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

landofoddsocks that Modalu bag is beautiful, what colour did you get? I've been looking for a yellow bag. It's not lined though is it?

I'm trying to decide about this one:

www.johnlewis.com/karen-millen-rounded-satchel-bag/yellow/p3439144

That's lovely quirky what a bargain!

Thank you KnownUnknowns! I think I"ll give it a try, there's a lovely jumper in there on the sale too for Winter.

love your charity shop Jigsaw dress quirkychick.

Thanks, it's the second jigsaw piece from the same charity shop. It was £12.50, and looks great on. Jersey is modal/merino mix.

I like the Karen Miller bag, Dancergirl very summery.

I was lurking at the beginning of this thread, and haven't rtft since, so apologies if it's already been linked, but I saw this and thought it was lovely. Frankly it would look bloody awful on me, but it might do for some of you!

www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2688377_c101/stripe-linen-pencil-dress-black

Has anyone seen any nice summer dresses in shades of red or orange? I have SO much blue/navy in my wardrobe, I fancy some brighter colours. I like above the knee and with short sleeves.

@Dancergirl I bought the Modalu bag in tan then got the yellow too as I loved it so much! 🤭 The yellow looks great with navy and white outfits.

You're right, it isn't lined but is double-sided leather, so is the same grain inside as outside. It's pretty sturdy.

I like the Karen Millen one you linked to as well but that looks like it would hold a lot less stuff... the Modalu one is a bit of a tardis so ideal for me. Although the Karen Millen one is fully covered when done up so would be better for potentially rainy days!

Love the Jigsaw dresses! I need to stop checking this thread.

And the Oliver Bonas one! I bet it would come up too short on me though.

Right - another ideas request! Sandals, this time, not flat but also not silly high and relatively easy to walk in! Are espidrils a bit common (as my dear departed Nanna would say). I want something that looks classic and elegant, gives me a bit of height to dress up some dresses I have. Thinking navy or tan. Anyone seen anything good?

Thanks land I am really tempted by the Modalu bag! You're right, the Karen Millen one is a bit small which is why I'm dithering.

Does the Modalu sit nicely when worn cross-body?

Yes Dancer, I like the way it hangs. I think it helps that the strap is quite wide.

Wow, House of Fraser has just announced that it's closing half of its stores.

I love the Guildford HoF for fashion. Better than JLP in Southampton.

@coffeeorsleep

On the basis that they’re being sold in net a porter and matches, I bought some wedge espadrilles for a wedding later this summer.

Hi dancergirl I just bought the Boden antonia wrap dress - not the right length for you but it does have the sleeves and is a gorgeous shade of orange!

<a class="break-all" href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=m.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses/smart-day-dresses/w0162/womens-antonia-wrap-dress&ved=2ahUKEwjaitSyqMLbAhXDBsAKHZphDaYQFjAAegQIBhAB&usg=AOvVaw2JwoPnO93rdUvtq6ODbgs6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=m.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses/smart-day-dresses/w0162/womens-antonia-wrap-dress&ved=2ahUKEwjaitSyqMLbAhXDBsAKHZphDaYQFjAAegQIBhAB&usg=AOvVaw2JwoPnO93rdUvtq6ODbgs6

And it is a fabulous dress - it has arrived and the proper wrap shape is perfect for an hourglass like me :)

LaPampa - fabulous! I just need to find some navy ones I think.

Gah81 - lovely dress!

@coffeeorsleep

I think (size dependent) matches had navy canaster ones for £80ish.

Ooh I love the green Oliver Bonas dress. Possibly a shade too dark for my pasty white legs though.

I picked up a gorgeous tencel pale denim straight shirt dress from eBay (by M&S) midi length and wide cap sleeves with tie belt. There are a couple of sellers with different sizes available m.ebay.co.uk/itm/M-S-Tencel-DENIM-LOOK-Midi-SHIRT-DRESS-with-Belt-Size-16-or-20-LIGHT-BLUE/152998591855?hash=item239f6d3d6f:m:mVCGoKoaDOXAbn_lysqx9ng

Update - the Cos dress (PLEATED SLEEVELESS DRESS in black) arrived and is not for me, I am quite swamped in it and it is a weird shape overall and a strange length. So it will be going back!

I bought some of the Me and Em palazzo pants, they were about 6 inches too long, so they have gone back which is a shame, I liked them

CoffeeOrSleep I bought these Rieker sandals a few days ago. They are really comfortable. I haven't worn them yet as the weather hasn't been very warm since I bought them.

I'm looking for tops now, need something to hide a tum and not make me too hot. I have in my minds eye exactly what I want but not sure if it exists!

I'm hoping for things I can wear in the day but will look fine out at night if I add some accessories. Also need decent flip-flops.