by 
Lisa Armstrong is The Telegraph a fashion head. She started her career in fashion at Vogue. She has written four novels, has an honorary doctorate from the University of the Arts in London, and was awarded an OBE in 2022 for services to fashion.
Every week, she answers your questions, lending her expertise to help you shop smart. Do you have a question for her? Enter it below.
Dear Lisa,
I’m looking for warm to warm weather tips for a stylish midlife woman. I am 50, tall (5ft 8in), size 12 with breasts. I like good brands like Max Mara, Soeur, Frame, Mother, Aspesi – and (apparently) no matter my age. I like tailored clothes with a bit of boho thrown in.
It’s easy to dress for cold weather but the warmer it gets, the worse I get! Shorts don’t suit me anymore (even Mother / Ralph Lauren) and the worst thing is that neither do T-shirts. I bought four James Perse’s for the holidays last year but they didn’t keep me cool and I looked cheap and dull, like I didn’t make any effort.
– Lydia
Dear Lydia,
This is my kind of problem. My legs don’t support so I don’t like skirts above my shins. I haven’t worn a round neck T-shirt in about three years. And those cute short dresses? I felt less awkward in 18th century court dress.
So yes, the summer look can be challenging, especially if you approach it with dread. If, on the other hand, you see winter as an opportunity to wear the things you love, but in lighter fabrics and prettier colors, you’re afraid. Keep your tailoring, but look for linens and cottons. How’s this for a great summer look that would take you anywhere? And in color you would look sensational.
Aurelia trousers in Cornflower Blue. £325, Asceno
Halter necks are great with breasts.
Mood Halter Neck waistcoat, £125, Algin
By the way, you’re not the first person to be disappointed with James Perse – lately he’s been stuck in luxury, property and more. Maybe his eye is off the ball. I hear good things about Uniqlo T shirts, but maybe the reason you don’t like them is because many designers are styling outfits with tank vests instead, and your eye is out of sync with a basic tee.
In addition, you may not have found the right T-shirt shape. With breasts, a V neck would be flatter than round. It’s also nicer to show a bit of skin, especially if you’re wearing trousers or long skirts. These are from Brora Bet – they are linen and should hold up nicely.
Linen Knit V Neck T-shirt, £89, Brother
Or how about something that has the same ease of a T-shirt but is more sophisticated, like this Massimo Dutti architectural design?
Linen drop shoulder T-shirt with drawstring detail, £50, Massimo Dutti
But let’s not get hung up on T-shirts. No one could accuse you of not trying on a linen or cotton shirt. There are many around this summer. This dress shirt is such a chic look with navy or more colorful trousers – perfect for a smart office or sophisticated dinner date.
Poplin shirt, £150, WNU
For something more casual, this has a relaxed vibe, worn over a little brown tank, looking very polished.
Prague Espresso Pebble Silk Shirt, £225, Asceno
Jeans-wise, there’s something out there for you. I love these sustainably produced Mother of Pearl flares – the gold button makes them that much more glamorous.
Chloe Recycled Maternity jumper, £195, Mother of Pearl
And these, from Wiggy Kit (who says she has bums and thighs and cuts to match), are super chic.
Inside Stripe Jean, £285, Woven Kit
But, basically, you have to try them. If you’re on the M25, Harper Concierge works 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 the fashion team’s favorite personal stylists, they would help you work out your shape and build and find the perfect pair.
For those boho touches, save that for accessories. This bag is adorable, and these sandals are fun.
Nariño Woven Tote, currently £75 down from £155, Colombian collective
Low Mary Jane Dali Espadrille, £129, Penelope Chilvers
For the ultimate success, this jewelery will just transform all your shirts and trousers into Sienna Miller land.
Melted Loop Leather Necklace, £76 currently down from £95, puzzles
Have a great summer,
– Lisa
Got a style question of your own? Ask Lisa here.
