How to avoid looking cheap in the summer.

[3dogsandacat]

What would be your main tips on how to look good during the summer?
Any particular colors, fabrics, styles (or brands) to avoid?
The How to Look Expensive threads were really interesting, but I find it's easier to look more together in the winter, but more of a problem in the summer.
I always end up looking like a bag of shit
Sometimes I 'get it right' but when I do, it's purely accidental

Just having a look online. It's all so draped and shapeless. I think that's my problem. I'm an hourglass with a small waist and small frame but substantial thighs and biggish boobs. All this wafty tent stuff looks awful on me.

randomer, roll them up a bit, that will sort it.

I found a fab pair of navy/cream striped linen wide leg trousers yesterday - I'm never sure about patterns, so didn't buy them.
Do you think I could get away with them and still look classy-ish?

Do you have a pic, It'scurtains?

enid....me too....same shape plus massive arse...what to do?

Enid I'm in the same boat, plus being under five foot so finding anything that fits is a nightmare anyway! My best summer outfits are fitted cotton dresses with a cropped cardigan which are fine for work, but look a bit overdressed for the school run. Casual summer dressing is almost impossible for me. The most casual I can get is chinos with a fitted blouse. I have never found a summer t-shirt which flattered my boobs.

It's these - they're from tesco but I really like them...

I like a nice dress in the summer. Not too revealing, you don't have to worry that the top doesn't match the bottom and it's not too tight around the waist. Worn with a straw hat and/or classy sunglasses, you can't go wrong.
Plus, of course, smooth legs and a pedicure.

nick and randomer Winter is so much easier, lots of tailored stuff, dresses with fitted waists, scaffolding bras. Take Hush for an example, lovely materials but the dresses are almost literally a tent. I can't moan about it in rl because I get told that as I'm slim I can wear anything. Wrong!

Today, in brilliant sunshine I wore a petite straight maxi navy skirt from gap, a navy cap sleeve t shirt from lands end and a pale turquoise long line gap cardigan with tan sandals. Fine silver jewellery. Feel summery and not remotely cheap. Even felt elegant use for a 5ft 2 32g size 14 40 something. Simple is the way to go.

Tesco trousers are lovely but I think I'm too short (and short-waisted) to carry them off. The reviews are no help either!

I think I'd have to have a very narrow frame to suit them.

You'll never know if you don't try them, though!

candy, sounds lovely. Can you do a photo?

Way too shy for that Dig!
Might be able to link to skirt. Cardy is "vintage" :)
I do also have a broken foot at the mo which slightly detracts from the elegant vibe but maxi skirt helped to minimise the effects.

No the skirt is not currently on sale at gap - I bought it a couple of months ago. They had grey too, knees I should have got it.

candy - thought we were still on body parts, so read that as you telling us you have grey knees.

So many t shirts are see through now.

I've tried wearing a nude vest top underneath, but you can then see where the top of the trousers ends (from underneath the tshirt) Which to me looks wrong

So I very often end up wearing a vest top in the same colour as the trousers? Then there isn't a broken line showing through.
Is this acceptable?
It always looks alright to me, but I'm not sure

Brilliant thread! Thanks to JackandDiane for your comment about trousers older than two years being the wrong length. Thinking of my 15 year old Part Two crops which, admittedly, haven't seen the light of day for about 12 years but have been taking up valuable space in my wardrobe. To the bin they shall go! What shall I replace them with - I do need a couple of pairs (at least) of summer trousers - any links please?

Candy, Brilliant sunshine? Where? I'm moving

Dig, bloody phone changed knew to knees. Cos obvs knees is a word I frequently use

Merry, Lancashire!

Darn. We've spent half term with the heating on, feeling colder than xmas. I've been reading this thread to try and cheery myself up!

wear a nude bra and fuck it
If someone gets off on a plain nude t shirt bra than GOOD LUCK to them

i like the zara 7/8 and gap ones - but check the gap ones haev 5% elastane in them

think i have something like this in black www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/monday-to-friday/cropped-trousers-c810001p3292602.html