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

"A white woman with a heavy tan, especially one that is obviously from a sunbed (because it's always more orange than a real tan)"

I don't approve of sunbeds, but they're real tans and not orange.
Did you mean spray tan?

I too look like Angela Merkel/Sandi Toksvig if I try to do the neutral colours/shirt/blazer look.

Countless times I've envisaged myself in White Company stuff and then upon trying it on I am unpleasantly surprised that I am not a willowy, light-tanned, lean-limbed, swishy-haired model but a 5'3 pasty hausfrau.

Summer is not for the stumpy.

Anyone seen a cheaper version of this. In love!!

m.asos.com/us/sabina-musayev/sabina-musayev-abstract-floral-midi-skirt/prd/9600393?affid=10607&transaction_id=102f2c708dd757c70187c0f934f45d&pubref=1023

Hausfrau

ThenCame that is a perfect summary of Zara!

Re the size and summer debate, up post I mentioned one of my friends being my summer style hero (white, denim and tan wardrobe). She is also 5'1" and an apple-shaped size 14. She always looks amazing.

Her natural honey-coloured skin and £££ budget do help though!

I really want some crisp white shirts for summer but everything I order is in such thin fabric that it's see-through and has had to be returned. I've tried shirts from so many places (Jigsaw, Boden, Reiss, Zara, Hobbs...) and always the same problem. Any suggestions?

I like Hawes and Curtis, they have 15% off at the moment with 15GIFT

Thanks @Amber0685. I do like their shirts and have some for work but I want something a little more relaxed for days off.

knownunknowns these aren't exactly the same but pretty similar, and much cheaper here

I buy all my sandals from Greece via Etsy, really simple classic designs, comfy and cheap!

I bought this khaki summer casual frock today. Cheap but looks very cool and wafty on. Crinkly fabric looks a bit better creased and nicer than the actual photo in RL. Also in blue.

@BitOutOfPractice That sounds lovely
Thank you.
Sorry for crashing the thread, realise now I should have started new thread.

"Any suggestions?"

Well if something is see through you just wear a cami/vest underneath don't you? Unless it's over 30 degrees where you are.

"Countless times I've envisaged myself in White Company stuff and then upon trying it on I am unpleasantly surprised that I am not a willowy, light-tanned, lean-limbed, swishy-haired model but a 5'3 pasty hausfrau."

Ok, but I'm 5'3 and in the winter I look like a squashed down Michelin man in my 3/4 layers under a big jumper and a down coat. Summer can't really be any worse.

@Gwenhwyfar I'm not keen on doing that, hence my quest for a non see through one!

Re shirts I have several from Cloth & Stone which I love.

www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/search?q=cloth+and+stone

I got mine via TK Maxx though so cheaper.

@LandOfOddSocks
Have a look at Jaeger for perfect crisp white cotton shirts. They are often reduced and in websites like Brand Alley

@ Nowisthemonthofmaying They look very interesting thank you!

These are my favourite White shirt.
I'm a little busty so I sew a press stud to avoid exposure. They wash well, are very minimal, good collar, a bit of stretch and a good price.

Thanks for the tips, I will check these out!

I guess as a 5ft size 22 I should just emigrate to a cold country for the summer months then.

I have this outfit but now I have no money for anything else so will have to wear everyday. I might look expensive but I’ll smell bad.

No one will notice the smell!

Thanks! In my head when I’m wearing it I’m sashaying around a market in Cannes feeling up fruit

Dialect - I love that look!