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

And only $249 .

sandyballs I am ashamed to admit that some of them are 10 years old

I got most of them from Racing Green as samples when I used to work there. The quality of their stuff (when it first started) was superb.

thanks for these suggestions. I am having a bit of a struggle at the moment as my body shapre has chaged so I used to be able to go into a shop and know immediatly what would look good and what wouldn't but the "rules" have all changed for me.

I agree about the linen trousers - def a must for summer and I'll be getting a pair of them.

I've actually been on the Next website whilst you've been chatting and ordered £450 worth of stuff I have to say it's not all for me - I have to kit 2 dc's out with new summer stuff too!

The stuff on the COS site looks a bit bland for me I'm affraid - maybe it's coz it's all in black and white.

That infinite dress is wierd!

Can I also just add to ggg, it's great to see you posting a smile on here. I have checked on my sleeping ds every day since I heard your news, I hope time is slowly healing you - my love to you and your family

where is good to get flip flops? I need a brown pair - very plain, not all this fancy stuff - and not hesian bottomed!

I brought a pair of black Oakley ones last year but they were very ££££ and the Oakley symbol dropped off one of them

try next tesco asda or primark, i dont think many shops have their sandals out yet though.

enid, I know it's but they have a stripey long n lean cardi in their sale, 17.50, that's belted...

enid i have the same problem, short legs and long body. Had a lovely twinset from jigsaw last year but it rides up and exposes my muffintop . I'm not keen on long cardies, but want a normal length one that is long enough IYSWIM. Let me know if you find one

i need a nice cardi too. I've lot loads of weight post-preg so am now in between size 12 & 14, but my (.)(.) are BIG. Any ideas why i could get a nice one?

Love the nork-icon! is there a droopy version for me????

Cropped leggings under a short sundress and neat cardi. Hides all lumps and bumps and can be smart or casual depending on your accessories. Strappy heels or ballet pumps, matching headband and cute handbag for smarter; flipflops or plimsolls for scruffs. Plastic sunglasses a must - big Jackie O style or slightly pointy 50s style.

Cardis for big boobs: don't go for round neck or shirty collar and don't do up all the buttons. Sorry if that's obvious.

thanks bucket

I love this skirt
anyone know how great plains sizes are?

I am average I'd say but 5'4 so not tall.

I used to get cardies from Monsoon - but haven't been shopping in the UK for about 4 years so I'm a leeeetle out of touch.

Still wearing the cardies though!

greta plains are small

i think great plains are a generous fit...again, another company owned by french connection, so same clothes, same factory, cheaper price

i havent tried trews btu tops tight ob bust ( bti what isnt tbh)

oh well I have large norks so will stick to their skirts I think

George have some fab looking linen (?) wide legged trews for £16. Haven't tried them on or looked closely, might be fake linen. but they look great.

I have just bought those George wide-legged linen trousers - they are 100% linen, very flattering. I can see myself wearing them to death this summer.

here

Agree with Cod re Great Plains sizing.Am a 10/12 and buy Medium in their tops and dresses,but can fit a 10 in skirts.Had a few dresses from them last year,each about £40 I think and were great,got loads of compliments in them!
For linen trousers,I prefer the M & S ones to Next, they keep their shape better IMO and have a wider colour range.Got them this year for £19 ,linen mix.
Topshop vests and T shirts the best IMO too.