How can I look nice as a size 16?

[UpsetOverWeight]

Please help, I’m going on my first holiday in 8 years and I didn’t manage to lose weight. I feel self-conscious and really upset. I feel like cancelling but this will be my 6 year olds first proper holiday. How can I look nicer as a size 16? My arms and legs are surprisingly skinner as the weight is my stomach, hips and bottom. So I need clothes to fit my stomach - I look pregnant on some days. I don’t have much money so I’m looking at high street shops only, any ideas what I can wear? I can’t wear what I have as I wear the same thing everyday - black leggings and a tunic over them in different colours. I’m so upset with myself for not even trying. I don’t want to ruin this for my kids I really don’t but I feel
so self conscious.

As a first step, ask for it to be moved to the Style and Beauty board. You will get nicer and more useful replies. 🙂
And don't cancel, whatever you do.

@CharlotteRumpling thank you! Good idea x

Where are you going on holiday? My tip would be to look back through some old photos of yourself and see what you look good in, you might find certain colours or shapes that suit you more than you thought. I’ve been re-buying some old dresses I loved but in a bigger size on Vinted, or different colours in the same style, that kind of thing.

@UpsetOverWeight you already look nice. I guarantee that every single person who sees you during your holiday will think Oh, how nice to see that mother and little kid enjoying themselves.

If you’re usually in leggings you might find it a relief to wear a sundress for a change - and it’ll be good for your legs to get some sun.

Also plain short sleeved or sleeveless shirts look more elegant than t shirts so I’d suggest those as well to wear with skirts or shorts. (Skirts will be better value at this time of year as you almost certainly won’t want holiday shorts in autumn.)

These two tops are on sale at Mango and with shorts or a plain skirt would cover dinners out and sightseeing - but be quick:

Mango blouse

This would also be great holiday wear:

Mango shirt

But otherwise you can probably get almost everything at Uniqlo if you’re going to be city based, or supermarkets for a beach holiday.

But don’t fret - size 16 is very average and it should t stop you looking perfectly fine.

Could you buy a few kaftan style dresses that flow?

The OP is a size 16, not 36!

I'm a size 16 on top but with thin arms and legs too op. Honestly, I've found the most flattering summer look is wide leg cotton or linen pants in nice patterns with a plain vest on top. The pants balance out a larger upper body nicely.

As its nearly end of season there should be some decent markdowns on now. I bought four pairs from H&M with elasticated waists and three from Zara. I also wear a lot of the HM linen shorts in bright colours. There are a few sets, linen shirts and shorts. You can wear the shirt loose and open over a cami or swimsuit.

Every year I go on holiday with a little regret that I didn't achieve the pre- holiday diet and every year I realise the same two things -

1. There are a lot of people there who are a lot bigger than me having a great time

1. No one is looking at me

Just go and have a great time

Thank you so much everyone! @Faineante really lovely suggestions thank you! I love the first one from mango and do reasonably priced too!

I'm saddened by your attitude, loads of people look lovely no matter what size they are. If you take the time to dress well and find out what suits you, size doesn't really come into it.

I got a lot of good out of a sleeveless linen A line dress that was knee length, and another much longer one. Both off eBay.

Vinted is your friend once you know what sort of thing you are after .
I would be wearing loose linen trousers / mid thigh linen shorts with a plain racer style vest top .
Add a plain linen loose shirt over the top and wear some nice eye catching jewellery perhaps in gold ( you can get great stuff on asos / newlook ) . I always think jewellery finishes off an plain outfit well .

for dresses I would look for anything that has some sort of pulling in effect at the waist . I would avoid pattern as personally I think it can make you look alot chunkier than you really are and also don’t hide yourself in black !

I'm a size 16 and brought this from Asda the other day....it takes alot for clothes to suit me I feel, but this is very flattering and I really love wearing it!

direct.asda.com/george/women/jumpsuits-playsuits/burgundy-floral-short-sleeve-tie-waist-jumpsuit/G008220070,default,pd.html?redirectFromInt=1&cmpid=ppc--geor-------_-dskwid-_dm&utm_campaign=pla:Fashion-Womens_BAU-_Performance_Max&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18393605713&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh6yei9uDjwMVj5NQBh3uzDDHEAQYAyABEgJgdfD_BwE

If you have thin arms, then you are lucky because you can wear sleeveless tops!

That's a bonus if wherever you're going is hot!

You can wear lovely empire waist maxi dresses or midi dresses, even mini ones if you're happy with your legs, and you will look amazing!

Or you can wear sleeveless tops no matter what your arms are like. Because it's hot!

Have a look at Cary’s Whittaker on instagram

I would go for linen trousers and a square neck linen top that skims waist, if you don't suit a tucked in vest. Sundresses- find a style that suits you. I've bought a shift linen v neck dress, and a strappy one. Go try stuff on if you can. If you find something that works, buy it in different colours to make it easy.
Jewellery, holiday bag. Get swimwear that fits. Bravissimo can b helpful.

Indeed!!

OP I was going to say the same as @Yamyamabroad - when I go on holiday it always reminds me there are people of all shapes and sizes going about their day having a lovely time and no one gives a toss. I was on a beach holiday recently and there were women of all ages and sizes in swimsuits, bikinis, shorts, dresses and no one cared.

I agree with PP suggestions of linen wide leg trousers, but also a maxi dress with some shape to it is one of my summer essentials.

Also, if you've got the budget for it, I recommend a spray tan for boosting your confidence.

I can't see how that will suit Op (or many other people!!)

Great advice!

Rosie Henshaw on YouTube/Insta etc is helpful! She's a pear shape but says her mother is an apple shape and she gives great tips for all budgets.

NO! She’s a size 16, not Demis Roussos!!!
OP, I am a 16, I wear nice shorts, cropped linen trousers and vest tops in summer on holiday. I don’t try to disguise my body under ‘flowing kaftans’ because that just makes me look fatter!

Do people with fatter arms have to hide them? Are they so offensive to others that showing them in public will cause a scandal?

No, but people like me who are self conscious, can have a ruined holiday by overthinking it and so don't go or avoid situations.

So, it's nice to have alternatives. I haven't worn sleeveless my whole life, due to my insecurities, but happy for those who don't have the issue.

Size 16 is a very average sort of size. Hardly big and even if you were a larger size please wear whatever you find comfortable and pretty.

I'm a size 16/18 OP. I am very apple shaped so everything is on my waist and boobs. But I have nice toned arms and legs.

I wear either tshirt style dresses, in a shorter length, just above the knee is nice and flattering. Or shorts and a vest style top. M and S and Next are my go to. Next had some nice linen dresses this year, A line with a v neck and v back, I got a black one and a greeny tropical print one. They also had some nice linen style shorts, nice and baggy so comfortable but very flattering as well.

Go and try stuff on if you can. You might be surprised what suits you, and the fabric can make a massive difference to how you feel in something. And really good underwear makes a difference. Properly fitting bra and I prefer big knickers under dresses. Feels like they give me a waist rather than chopping me up lower down.