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

Got this skirt 20% off a few weeks ago and I am loving it, so comfortable and flattering, I know it's expensive but this skirt will get so much wear over the summer - it's my investment piece.

One needs super-thin thighs for that type of skirt, KnownUnknowns. Such skirts are most revealing of saddle bags .

I love that skirt Known but I'd be reluctant to add more bulk to the part of me I hate the most - my tummy

I don't have super thin thighs, I wish - thigh gap for me doesn't exist even when my BMI is under 20. There is a very thick band around the top - folds over like the top of Hush's hareems.

Is there any element of holding in / anti-wobble in the band?

The band is quite elastic and supportive, it's about 9inchs deep, so you can wear it nearly up to your bra eliminating bulges, or food it down.

Known lovely skirt, I have their palazzo pants in navy from quite a few years ago. Gorgeous quality. They have a similar waistband, and I agree you have to be a little careful, but it can be super flattering (my tummy is not my best feature, either) I wear mine with a chambray, plain peasant blouse or old h&m conscious t-shirts which are fitted but not tight.

Ivanka I have a maxi, t-shirt dress from gap which is a bit similar to the second in a grey stripe. I find it difficult to wear because it makes me look very straight up and down, but looks OK with a jacket or short cardigan over, as it breaks it up. I'm still debating whether to get rid. On the other hand, I have a hush black and white stripe dress that is cut straight up and down, but works because it is less clingy and midi, rather than maxi.

I saw this dress in M&S yesterday and was surprised how chic it looked. Really silky fabric that hung well. Looked a lot more expensive that it was. With tan sandals and a cropped sleeved white blouse or jacket, I think it would look great for casual days in summer.

I've not RTFT but I could have done with this sooner as going tomorrow but I've bought this and it is such a flattering fit if you are bigger on top.

www.zara.com/uk/en/linen-dress-with-floral-embroidery-p04786077.html

An absolute bargain too.
I think white white white is the way with brushed metallic accessories.

@winterisstillcoming - what happens when you lift your arms in a dress like that - I'd be exposing my knickers!

Lol! Expensive people don't lift their arms lol. I'm short so goes to knee length for me luckily.

So many dresses fail the raised arm test - my clothes might look expensive but my knickers certainly don't!

Just figured out how to do a J Crew roll up sleeve - instant $$$.

Not a fan of that white Zara dress.

That White Zara dress is exactly the Orr of shapeless thing I'm trying to avoid. It would fall straight down from my bust and I'd lose any waist definition at all. Sorry winter

Orr? Sort!

Love that Me and Em skirt.
I am after some wide leg trousers/palazzo pants to wear with plain white t shirts...I got navy linen Next ones last summer (desperate airport shopping race prior to boarding) and while they got a lot of wear, they were a teensy bit short (am 5ft 10) and the linen was, as linen is, a crumpled mess half the time. Anyone have any fabulous ones?

Mina did you buy the dress? I'm really tempted and am that it's m&s!

ThenCame I have the palazzo pants version of that Me and Em skirt. Mine are from quite a few years back, but they still do them, I am 5'7" and the regular are long on me (I turned them up) but they usually do a long option too. They are a good dress up dress down option, just don't wear them in the rain! The modal jersey is heavy and soaks up gallons at the hem.

Without wanting to start the whole skin tone thing, I'm pale and don't really like fake tan but I would seriously recommend Sally Hanson Airbrush legs, it's more of a makeup mousse that you put on. It just gives you a little bit of colour and evens out any blemishes. I bought it after it was recommended on here.

Ooh, I'm just looking at the Me and Em trousers and skirt...love both! Good to know they are quality for that price.

I think my trousers are 6yrs old, ThenCame.

@ThenCameTheFools I'm 5'9 and got the wide leg linen trousers from Boden. Very long even with wedges. Think they're doing 25 percent off one day this week.

Oh @quirkychick , I’ve never heard of Me&Em before but I just know it’s going to cost me money! How long are your trousers... I mean roughly- not expecting you to get the tape out I’m 5’11 and usually go for a tapered leg because they’re a bit more forgiving if not quite long enough. I don’t think half mast ankles is an expensive look.

BadTaste - yes and it doesn't look M&S at all.

Not wild about the tassles - look a bit like dressing gown or curtain ties but you can substitute the tie with a tan leather belt. For £19.50 it's good.