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

I always thinks freckles look beautiful, especially in summer.

I'll raise you big boobs. Always need a bra. Nasty sore sweaty bits underneath when it's hot, and even when it's not hot.

I also have these (again from Next) and whilst they look lovely they don’t hold the foot as securely as the others. Good for a couple of hours on your feet I would say.

I like these silver ones from The White Company too....they are subtle metallics. The others are a good casual for summer.

I live in a hot country and lucky to have a selection of good quality cotton clothing to choose from.

I do wear a lot of mid/long kurtas (tunics) with either wide leg trousers of an array of colours.

I keep to the straight tops wide bottoms or loose tops with fitted bottoms combo, otherwise I just look like a lose flappy blob. I do like linen but have to buy it in the UK and take it back.

Im not a show the skin when the sun comes out, never have but prefer to be covered but in interesting designs and colours.

Chunky jewellery say wood or very plain silver jewellery, no bling on anything, suits me and Im happy.

Shoes flats in a good quality leather, just bought a very dull rose gold flat sandal, very understated but smart but love any shade of tan. But tend not to do beachy type styles, only wear flip flips in the house/pool/beach

I did go on holiday to another hot country recently and did get lots of compliments on my clothing, and the way I wore more clothes than most of the other holiday makers but looked very comfortable and cool in the heat. Was nice of people to comment even the hawkers on the beach (well, maybe that so good!!)

I am very pale BTW but do minimal make up but I do love a dark red nail varnish, and I only wear toe polish in the summer, not matching . But of course a SPF on my face is a must.

Never ever find me in a pair of shorts even on the beach (never had the legs for them!), loose long dresses or skirts, but never wear a hat, prob as I cannot put my trusty sunglasses on my head!

But then I was in Sainsburys last week and I have never seen so much flesh, sun out, clothes off! Each to their own........I like what I wear and its comftable and cool for me, but that does not say its expensive looking!!!!

i agree with all of the above. Tight skimpy summer desses don't look good on anyone, no matter what your age.

Last weekend, when it was hot, i wore a crisp cotton dress, belted, with tan sandals and oversized sunglasses and got quite a few compliments - something that has not happened for a while...

Marking my place. Loving it 😁

Definately no white linen trousers!

I need new sunglasses

I think white linen trousers work if you wear them with a loose and at least hip length vest top.

They look nice then if they are a linen mix material.

Ooh I love this

Love those sandals, iwanka

Place marking to read later!

Oh dear,I fear after buying 2 pairs of flip flops from primark at 90p a pop this isn’t the thread for me 🤣

Great thread.

I would say it's about cultivating an air of being comfortable in a hot climate. As if perhaps you are well-travelled. So anything that makes you look like your typical Brit abroad - "oh fuck it's my annual fortnight in the sun, better put on v little and throw myself directly in the sun's rays" is to be avoided..

So NO to:

• Visible bra straps or being generally half-dressed
• Sunburn
• clothing obviously bought cheaply specifically for Your Summer Holiday.
• Too much tacky jewellery esp jangly gold horrid stuff.

YES to:

• big, glamorous sunhat & shades
• understated colours, jewellery

I love those first tan sandals, IwankaTramp - they look like they are not too flat either - I've got a very similar pair from Hush I bought a couple of years ago that I love the look of, but are dead flat and therefore really uncomfortable to walk much in.

I've seen two people who looked really fab when the weather was hot
1 - perfect fitting neutral not too short, shorts, white t-shirt, designer sunglasses, lightly tanned, slim, very pretty with perfect hair. Can't remember her footwear.
2 - long black sleeveless dress again perfect fit and black slip on crocodile shoes, dark hair and tanned.

Both simple outfits and looked stunning but effortless. Alas so easy to get wrong.

Freckles are lovely op.
Linen trousers definitely not expensive looking to me.

Queen Rania of Jordan in St Tropez
kind of sums up the look.

Love these threads .

Agree with previous comments re tans; a subtle and even glow rather than a full-on bronzed look is preferable, IMO.

I wear Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser throughout the year but go one or two shades warmer in the summer. It doesn't completely cover my freckles but does really even the skin tone without looking greasy or shiny. I also use the lightest sweep of Hourglass Ambient Light powder over the top.

I have some Topshop tan leather sandals which are so comfy and flattering on the leg. I love them. They go with everything.

In terms of clothing, I like casual dresses hat can be worn day or evening. Hush Ivy is may favourite. I also have a couple of shirt dresses that I swear by. My colouring is cool winter so I stick to blacks, navy and grey.

I also love light blue wash denim shorts with an oversized top or shirt. Note difference between oversized and 'floaty' I have shirt, tops and tees from ASOS, Topshop, Dotty P, Hush, Zara, H&M and French Connection. I like the look of denim shorts with long or 3/4 sleeves, and it's good for covering up in the sun.

I think there are some things to avoid:

~ Bright coral vest tops
~ Orange skin
~ Sunburnt skin
~ Flip flops
~ Tight clothing
~ Visible bra straps
~ Garish nails

This sort of thing but lose the belt and necklace....

Tattoos will spoil any summer look! Suns out guns and tats out 🤢

I think I love you all

Too excited to read every post but I will be going through every word taking NOTES!

Trying to tie in expensive and Princessing here, the idea being that a smooth slim and toned body is the best summer accessory !

I am very excited about all your replies.

I MIGHT have a special notepad where I wrote myself notes from the Expensive threads... it will be getting added to!

Linen trousers do NOT look expensive.

They look like a British/Irish/American perspn holidaying on the French riviera and attempting to fit in.

Burns white linen trousers what cool and floaty trousers do people suggest if linen is out?

Love those first sandals.

I've yet to see anyone look good or expensive in shorts. Not sure why but I just don't get them.