Ask Lisa: ‘Help! Any warm weather fashion tips for stylish midlife women?’
Lisa Armstrong is The Telegraph’s head of fashion. She began her career in fashion at Vogue. She has written four novels, has an honorary doctorate from the University of Arts in London, and was awarded an OBE in 2022 for services to fashion.
Each week, she responds to your queries, lending her expertise to help you shop smart. Have a question for her? Submit it below.
Dear Lisa,
I am looking for warm to hot weather tips for a stylish midlife woman. I’m 50, tallish (5ft 8in), a size 12 with boobs. I like good brands like Max Mara, Soeur, Frame, Mother, Aspesi – and (apparently) don’t look my age. I like tailored clothes with a bit of boho thrown in.
It’s easy to dress for cold weather but the hotter it gets, the worse I manage! Shorts don’t suit me any more (even Mother / Ralph Lauren) and the worst thing is that T-shirts don’t either. I bought four James Perse ones for the holidays last year but they didn’t keep me cool and looked cheap and dull, as if I had made no effort.
– Lydia
Dear Lydia,
This is my kind of problem. My legs never tan so I don’t love skirts above my shins. I haven’t worn a round neck T-shirt in about three years. And those cute short suits? I’d feel less awkward in an 18th-century court dress.
So yes, summer can seem challenging, especially if you approach it with trepidation. If, on the other hand, you see it as an opportunity to wear the things you love from winter, but in lighter fabrics and more gorgeous colours, the fear goes. Keep your tailoring, but look for linens and cottons. How’s this for a gorgeous summery look that would take you anywhere? And in a colour that would look sensational on you.
Aurelia Trousers in Cornflower Blue. £325, Asceno
Halter necks are wonderful with boobs.
Mood Halter Neck Waistcoat, £125, Aligne
By the way, you’re not the first to be disappointed with James Perse – latterly he’s branched out into hospitality, property and more. Maybe his eye is off the ball. I hear good things about Uniqlo’s T shirts, but maybe the reason you don’t like them is because many designers have been styling outfits with tank vests instead, and your eye has gotten out of sync with a basic tee.
Additionally, perhaps you haven’t found the right shaped T-shirt. With boobs, a V-neck would be more flattering than round. Also it’s nicer to show a bit of skin, especially if you’re in long trousers or skirts. These from Brora are promising – they’re linen and should drape nicely.
Linen Knit V Neck T-Shirt, £89, Brora
Or how about something that has the same ease of a T-shirt but more sophistication, like this architectural Massimo Dutti design?
Linen drop shoulder T-shirt with drawstring details, £50, Massimo Dutti
But let’s not get hung up on T-shirts. No one could accuse you of not having made an effort in an ironed linen or cotton shirt. There are lots around this summer. This dress shirt is such a chic look with navy or more colourful trousers – perfect for a smart office or sophisticated dinner date.
Poplin Dress Shirt, £150, WNU
For something more casual, this, worn over a little brown tank has a relaxed vibe, while looking very polished.
Prague Espresso Pebble Silk Shirt, £225, Asceno
Jeans-wise, there is something out there for you. I love these sustainably produced flares from Mother of Pearl – the gold button makes them much more glamorous.
Chloe Cropped Recycled Midwash Jeans, £195, Mother of Pearl
And these, from Wiggy Kit (who says she has a bum and thighs and cuts accordingly), are super chic.
Inside Stripe Jean, £285, Wiggy Kit
But, basically, you have to try them on. If you’re in the M25, Harper Concierge work with a number of brands including Me+Em and will bring items to your home and wait while you try them on, before sending back what you don’t want.
But Think Shape, an app from one of the Telegraph fashion team’s favourite user-friendly personal stylists, would help you work out your shape and build and find the perfect pair.
For those boho touches, keep that for accessories. This bag is adorable, and these sandals are fun.
Nariño Woven Tote, currently £75 down from £155, The Colombia Collective
Low Mary Jane Dali Espadrille, £129, Penelope Chilvers
For the final flourish, this jewellery is just going to transform all your shirts and trousers into Sienna Miller land.
Molten Loop Leather Necklace, currently £76 down from £95, Jigsaw
Have a fabulous summer,
– Lisa
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