I need to buy a capsule summer wardrobe - what are must have items?

[sweetheart]

I have slimmed down since last summer and none of my clothes will fit me this year (and I wouldn't want to wear any of them!)

It's my birthday next week and I've asked for money so that I can buy a summer wardrobe - I'm tempted to go for loads of fasionable stuff but my more grown up side is saying I should buy essential items that will last.

What must have items should I buy that I can co-ordinate with some fashionable stuff?

I'm off on a couple of hoidays this year so I need stuff for chilly british evenings but also beach wear and that sort of thing.

TIA x

Wide legged linen trousers always good for summer, can be casual or dressed up a bit. MrsBadger or anniemac will be along shortly with something more coherent.

Linen trousres always a winner
long floaty skirt
short sleeve shirt dresses
??

I love wide white trousers

I always end up wearing them a lot

The summer before last I lived in wide white trousers, skinny fit navy ribbed t and gold ballet shoes (for work)

then a French connection splashy print skirt with t-shirts and birkies for everyday

lots of ribbed cotton t-shirts
a nice dress
cropped jeans
cropped stone coloured trousers

great big sunglasses also essential

Oh - I need this advice as well - can I join in? I am down to a size 10/12 for the first time in YEARS, and have about £100 in M&S and Next vouchers. I am about to go back to work part time, and have only 2 pairs of trousers that fit me, one of which is jeans..

me too. i am down to below pre-preg weight and have Next and Debenhams vouchers to spend

i always thought linen trousers good and strappy sundresses (if you like bare arms)

Can recommend Next linen mix trousers. Think they're about £20?, and used to be available in black, natural and white. (live in mine when I'm not pregnant lol)

Tesco and George at Asda do really good fashionable stuff, that doesn't break the bank, so maybe do a mix and match of capsule (from Next, M&S etc) and fashion from the supermarkets.

A really nice pair of leather flipflops.

Tesco linen mix tousres are really good too, i've had mine a good few years and they still look like new.

and flesh toned undies to go under the linen trousers

a little cardi

I WANT a little cardi

cannot find a nice one for love nor money

I am long bodied and want a slim yet longish one

oy yes chippy good poitn about flesh knicks

oh flesh knickers a deffo, NEVER a thong

I live in dresses and little shoes. If you get simple classic dresses and shoes/sandals in the sales at the end of every summer, you can build up quite a collection

Ditto linen trousers. Capri trousers are another easy staple.

lk bennett are always short and tinsy on me

Zara do lots of little cardis? As do Tara Jarmon.

Where do you get your ribbed t-shirts Enid? I had big problems getting any last year.

this place, COS looks v capsuley, opens soon in Regent St not sure if they do mailorder.

Can I show you this hilarious (I thought) link - I give you The Infinite Dress . I particularly like the 'bad hair day' suggestion. And I'd like to know more about The Infinite Pantsuit (but mostly because I find 'pantsuit' such an amusing word).