Theresa May given fashion advice

Theresa May given fashion advice

Theresa May shed her professional armour in favour of a shapeless £26 Pepto-Bismol-pink Next shirt dress in Italy this week 

By middle age, most of us have found a style that works for 50 weeks of the year.

But for those other two weeks â€" the annual sunny fortnight away â€" even the most confident dresser can be thrown into a panic.

So pity Theresa May in Italy this week, having shed her professional armour in favour of a shapeless £26 Pepto-Bismol-pink Next shirt dress.

Not only was the styling unflattering, but the Prime Minister looked ill-at-ease â€" far from her tailored-suit comfort zone.

There can’t have been a woman over 40 who didn’t feel sympathy. Most of us are engaged in last-minute High Street trips, searching for flattering looks that take us from beach to sh ops in style.

Few of us hit the mark. In Mrs May’s case, the wise head that stocks up on carefully considered dresses for work and carries off cocktail attire with aplomb will frequently falter at the prospect of dressing for beach days and sundowners.

We British women may picture ourselves wafting through off-duty days in effortless style, like the French and Italians. But the reality is often a disaster of creased linen and shoes that show off our bunions.

So, what should the PM â€" and millions of pale-legged women â€" invest in before a trip abroad? As a fashion editor with experience in dressing older women, I have some pointers. First, don’t be embarrassed by pale skin. It is sophisticated and healthy to embrace it â€" cover up with longer hemlines and sleeves.

Shirt dresses are chic, but a longer length is often more flattering than an above- the-knee hemline. Opt for a waist seam and a flared skirt, rather than an elongated shirt with a tie belt, like Theresa. It’s rarely flattering.

Seeing the sights: Blazer, £49.50, shorts, £35, marks andspencer.com; shoes, £89.50, russell andbromley.co.uk; scarf, £29, hobbs.co.uk; glasses, £18, debenhams.com. Visiting landmarks can be hot work. But when touring religious sites, it’s essential to dress appropriately and not bare too much flesh. Opt for a tailored outfit: flat sandals and long shorts are practical for walking, with a lightweight blazer and scarf to cover up if needed

Braving the beach: Gold buckle hourglass swimsuit, £77, seasprayswimwear.com; leopard-print sarong, £20, accessorize.com; woven strap wedges, £295, russellandbromley.co.uk; gold cuff, £90, pebblelondon.com. Thanks to new swimwear and clever cover-ups, no woman need fear the beach. This swimsuit skims over lumps and bumps, and the halterneck flatters a bigger bosom (it also has built-in cups). If the PM doesn’t want to bare too much, she should opt for a light sarong â€" this one in her favourite leopard print would look wonderful

Kaftans are having a moment. An ankle-skimming style is perfect for all hours, while a shorter version works for a casual poolside lunch.

Go for gladiator-style sandals, beaded ankle-tie shoes or designs in the PM’s beloved animal prints or textured leather. They add panache, and complement the intricate embroidery of kaftans.

Don’t forget to use a pumice stone and buff your toenails before you leave. I recommend using Footner socks, which shed dead skin.

A date with Philip: Red polka dot dress, £132, veryexclusive.co.uk; courts, £175, russelland bromley.co.uk; necklace, £15, accessorize.com; gold patterned bangle, £120, pebblelondon.com. What could be better than dinner under the stars? Theresa often picks dresses in this shape for evenings. The spots lend the passionate red a playful air. It conceals her legs, but shows enough up top to stop it being dowdy. A red heel and gold jewellery tie the look together

Swap pencil skirts for longer wraparound styles, and smart trousers for capri pants in stretch cotton. Replace cotton shirts with off-the-shoulder tops â€" which can be as sensual on older women as they are sexy on those younger.

The shoulders are one of the last areas to age, so put on a flesh-toned strapless bra and suncream and embrace your inner Sophia Loren.

Team a Breton top with pl imsolls, tailored shorts or capri pants and a blazer if you’re heading to cathedrals and galleries, or culottes for shopping. A jumpsuit also has styles to suit those conscious of thickening waistlines.

With swimwear, the one-piece is back. Retro styles with flirty skirts and underwired cups add glamour, and designs with hidden mesh sculpt the silhouette.

Stick to colours that suit you. If you’re happiest in elegant navy, black or grey, you don’t have to abandon these favourites abroad.

Neutral tones are timeless, and a foil for pale complexions. Mix with whites and creams, then add colourful accessories, such as a straw hat, bag or bold jewellery.

Lastly, remember you’re on holiday. Most wardrobe-worrying can be solved with an outside table, a good view . . . and a glass of wine.

PM by the pool: Printed kaftan, £22.50, marksandspencer.com; thread wrapped ball statement earrings, £10, accessorize.com; woven strap wedges, £295, russelland bromley.co.uk; floppy hat, £29, jigsaw-online.com

Theresa favours a glass of red wine over a cocktail, but whatever your tipple, there’s nothing nicer than a glass of something cooling by the pool as the sun goes down. 

Wedge heels are a comfortable and flattering option for middle-aged legs, while a loose kaftan looks glamorous, without exposing too much flesh, and will take you from day to evening. 

This printed number from Marks & Spencer is fabulous â€" you could picture Joan Collins in it â€" and would flatter Theresa’s skin tone. Plus, it would attract the thrifty vicar’s daughter, as it’s a bargain at £22.50. Pair with a wide-brimmed hat for Fifties glamour.

Night on the town: Leaf-print maxi shirt dress, £35, wallis.co.uk; woven strap wedges, £295, russell andbromley.co.uk

If you want to enjoy an evening of culture, it can be a struggle to stay cool while looking chic. 

Shirt dresses are stylish and loose-fitting â€" and smart enough for a classy night out. 

The PM could even wear this gorgeous maxi to an outdoor cocktail party.

 A jazzy palm print keeps things firmly in the holiday mood, while a belt defines the waist. A strappy shoe gives the look some glamour. 

A spot of shopping: Striped top, £155, lkbennett.com; wide-leg linen trousers, £25, marksandspencer.com; woven strap wedges, £295, russellandbromley.co.uk; necklace, £12, accessorize.com

There’s nothing like rifling through markets in charming foreign towns. Theresa is in Lake Garda, well known for its chic shops. 

White trousers might seem intimidating, but a wide-leg pair can be surprisingly flattering. 

Add a striped top (wide stripes are slimming), a statement necklace and a straw bag for taking home your haul. 

Oh dear, Theresa...you should have added fake tan, wedges and a belt  

Theresa's Next dress could have looked better with the right styling. 

A touch of fake tan (as used on our lookalike) offsets the pale tone, while a wedge lengthens the leg. 

Jazzy earrings and a bigger belt to cinch in the waist are flattering. This leopard-print one would be perfect! 

And wouldn’t it have been nice if she popped her sunglasses on her head?

A touch of fake tan (as used on our lookalike) offsets the pale tone, while a wedge lengthens the leg

Jazzy earrings and a bigger belt to cinch in the waist are flattering. This leopard-print one would be perfect for the PM!