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!

Linen is no one's friend, unless you are a willowy super model type - and even then, you'll look good despite, not because, of wearing crumpled fabric. Forget linen and especially khaki linen, it is not kind to anyone.

I don't think your issue is the colour choices, I think it's the fit. I have olive skin and I think black and neutrals are good. All of my summer clothes are black / neutrals as it means I can mix and match anything. However, I don't think I'd be able to pull off shorts or espadrilles without looking scout leader.

My summer wardrobe is mainly high waisted, long flowy trousers worn with a nicely fitted t-shirt/vest or simple linen shift dresses that come to just above the knee. I also have a couple of jumpsuits but I appreciate they're not great if you're short.

Personally I always avoid shorts, cropped trousers and fussy / baggy dresses. I don't think they're very flattering on anyone.

A linen mix is quite good. Lightweight and doesn't crease then same as 100% linen.

Have you a link @CoffeeBeansGalore ? I am looking for just this at the moment...

Agree about the laughing emoji @DBSFstupid - some great answers on here. Not solving my fashion angst, but giving me a laugh, including @KnitFastDieWarm.

@crackofdoom - I haven't even that excuse I am that slim (and quite Mediterranean looking) woman but still manage to look a mess 😂.

As I said above, I'm a size 8 ( size 6 in shorts and trousers).

I am not likely to be described as stylish any time soon. It's wet and cold still in Ireland so I am wearing leggings and an oversize shirt.

BUT as the others have said dresses are great. I found a shape that really suits me and go with that.

If you are worried about them being too short, I have 2 very young children so a lot of bending! I wear 'dignity' shorts, basically anti chaffing shorts.

For all those shoes look like something my dead mum would wear

I was on a cruise earlier this year and thought I’d done a reasonable job of putting an outfit together, when someone came up to me and was clearly looking for help, but in a language I couldn’t recognise. I couldn’t work out why she had walked past several other people to speak to me specifically, until I realised I was basically dressed to blend in with the cruise staff uniform. Fine, but not the elegant look I was aiming for.

No advice for you, but plenty of solidarity.

It sounds like you were wearing a lot of black, maybe some brighter colours or pastels, depending on what suits you.

I’m a few stone overweight so my usual winter wardrobe of stretchy wrap tops, leggings and boots doesn’t cut the mustard - I stick to long dresses at night with a sheer shirt or lace type arm coverer and knee length dresses in day , sometimes with a thin linen shirt over the top - at63 and big boobs I can’t get away with the cami top and slouchy wide leg trousers look - although would love to be able to do so!! If you’ve got good legs ( and it’s my best bit) I would go for on the knee or just above the knee dresses and a great pair of sandals

Shamelessly following because I did the same, except I went for capri pants and shorts and I look like a pirate in all the photos, all I was missing was an eye patch. The low pony didn’t help so the Millennial bump is making a come back.

Here are the fellow sufferers from Classics, shows it’s a tale as old as time.

Expectation vs reality - 2017

White coat - Olivia Pope or middle aged taekwando instructor - 2021

No tips, but bloody hilarious

Don't buy British clothes for a European holiday.
The first or second day you arrive, just go and buy clothes from the market.

The only way I ever feel like I fit in more with the locals overseas is when I buy something local. The material is generally just a bit lighter and the patterns different to what you can buy here.

So my advise, Akela 😉would be to put a little cash aside to spend on a few clothes at the destination. Enjoy your holiday!

If you like your legs out but want to avoid shorts, maybe go for longish dresses but with long side splits?
Personally, I have never found a pair of shorts that I don't look like a dork in. I go for cotton midi or maxi dresses in loose floaty styles. I prefer plain colours or a simple stripe as I get older, to avoid the Grayson Perry look (I'm quite tall, so I have to be careful about that). Sometimes white, more often navy or green. I also like black in summer, in a breezy cotton dress. Quite a few of my dresses are from Hush.

Linen shorts and trousers are always awful from behind, particularly as they don’t tend to have pockets to add strength/take away the impression that you’re wearing a nappy.
I always go for dresses

I can commiserate. I have some lovely beige chino shorts with front pleats, very classy looking… Wore it with a vivid dark green t-shirt tucked in, thinking “cool yet practical mum… I definitely give an air of insouciance…” and it turned out I in fact looked like a trainee park ranger at Yellowstone. I will be taking notes, especially as I’ve got a few of the items you listed (black linen dress, etc!)

"a dress would be too short"

I might be being thick but why would a dress be too short? Surely a dress can be any length? Do you mean you were wearing short shorts for max leg outage but you wouldn't be comfortable in a dress the same length?

Good grief she is a size 8 - that is now 'non thin'?

I have retired all my "smart" shorts, like PP I look like a park ranger at best and Jurassic Park escapee at worst. Strappy tops and patterned shorts are not stylish at all, and I burn easily, so not an option for me.
I go with oversized linen or light cotton shirts and mid thigh shorts. I don't look awful, nor do I look elegant, but I'm cool, not burning and can walk comfortably. For 2 weeks a year in the sun, it will do!

I'm reliably informed that my linen shorts make me look like a Wimbledon umpire. Not helpful, but I feel your pain OP!

Because I work in a supermarket, I see many many people from the back and I have to say that most women do not consider their back view when they dress. They look great from the front, but the back tells another story.

So I would recommend getting a second mirror or checking every outfit from behind before you buy. That little floaty dress that looks cute? When you bend over will show your crack to the world. Those lovely loose trousers? From the back your arse is round your knees.

Check your rear view mirror, people.

Apologies! I missed that bit 😳

In that case OP, crack on with the shorts- but all the chic French and Italians I have seen carry off shorts have worn them tailored, in a heavy cotton and about 6 inches above the knee. Not too baggy! Also- only ever in a beach resort.

Yes I think where you’re going wrong is looking at the photos!
If you are cool, comfortable and happy with how you look in the mirror before you leave the house - you’re winning so leave it there!
I’ve long learned never to catch a glimpse of myself in a shop window or reflection somewhere - that way destroyed self image lies 🤣

I read a devastating but helpful tip from Jess Cartner- Morley re trying on shorts yesterday. Bend over and look at yourself through your legs in front of a full length mirror.

I also think chic Europeans do always check their reflection from the back, and that that's part of it.