Latest news with #fashionwriter
The Guardian
30-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Jess Cartner-Morley on fashion: High heels never really work in summer – it's the season to rock fabulous flats
Wearing high heels in summer never worked. We must have been mad! Pretty much everything that is lovely about summer is incompatible with wearing heels. Being outside in the garden or the park, where the grass is soft underfoot! Delightful, but hopeless if you have to balance on tiptoes to stop your heels from sinking into the ground. Walking instead of getting the bus, because it's so nice out! A seasonal treat, but only in comfy shoes. Summer weddings that start at 3pm and go on until the small hours! The absolute best, but murder with blisters. The beach! OK, we weren't ever sufficiently insane to wear heels on sand or pebbles. Still, you get my drift. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. I haven't sworn off heels for good, by the way. I think there was a time when lockdown broke my habit, but in the end I missed them. So when autumn comes around, I will relish pulling on my heeled boots for the first time. Come party season, I will hold fast to my belief that a really good night out starts with a shoe that gives a rush of visual pleasure and makes no concessions to being remotely sensible. But for the next couple of months, I have a strict flats-only policy. What's that? What about wedges, you ask? For some people, these represent the perfect compromise: they are steady on uneven ground, and comfortable to wear because your weight is fairly evenly distributed. But, look, can I be honest? They are just not very elegant. They make your feet enormous, which knocks your whole silhouette off balance, like wearing a comedy hat. They are also a bit of a weird shape, because that's what happens when you try to fit a square peg in a round hole. No. There is a flat shoe for every summer occasion, and there is an art to matching the shoe to the look. Not all flats are created equal: some elevate, and some don't. Because we are so accustomed to seeing heels as the glamorous option and flats as the practical alternative, we tend to lump all flats in together, and fail to notice that there is a world of difference between styles and shapes – both in the vibe they bring to an outfit and how they affect your silhouette. Bare and strappy looks casual, while enclosed is more formal – think of the contrast between a Birkenstock and a loafer. A minimal flat sandal can be fabulous for a summer party, but it needs to be elegant – good-quality leather with a nice pedicure reads very differently from plastic flip-flops and gnarly toes. If the toe is enclosed, the shape matters: a round toe is cute and girlish; an almond toe is more sophisticated. A flat shoe that has a sturdier construction and covers the top of your foot will read as masculine (a brogue, a loafer), while one that is flimsier and more cutaway gives femininity (a ballet pump). I like to think of myself as open-minded, but we all have our red lines, and one of mine is an ankle strap on a flat shoe. This cuts across your leg at the wrong place (visually, I mean; otherwise you've got it done up too tight, which is another matter entirely). This is not about your legs looking fat or short or whatever – we're not having that conversation any more, remember – it is just about what looks pleasing to the eye. If there is a Mary Jane-style strap across the top of your foot, then this will look best if it's closer to the toe than to the heel. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Snazzy embellishments that might look gaudy on a high heel look brilliant on a flat, because a flat shoe needs to show some ambition. It can take detail or colour, shine or eyelets. An element of elevation, if you like. What it boils down to, really, is this: flat shoes don't have to be basic. Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking that the choice is between dressing up nice – in heels – and 'just' wearing flats. When, in fact, the only sensible way to do summer is no heel, but all glamour. This is the season to be flat-out fabulous. Model: Amaka at Milk. Hair and makeup: Sophie Higginson using Ouai and Dr Sam's. Dress, £79, Nobody's Child. Necklace, £142, Ottoman Hands. Bag, £36, River Island. Pumps, £59.99, Zara
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Travel + Leisure
23-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Plus-size Travel Writer, and These Are the Dresses I'll Be Wearing All Summer Long
