can be good bargains if they're doing 25% off (I've not been in so not sure when they're next doing that)

I'm guilty of overpacking and tend to wear the same things several times when on holiday certainly through the day, so if you only get a few new things you'll be fine. Have a great time!

Not in Ireland alas 😢

Thanks so much! It’s great to get such specific tips as even though I kind of know what shops to go to once I cross their threshold and see all the clothes I get as you aptly put it, totally overwhelmed!
When you say “sets” do you mean the same colour etc - like the shorts/shirt come together or more mix and match different shirts/shorts?

Not in Republic of Ireland but thanks!

Thank you! Will try there for some swimsuits - think my belly-baring days are over 🙈

Thanks so much - haven’t looked in Dunnes yet but definitely agree re. their cost which I’m trying to keep down, especially as things don’t get a lot of wear in our Irish summers.
Tesco have 25% off adult clothing today but didn’t have a lot I could see - the one I was in was a tad messy to add to my sense of being overwhelmed!
I’m the same re overpacking - panic buy some new bits but then don’t even wear them as they don’t suit / go with anything else and end up recycling the same few outfits when away…

Hi OP, yes by sets I mean matching - so the linen shirt and shorts come together! Or they are out out together in the shop. They are the same colour or are the same pattern. You could also mix and match if you got a block colour set and a patterned one in a similar colour.

Dunnes has some great stuff, and great value swimwear for the quality. I find it way better than Tesco and Penny’s in terms of quality.

I always think you you need a basket bag on your holiday! These ones are great, used one on my holiday last year! I think they have a sale on… plus they have a Vinted account for seconds! Love!! Basket bag

I got some lovely inexpensive bits from Uniqlo. Several vest tops with built in bra - these are great. A couple of pairs of wide leg linen trousers and some lightweight gingham shorts, they have a few colours. All easy to mix and match for day wear. I tend to pair them with a loose white shirt I already own.

I'm a 12 and bought everything in an M. I'm 5"4 and the length is fine on the trousers.

Thank you!

I think Sainsburys (Tu own brand plus others online) has some nice and very reasonable holiday bits.

I’ve just been in Penneys and they’ve loads of holiday clothes reduced. Would also recommend Dunnes - I got a cover up and some shorts.

I also did Matalan and Sainsbury’s but I was in Belfast anyway.

I think co-ords are a great idea because you’ll be able to mix and match the pieces to create lots of outfits - so maybe a shorts set, a trouser set and a skirt set?
I’d also maybe get a couple of little dresses to wear to breakfast.
A midi/maxi dress
Denim shorts
Vest tops or t-shirts x 2
A jacket
A straw tote
3 swimsuits/bikinis that match your co ords
Sandals

The bag and the sandals…these will holiday up your looks, but the other bits above in colours that suit you and you feel comfortable in, could all be worn at home

Love the sandals Rina66 - where are they from?
Anyway OP, I'm on holiday at the moment, it's quite hot & this is what I've found has worked for me:
2 bikinis (old from Boden) - both have high waist bottoms
A couple of kaftan dresses, all H&M
Wide cropped trousers - H&M currently around £15
Few vests and tshirts
Linen shorts x 2
Loose pattern shirt - H&M currently, crinkle fabric, around £14.99
Lots of dresses for evenings, just simple ones, some linen, some cheesecloth type of material
Flip flops, birkenstocks, gold slip on sandals
Generally it's very casual here though, so nothing too fancy or heavy.
Have a great time 😊