Help find an outfit for day in Milan that won’t embarrass my family!!!!

[Fairtatas]

Help! Am 49, 5ft2, size 14-16 apple with flabby upper arms, massive belly, cankles and varicose veins. A real catch!
It is my daughter’s 18th when we are on holiday and we are doing a walking fashion tour of Milan to celebrate!
I need a chic comfortable outfit! Dresses are either unflattering or if I try to go for loose just seem so voluminous- nothing seems to just skim. Co ords seem to make me look manly!
please help find an upper arm covering,leg covering cool understated chic outfit!!!

Your a similar shape and height to me, petite wrap dresses work well for me.

Have you tried many things from petite ranges ? It really does make a difference to the fit even with dresses !

I was going to say wrap dress and maxi dress (a midi might do you are a maxi - they are close to maxi on me and I’m taller)

Milan is fabulous. Your daughter will absolutely love it.

Remember that when walking around a loose dress will waft around you as you move - so even something that looks voluminous when you're standing in front of the mirror will skim you as you walk.

I'd do a loose dress in a natural fibre, plus chub rub shorts underneath.

This dress in the white looks very Italian to me - add gold jewellery, big sunglasses and hat, and walking sandals: https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E485750-000/00?colorDisplayCode=01&sizeDisplayCode=003

The choice of fabric is key to whether voluminous looks chic or enormous - you want something that is either so light it wafts or is a bit heavier so it hangs and looks expensive. Also voluminous needs to clearly be "on purpose", so don't be shy of it.

Def maxi, and with either a dropped cap sleeve (v stylish) or longer if you'd prefer that. Or floaty trousers with a beautiful vest top covered by a linen/muslin shirt (draped or buttoned to emphasise your waist), or even an enormous linen/muslin scarf/wrap?

The most important thing is that you feel good in whatever you choose...attitude is everything...especially in Italy!

I really like that Uniqlo dress.

I wonder why mumsnet is obsessed with gold jewellery though.

I never wear gold as it just doesn't suit me.

Go for a long smock dress, maybe tiered, sleeves, one colour to suit your skin, cotton. Big hat. Comfortable but stylish (mono colour) footwear for walking. Then think about your jewellery, sunglasses, and perhaps your bag as the style statements. I look crap in lipstick but if it suits you, some bold lipstick too. Keep everything else simple. I think that’s the Italian way. Enjoy your trip!

Ps shirt dresses also really suit me. These can also be long and loose, I also am a short apple with flabby arms. But if you have a big bust, maybe not.

I think the gold jewellery was just a suggestion, no one is going to force the OP to wear it if she doesn’t want to. Gold jewellery suits me, maybe it suits the OP too! If not, she can ignore the suggestion I’m sure.

Something like this although I can't vouch for Fatface as a customer, but there's loads of similar stuff about. Yes it's voluminous, I am all for volume.

I think a dress is often easier because it's one decision, I'm short ish and would go midi as I can feel like I'm on casters if I'm in a maxi and my feet are almost hidden.

Thanks for the tips. Might try the Uniqlo dress. I think it’s a good point about accessories, not something I usually think about and bold lip!!

I've been looking for something - anything that's not 'floaty' recently - I'm 5ft nothing and rather wobbly round the middle post menopause. I found New Look has the best petite shapes for me personally. I'm a similar 12/14 to you. Enjoy Milan-I'm going in October 😁

Would you consider a stylist appointment at John Lewis or similar? It made me sad to read how you talk about your body - learning what colours and shapes flatter you and balance your proportions could really help change the way you view yourself and boost your confidence. Treat yourself, your daughter becoming an adult is a huge milestone for you as well! I hope you all have an amazing time

Op, don't put yourself down!

How about a nice jumpsuit? When I was carrying 2 stone extra weight a few years ago, these still managed to suit me, and I was very apple shaped / prominent tummy.

I had a lovely jumpsuit last year from me and em that no longer fits.
it was meant to be cropped so not sure they will do the same style but I could look on Vinted. Thanks for suggestion

Why would you embarrass your family? Go for comfort

The way you talk about yourself is awful! I do the same but I can give good advice even if I don’t take it 😂 You have raised a child to 18 that still wants to hang around with you and are going on a fashion tour for their 18th - in Milan! You’ve made it! You are literally some people’s life goals. Whatever you wear you better accessorise it with the energy and attitude of a fucking goddess. Pardon my French and have a great time!

Thanks! Just hard adjusting to changing body shape and ageing but trying to be positive in front of teens!!

I am a five 2 apple shape but Cos seems to work for me.

www.cos.com/en-gb/women/womenswear/dresses/mididresses/product/pintucked-cotton-midi-dress-light-blue-1292176002?country=gb&&x&utm_campaign=cos_gb__conversion___transaction_google_pmax_brand-sale___precis&country=gb&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22378671830&gbraid=0AAAAAC4nStGEl1rJdV2Ir_Xaz_2PoVftk&gclid=Cj0KCQjwo_PRBhDNARIsAEcVALU8AQGbPnx2iQmHS1NWOxO9C-9Tvje7vT-tnibaGuNaExkA-_78ln0aAu8JEALw_wcB

Quite a few on Cos in the sale.

A long, loose cotton dress, with at least elbow length sleeves.

I only wear gold as silver doesn’t suit me 🤷‍♀️

Was going to say Cos!

I like it too.

I think the cream works with gold jewellery as it the warmer tone suits cream.

I went off gold for years but I am feeling the love again in the last year or so. Silver is just looking a bit cold - though my engagement and wedding ring are both in paltinum.

Another Cos fan - and their clothes do have a definite look which is recognised by Italians - in fact I think there's a shop in Milan (not that I'm suggesting you wait until you get there). I'm an apple shaped and quite stocky and have had a lot of luck with their shirt-dresses in particular.

https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/pixiegirl-pink-linen-abstract-puff-sleeve-midaxi-dress-p

https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/mco-petite-khaki-green-dobby-tiered-maxi-dress-521514-p

https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/mco-petite-blue-stripe-shirt-dress-521448-p

https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/lts-tall-natural-brown-striped-tea-maxi-dress-227836-p

Don't be so hard on yourself! Yours clothing has a petite range, with lots of sleeve options that are light and cool, if thats what you are after. I like these ones ⬆️

I bought that dress the other day. It's quite long and the middle bit is quite narrow.

You might need an XL as an apple shaped 14-16 and it might be ankle length on you, but at least it would cover up the cankles. I'm 5'7 and a curvy 16 with quite a small waist and the L is only just big enough around the middle if I stand up straight and breathe in. It is a lovely dress though.