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

4years I have some Indiana pumps in navy and tan. I agree that Gabor are usually a fab option. I have bought several pairs of boots from them. But I've found this Summer's sandals selection rather disappointing. Ditto Clarks who can usually also be relied upon. (I love their Hamble brogues and have them in mid grey and also tan. So flattering and comfy. I wear them with rolled up jeans).

There's a pair of pikolinos I'd love at Charles Clinkard that come in a 9 www.charlesclinkard.co.uk/women-c1/sandals-c4/apple-womens-casual-sandals-p29126?attribute%5B1%5D=24907

I find that they're a pretty good shop for big feet but you do have to trawl through some dowdy designs to find the gems

I'm Iberian and I struggle to buy Summer clothes in the UK (both for me and the DC).

There's too much colour, too many patterns and glitter/shiny things.

Shiny things/materials are awful in the sunshine.

Bizarrely, I find it hard to find good tan leather belts, which we wear all year round.

I think Massimo Dutti does basics pretty well and tends to look more expensive than they are.

I wear supergas - I have a white pair which I chuck in the washing machine if dirty and grey suede. There are lots of colour colours and their logos are very discreet.

Mamia15 I was just thinking supergas for classic, chic trainers.

I was trying to think of versatile, flattering clothes that I wear lots of in the summer months:
Me & Em palazzo pants (extra good, as can we worn in transitional weather, but not rain)
Vintage denim a-line skirt, a-line means it doesn't cling and so cool even on hot days (can also be worn in other months)
Denim shorts, mine are longish and slim cut, so need a floatier, looser top to balance out
Wide-legged, thin trousers, I have one pair in linen and one pair in cotton
Thin, jersey jumpsuit, I think I'd like more, maybe in a wide-legged style
Maxi dress, I used to own a blue, grecian style maxi dress, but it was viscose and shrunk, I would like a natural fibre one, I think
Loose shirts/peasant tops in a variety of colours but mostly plain
Wide strapped vest tops, much more flattering on me, as I have wider shoulders
T-shirts that are fitted but slightly loose, that are cooler in the heat.

Do French Sole pumps have any sort of padding? I’m wearing leather flip flops at the moment and my feet hurt with all the slap slapping going on.

I have some canvas Superga pumps in red, and some suede ones in beige. I need to get used to wearing them with things other than rolled up jeans. I don't really know how to do trainers with skirts/dresses. Probably because I'm conscious of my size 9s.

Thanks for the link to the Kurt Geiger wedges diamondsandrose. I liked the look of the white so have ordered them despite the upper being synthetic. I think they will look nice with jeans, trousers and a couple of midi dresses that I have from last year.

I bought these plain white trainers from Whistles a couple of months ago and am loving them though I normally wouldn’t go for something like this. They have very subtle branding and a lovely tan leather inside. 20% off at the moment but only available in a 38 now.

I have two pairs of flat sandals from M&S from a couple of years ago, one tan, the other a subtle snakeskin effect. Both get compliments. I bought a rose gold pair from Boden but haven’t worn them yet. I think I’m done for summer shoes now though I also thought that before buying the wedges...

VanillaSugar iirc they are very flat. The sizing didn’t work for me, 6 was too small, 7 too big. They don’t do half sizes.

Also, I wasn’t impressed with the soles for the price.

Sorry if this has been mentioned. Too many posts to read through. I use this tanning water called Eco Tan and I love it. It really evens out skin tone. Also, I love freckles.

French Sole are pretty flat but I found mine very very hard wearing. And they do come in half sizes.

thatsscottish can you still get Eco Tan? I used to buy it from QVC and it was bloody brilliant stuff. Really took the edge off my blue, never streaked or went orange, didn't smell ...
Must find it again.

With regard to ballet pumps I get the flexible sole rubber sole ones
which are comfortable and cushioned

Thank you!

I can recommend Bondi Sands gradual self tanning foam from Superdrug for those blue tinged pale pink people like me. Smells good and doesn't streak, I've had loads of comments asking if I've been away

The Oasis dress has arrived, it's really nice. Looks just like the photo online, definitely deep red rather than orange!

The sizing is pretty generous for a S but very good on length. It's just above the knee on me and I'm 5'11". I hate it when things are cut so short they look like mini dresses on anyone over average height!

Pupsiecola - I wear supergas with dresses as well as jeans and chinos. Great for days like today when it's too cold for sandals.

Although I have got a bit of a capsule summer wardrobe now, it just doesn't thrill me like shopping for autumn and winter. I end up wishing the good weather away so I can buy cashmere, coats and boots.
I'd hate to live in perpetual heat.

I can heartily recommend fitflop f sporty leather trainers for a superga style shoe. I am on my 3rd pair. Buttery soft and padded arches for anyone like me with plantar fasciitis.

I bidded on a Me and Em maxi dress last night but didn't win it. Boo.

My Gap tan shopper arrived this morning, it's fab and I'm going to see if they still have the blue.

Shopping list

The oasis dress
Superga's
The higher version of the KG wedge in Black for evenings( it's called Monty(
Eco Tan - I also had it from QVC! Must investigate

This thread is going to make me poor but so stylish

Openup hope you like your wedges! They go with everything

Asos sell them too and have a lot of sales/20% off codes

I have free unlimited next day delivery from ASOS which is a bit too convenient!

Re Dead Sea Salts in bath for "expensive" skin.

I ordered a massive sack which arrived in the post today. How many/much do I sling in the bath, please?

I fling in 2 handfuls..swirl about, sit for aaages then scrub with Korean cloths if you have them
Prepare to shed 10 years worth of old fake tan!

Thank you : the Korean cloths have arrived today too