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

I also like a white dress for summer or a white jacket to wear with jeans.

But I am pale so not really trying to show off a tan

I actually think it is hard to find nice cream clothes - I like a true vanilla colour but too often they are just dirty beige looking which I don't suit at all.

There are some beautiful white dresses around, but I am far too grubby for them.

Wore a white shirt the other day and was a crumpled, filthy mess within half an hour.

Obvs adapt suggestions here to suit your colouring. It's not the holy grail. Might help someone though, it's all just suggestions innit?! Mocha and coral not for you, who says you have to wear 'em. Not me!

White is nice, but you should try and avoid that harsh brilliant/ dazzling' white that's around.

Its too harsh.

A 'creamy' (think expensive wedding dress white) is so much more flattering and softer looking against the skin, (well I think so)

It's like when these stars have their teeth whitened that horrible brilliant white.
It looks very harsh and doesn't do anything for them.

Wore a white shirt the other day and was a crumpled, filthy mess within half an hour.

I usually end up with tea stains on anything white.

I need a bib.

Without going all HOC it very depends on your skin tone if white or cream suit you best.

Bright white jeans are way more flattering in my opinion than cream or oatmeal ones which tend to have the look of the uncooked sausage

True, Mrs C.

I find that rich creams look terrible on me, whereas pale creams look OK.

Bright white is far better on me than muted or cream etc. I look like a corpse in the latter.

Id rather look cheap than seasalt drab to be honest.

Me too

Tried on some Seasalt stuff, it made we want to cry, most unflattering things ever

Dreary, drab and droopy

Don't be afraid to wear black (or other dark colours) in the summer would be my tip.
To avoid looking like a goth (unless that is your look) wear a black top with mid/lighter blue jeans/shorts and a tan.
You can spill as much tea down yourself as you like and no one will know!

You can spill as much tea down yourself as you like and no one will know

That's my kind of style and beauty tip

No leggings, let the air in! No hairy legs or armpits. No bra straps on show. Moisturise legs and arms. Gentle tan. Loose flattering clothes in natural fibres to suit your body shape. Clean shiny hair, and minimum makeup. Most of all check the all round effect in a full length mirror before venturing out.

We all have our own tastes. I agree though about the bra straps and looking well groomed.

Never thought, joe browns, seasalt and boden could be mentioned in a summer style thread??!!!

But this is Mumsnet, where the answer to every style question is 'skinny jeans'.

Derelict, absolutely.
Dont forget you should never wear a maxi dress either!!
Even though they are in every top end fashion magazine and designers collection this season.

I'm petite height wise so petite maxis are hard to find. I think a plain straight maxi with wide shoulders is elegant. It's the billow get patterned ones that are very hard to carry off.

Candykane, i love a maxi dress.
Of course they can be classy.
My comment was said tongue in cheek because of the mumsnetters obsession with saying maxis aren't fashionable!! They should tell that to Netaporter/vogue/etc who all have them this season.

Me too Tried on some Seasalt stuff, it made we want to cry, most unflattering things ever
Dreary, drab and droopy
Ah, thanks
BabyGanoush as I was just buying a dress mentioned up thread. You've just saved me £££

so I bought the m and s trousers but they are not 7/8 on me they are 9/8

wear navy and white or cream.
avoid synthetic fabrics.
good pedicure
glossy hair
good sunglasses

7/8 trousers look fabulous on me.
I have 2 pairs in blue and black.

Great with different tops and flats.