Assume I am completely stupid and have never experienced summer before...

[roaringwater]

I post on MN incredibly rarely but earlier in the year, you were kind enough to give me some suggestions of what I could wear in winter to escape a jeans and boots rut and you were right .

I am 43 and have never, ever cracked summer dressing. I am tall, size 12 and in 'colours' terms an autumn. I work FT and have pretty much got that bit cracked so really I need out of work stuff. I like brown / grey / neutral shades. I don't want to wear heels (too tall).

Today, DH drove me 40 miles for a day of child-free shopping and I literally had no idea what to look for.

Seriously, if you're bored and want a challenge, just assume I have no weekend summer clothes and help me!

[MrsGrannyWeatherwax]

Hi OP, for autumn colours and preferring a more sedate colour palate would you consider;

• tailored navy / tan shorts with a cute shirt / blouse and flats or chunky heels
  

(Shorts) www.next.co.uk/g82508s16#624466

(Shirt) www.next.co.uk/g7280s5#924472

(Top) uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.3/6429680312

• Denim shorts (longer length) with a colourful lightweight top
  

(Top) www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/tops/boat-print-t-shirt/069275.html?dwvar_069275_color=60&position=20&cgid=tops#page=1&hideFeatured=false&start=20&categoryID=tops

• skater dress with a pop of colour cardigan (to cover arms in the evening)
  

(Dress) www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/dresses/%09dahlia-skater-dress/070132.html?dwvar_070132_color=58&position=46&cgid=dresses#page=3&productsMoved=10&hideFeatured=false&start=46&categoryID=dresses

• Shirt dress
  

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/dresses/%09stripe--shirt-dress/070067.html?dwvar_070067_color=68&position=23&cgid=dresses#page=1&hideFeatured=false&start=23&categoryID=dresses

I’d highly recommend perhaps letting your husband select things and try them? Mine occasionally surprises me with some lovely things I wouldn’t usually wear.

[roaringwater]

Thank you, these are great suggestions.

I really like the little Next shirt. The Monsoon top is really pretty but I don't think I could wear it as I have the shoulders of a prop forward.

Interestingly, the one thing I did buy was a striped shirt dress in coffee / cream from Warehouse so maybe not that far off the mark!

[SirVixofVixHall]

Toast and Cos both do tend to have some good colours for Autumn colourings.

[Lost5stone]

I have no idea what colouring I am but I try to stick to tan, white, blue and khaki in the summer. Usually tan sandals or heels and a tan bag. I have a couple of patterned dresses in green and red but that is my limit. I find if I start adding loads of colours and prints I look a mess. I do a lot of dresses as they are easier.

Its probably boring but quite effortless and most things go.

[MrsGrannyWeatherwax]

I usually add a cardigan or bolero but it’s usually the same shops - Next , OASIS, Warehouse, ASOS etc and I do try places like misguided, phase eight and fat face or salt rock for inspiration

[Glitteryfrog]

Today I've been wearing this: tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/p/Khaki-Retro-Floral-Print-Sundress/134737833-Khaki?searchTerm=:newArrivals&searchProduct= with a denim jacket and grey Vans trainers.

[silver1977]

I am also tall and size 12. Although I like the Oasis range I find they don't cater for taller women, the dresses sit too short on me unfortunately

Watching with interest as I am the same as you OP...clueless!....

[Letthemysterybe]

Glitteryfrog I saw a lady wearing that in the beach today, and I almost went up to her to tell her how nice it was and to ask where it was from!

[VioletCharlotte]

Following! You could be me OP, same height, size, age and colouring. I have absolutely nothing to wear in this weather and can't find anything I like in the shops.

[FreeButtonBee]

I like midi dresses that you can wear a proper bra under. Got a lively navy one in uniqlo - broderie anglais in the bottom and plain navy cotton on the bodice with a narrow tie belt on the back. Really simple and can wear with trainer (vega ones are v hip) or sandals or flip flops. Also have a lovely but ££££££ from MIH in mint Green floral 70s style. It’s awesome on, really light and comfy and floaty. www.irisfashion.co.uk/m-i-h-jeans-leia-floral-cotton-dress-93933

Khaki cargo style trousers are good too - with a plain white v neck tshirt or shell top.

I had a pair of patent black one strap slider birkenstops and they was amazing. They go with everything and we’re so comfy. I wore them to death and need to replace this year.

I hate shorts as I have fat thighs in comparison to everywhere else so I stick to dresses, knee length skirts or trousers

Oh, a pair of Chambric denim wide trousers are also my saviours. This sort of thing www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/trousers/blue-tie-waist-denim-culottes/p/624089540?_cclid=Google_EAIaIQobChMI8P3Ixazf4QIVBeh3Ch0PbwvdEAQYEiABEgKHLPD_BwE&extcam=UK_PPC_CSS_Google_DV_m&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8P3Ixazf4QIVBeh3Ch0PbwvdEAQYEiABEgKHLPD_BwE

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I pretty much lived in a pair of Levis denim shorts last summer.

Today I've been wearing this jumpsuit which is brown, so may appeal!

[beeyourself]

I go for loose patterned trousers and close fitting T-shirt's/vests.
Decent jacket - denim jacket/utility jacket?
Tan leather sandals/white trainers
Handbag either cross body or rucksack style

[ReindeerDream]

Silver Oasis do regular and longer length in quite a few of the dresses now

[LaBuenaVida]

I bought this in Zara - it is the most gorgeous quality fine cotton. Very cool - and pretty Autumnal in colour?

[fiorentina]

Other Stories have some great autumn coloured clothes at the moment. How about a pleated midi skirt, with plain t-shirt, shirt dress sounds good, or a boiler suit or jumpsuit?

[roaringwater]

These all sound like great ideas and thank you for some suggestions of brands I don't normally look at.

Agree with the PP who mentioned being able to wear a 'proper' bra - as a D cup after 3 children, this is quite important.

[OxanaVorontsova]

Massimo Dutti has some gorgeous summer dresses and jumpsuits

[millythepink]

I'm also tall and a size 12, but I have soft summer colouring (so misty greens, pinks, cool greys). Having said that, my summer dressing is mainly denim, black, navy and lots of blush pink.

I like simple styles, so today I'm wearing denim shorts, loose black cotton long sleeve smock top from Zara, black leather gladiator sandals from Topshop, silver hoop earrings.

I regularly look on Pinterest for ideas. So say for example, I buy a white linen top I will search up "white linen top outfits" on Pinterest.

I would take a look at Toast and Cos if you're tall, as their clothes need height. Another tip is buy the entire outfit you see on the screen because professional stylists have put a lot of thought into creating that outfit.