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

What do we think of this oasis shirt dress ? (There's 20% with code BLUESKY20 at the mo).

I can't decide if it's going to look lovely, or not. The problem I have is being shorter and wobblier than I am in my mental picture of myself, I sometimes think I've managed the "expensive and timelessly elegant" and in fact ended up with "frumpy and Mumsy".

Does this scream "middle aged Mum trying to find something appropriate ? (Picture worn on a short woman)

I really like that dress coffee. Not sure I'd call it Mid Orange though?!

oh and has anyone seen it in real life? What colour is it?! On the website, it looks a burgandy colour, which while not very 'summery', is a colour that flatters my skin very well, and I often think wearing colours that suit me, rather than are in fashion or "right" for the season looks better. However, the website also calls it "mid orange".

X-post popsiecola! thats my issue, is it mid-orange and that's a crap photo, or has the person naming the colours lost their mind?

Known my denim shorts are artfully distressed .

It's clouded over here, so I'm back in indigo cropped slim jeans, smoky violet boho blouse (I can't think of a better word?) and similar colour oversize sunglasses, with teva sandals as I've been walking loads and still waiting for the perfect pair of leather sandals. Trying to channel boho lite.

I agree that the Oasis dress looks nice online. Cupro is a lovely silky material, I like burgundy but couldn't do orange either. You could lighten up a burgundy dress with lighter accessories in tan, silver, gold... that would make it instantly "summery".

I'm distressing mine as I type - they are soaking in peroxide and napisan - it's got to do something.

For those that have mentioned ballet pumps, What ballet pumps do you wear - i.e. What brands ?

I wear Chanel, hideously overpriced though. Cheaper options Repetto & French Sole

I like the dress but I suspect it would look a bit shit on me anyone over a size 12.

@happypoobum - well, I'm an 8, but am very short so not sure if it'll look right, might order while on offer and I can always send it back...

Was going to ask about footwear - I have lovely tan sandals and black ones, but what would you put on your feet for days you haven't painted your toenails cooler days? My go to choice of white converse don't look very elegant. Ballet pumps are relatively easy to source as I have very tiny feet and can find them in children's ranges (yep, I'm a size 2!), but wondering for other option ideas.

I usually wear loafers if I want to look smarter or it's too cold for sandals.

I have ordered that Oasis dress, it should be here tomorrow. Will report back on whether it's a lovely burgundy like the photo or orange and being returned! I just love that material so thought it was worth the colour risk.

Wrong thread - I've requested deletion. Sorry!

Leather trainers can look very smart, especially if they don't have any logos etc. I like converse, though, but then I like casual styles. I have a pair of pale grey, Missoni print ones that are my version of white trainers. I would probably wear them with trousers rather than dresses.

oh FFS - it's now sold out in my size! Have you lot just all ordered it?!

(That'll teach me for loading up the dishwasher before online shopping)

Doesnt silky material = sweat marks under the arms?

Oh no @CoffeeOrSleep... how annoying. It wasn't me I swear, I ordered an S but it's the XS that's out of stock.

@wizzywig fortunately I don't get that problem, it's rarely warm enough in the UK for me to feel too hot!

Ballet pumps - I used to wear French Sole religiously and got SO MANY compliments on them. I had a pair in dark patent leather mock-croc and some bronze ones that were a bit hardier - they had a more substantial sole. God I loved those shoes.

I have size 9 feet and swear by Gabor. Some of their styles are frumpy but there is a lot of great sandals and I love the Indiana pumps. My newest ones are a dusky gold colour from John Lewis and I love them. I love wearing my Gabor wedge sandals as they are so comfy despite the heel.

I'll post a pic of the blazer tomorrow!

Love love the Oasis dress. I fancy it in khaki with gold bangles.

On cooler days (or non toe showing) I wear espadrilles, either flat Chanel style ones or I LIVE in the wedge ones from Kurt Geiger. I have them in an embarrassingly huge collection of colours. They do a lower amid and a high wedge to suit.

www.kurtgeiger.com/women/shoes/sandals/wedges/lea-white-synthetic-miss-kg-0667910979

Oh no they are the white ones with the synthetic upper, I didn't mean to link to those!
The same style comes in various other textile uppers , I like the navy canvas

Those French Sole shoes are amazing!

The Oasis dress is lovely in khaki too @diamondsandrose but is out of stock in most sizes.

I own a pair of French Sole shoes. I have worn them for years and they have lasted so well.