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,
Hello, I am going to Ibiza soon for a bit of clubbing at night and relaxing on the beach in the day. As I am 55 and a size 14/16, what can you recommend for dancing and evening wear? I don’t like sleeveless outfits or dresses that are too long. Thanks a lot!
– Jo
Dear Lisa,
It’s nearly summer and so begins my annual search – online due to my remote location – for a stylish and elegant swimsuit to fit my 6ft-tall, UK 12-14 frame. I’m 45. The last suitable one I found was from Figleaves and is no longer available. The other brands are either uninspiring/frumpy (Long Tall Sally) or actually appear to cater for women around 5ft 9in max (Next, M&S, Boden). I’m seeing more and more taller women, so I can’t believe I’m the only one struggling with this. I don’t feel comfortable in bikinis. It’s an annual problem, please help! Thanks.
– Sam
Dear Jo and Sam,
I hope you don’t mind me doing a two-for-one this week, but I want to get through as many of everyone’s queries as possible to avoid a backlog. There’s a great summery theme emerging here and I promise you’ll each get my undivided attention.
Jo, respect for the clubbing proclivities. Since you don’t like sleeveless and it can get hot in those clubs, how about linen or viscose, both breathable? Sure, linen creases, but that’s part of the look. Cos has a stellar selection of linen and Tencel pieces this summer – from flared trousers with matching shirts to V-neck dresses, minis, maxis, and a lot in between. You could snazz them up with lashings of jewellery. Or let your moves do the talking.