Top 10 summer fashion crimes

 Guest Post: Tips from Westfield London, stylist Anna Moore

A recent magazine interview with supermodel and style icon Kate Moss revealed her views on the way British women dress in the summer months. Referring to her opinion that we have a tendency to show too much flesh in the summer and should cover up, she said: “It’s not our natural thing, no. So it’s “put it away!” Considering that Towie’s Gemma Collins was this week spotted in Marbella wearing an unflattering swimsuit which was far too small for her curvy frame, maybe it’s time to take note of Kate’s advice and stop committing major summer style faux pas. With this in mind Westfield Stylist Anna Moore has put together a list of the top 10 summer fashion crimes (often committed by celebrities), to keep us in check and make sure our wardrobes are ready for whenever the British summer does decide to show its face.

Don’t show too much flesh 

It’s very tempting to want to strip down to your bare minimals and  get as much sun as possible, but be careful not over do it. In this case less is definitely not more and rather than going for the micro shorts or crop top, go for light breathable fabrics that are flattering for your shape. If you do want to show a bit more flesh then a a cute playsuit will keep you chic and classy.

Don’t do UGGS in the sun 

There’s nothing worse than wearing UGG boots in the blazing hot sun. It’s fair to say that the British weather is unpredictable but you’re more likely to need a pair of wellies than sheepskin boots. Celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Jordan and Chantelle Houghton have all been seen making this faux pas – don’t follow in their footsteps.

Don’t forget to have a pedicure

For most of the winter your feet are hidden away in your winter boots and have had no love, so it’s not surprising that when you put on your sandals for the first time, your feet may not be looking their best. Care should be taken year round to ensure your feet are in tip top condition by the summer, so getting a pedicure before you flash your toes is an absolute must. If visiting a salon is not within your budget then make time to do it yourself, in the comfort of your own home. Invest in some bright, bold summery nail varnish and a pedicure grooming kit to make sure your feet are as glam as the rest of you.  

Don’t do the VPL

The VPL (visible pantie line) is a frequent fashion crime, especially during the summer. This is usually because people  wear extremely tight clothes or the wrong underwear.  Westfield London stylist Anna Moore says ‘Black underwear under a white summer dress is the most common VPL faux pax people make. You assume that if you wear dark underwear no one will see it, but this actually gives the opposite effect.’ Go for skin coloured or nude underwear to blend in with your summer wardrobe and avoid wearing clothes that are too tight, as your knicker line will be the first thing people see.

Don’t forget supportive underwear

Wearing supportive underwear should never be a sacrifice to what you wear. Summer clothes are more likely to have thin spaghetti straps, halter necks or be completely strapless deterring you from wearing a bra.  Unless you really don’t need one, invest in a supportive strapless bra that you can wear with summer dresses and tank tops comfortably.

Don’t do the ‘unflattering swimwear’

Believe it or not, wearing any swimsuit or bikini that’s too small can actually make you look bigger than you are. Celebrities like Gemma Collins from Towie, Big Brother’s Josie Gibson and glamour model Katie Price have all been known to squeeze into unflattering swimwear which is never a good look. Your body shape may change year to year due to weight loss or gain, or pregnancy, so be sure to invest in swimwear that fits you and accentuates your assets rather than highlight your flaws. If you are not body confident enough to be seen in swimwear then invest in a beach dress, sarong, jumpsuit of kaftan to hide areas you’d rather not show.

Don’t wear clothes that don’t fit

It’s always a wonderful feeling to get your summer clothes out of storage but make sure that whatever goes back in your wardrobe still fits. You may sometimes be tempted to hold onto clothes you don’t wear anymore or worse still, try and squeeze into them. The denim shorts that once fitted like a glove, that you had for years may now be snug, so it’s always a good idea to invest in a few key pieces you wear often. When it comes to women’s fashion, there are always new summer trends that come in which may be perfect for your style and shape, so it’s useful to update your wardrobe every summer to keep in the loop of seasonal style.

Don’t forget to wax!

We've all done it - missed that overdue session due to busy schedules and not needing to as much in the winter. Hair removal up keep is an absolute must, especially in the summer as there's nothing worse than unwanted hair poking through your summer outfit. Bikini waxes and leg waxes are just as important as each other and don't forget under the arms! Some people may not be able to handle the pain of waxing or may even be allergic, but there are other hair removal options such as shaving, threading or laser treatment.

Don’t overdo the fake tan 

The tendency to go a bit mad with the spray tan bottle as soon as we hear the word ‘summer’ is very tantalizing but can get you into trouble if you’re not careful. Instead of trying to go for the darkest colour possible, consider your natural skin tone, eye colour and make up to determine what the most natural tone would be for you. If you are going to do it yourself avoid going for the all over streaky look by wearing a tanning mitt, which will give you a more even colour.

Don’t overdo the beach make-up 
Wearing make up on the beach isn’t probably best for your skin but if still you feel you need it, go for a light base, waterproof mascara and lots of sun block. If you would rather not be seen without make up, there are other ways to conceal your face. Westfield’s Anna Moore says ‘large floppy hats and bright shades are a great way to look stylish on the beach, but also to protect your eyes and skin with sunglasses and factor 50.