Summer capsule wardrobe suggestions, please?

[BoffinMum]

I am needing to get myself a few bits and pieces with summer and holidays in mind, and I am looking for suggestions for a capsule wardrobe.

I am a pear shaped size 18 on the bottom half with lots of cellulite but a well defined waist, and about a 16 on the top half with ample norkage and emergent bingo wings. I am about 5 ft 6 and blondish with blue eyes, slightly Germanic looking but with a bit of red in my hair. I am somewhat short waisted.

I have a pair of black linen trousers and a couple of pairs of dark palazzo pants, as well as lots of t-shirts in different colours, but I am looking for suggestions for floaty blouses, other trousers in lighter colours, swimwear, beachwear to look gorgeous rather than embarrassed not to be a slim French person, skirts and dresses. Possibly sandals for wide feet as well.

General beauty tips also welcome.

Over to you, or style gurus.

Hi, how about leggings as well as smarter trousers? I went on holiday recently and found them very easy to wear in the evenings with a tunic top or cheesecloth style shirt. If you wear super pretty sandals and painted toes, its a relaxed but pretty evening solution - as well as not being too clingy or uncomfortable after a sunbathing day! French connection do lovely long blouses and shirts, not sure what style you are after, but they are not too girly but chic enough for evenings if you add some bling! They also do lovely dresses in different colours and patterns with a tie waist and flattering neckline which are nice to wear over cropped leggings - check out their ebay store.
Swimwear...i am a recent convert to Boden swimwear, and i never buy Boden normally, but they are generous size wise and do lots of lovely one pieces and bikinis. Well made and comfortable, as well as flattering!

The other thing i wished i taken more of on holidays, which would have been great in the heat, are maxi dresses. Again i dont know what your style is, i dont like too flouncy or frilly dresses, so perhaps the jersey style maxis, which can be dressed up for the evenings? Again try French connection, Dorothy Perkins and even Primark! (not sure what your budget is, mine is limited as you may have guessed!)
Hope some of that helps, good luck and enjoy shopping for it!

These are great tips, I am having a lovely time surfing - places I wouldn't normally consider!

Cool cotton or lightweight jersey maxi skirts are great, can be worn in daytime with a t or in evening with a pretty cami. Try Dorothy Perkins, Next and Debenhams. Id get a few lightweight cotton shrugs/cardis in coordinating colours then you can wear them on cooler evenings/days too and get more wear from them.

I agree the leggings and tunic/dress combo can be a lifesaver. I like navy leggings with a crisp white tunic or shortish loose dress. Mint Velvet leggings are the best Ive tried but think Boden also get a good reputation for theirs

Some nice metallic flat sandals or tan leather sandals would go with everything. I do love Clarks for their summer flatties, really comfy in the heat. Id also get a nice little cross-body mag to match, will make all your outfits look "together"

Another tip Id strongly suggest is to choose a colour palette and stick with it, helps make outfit making much easier.