Every stylish person's summer travel wardrobe could use a fresh infusion of fun, comfortable dresses. As a plus-size travel writer, I'm always keeping an eye out for dresses that fit my must-have criteria. I need a summer dress to be easy to wear and curve-friendly, as well as wrinkle-resistant (or worth the time to steam), and effortlessly cute. Most importantly, I need to feel good wearing it. That means it needs to have the right fit and feel great against my skin. These plus-size summer dresses check all those boxes. Whether you're looking for one-and-done travel outfits, something to wear for a special event, or a fresh find to spruce up your closet, these picks are the ones I'll be reaching for all season long. $100 $60 at This blue floral midi dress is a recent favorite of mine. It's available in both regular and petite plus sizes (a win if you're shorter like me), and I especially love the soft, stretchy smocked bodice that makes it so easy to wear on long flights or full travel days. The sweetheart neckline and flutter sleeves add to the charm—those sleeves especially make this one feel extra summery. Need it fast? Over at Amazon, you can score a similar style for $42 and have it at your doorstep in two days. Quince's tiered maxi dress in Vermilion Red is simple in the best way and always makes me feel bold when I'm on the go. Made from 100 percent organic cotton, it's breathable and airy, with a gathered waist that offers shape while still keeping things relaxed. The deep pockets are incredibly useful for stashing travel essentials, and the V-neck and short sleeves look great in every photo. Planning active adventures this summer? This high-neck mini dress is a game-changer. Available in sizes up to 3XL, it includes built-in mid-thigh Booty Boost shorts that help prevent chafing (a big deal for me!). I usually wear separate shorts under dresses, so having them built in is a huge plus. It's made from a breathable, sweat-wicking fabric and comes in five fun colors—including tulip pink and deep azure blue—that are perfect for summer. This brightly-hued dress is pure joy to wear. The V-neck and roomy sleeves give it an easy silhouette, and the black rainbow stripe version is just one of many playful prints available. I love that it's wrinkle-resistant; it comes out of my suitcase ready to wear. For a casual travel day, this one's a staple. The Torrid Challis Maxi Dress always helps me feel put-together with zero effort. The bold print and contrasting pattern detail at the hem make it feel more elevated than your average maxi. The V-neck and flutter sleeves are lovely, and the elastic waist helps it stay in place while still feeling breezy. Just a note: there's not much stretch in the fabric, so I recommend sizing up for extra room, or opting for this stretchier option from Amazon that has a similar look to it. When I want to feel comfy while still putting on a fun, playful look, I reach for this colorfully printed stretchy cotton dress. It has a relaxed, lounge-friendly fit that still works great out and about. The smocked bodice and flowy skirt give it polish, and the stretchy cotton fabric comes in clutch while traveling in the summer. $90 $54 at My ultimate 'resort vibes' dress, the beaded knot detail at the halter neck adds texture, and the easy jersey fabric is soft and flowy without clinging. The Black Leaves and Brown Palms prints both scream summer vacation in the best way, but if you're craving brighter colors, this playful alternative is a must. A true mood booster in a dress, this beachy piece is made out of a soft, stretchy fabric. It's one of those all-day-wear pieces that doesn't need a break-in period. It has side pockets, a relaxed fit, and comes in cheery prints like Black Lemon and Yellow Flower. My go-to when temps climb, this linen dress has such a crisp and clean look that I love. It's breathable, versatile, and made from European linen with thoughtful details like shell-style buttons and subtle pleats. I love wearing it as a beach cover-up. Looking for something a little extra? This scallop-trim mini dress has frilly details that make it fun to pair with elevated accessories for a nice dinner, or sneakers and a denim jacket for everyday wear. It's wrinkle-resistant, making it perfect for packing. I love the midi length, but this ankle-grazing option is great if you prefer more coverage. $100 $45 at Easy to throw on and go, I always feel great about myself when I wear this chic and classic style. The soft, smocked waistband adds comfort without squeezing, and I love the V-neck and shirred shoulders. It also has—you guessed it—pockets. It's available in both regular and petite plus, which is a big deal for us shorter folks, and while I love the cute green and pink shades it comes in, people who love their florals will definitely have to check out this Amazon lookalike. Spanx's Oprah-loved AirEssentials line just got a summer upgrade. The AirEssentials Maxi Dress puts the ultra-light, four-way stretch fabric on display (psst: did you know it's actually designed to actually feel cool to the touch?). It's buttery soft and flowy, with side slits that let you move easily. I love the fennel green, but the striped version also has a nautical summer vibe. Don't be surprised if you find it so comfy, you end up wearing it on a flight. A swingy, tiered silhouette meets a cheerful pattern in this short-sleeve dress, making it one of my summer MVPs. The empire waistline is soft and stretchy, and the flutter sleeves complete the playful vibe it gives off. It also resists wrinkles, so it's a reliable throw-on-and-go option. This is my splurge pick—and one I always feel amazing in. The cobalt-on-ivory design is eye-catching, and the relaxed fit, loose sleeves, and wrinkle-resistant linen-viscose blend make this Marie Oliver dress perfect for destination weddings or dressy events during your travels. Shopping on a budget? You can get the same stunning print inspiration from this Ruffle Trim Linen Blend Shift Dress from Caslon, $100, or opt for this summery tank style from London Times that's on sale for 55 percent off and just $53. $90 $54 at Short, sweet, and full of personality, this soft knit dress has flutter sleeves, a surplice neckline, and princess seams for a comfortable feel and tailored look. It pulls on easily and has pockets to keep your passport and phone within reach on travel days. The Blue Bandana and Atlantic Deep prints are both summer-ready showstoppers, but this under-$30 option from Amazon comes in a plethora of solid colorways, all with a ribbed texture for some added visual interest. 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Travel + Leisure
