How to Look Expensive (in the summer)

[diamondsandrose]

Please can we resurrect my favourite EVER thread, but with a summer twist?

I think I'm pretty stylish in cooler weather but struggle in the heat.

I know the usual drill ..natural fabrics, linen cotton silk in neutral colours. Light tan courtesy of gradual tanner. Tan real leather sandals. Straw or heavy cotton beach bag. No gaudy colours or prints. No bra strap showing under vests.

But I still feel I don't look as good as I could if I tried a bit harder! I get freckly and I think that stops me looking expensive!

Please tell me your tips and stories of fab expensive looking stylish people you've seen on holiday

This is a great thread! I am fed up of my skinny jeans when the weathers not too warm, not sure they look nice on me anyway, and am considering trying some wide leg cooler trousers or even culottes. Any recommendations? I am thinking plain and either grey, blue, khaki or even black are the way to go? (I hadn't considered black ok for summer until I read this thread!) I am 12/14 and 5' 9".

I want something like these but everything is cropped, too weird a print or paper bag style waist.

boom something like these?

I want the more graduated, floaty, silky look if that makes sense? I’m not a fan of the stripes although I love stripes, the current high street offerings are a little deckchair. But appreciate the effort 😀

The wide leg crops arrived from uniqlo and they are exactly like that bloom but probably too short for the look you want. I love them though and high waisted so look smart rather than just casual in swishy jersey. Very tempted by a navy pair too.

Not keen on the 3d dress unfortunately. The yellow was just the wrong shade, ever so slightly see through and the fit wasn’t perfect.

That cotton Uniqlo dress upthread - can anyone say how long it is in, like, cm - and not some random variable measurement like "knee-length"? And also if it runs small or what have you - by their size chart an L should be a smidge tight on me. :/ Is it something that would matter?

@boomboom12

these?

Banivani if I hadn’t packed it up for return already I would measure it but it’s proper midi length on me (although I’m short). IMO it was as expected on the bust, slightly large on the waist and floaty over the hips. I’m pear/hourglass shape so would depend where you carry your curves.

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Kate Moss does not look expensive with a fag in her hand.

Can I just say as someone who is suffering the effects of high sun factor at all times, a vitamin D deficiency is no joke. Do, although Nicile Kidman might look expensive pale and skinny I dread to think what her bones are like. Doctors recommend 15 minutes in the sun each day without high factors on. Low vitamin D is now a very real problem in this country.

Thanks Mulberry! Realised I was looking at the wrong size chart haha. According to Uniqlo I ought to be an XL at least, possibly an XXL. Argh, it's very inexpensive, but if it doesn't fit it's money down the toilet, I don't pay for returns

Sounds like length would be at least knee-length then, I'm 170 cm tall. Their models must be quite short? It's a nice dress all the same.

I got an email today that Arket has 20% off dresses, might be worth a look for some!

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@EachandEveryone As a natural redhead Nicole Kidman probably produces adequate Vitamin D; redheads produce more vitamin D to compensate for being unable to tolerate sunshine. I'm a freckled redhead and my vitamin D and bone density levels are fine despite always wearing factor 50 and staying in the shade.

I'd love a tan, so it makes me smile when others say pale skin looks expensive. As someone pale and freckled I think a tan looks sleek and expensive!

What looks cheap is fake tan.

MulberryPeony I will check Uniqlo out because I’m 5ft 9 crops can be a bit dodge depending where they cut me.

MinaPaws
Love those, can’t really afford but may need to justify as they will be worn for years.

I bought these & love them to brighten up a black dress or blue jeans & white shirt. Just need the tan now.
m.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/friday-woven-lace-up-sandals-7287415

Kate Moss does not look expensive with a fag in her hand I want her shorts not her fags but great contribution.

Oh poop Laiste why did I read your sandals review? Now I need some of those Fitflops - I have a perfectly adequate pair of Next leather tan sandals but the fitflops would be loads comfier....

In an effort to look more expensive I've just bought these tan leather sandals from M&S.
The leather is nicer than it looks in the picture.
http://www.marksandspencer.com/leather-buckle-sandals-with-insolia-flex/p/p60155576?image=SD011T0229644VSXXEC90&color=TAN&prevPage=plp

I love this thread. Thank yo OP

I now have a very full wish list waiting for payday

I always think hair pulled back into a super high pony always looks very groomed. My DD2 taught me the trick to sort of pull my hair a little apart by the band to make it perkier somehow. It's important to get it neat though, or it can look a bit slovenly

They’re gorgeous. I wish the red was more a cherry red as I need some red sandals.

picasso I looked at those sandals - they do look lovely btw - but the ankle strap put me off. I've had ankle strap sandals before and I've found them a bit rubby. Have you found them ok though?

This thread is wonderful and dreadful both at the same time. Wonderful that I'm rethinking my wardrobe and clearing out the rubbish but dreadful that I have just ordered so many new items to replace them

I have those sandals in the tan colour, they're really comfortable, I wear them all day without any problems.

I also have these from M&S, they're really comfy too and slightly more dressy as they have a higher heel.

Can I also say I completely agree about well-fitting clothes.

I am just starting to realise that well fitted and fitting clothes are much more flattering.. I love the idea of drape and skim but I think in reality that they make me look huge, especially boxy styles or those which fall straight from my bust. I just look like a huge block of material. Something that gives a hint of waist and fits correctly does me many more favours

http://www.marksandspencer.com/wide-fit-leather-buckle-gladiator-sandals/p/p60153657?image=SD011T029534WWVSXXEC90&color=TAN&prevPage=srp

Thoughts on these tan sandals anyone?