How to look more 'glam' in the summer?

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

It often strikes me when we're on holiday that some people manage to look effortlessly glam even when it's hot & we're sightseeing (rather than dressing up for dinner).

I've been trying to capture what it is about them that makes me think 'glam' - in the hope that I might replicate (appreciate it won't be 'effortless'!)

I've come up with;
Sunglasses (which I only wear when reading in bright sunshine)
Decent bags (not the ancient rucksack I drag with me)
Jewellery (beyond the one pair or earrings and gold chain i normally have with me)
Jackets (although when it's really hot I'd rather be cool).

Any other thoughts?

‘Glam’ isn’t really something I aspire to, but I suppose I meant in the context of active/athleisure wear.

Either arms or legs on show but not both of you want easy polished look; shirts with a shirt or vest with a maxi or trousers.

Glowy skin and a bit of lipstick - given most of us ditch makeup when it's warm a bit of colour can make you look instantly like you've made an error. Oooh and nails and toes

Avoid shorts like the plague. There are no style of shorts that suit women over 25. The gunt, the knees, they just look BAD. The current fashion for ones that show your vulva are particularly problematic.

Dresses in natural fabrics.

Oh dear I must be a right horror to behold as shorts are on repeat in summer for me at 45. Although short of leg I think I can look ok in a pair of tailored shorts with a bit of heel.

I’m well over 25 and I’ve learned over the years that it’s better to dress for your body and style than be dictated by the latest trends or “fashion rules”. I also refuse to sacrifice comfort/practicality for looks. I’ve got nice legs we won’t discuss my arms and belly so I usually wear short-ish dresses but for some activities shorts just make more sense— e.g., sitting on the grass, riding a bike or climbing in and out of a boat.

I got a nice pair of slouchy black shorts from Toast in the sale two years ago and I recently bought these:

nrbyclothing.com/products/poppie-linen-short-blue-chambray

They’re not glam for a night out but with a cute top, big summery tote and chunky but simple gold earrings they give off a classy but low-effort vibe. And good sandals of course — I’m dying for a pair from Italeau but my budget at the moment does not agree :(.

Also I won’t wear anything that doesn’t allow me to wear a good supportive bra. When I’m shopping I see so many summer clothes with open backs or tiny spaghetti straps so I guess they work for some people but for me the right undergarments make my clothes look much much better.

Keeping makeup light but I don't have great skin and really struggle with this.

I would love to look a bit more glam.

Summer is great as sunglasses are instant glam and good for us older women!

However I do really need a rucksack, I walk a lot with my child with SN and need a big bag and my hands free.

Does anyone know how to look glam with a rucksack?!

IMO huge no-nos are:

spaghetti straps
visible bra straps
strapless tops or dresses
cheap flip flops
neon nails and/or toes
scruffy hair
rucksacks
crop tops

to up the glam factor I would say:

sunglasses (but not coloured or white)
a nice bag and shoes/sandals
yellow gold (colour) jewellery
'polished' hair
a light and fresh fragrance
neat fingernails in neutral colours.

The secret was revealed to me a few years back in Greece, when the lady I’ve been admiring was walking behind her husband who was lugging two absolutely HUGE suitcases on their last day. He then told me he’s going back for his in a minute. The lady in question was explaining she brought the GHDs, the curlers, hairdryer, an iron, her own silk bedding, dressing gowns, most of her make up and 15 pairs of shoes, hence one of the wardrobe on wheels. The other suitcase had clothes.
She did look impeccable the whole time though.

Elegant floaty dress
Gold jewellery
clean glossy hair not stiff with spray
Sunglasses
Flat gold strappy / roman sandals
Nice pedi
Butter soft leather tote bag

What exactly do you think happens to all women at 25 that means they can no longer wear shorts?

Try avoid patterns or logos on your clothes

3/4 linen trousers in black or cream

Sunglasses

Get a nice denim jacket that suits your shape

Decent tan colour sandals

Find a way of tying your hair back that suits so it dosnt look messy when sweaty, like low pony or low bun.

Leather cross body bag, the camera bag style straps are good.

Morden decent jeans that hit above the ankle if mom style

I agree to be truly glamorous you need a couple of suitcases at least and ideally some staff.

For me there needs to be some interest in the outfit, so instead of wearing just a vest, wear a short sleeved shirt over it or a thin waistcoat. And looser fabrics. Most people don’t suit skin tight T-shirts and shorts, and they aren’t even that cool if they are stuck to your back with sweat.

I'm always puzzled (and jealous) that some chic people can wear long sleeved kaftans or linen trousers and a shirt in 30C+ heat and look dry and matte and gorgeous whereas I am struggling to not melt in my scrap of fabric and all shiny and sweaty faced

@CallmeMrsPricklepants what on Earth js a 'gunt'?

You'd be horrified at me, I'm 42 and wear shorts all summer long. I look fabulous in them.

I bring a travel steamer with me so that I can wear uncreased dresses - helps to look a bit more polished.

Are they easy to use? been thinking of one for day to day as I don't iron.

A horribly offensive word and one the poster should reconsider using IMO!

I am 33 and wore denim shorts - M&S, boyfriend - with a loose black t shirt and gladiator sandals today. Sorry not sorry!

People's knees? 25? I'm pretty sure 35 year olds have knees that are indistinguishable from those of a 25 year old. Gunt? Wtf is this? I have seen many an older woman look fabulously chic in shorts. Guaranteed they tend to be slim and leggy but an elegant pair of mid thigh tailored shorts with a French tucked shirt and very flat sandals or loafers or simple sneakers can look timeless on women in their 60s and 70s even.

What's with obsession with tan accessories and gold jewellery? I am a jewel winter and don't own any tan or gold because they don't suit me.

Generally not be a sweaty person. A glowy person instead. I would imagine

Happy to see a nice, confident post.

Speak for yourself, @CallmeMrsPricklepants I look very glam in my shorts.

(What a nasty, ugly post. Really jarring and unnecessary.)

I’m not sure it’s a certain dress code, like floaty dresses. I’ve seen some really cool looking women in wide legged trousers and a tucked in band tee.

To me I think it’s healthy, shiny skin, a body that’s looked after, quality fabrics, sunglasses, delicate jewellery on tanned skin and a confident posture.