Please help me with a capsule summer wardrobe

[Schmokeandapancake]

Having lost weight since last summer I need to get some new summer clothes (if indeed we do ever have a summer....)

I work pt and am ok for work clothes but need stuff for days with toddler doing toddler activities...

At the mo am living in skinnies and a variety of tops but what kind of things should I be looking out for when it is warmer?

Am excited as have always hated summer due to flesh on show so have always worn things that are far too warm, will be lovely to finally get my arms out!

Am a curvy size 12 on bottom and 10 on top.

Thank you clever S&B ladies!

Should have also added, don't have huge amount of money to spare so it's cheaper shops only (annoyingly)

I use the term 'capsule' wardrobe in a slightly different way, though you may think it is boring.

I base most of my clothes on blacks, whites and greys so all tops go with all skirts and trousers etc

I wear bright scarves, shoes, hats and jewellery but the predominant colours are those three.

Thanks rubyredshoes-sounds sensible and you must never have 'nothing to wear' mornings if everything goes!

But yes, I meant more, what basic items of clothing could I see through summer with?

Am a new and evangelic fan of t-shirt dresses (having acquired 2 from Hush - link is on MN homepage).

If you have decent legs you can wear them bare, if not they'll work brilliantly with leggings. You can dress up with wedges or slop around (like me) in Birkies.

Might also be worth trying La Redoute if you're interested.

Capsule wardrobe;

White cotton T shirt
Black cotton T shirt
Crisp white cotton blouse
Blue jeans
Black jeans
Blazer style jacket
Cotton/linen summer dress
3/4 length trousers
Leggings
Bermuda shorts
Flip flops
Ballet pumps
Wedges/heels
Hat
Scarves
Swimsuit

redrubyshoes, good list , but what about a skirt?

I have two long skirts in cotton (elasticated waists ) so I can hoik them up over boobs to make a strapless dress or to just wear long as a skirt.

HeartsJandJ, don't have decent legs unfortunately but could do the dress over leggings thing (particularly when not boiling hot).

Redrubyshoes, thanks for your list-Bermuda shorts though? Am I missing something here??!

The white cotton shirt/blouse is a size too big so I wear it as a shirt and buttoned up or loose and open with the t-shirts underneath for a more casual look.

Redrubyshoes I like the skirt to dress idea!

<a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=bermuda+shorts+women&um=1&hl=en&biw=1680&bih=869&tbm=isch&tbnid=w7ybiQ07wNWU2M:&imgrefurl=www.omiru.com/index.php/2009/05/13/garment-dyed-belted-linen-cargo-bermuda-shorts/&docid=lgbxPzhHUoIM_M&imgurl=www.omiru.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/garment-dyed-belted-linen-cargo-bermudas_051109.jpg&w=455&h=384&ei=UWS6T_2KLI-n8QOiqKjSCg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=190&vpy=154&dur=2090&hovh=206&hovw=244&tx=179&ty=106&sig=114838246261078158020&page=1&tbnh=159&tbnw=188&start=0&ndsp=35&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:70" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my style of Bermuda shorts

I am working on my summer wardrobe at the moment and i have just bought three pairs on linen trousers in light grey, white and blue. They go with a lot of tops I already have( and can be washed in machine). I am going to buy some new skirts with idea that it can all be mixed and matched. I already have a different selection of cardigans, and dresses. I have flip flops in various colours, heels and one pair of flats and a rainmac that is neutral. I love dresses for work and home as it requires less thought to get dressed in the morning.

Thanks for clarifying redrubyshoes, When I think of Bermuda shorts I think of my Dads loud and garish pair....!!

Thanks for tips homeaway, I am definitely going to get some casual tshirt style dresses (if I can find knee-ish length ones)

<a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=Skirt+to+strapless+dress&start=97&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1680&bih=869&tbm=isch&tbnid=QRmw746XLVBTMM:&imgrefurl=www.namaste-uk.com/product.php/6591&docid=7NKCQgMG5GaI8M&imgurl=www.namaste-uk.com/shopimages/products/normal/SK165.jpg&w=350&h=515&ei=xWW6T_rZIof_8gObltWcCg&zoom=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Skirt to dress. I have one in black and one in white.

Ps I would have a look on ebay to see what is on there. You can get brand new clothes for a fraction of the retail price.

Thanks for eBay tip, and links rubyredshoes

Great camisole tops in Primark. All colours under the rainbow, long or short in the body options, wash well and are £2.50

Ooh thanks TracyK!

Bought a dress on eBay last night, must have been about half the price it would have been in the shop-I think this is my shopping future!

Thanks ladyintheradiator-good name!