I want to be a floaty summer dress and sandals person

[MrsGrindah]

...but I’m stuck in 3/4 cut offs and Clark’s shoes

I’m a stone overweight, have pale sensitive skin so can’t tan. Frizzy hair that hates heat or moisture. Sweaty feet with bunions so shoes always rub. Bingo wings. Cankles...bet you are begging me to stop!

Just wondering whether others are similarly blighted or whether you are all blithely cycling along in your white jeans swishing your blonde hair?

I think it's ridiculous to suggest someone's natural skintone will look 'shit'. These redheads all look good despite not having a tan in summer.

But I’m not talking about other people. I’m talking about me. I’m not a redhead either

I have had very painful feet since having a baby that swell very easily and office at the moment have some very comfy but stylish sandals

Where does one buy plain black harem pants? All the ones I see have very "busy" patterns on, and I can't wear patterns.

Personally I don't think floaty looks great if you are overweight - it can end up making you look bigger than you are. I'd go for something fitted - though not tight and with short sleeve if you don't like your arms. Legs always look better with a slight heel, but a chunky wedge will be more flattering and in proportion than something more dainty and strappy. Try and make a virtue of your pale skin by choosing colours that flatter rather than trying to mask it with fake tan (I think fake tan is fine for legs instead of tights, but not great elsewhere).

Most redheads aren’t size 6 models, count fosco

Speaking from experience, you can look good in summer as a pasty redhead, but it takes a hell of a lot of work. Most of which I can’t be arsed with!

I don't like maxi dresses as I feel like my mother in them. I love a tea dress style though, with sandals or slip ons. I wear nude/natural tan tights as my legs are very pale and I just feel 100% happier that way. I have ordered some gradual tanner recommended on another thread but it's not arrived as yet. Summer is difficult as I'm always trying to keep on top of hair removal etc.

I bought some harem pants from ebay, there are too many patterned ones in the shops. Next used to do some decent harem pants but they've recently switched to using thinner cheaper fabrics.

I've found swimming a great way to tone up all over my body. It's great for my mental well being as well.

Drink more water, cut down on carbs & processed foods and eat more veg & fruit. Try the Michael Mosley blood sugar dietthebloodsugardiet.com which was designed for diabetics to control blood sugar levels but is a general healthy eating plan.

Book a stylist session with John Lewis or a department store. They'll suggest styles which suit your body shape and then you can get ideas for future shopping trips. There's no obligation to buy, you can always shop around for cheaper alternatives.

thebloodsugardiet.com

Most redheads aren’t size 6 models, count fosco

Not quite sure what the face is for, any google image search is going to predominately produce images of tall and very thin women even if you search for 'slightly overweight person dressed for summer'. My point still stands that to look good does not and should not require a woman to cover her natural colouring.

I’m a blotchy redhead with blue toned skin. I find summer difficult. Also get blisters from scrappy sandals.

I look best in dresses that stop just below the knee. I bought a couple of Maine New England dresses from Debenhams that worked well.

I wear birkenstocks or find wedge heels make my legs look better.

A pedicure makes feet look better.

A big pair of sunglasses.

Or wide leg trousers and a more fitted top.

But autum I’m great at, ,!

Where can I find a pair of tan, leather sandals with a very slight heel?. I don't want a strap that goes round my ankle as it makes my legs look shorter than they are. I've looked online and can't find any I like but you lot on here always remind me of shops that I'd otherwise forget to look in.

www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-5830701/Fashion-dress-codes-covered.html

This actually has loads of lovely dresses

Spend a bit on some chic sunglasses, the make everyone look a bit cool. Plenty of boho styles around.
Try co-wading, it’s transformed my hair.
Palmers gradual tanner is very good, if you wanted to. I am pale as milk and feel much more confident about my arms if they aren’t absolutely white.
My friend is a stocky, fairly booby 5’4’’ and looks great in longer summer dresses. She wears them quite fitted with wedge heels. She looks hot IMO.

Co washing!

The face is for the fact that those pictures are not remotely representative of your average woman! They’re self selective for the type of fashion blogger/model that’s naturally beautiful. Plus, all the women shown looked under 25. I could do the pale and interesting thing as a youngster but as I’ve got older I’ve developed spider veins, blue veins under my skin, blotchy red patches. All of these would be pretty much invisible under a tan. As I said, you can look good as a redhead but it takes a lot more work. My best friend tans instantly and she just chucks on a vest, shorts, Sunnies and looks instantly fabulous, regardless of her weight/age.

As a nearly 45yo redhead with blotchy skin, I agree that skin clour is a problem but I choose carefully for my body shape, cover religiously with suncream every two hours, and think I look nice.

I choose dresses just below the knee and with sleeves and a waist and definitely no tie or elasticated waist as these always add volume and can look too fussy, which can look hot and uncomfortable. I would wear a lot of the forties style ones from the DM article linked to.

Basically I cover up all those areas that can looked folded and crinkled such as armpits and knees because I think those are the things that can look worst with pale skin.

I think a dress is great in the summer. It´s definitely the coolest thing and looks fresh. Believe me: living in Spain, I have tried everything.

For example something this shape

This is similar

Serendipityme

Try fitflop sandals, they've got a slight wedge heel to give a bit of arch support.

fitflop sandals

I have this which is lovely... Not too long, nice coverage on arms but still the floatyness you're looking for. Nice natural fabric too.

Have you tried saltwater sandals? I find them very comfortable.