Summer outfit ideas for a comfortable, stylish look at 49

[cambiodenombre123]

Asking the mumsnet gods/goddesses to save my fashion woes. I want to feel comfortable, sexy and stylish this summer. To be able to go for city walks and sit in a beer garden and not worry about my belly, fat arms, weird elbows and crinkly neck. I'm 49, fine hair in a bob, hourglass shape with big boobs, 5'6" and slightly overweight. I want to look current and relevant if possible? Please give me some tips of what to wear.

Surely it's about personal choice? There are no bare arm police as far as I know.
@SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePlease , Whistles is well made and stylish. Out of my budget though sadly.
@FlorenceBlack ,very nice top.

@SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePlease I’ve got a jumpsuit like that in black linen and I have worn it to death for two years. You can wear it to everything, it’s the most useful outfit, lowest cost per wear.
Highly recommend!!!

I saw this in M&S today and I’m in love. Think I’m going to have to buy it even though a little over budget! I’ll try it over a sheer shirt too https://www.marksandspencer.com/checked-v-neck-midi-column-dress/p/clp60781314?color=BLUEMIX&extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_jaeger&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=21684719513&cq_con=&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21678309561&gbraid=0AAAAAD7g6bSDha7SohAedbFc6K6LJFJw5&gclid=CjwKCAjw1N7NBhAoEiwAcPchp-ND9KcTBmr9mYW2c6T4F3JzTAEm4v8PiWUQrKELz3S0jQuONQcecRoC7yEQAvD_BwE

This is really nice on. Flattering shape.
I call it black not navy

https://www.hobbs.com/product/navy-floral-thea-midi-dress/0225-5003-9021L00-NAVY-MULTI.html

I agree that we all make our own choices. My main requirement for clothes is that they keep me warm/dry/not too hot and that they are comfortable. Then I try to make the outfit look ok. I get annoyed when fashion advice takes no notice of the weather or wearability!

Thank you @Coatsoff42that’s my hope. @bafta16I am trying so hard to replenish my wardrobe one lovely item (only one will be kept) at a time and definitely aiming for quality over price point, my favourite white T-shirts are primark £4 numbers, highly recommend!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I really like the Hobbs dress thanks @VividDeer and thanks those of you who suggested jumpsuits.... I do need to have a think about my style... I've lost myself a bit and my wardrobe doesn't coordinate now; Vinted purchases mean it's just become a range of random items. Maybe need a style overhaul! I'd really like some floaty high waisted shorts and have had no luck finding any. Any recommendations?

Ooh I do like that skirt - where is it from?

@duvet
https://jenagreen.com/2019/08/31/a-midi-skirt-perfect-for-day-to-night-with-nordstrom/

The basic rule of being 'well dressed' is to accentuate your good points and minimise your worst ones

That's your basic rule. It is not a universal truth.

It kinda makes sense though?

I mean it kinda is no? No one wants to do the oppposite.

Go through your own wardrobe and be brutal!
Anything that doesn't fit, you haven't worn for 2 years (I'm being generous here!), is damaged/stained/needs alterations, you just dont like GOES. Charity shop or Vinted.
Decide on a budget!
Start with some good basics - t shirts, vest, a white shirt, jeans, linen trousers.
Also get your underwear right too.
Perhaps go for a personal shopping appointment at John Lewis.
Go on Instagram - there are so many people sharing outfits (with links).
M&S is doing well in the style stakes - also has a lot of 'Instagram' inspiration.
Above all make sure any thing you buy FITS YOU REALLY WELL. Do not look at the size, just make sure it fits.
Enjoy OP
x

Thank you everyone... Im realising this is a more fundamental style problem. I have a week to myself soon so will do a wardrobe audit/clear out. Yikes. It's good basics I need... underwear, t-shirts, sandals/ trainers etc. Wish me luck. And thanks again for all your advice.

I don't think I have good points or bad points. I don't actually understand that diktat. I can't think of a single item of clothing that I posses that I've bought with those guidelines in mind. I'm drawn to the look, design, colour, fabric of the garment.

That's the way to go!

My wardrobe is pretty limited as I WFH but on my list are -

Jeans, summer trousers, smarter trousers
Tops- T shirts, blouses, cardigans, jumpers
Dresses - everyday, mostly midi, really casual, and one or two for smarter occasions
Several coats (too many!) for summer and winter
Boots, shoes, sandals, trainers

And in a colour palette where everything 'goes' with everything else.
(eg black, white, grey, all shades of blue, various greens.)

Sounds like a good plan, I have a note in my phone with a ‘want’ list to keep me focused as completely redoing my wardrobe after weight loss.
Drop back in and let us know how you are getting on!

Will do thanks!

So if it’s 35 degrees you aren’t able to dress for the weather? That’s not dressing for you- the you that’s screaming -let me cool down- that’s dressing for others that you believe will judge your appearance.

But it’s not true that covered arms and legs is necessarily hotter! Often you’re cooler when covered up in the right light reflecting clothing.

They don't NEED to be but some prefer to cover up arms if a bit crepey and not toned. It's a personal choice surely.

Of course. But the person I responded to claimed that older people needed to cover up. They don’t.

Don't be ridiculous. If it's 35 ', my shoulders would be covered by something thin and loose - a thin linen or cotton shirt would be my typical choice.

When I went on holiday to Egypt it was about 45' and the locals were wearing thin galabeyas.

I don't give a shit what others think of what I look like. Why do you not understand that?

I also have that note in my phone for every day outfit things I’d like @SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePleaseI also have one for holiday wear ideas too, so if I see a look I like, I put it on my list, then before I go away I see what I can muster up, that’s the one that really helps as quite often I can’t remember what I wear on holiday it’s not used as often.

I have this UNIQLO shirt in several colours, although they had more choice last year.. I have big boobs and these are surprisingly flattering on me.

www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E475650-000/00?colorDisplayCode=63&sizeDisplayCode=003