Thought I looked ‘effortless Mediterranean cool’ — actually looked more like a harrassed scout leader 🫠 Help!

[ExcuseUs]

Looked back at last summer’s holiday pics and… wow. I thought I was nailing effortless Euro chic, I had bought new, planned better — a couple of black cotton dresse, linen shorts, black cami, espadrilles,. But in photos (taken from behind, of course 🙄), I looked less like a glam goddess and more like a scout leader on a mission. Not the hoped for.

So — how do you actually pull off that breezy, stylish holiday look, I am always envious of others, sashaying along the prom?

Dresses, coords, whatever — I’m open. Just want to look effortless and not thrown together in a melted heap.

Tips, combos, links — please hit me with your summer style wisdom!

Did you have a load of badges sewn on your arm? Ditch those.

Haha! Not quite.

Think it was the ‘stylish’ linen shorts I bought last year. Natural fabric and colour, carefully chosen. So sure I had ‘got it right’…but oh…the rear view shot…

So disheartened.

It could be the tank. Replace that with a looser linen or cotton shirt / top and you have a more breezy look. Unless you are very thin, I think tanks are horrendously unflattering

Shorts are rarely flattering from behind - maybe save those only for beach days

dresses all the way!

Regarding shorts, they are rarely flattering but it’s summer so wear them
and just don’t look at any back view photos!!

Dresses. So you only have one thing to think about

Knew it would be the shorts! They are so tricky. Stick with dresses.

I always go for long trousers in floaty fabric or dresses. I’m fairly sure I always look a sweaty mess in summer but I feel ok

Who looks good from the back? My guess is no one. Holiday photos often shock their subjects, add on weight, don’t flatter.
If you’re happy in your clothes why care?

Hehe, the reality gap. You need to read the ‘Expectation vs Reality’ thread in Classics.

We’ve all been there. Dib dib dib.

New Look have some black, wide legged trousers with a deep shirred waistband - gives you a waist.
Crinkle cotton, cool & floaty. Nice to wear & feel flattering.

Black is a very hard colour to wear. Especially English rose type complexion. If you want a dark colour go navy or brown is very in at the moment. But navy blue is more Parisian chic.

Long skirts and a white/ecru vest is nice.

Shorts- wear them short not knee or mid length.

Agree that shorts need to be short. Anything longer definitely gives scout vibes. I added a large long white linen shirt over a swimming costume or fitted tee and that seemed to work this year. No photos from the back though.
But also agree that dresses are the best answer.

What skin tone, height and body shape are you? I bet the wise ladies of style and beauty can come up with some great options!

Thanks for so many thoughts. I wear shorts because I like to have my ‘legs out’ in the sun, a dress would be too short.

What kind of dresses? I'm short and a size 8. Olive colouring.

I chose black and neutrals last year, after seeing lots of cool looking females, rocking those colours. Just didn't feel it worked. Brights? Pastels?

The cut of clothes in the UK, to me, can be less flattering than continental brands…. But obviously that very much anecdotal. Devil always in detail. Not sure what the answer is…

😂
MN please bring the laughing emoji back!

I know exactly what you mean. I wear long shorts because I have lumpy knees. I feel great at the time because my knees aren’t on show. And then I see a photo…..
I had Capri type trousers on the other day. Someone had taken a photo from behind. I commented to my DH that my shape made me look old. He looked at me, grinned and said “You look okay. And I hate to state the obvious, but you’re not exactly a spring chicken any more!” 😄

I really feel your pain. I spend ages looking, and pinning, outfit ideas on Pintrest so I can recreate. I always think I look great (like the pinned outfit) but in photos I look exactly how I really wish I didn't. A middle aged, frump haha.

What I've learnt is that I left the house feeling good, and I loved my outfit, and I felt good all day - confident, happy etc. So fuck it. I still try, I still stick to the principles of colour blocking, ratios - I'm doing my best, with what I've got (I hope!).

I really do notice those with STYLE though - it's a gift, honestly - to be able to just "throw" things together. Stylish people are a lucky bunch!

Don't wear khaki navy or black (or at least in articles which might look slightly miltary). Wear bright colours, white, pastels, patterns, (whatever you like or suits you) long flowing shapes not things cut off at the knee. Vests ok but maybe a kimono shirt with them. Capri pants make me feel like Miss Trunchbull as I have solid calves.

Some ideas:

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc146451808 (could wear either item with a plain garment if you don't want to go full PJ effect)

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc146019636

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/kaya-short-kimono-ivory-20000850016.html

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su381376/e60766#e60766

Fabrics? A simple v neck T in linen, skim fit and drapey will look much nicer than the same in a cheap mix fabric clinging

Oh god yes, I’ve just returned from a holiday in which I was aiming for safari chic a la Kristen Scott Thomas in the English Patient. In every photo I look like a 1920s matron who lives with her ‘companion’ Dorothy, wears sensible shoes, and breeds labradors.

I need to stick to dresses and big straw hats - I can just about pull off ‘english rose abroad’ (think Poundland version of Helena Bonham Carter in a Room with a View)

Shoes help as well.

Think more

https://www.clarks.com/en-gb/coledale-strap/26181248-p

and

https://www.jonesbootmaker.com/products/joanie-leather-sandals-joanie-325-290 (in gold)

Than

https://www.moshulu.co.uk/leather-strappy-fisherman-sandals-p726/s16309?cid=GBP&glCurrency=GBP&glCountry=GB&srsltid=AfmBOoqU-U7fg3yvG2Q7CZ3ztzvJqt-fptz4r6TQQrobtR4MsF39gbly0U

or

https://www.schuh.co.uk/womens/schuh-tash-wedge-mule-black-sandals/1737957070/

Bandanas are fine but maybe lose the woggle 😀

Have you looked at what chic European women of your size are wearing though? (and I speak as a non thin person myself). Because I have never seen a French or Italian woman wearing shorts who isn't slim.

I'm trying to crack the shorts conundrum myself this summer and it ain't easy. The closest I can get is black jersey shorts (so they drape a bit) quite short but not too short, because I have parsnip thighs. I have slim legs though, but shorts just exacerbate the contrast between big bum, hips and tummy and thin legs 😬

Also, linen- what is the appeal?! Especially on holiday, several countries away from your ironing board! It always wrinkles around the bum, giving you that elephant's arse effect!