Maxi Dress - Larger lady?

stripysocks85

Headin on holidays for almost 3 weeks in 3 weeks time. Just wondering about clothes to bring: I want to bring a few 'dressy' things for nights out but problem is, I am currently a size 14/16 [probably a 16, definitely on bottom] and 12st 7. I am 5'3.

Lots of my clothes are size 16/18 but I've lost a bit of weight so mostly they're too big. I need a summer wardrobe and a friend mentioned a maxi dress. I'm not sure though, I don't think they have much structure, and will only make me appear bigger than I actually am?

What other things should I go shopping for? Topswise, am probably okay, but I would like a few day and night dresses [even just long tops I can wear with leggings] and some shorts. I don't wear skirts as sadly my legs rub together and they're uncomfortable.

I'd be glad of any help, as was hoping to hit the shops tomorrow evening for a look.

phasers

This may be a stupid question but how can you wear dresses but not skirts?

stripysocks85

Generally I don't wear my dresses bare legged, so suppose I could wear tights & stuff with the skirts also. I wish I didn't have to, as in the heat it will be uncomfortable and stupid wearing tights, but I don't have another option

Phsyche

what about a nice long light fabric tunic and cropped leggings. this always makes ladies look slimmer.

Starburst85

When your own holidays in a different country you can wear whatever you like...you've no fear of bumping into the milk man...thats my way of thinking...ive short short's i bought a while ago...i'll never wear them in Ireland but once I land in Spain on they go.

Maxi dresses I think can now be worn by anyone once you get a full length...no ankles peeping through...and wear it with heels.

New Look have loads of summary gear and not too dear, or Penny's. Evans have a lovely clothes range for each season and Dorothy Perkins are doing lovely summary dresses at the mo

stripysocks85

Very helpful both of you thanks.
Yes could wear cropped leggings, or footless tights would be even lighter than leggings, which I hadn't thought of!

Must get myself some 3/4 lengths. Got a pair of navy size 18s in River Island and they're lovely - material is sooo soft, but too big now and I never wore them! Shouldn't be complaining I suppose!

I'll have to get a few things sorted at the weekend. Hopefully I'll be updating the recent purchases corner :P

phasers

I totally sympathise with the skirt issue. Have you considered cycling shorts? You can get them in Dunnes for €3 right now and they've completely revolutionised my Summer wardrobe!

Also on the maxi dress front, I've seen them work on women of all shapes and sizes- and a 14/16 is not a 'larger lady' size! I think they're absolutely brilliant, and if you get one that has a bit more structure around the chest it will look fantastic.

Also, linen is a godsend. Linen trousers work for absolutely every occasion.

Ms. Captain M

stripysocks85 wrote: »

Very helpful both of you thanks.
Yes could wear cropped leggings, or footless tights would be even lighter than leggings, which I hadn't thought of!

Must get myself some 3/4 lengths. Got a pair of navy size 18s in River Island and they're lovely - material is sooo soft, but too big now and I never wore them! Shouldn't be complaining I suppose!

I'll have to get a few things sorted at the weekend. Hopefully I'll be updating the recent purchases corner :P

Re the navy 3/4 lengths, try washing them then putting them in the dryer, they might shrink to the perfect size! Put them in on their own and keep an eye.

ha-ya-said-what

When your doing the shopping don't be afraid to grab things that take your fancy, if they are longish tops or short dresses remember you can always wear a pair of shorts under em or leggings, grab all & bring em into the dressing room with you, bring a pair of leggings with you incase you can't find a pair in the first shop your in, it'll save you wondering how they are gonna look with the clothes.

There is some lovely dresses out at the mo that are very summery & would go with everything (cos they're short so you can stick em over summit) & there is detail on the neck makes em easier to dress up for nite with leggings and heels.

Rough idea of what am talking about with neck detailing:
http://www.dresses.ie/dress-Charlotte-Sex-amp-The-City-Red-6416-5-G15850601

Obviously ones I have seen in places are floral summery patterns or something summery.

Acoshla

Get a good bra to give you good lift then get a lovely maxi dress that is fitted on the bust and flares from underneath it, then get a cute little shrug, some pretty gladiator sandals and off you go!

