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

Ps I shopped so hard online last week JL blocked my card for abnormal activity.... I've realised how fussy I've become as 90% of what I ordered went back. My bar for acceptable has been raised. I'm on the look out now for good trousers which aren't linen but are for summer but aren't too fussy or work like. Any hints and tips welcome...

Would recommend cos basic t shirts over uniqlo. The cut is much better

Agh this thread . I've spent a fortune at Me & Em, and hurray the skirt is lovely! I was thinking about the Cos jumpsuit already so have ordered it now it's on sale, and am now on the hunt for swimwear, time to go back through the links! Thank you all ladies, it's so nice to get real ideas.

What does everyone think of this top from Me and Em:

www.meandem.com/lace-trim-swing-top-cream

Dancergirl Quite like that top but I'd prefer a lower neckline, I'd be all boobs in that I think

@dancergirl I think it would be lovely with a statement necklace. I also love that it's pale cream/ ivory and not that awful bright white I see everywhere at the moment

Hi guys long time lurker here but anyone know where I could find the perfect blue or red seersucker dress for summer. Vineyard vines a us store had one online but it was pricey and sold out. Would love to wear to a bbq with some wedge heels and soft curls in the hair! Any help appreciated . Tried googling to no avail

Love that Momzilla, but it's sold out. I can't believe BHS is closing down again, I like their lighting.

To over complicate my swimsuit search I need a longer body too which is making it almost impossible unless I spend £70+ on a Seaspray one. maybe I'll just embrace my wobblier body

Thank you momzilla and lola

I also have boobs and wider shoulders than hips, should I avoid necklines that that one?

I am really rubbish at shopping for my shape!

I'd say you need done thing more fitted and with a scoopier neckline.

"I can't believe BHS is closing down again, I like their lighting. "

I had no idea that you could buy from them online still. I thought that they went completely last year. I miss them.

What about this:

www.meandem.com/ruched-detail-vneck-top-softwhite

I like that @Dancergirl!

Also love the black Toast dress @Momzilla82. How much did you size down? I am 5'11', the same height as the model but not quite that slim, usually a size 10. The size guide says S is a 10-12 and sizes are generous, but would an XS likely be too small if it's a 6-8?

Although it's more the wrapping up and the cosy feel of autumn I like.*

Oh yes. And the return of opaque tights and knee length boots and long sleeves.......

In the meantime, as a slightly less fat than last year woman, I've discovered midi skirts and blouses and I love a bit of tan!

In my dreams I wear those cute ankle grazers from Boden, but in reality no trousers at all suits me. Though I can get away with a slightly wide leg (next slouchy trousers) or a bootcut. Nothing skinny, ever. My legs are hideous.

bitout thank you so much for the link with the green M&S dress. It's fab and a bargain for £15. I'm going to wear it with white trainers and silver jewellery

Some nice bits in the Sainsburys premium range at the moment. Saw a nice jumpsuit and I bought a really nice long cream top that looks good and much more than the £14 I paid.

Looking for a chunky gold bangle if anyone spots one
Trouble is i have big hands and tiny wrists!

Oh I so glad you liked it dancer. I couldn't believe it was only £15 either. A reminder Thant m&s can do quality basics well

I bought the fitflops linked to earlier in the thread. There is a sale pn and the discount code SALE15 still works if anyone is interested - it covered the p&p cost and knocked a couple of £ more off the shoes.

Bit- thanks for the M&S dress link- it's not what I'm after, but dd loved it and have ordered it for her!

I have been at school meetings with well dressed and not so well dressed Italian colleagues, was so tempted to take a few secret photos for the thread, what to wear and what not...wide legged silk patterned trousers seem very in- and I even asked one (very tall) colleague where she got hers from as they were lovely- sort of an abstract peacock feather pattern.

My Mango work blouses arrived, very pleased with them- fluid and gauzy and cheap.

Mint Velvet sale started if anyone is interested. Still eyeing up some of their t shirts but wondering if the quality is worth the £££s

Thought I'd share my latest find - these trousers from Oliver Bonas. I wore them today with a white shirt and felt really good in them. They're styled really oddly on the website - much nicer in real life. And in the sale too

@auditqueen I am the same about trousers but I found the most amazing peg trousers from Warehouse last week. I'll find the link.....

Here it is.
www.warehouse.co.uk/gb/clothing/trousers/compact-cotton-trousers/030656.html?dwvar_030656_color=77&position=18&cgid=trousers#&start=18&categoryID=trousers

Still lurking and enjoying the links and posts.

RL still a bit grim, but at least the sun has finally appeared and - once my legs are less Scottish blue/grey in colour - I'll be able to start wearing summer clothes.

Wrong blimming thread.
As you were, expensive-looking MNers.

Woo hoo! My lovely mum had a little windfall and has given me £250 as an early birthday present
www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/d/2334186/buckley+london+rose+gold+plated+crystal+bangle+duo/
What do we think of this? Too sparkly?

Also does anyone have these sandals? from M & S www.marksandspencer.com/elastic-ring-detail-sandals/p/p60155257?image=SD_01_T02_4383_B0_X_EC_90&color=RED&prevPage=plp

Tempted by yet another bag as I have a couple of slouchy totes but like structured bags best www.myexquisiteshop.com/products/giselle-handbag-in-italian-leather

Just need a beach kaftan type cover up and maybe a pair of navy trousers of some kind