Summer Dressing: Do’s and Don’ts

I spent much of the recent hot weather sat on the beach in Brighton and found myself people watching constantly, observing common styles and trends and witnessing the sublime to the absurd to the ridiculous from both sexes.

I’m not adverse to showing a bit of skin when the temperature hots up, but lets nip those common mistakes in the bud while we still can, you never know, we may ‘save’ a few people along the way?

OK, lets start from the feet up!

I simply cannot stand pasty, white feet in sandals, flip-flops, pumps or any other skin exposing footwear. Moisturising with a gradual tanning lotion or fake tan (doing it well) takes five minutes and covers the white bits until the sun tans or tints you naturally. Hairy, white, chubby feet are disgusting, cover them up unless well preened – remember your toe-nails too boys!

I guess the same rule applies to legs and skin in general. Being typically British we see a hint or glimmer of sun and it’s off with the tops, on with the vests, shorts and short skirts, but we haven’t prepared ourselves at all for a good look, or a stylish good look.

The last thing anybody wants to see is a fleshy, pale, woman or man, with their aluminous white skin catching the light walking along the seafront. That sight, combined with the dirty sea water, derelict fairgrounds and unkempt beaches is what gives British seaside resorts a bad name!

Groom, groom, groom. Prep, prep, prep. Look after your skin and keep it protected, but give it some colour, get rid of those stray hairs sticking out of a mole and exercise to get that toned look.

Listen, we can’t all like Cindy Crawford or George Clooney, so there are ways to dress well in the sun. For the bigger lady, all the above rules apply, but maxi dresses, hippy-chic skirts and vests with accessories is the best way to feel stylish and comfortable.

If you want to paddle make sure your hair has a shine to it and that you’ve prepped your body. Wear swimwear that FITS your body, preferably a swimsuit/tankini and NOT a bikini! Wear a nice straw hat (pull it around a bit to make it look vintage) to add to the look and despite what people say you CAN accessorise swimwear for the beach.

Whatever size you are, toning, eating healthier foods and maintaining skin is always going to improve the way you look in the summer months. Slimmer women will be able to wear the tighter, shorter skirts and shorts and bikini’s, but the idea of the hippy-chick look works across the board. Accessorise, wear the battered hat, chains, bracelets to compliment the boyfriend vests and even bikinis to get that celeb look.

I love the surfy, beach look hair at the moment, especially on blondes. My Swedish friend works in Mac and she has great hair, pretty thick tussled and wavy to the shoulder and then a heavy fringe cut across the eyebrows with soft light bronzed make-up to give it that extra beach look – try it!

Whatever you try this summer, remember the basic rules. Prepare the skin, keep it well protected, add moisturising tanning lotions, rid yourself of disgusting little hairs and understand the concept of vintage clothing by looking at magazine images and other people – someone will always look how you want to look – take the tips!

Until we speak again… Robin x

Take a look at my previous column…