Smart casual summer clothes for trip - plus size

[falalalalalalalallama]

I've been invited on holiday to a hot country with a group of people I do a hobby with, at Easter.

I was really looking forward to it till I realised I'll need a new wardrobe and I'm rubbish at clothes!

I work from home and usually prioritise comfort over smarts.

But for this holiday, I'll need to look well put together. No idea where to start!

It'll probably be about 26-28 degrees.

I don't do heat well and although I appreciate lots of people love it, I get really uncomfortable and overheated quickly.

I'm also a size 24 and round!

In the summer I usually wear cropped jeans with an oversized t-shirt (to hide the bulge!) or a nice floaty dress, but feel they're too casual really.

I like a v neck and a shirt dress, and used to like Boden before I sized out of it.

Any ideas much appreciated!

Ulla popken is a German plus size shop, I got some clothes there 20 years ago when I went to Berlin, they have a website in English, but last year as a couple of my tops needed replacing. I got mine from Vinted and eBay, equally I got some tops from both of mentioned sites from Marina Rinaldi. Cotton traders is worthwhile for casual smart tops. When I wear my cotton traders tops I often get asked about them.

I hadn't thought of looking there as last time I did it was all synthetics. But their William Morris collection is gorgeous & mostly cotton (& the ones I like are sold out ...😞!!).

Some other really pretty cotton dresses in a 24 though.

https://hopeandivy.co.uk/products/the-angela-tiered-skirt-midi-dress

That one above looks as if it has a fixed waist though - hard to tell.

This one does at the front, but is high-cut/empire line & is elasticised at the back. Might work, @falalalalalalalallama ??? And it's cotton.

https://hopeandivy.co.uk/products/the-zeena-v-neck-full-skirt-midi-tea-dress

Have a look at the M&Co and Bon Marche websites. They both have nice dresses.

The rest of the pretty cotton ones aren't coming into stock until mid to late April, sadly! So it won't be in time for your Easter holiday, OP ...

Most of the patterned dresses on this website are not great. This plain tiered one is cotton muslin though, & comes in four colours in your size?

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/maxi-dresses/tiered-tulip-sleeve-cotton-muslin-dress/p/819697435-1128

These would be great - linen/viscose & lovely colours! They're really similar in shape to the H&M kaftan style that I have a few of, & they are excellent day dresses in warm weather.

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/more-dresses/coastal-striped-short-sleeve-collared-linen-blend-dress/p/839745741-1128

Also in plain pink.

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/more-dresses/linen-blend-short-sleeve-v-neck-dress/p/837413807-1133

Cotton jersey in several colours - though the seam line might sit on your bust instead of below it???

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/maxi-dresses/jersey-empire-waist-short-sleeve-dress/p/838189767-1128

Ikat print viscose?

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/more-dresses/ikat-inspired-printed-dress/p/842073839-1128

Cotton muslin maxi.

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/maxi-dresses/maxi-dresses/p/849582130-1128

Very striking if it's your colour, OP - though pricey.

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/midi-dresses/paper-touch-3-4-sleeve-collared-dress/p/838271430-1130

A broderie anglaise version of the previous tiered ones, in a few colours.

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/maxi-dresses/eyelet-embroidered-3-4-sleeve-dress/p/842601460-1128

Pretty print & colour, & nice simple shape?

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/more-dresses/jersey-dress/p/846962528-1132

Rather striking print & colours & good shape?

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/maxi-dresses/bird-of-paradise-print-empire-a-line-pocket-dress/p/842503100-1132

Another good print, colour & shape.

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/maxi-dresses/cactus-print-short-sleeve-dress/p/839275130-1132

Viscose in several colours.

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/maxi-dresses/tie-up-paisley-print-maxi-dress/p/842664440-1128

Laura Adlington (former GBBO contestant) is a size 24 and fairly tall & dressed fantastically (IMHO). If you have IG, I'd highly recommend following and having a look through some older posts.

Too short?

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/more-dresses/dress/p/846912528-1129

Organic cotton, with pockets.

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/midi-dresses/midi-dresses/p/847699100-1128

Viscose shirtwaister - never quite sure about pockets over the boobs though!!

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/more-dresses/textured-belted-button-down-dress/p/840822420-1128

I hadn't come across it before. Like Seasalt/Fatface/White Stuff, I find some of the prints (though not all) dated/frumpy &/or have that children's madcap jolly TV presenter vibe that designers seem to think plus-sized women will want to wear.

But the bird of paradise/cactus/strawberry prints are really striking, & lots of the plain dresses great basics. A bit above basic prices though - but I believe they're good quality so would probably be worth it. And of course, if bargains are to e had on Vinted/eBay, I'm all for it ...

Nice simple viscose one.

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/midi-dresses/flounce-panel-short-sleeve-dress/p/840367436-1128

Lovely print & it's cotton too!

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/more-dresses/traditional-dresses/p/847408130-1132

https://www.ullapopken.co.uk/en/dresses/more-dresses/cap-sleeve-wrap-look-poplin-dress/p/838075530-1133

Lovely colour.