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

Thanks bangingon! I hadn't considered amazon. I'll have a look :)

Oh get over yourself BS

Try and lighten up a bit, why don't you?

jacinta lighten up? I see what you did there

This is the khaki jumpsuit madonna www.hallhuber.com/uk/apparel/jumpsuits/safari-style-jumpsuit-sage.html

Can this thread be a bit more visual please?

If posters could add links/pics to items that they're suggesting, would be v helpful.

“Jersey trousers from M&S are fab”

I agree. I have a pair of wide leg plain black ones that I wear with a black and white striped vest top and a red cardigan or jacket. I think it suits me.

I can’t wear designer sunglasses. I am very short sighted and have a small head, so basically, I wear the only size prescription lens sunglasses that fit me. So they are expensive because I have a complicated prescription, but not necessarily designer.

What’s with the obsession with tan shoes and bags? I am winter and just don’t suit tan or brown. All of my footwear is black or navy, and all but one of my handbags is black. I have one red handbag.

Unlike mumsnetters on other threads I don’t consider it a badge of honour to not iron my clothes. I prefer natural fabrics, and quite frankly, they look scruffy unironed. Also, good underwear is key. IMO large, unfettered droopy boobs just aren’t a good look.

I love this thread. Some great ideas.

I've been on a bit of a Next shopping spree today. I bought:
red trousers which I think will look lovely with a breton t-shirt and flats

these trousers and top although the top is hideous and shiny and cheap looking so going back but the trousers I think look very expensive- will wear with a plain khaki vest I think. What do you think? Are they awful? Please tell me if they are. I think they look nicer in real life than on the website.

I also bought some blue cotton capris which are really nice.

Got my dd age 12 this which looks so cute on her! Sorry, I know this is not kids fashion page but trying to dress young girls classily is a minefield as they often look so cheap and trashy.

One thing I hate is sportswear for daywear- hoodies, lycra leggings, etc. with slogans from Adidas or Nike- great for sport- but horrible for general wear! Never looks classy or expensive!

I was guilty of that yesterday Fresta, but I did a pilates class at lunchtime and went running in the evening. I couldn't be bothered to change in between.

But you did sport so you are excused!

I got this swimsuit I love it and I think it looks sophisticated.

I also got this beach dress to go over it but am a bit undecided as to whether it looks chic or is a bit tacky? Opinions?

Jacinta Honestly, if a woman has flawless, creamy skin in the height of summer I think it looks more 'expensive' than any degree of tan.

I'm not entirely convinced that the colour of your skin can affect how expensive you look.
Freckles are beautiful and do not make someone look less expensive, ditto re pale skin. Equally, a deep tan doesnt look less expensive. Jacinta if you saw me (mixed race, brown skin, browner in summer) abd my dm (white skin, pale all year round) would you be thinking 'Oh the mum looks expensive cos she's pale. The daughter looks well cheap'

I think simplicity is key in the summer for us Brits. I do have an amazing print dress which looks expensive because it cost a bloody bomb. That's the drawback with wearing print, especially in your 40s and beyond.

I have recently bought a Baukjen Ellen safari shirt which hangs like a dream and also the Drue cotton shirt which looks a bit stiff and will need lots of washes to soften up. Baukjen really is hit or miss and I find a lot of the newer stuff looks a bit Per Una-ish.

I buy four or five items for my summer wardrobe and try not to get stressed. I can put together plenty of rotational outfits which are chic enough but not outstandingly stylish.

I can't get those photos of Queen rania in St. Tropez looking utterly confused out of my head. She is usually so poised

Jacinta Honestly, if a woman has flawless, creamy skin in the height of summer I think it looks more 'expensive' than any degree of tan.

I'm not entirely convinced that the colour of your skin can affect how expensive you look.hmm
Freckles are beautiful and do not make someone look less expensive, ditto re pale skin. Equally, a deep tan doesnt look less expensive. Jacinta if you saw me (mixed race, brown skin, browner in summer) abd my dm (white skin, pale all year round) would you be thinking 'Oh the mum looks expensive cos she's pale. The daughter looks well cheap'

I do not think for one minute there was a iota of racism intended there. It's about lily white my corned beef legs not looking their best in the sun and being derided for it. It's a matter of orange fake tan being insisted upon whereas a natural, groomed look for any colour looks better.
Mind you, I'd need a litre of Doublewear per limb to make my blue bits look remotely expensive.

Having a tan isn't the same as having a dark skin tone though.

A white woman with a heavy tan, especially one that is obviously from a sunbed (because it's always more orange than a real tan) can sometimes look a bit tacky. I don't think anyone is saying that pale-skinned women look more expensive than darker skinned women.

I think we need to get back to discussing the fashion because this is spoiling what started out as a great thread!

First two paras should have been bolded. Apologies.

I have been using IT cosmetics CC cream and that makes the skin on my face look summer-ready. Glowy, not sweaty, light make-up with factor 50 is a must for me. I also like wearing 'cold' fragrances in the heat.

an iota - not a iota. Bloody lunchtime wine!
I think very dark Rouge Noir toenails always look chic in the warmer months too.

Just bought a nice linen mix shirt from Asda. Looks far more expensive than £12.50! Available in pale blue, light beige and white.

Link here

Can you guys recommend a colour(s) for my summer nails as I do normally go for brights in the summer. Are nudes and taupes more expensive looking?

Ok I don't know how much clearer I can be without resorting to giving examples, however I'm generally a good egg so here goes;

Imagine if you will Kristen Scott-Thomas with a tan.
She doesn't look as 'expensive' with that tan does she?

Hence my comment re Alabaster skin.
If a woman has Alabaster skin then imho she'd do well to cultivate it rather than tan it.

I don't believe this makes me a rampant racist or a self hating anti semite, although allegations alluding to both have provided some amusement.

I hope that clears it up once and for all.

It does clear it up Jacinta, thank you. Hence why i asked rather than just berating you, genuinely wanted to know what you meant. I agree that we all look better with their natural tone. Following on from the my mum example; she wouldn't look so good if she sprayed herself orange and I would probably look ridiculous if I covered myself in pale foundation or bleached my skin for the sunmer.
The "expensive" part therefore maybe comes from keeping it simple. Which is kind of the emerging theme in terms of clothing too. Although I guess ultimately its all subjective.

Itscurtains - link to jersey trousers are here. Next have similar but these have a tie belt which I think will add bulk to the front.

[http://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-tapered-joggers/p/p22494151?image=SD_01_T57_6631_Y0_X_EC_90&color=BLACK&prevPage=plp]