I'm a 12-14 but my boobs are kinda out of proportion with the rest of me, on holiday recently I wore lots of 3/4 length leggings and loose girly tops or empire line ones, hides lumps and bumps while highlighting chest/cleavage and the thinnest part of your legs, your ankles.

stripysocks85

Girls, loadsa helpful advice & tips here. Ye're the best! Thanks a million!
Toyed with the idea of shorts but didn't know they had cycling ones out now!Great idea & I could still wear pretty skirts! yay!

Really relieved reading the comments! My summer wardrobe need not be a disaster after all!

Was turned off the maxi dress idea as thought it would drown me as I'm short and make me appear huge. Tried one on before and it was far too long and did absolutely nothing for me! But my good mother may take one up for me if I find a nice one!

Thanks again, really & truly I've no excuses now for not looking stylish!

ha-ya-said-what

you'll look fab trust me, my fella's cousin is your height & size & she always looks fab & dressey!! She'd put shorts or leggings under what ever. Even if her clothes were plain she can always take them through to night with a lovely long necklace with something colourful on it & she still looks brill!

Best of luck with the shopping!!

AllInOne

If you've decided you will wear skirts or try them out with the cycling shorts you should try some high waisted ones. I'm a size 14/16 myself and I think they highlight my curves perfectly! I always think high waisted skirts look great and hide everything you want them too.
Oh and if you find a dress but think it's too long just try adding a waist-belt and it will help make it shorter Waist belts also do wonders for the bust!

Good luck with the shopping!:D
You'll look lovely!:)
Also, remember accessories can totally lift an outfit! Accessories are a god send!

anniehoo

This maxi is gorgeous

thefireinside

Have you considered getting some of your clothes altered? I do it all the time withe the fluctuating weight! They generally are really good and I've been to lotsa different places, and will tell you if its not possible or what they can do with it instead etc. I think its an option anyway!

shellyboo

AllInOne wrote: »

Oh and if you find a dress but think it's too long just try adding a waist-belt and it will help make it shorter Waist belts also do wonders for the bust!

This! Essential for any curvy gal in a maxi dress. Otherwise you just look like you're wearing a big sack. A narrow waist belt just under the bust nips it in and shows off your figure, and it's super cute.

As for the leg-rubbing, talc is your friend And leggings, lots of leggings.

stripysocks85

Never thought of talc, thanks shelley. I just wondered how other women did it as I find it awful, especially in a warm country!!

Don't know what weight I have to be to stop the leg rubbing so will have to keep going lol

Great ideas. Off shopping now, but it's just typical that when you're looking for things you can't find ANYTHING to won't hold my hopes too high!

shellyboo

stripysocks85 wrote: »

Never thought of talc, thanks shelley. I just wondered how other women did it as I find it awful, especially in a warm country!!

Don't know what weight I have to be to stop the leg rubbing so will have to keep going lol

Great ideas. Off shopping now, but it's just typical that when you're looking for things you can't find ANYTHING to won't hold my hopes too high!

It is awful in the heat, but talc really is a godsend. Put some on before you even go out and it really reduces the problem!

Pythia

Hey,

Evans do a product to stop thigh rubbing - http://www.evans.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=20554&storeId=12553&productId=1133552&langId=-1&categoryId=&parent_category_rn=

Also, you can buy anti-chaffing gels in most chemists too. I used to have this problem except I was a 10 - 12 so I looked into a few things that could help.

stripysocks85

Thanks for all the advice. Bought a few cute dresses today [can't even remember what I bought but will check & try on everything again!] Tried on some maxi dresses today and was pleasantly surprised with some of them, but some were too long, others too short, and stuff. I suppose they could be altered but realistically if I bought them, I probably wouldn't get them altered [I'm lazy like that].

I would like to get one before holidays though so will have anohter look. Saw & tried on a beautiful one in Dorothy Perkins but it was the last size 14 left.

Oh and tried on some 3/4 lengths and shorts in size 16. Awful. Total muffin top. I refuse to buy the size 18 so I'll be living in dresses/leggings it seems lol It's weird as i've 2 3/4 length pants from last year, that are both size 18, and they're both too big? Ah I give up on this sizes lark!!!

Oh and I'll post up pics later/tomorrow of what I purchased today!