Anyone else hate dressing for this heat?

[BertieBottsEveryFlavourBeans]

I definitely do NOT have a "Summer body".

I'm a 16-18, fair skin that burns but never tans, I have no ankles to speak of, my tree trunk legs just merge from leg to foot so I always look ridiculous in sandals.

The worst part is my arms though, I will absolutely never leave my house wearing anything that doesn't have at least a sleeve to the elbow. My upper arms are disproportionately big in comparison to the rest of me, the fat on my upper arm hangs over my elbow and I HATE how my arms look in anything without sleeves or short sleeves. Even in this heat I will wear sleeves and I'd rather be really hot and uncomfortable than show my arms in public.

I get so jealous seeing people who are able to wear casual summer clothes and dress to be comfortable in this heat, but I just never can. Sorry for the self indulgent post 🤣 just looking for anyone who might also be waiting for Winter so they can whip out their woolly coat and polish up their winter boots!

Wowzer, that’s a big link. H & M have a lot of similar dresses, which are good for this weather. Well, as good as it gets.

I am the same shape and size as you, also with the upper arm dread. I usually wear loose wide leg side zip linen trousers and a cotton long sleeve shirts with the arms rolled up to the elbow. For my sons recent graduation in the middle of the hottest day of the year so far I wore this dress which worked well for me, it was flattering and comfortable.
https://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/ul530

I tend to notice the clothes people wear, rather than the body in them iyswim. I'm a very saggy size 20 myself, but I really enjoy looking at people walking along the high street in my nearest city and seeing which clothes I like best.

Currently I'm wearing a long loose linen skirt and a linen top with nearly 3/4 length sleeves and I'm not suffering too much.

I've just bought this in size large (medium was OOS when I ordered). I'm a size 12/14.

It's cotton, super light weight, sleeves to the elbow, and you can wear it over a vest or t shirt and shorts. With a belt it looks like a dress.

I'd say you'd need to be at least 5"6 as it's long, but I'm super happy.

https://direct.asda.com/george/women/swimwear-beachwear/black-tie-dye-tie-front-maxi-kaftan/GEM1288865,default,pd.html?cgid=D1M1G20C15

Waves to BertieBotts

I agree with the first poster that you're fab.

Enough of the soppiness though...

I am slogging through the usual hot and humid summer weather where I live in N central US. Today's humidity is around 80%, with temps in the 30C region.

A lot of women here opt for wizard sleeved cotton/ linen/ rayon dresses shaped like bells in the weather we're having, often with huge floral motifs, worn with birkenstocks or other slip on footwear. For balance, many wear very chunky sandals or slides. I went out today to the library and saw two women who had legs similar to yours who had lovely ankle bracelets on. Just wear whatever you find that's comfortable, and be yourself.

If you really can’t bear your legs you can Sally Hansen or Rimmel instant tan. It’s pretty transfer proof and covers minor discolourations.

I’ve realised that none of us look perfect. We all have hang ups. Mine is my thighs. They have loads of cellulite and even when I lose weight they still don’t look great but as long as they’re not ‘hot pants’ I will wear what I like shorts wise. I was desperate earlier this year to be able to sort it out but I don’t think I can aside from getting to a healthy weight and toning them as much as I can.

I'm size 14-16 and another person who goes for long plain linen dresses (mainly bracelet length sleeves). I add large sunnies, some birkenstocks and a french straw market bag. I also wear sleeveless dresses (long linen too) with a very thin linen or gauzy shirt as a jacket over it.

Exactly what I do. Simples.

From your description of your body, no ankles, overhang at elbow, disproportionate to rest of your body etc it sounds like you may have lipedema. I could be wrong but they are classic signs.

Also a size 6 (well 4/6 on top, 8 bottom) and I totally agree. Nobody should feel ashamed of their body.

I wore this today in a white, blue, pink, orange and yellow candy stripe. It's about ankle length, the material moves beautifully, it's really cool and easy to wear. I love it- it's one of my favourite summer dresses.

I was out for a meal this evening and town was thonged with people of all ages, shapes and sizes. Everyone was dressed to try and stay as cool as possible, nobody looked cool in the style sense but they all looked happy to be out and that is what matters

I've been a lagenlook fan for years. I don't do well in heat so loose linen is my go to. I either layer up say top with sleeveless linen long shift over the top, or this week empire line really long baggy dresses with sleeves to just above the elbow. If it's cooler I'll wear leggings under an asymmetric hemmed dress.

I do like big hats to keep the sun off my face as well.

I used to be the same.

I'm currently wearing size 22 shorts, with a size 20 tank top tucked in. Honestly? I feel amazing and I've never had so many compliments.

I don't think it's what you wear. More how you wear it 😊

If I was granted one super power , it would be be to grant women the courage and freedom to dress as they need / want too and to stop them looking in mirrors and comparing themselves to the 20 year olds they used to be.

I heard about bat wings and saggy arms when I was in my 30’s - watching QVC- seriously the way they carried on about sleeves to cover , then the Marks and Spencer’s back lash - no sleeves for middle aged women ….

well I have saggy arms I’m not proud of them , they ain’t pretty , but unless I prepared to put the gym time in , they are here to stay. I can’t spend what’s left of my life worrying about them , covering them.

ladies Life is short. I’m now seeing the end of mine rushing towards me. I find what time I have left is best spent on enjoying life today because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed

I’ve have the shorts on - huge varicose vein on show. I’m wearing a vest - sagging arms , flip flops - we won’t mention nail fungus. Seriously there is not one person looking at me and judging , and if they are , that’s shit all to do with me

our bodies are wonderful and if they make old bones - you are winning. Old bones will show life lived. Stop looking at those younger than yourselves. Stop looking at others full stop and accept what you have

i think you need to find 3 suitable dresses you like and want to wear when it gets this hot!

Gives us an idea of what your like and we’ll find it for you.

https://www.fatface.com/style/su496711/ak9434#ak9434

First pick

Maxi skirts and a very baggy t shirts with sleeves to the elbow French tucked has been my uniform for home wear.

Workwear is a nightmare though. Mostly I've just worn very hot jeans and a blouse and have to have a freshen up in the loos when I get off the tube.

I've got to the stage where I wear what I like and am comfortable wearing. If other people don't like it they can look the other way. Been wearing cropped trousers and culottes plus short-sleeved tops for ages. Plus factor 50, sunglasses and a hat.

I could have written your initial post in this thread, OP 🥺. I really struggle with dressing for this time of year.

Two added struggles I have is the fact I have large bosoms, and I have a long torso. Finding long enough summer tops is a battle, and I often end up having to wear a vest top underneath, in order to ensure I don’t flash my belly every 5 mins!

I have some leggings in blue and white that I had off E Bay a few years ago. long linen top so cool! I dress for comfort and as long as I am clean and clothes freshly washed who cares?Most people are doing the same I should think!

This is where kimonos are your best friend. Can wear then with shorts, dresses, trousers. Cover up but lightweight.

I tend to wear long chiffon type flutter sleeves or cotton cape maxi dresses, I burn to easy so I need the coverage.

I also have very fair skin and tend to wear clothes with sleeves. I find long floaty/kaftan type sleeves cooler and more comfortable than wearing a vest have you tried this style. There are some lovely kaftan style dresses about. I wore one yesterday from new look was £17 and all day everyone was asking where it was from - and I was cool! 🥶

Angel sleeve tops, I live in them in summer. Outside anyway. Indoors it’s a different picture 😁