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
5 Ways to Style a Simple White Maxi Dress for Your Summer Travels, According to a Shopping Writer
I may be a shopping writer, but when it comes to my personal style, I largely aim to use the pieces I already have in my closet to mix and match unique outfits—especially when I'm packing for a trip. During the summertime, my favorite white Everlane maxi dress is the most-worn item in my collection, which got me thinking about how many different ways I could style the same base layer while changing just a few key pieces from each look. If you're looking for inspiration on how to make your own plain white maxi dress feel brand new during your next vacation, I've pulled together five outfits that are travel-friendly, flattering, and perfect for the summer heat while making use of layering and accessories. Whether you're preparing for a trip of fancy dinners, shopping, or beachside adventures, these outfits will allow you to pack less without sacrificing your personal style, so you can use what you already have to create something new. I believe that a white maxi dress is the most versatile basic you could keep in your closet, and leaning into the monochromatic trend is the easiest way to keep your outfit feeling fresh (while remaining cool) this summer. This flattering Everlane dress is designed with a more fitted top and a flouncy skirt that will pair well with an oversized white button-down to protect your shoulders from the sun without causing you to overheat. You can wear the sleeves draped over your shoulders to lean into the old-money aesthetic or leave it loose and open. Add a white belt bag and a simple pair of cork sandals to complete the look. And if you have dinner plans in the evening, transform this outfit by simply swapping out the belt bag for a nicer purse. If you're looking to inject some cool-girl style into your travel outfits, try dressing down your white maxi dress by pairing it with a cropped graphic tee to create the illusion that you're wearing a skirt instead. The Gap Crop Graphic T-shirt is adorned with a darling cherry print and will layer easily over the fitted bodice of this luxe cotton maxi to create a more casual fit. Plus, the contrast of the snug top and billowing skirt will look beautiful in all your vacation photos. A simple pair of black Adidas Court Sneakers will keep you comfortable during walking tours, travel days, and beyond, while a matching black and white backpack will offer plenty of room to store your souvenirs and other essentials without ruining the look. Traveling in the summer doesn't always entail sweltering weather, so if you're aiming to still wear your favorite white maxi dress during a cooler day, pairing it with an oversized denim jacket and a roomy tote bag is the way to go—especially if you've been known to do some shopping during your adventures. This faded Madewell Denim Trucker Jacket is currently on sale for 50 percent off and instantly dresses down even your most feminine frocks. However, if you don't want to lose that delicate charm, pair this outfit with a wedged heel that's stylish but still comfy to walk in. The Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedges are a traveler favorite, and they'll look great when worn with the spacious Lands' End Open-top Canvas Tote Bag that will get just as much use at the farmers market or park this summer as during vacation. It doesn't take much to completely transform your simple white dress into a brand new outfit—just add a crochet cardigan on top and you'll have nailed the bohemian look of your dreams while still keeping your style summer-friendly. This tie-front cardigan is breathable and easy to pack while acting as a light layer to wear during dinner or while sightseeing, and the delicate crochet detailing matches perfectly with the braided straps of these ornate yet easy-to-walk-in sandals. A straw clutch makes this outfit fancy enough to wear to a nice dinner at a resort or in a foreign city, but it's particularly on-trend for a beach getaway. A Parisian vacation may not be within everyone's budget this summer, but that doesn't mean you can't still channel that effortless style wherever you're actually headed this season—and a white maxi dress is one of the only pieces you need. Since French style is relatively simple, a basic black cardigan (buttoned only at the top!) will add some luxe texture to your dress, and a pair of strappy sandals will have you ready to take on cobblestone streets in no time. A pop of color from a red crossbody bag is the finishing touch this très chic outfit needs, so no matter if you're spending the day at a museum or the airport, you can rest assured you'll be the best-dressed traveler wherever you go. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
