If you were to buy 3-4 outfits to pull together a 'summer' wardrobe, what would they be?

[Millie1]

Must be for casual wear, with say, one, smart-casual. Would love some ideas and links please to put me on the right track! I don't do short skirts in the summer (think skinny, varicose veiny legs!), am small of norkage and a bit too round of tummy. Have jeans, the Uniglo cargo skinnies and a couple of cardigans (grey, navy/White stripe, cream) but little else. Footwear also required - must be comfortable for lots of walking.

Is anyone up for the challenge .... the more links the better!

Thanks!

[Frenchchic]

My summer staples: skinny jeans, couple of colourful scarfs, maxi dress that goes with flats, some great fitting vests, couple pairs of funky flipflops, fitted knee length shorts and a few pairs of patterned or coloured sunglasses i.e. H&M ones.

[Gillybobs]

Rolled up chinos, one maxi dress, one jersey maxi skirt (probably black), fitted jersey blazer (love mine from uniqlo and wear it with jeans,cargos and chinos)

[Millie1]

Thanks for the replies! Blazer is a great idea - would like navy though and the Uniglo one only comes in black - gah! Did try the Boden jersey blazer but it wasn't a good fit on me. Okay, chinos - will put on my list.

Anything else please? Tops, footwear, more blazer links .....

[way2serious]

You all sound so stylish! I feel dead frumpy!

[jumpinghoops]

No, that uniqlo one comes in navy too- I agree it is a fab fit.

[jumpinghoops]

Comes in grey too!

[Millie1]

Thanks Jumpinghoops - I don't know how I missed that. I wonder what Uniglo chinos are like??????

Way2 Believe me, I am one of the least stylish people around!!!!

[Millie1]

What do we think of this Banana Republic blazer?

[TantePiste]

Low wedge sandals in cork and also espadrille for walking.

Perhaps also a low wedge pump style, with open or closed toe as you please. How about one of each?

That takes you to at least 4 pairs of shoes. Going on your cardigan colour choices, how about you get the shoes in navy, silver, white and... black?

[Gillybobs]

The Banana Republic blazer is gorgeous too , I would be a little bit concerned that as its knitted it might "grow" IYSWIM.

I have the uniqlo blazer in navy and its never off my back, and a bargain at £30. Its really lightweight so I almost wear it as I'd wear a cardigan. Think I might go for the black next too....

[Megatron]

What are uniqlo sizes like, do they come up big, small or about right?

[Millie1]

Okay, will order Uniglo blazer before today is out! Also am ordering a couple of things from Gap so may add Banana Republic blazer to basket for comparison!

Maxi skirts! Are they the way to go if you have awful legs? What would I wear one with? What colour - am not really a black person?

Thanks!

[Gillybobs]

The uniqlo blazer is quite a snug fit I'd say, almost a "shrunken fit". Not sure about their other items.

Re maxi skirts, what about a few patterned skirts and wear with plain vests/tops?

[MilliONaire]

I love that uniqlo blazer in navy. I have never bought anything from there before so could someone please advise me: I am a size 12 so what size would be tghe best for me to order? Also are the sleeves 3/4 length? I have long arms, will that look a bit 'odd' on me?

Also can anyone say why the Boden blazer was not a good fit? Thanks!

[Millie1]

Oh thanks for the sizing info Gillybobs ... might order two sizes to try.

Millionaire ... On me, the Boden blazer basically sat badly - too much fabric under the arms and at the back if I remember rightly.

[Gillybobs]

Millionaire - I am a size 16 and the XL only just fits me, I think they are quite neat. I am tall with long arms and love the 3/4 sleeves, makes it more summery I think. HTH