Capsule casual summer wardrobe?

[vvviola]

I'm in the process of losing weight, and thanks to some sensible eating, running 3 times a week, and addressing my comfort eating it is finally (but slowly) working.

But I'm still much larger than I want to be, and much larger than I will hopefully be next summer. I can't fit into my "small" summer clothes yet, and my "big"ones are mostly too big.

So I need to buy some stuff to last me this summer. But don't want to spend to much money as hopefully next year they will be too big. I'll probably focus on Primark and supermarket stuff.

So, can anyone help me with some ideas for a basic capsule wardrobe for the summer?

Size 18, dark hair, very pale skin, carry most of my weight around my stomach. 5 foot 4, can't carry off maxi dresses. Decent-ish legs.

Please and thank you

H&m are fab for summer basics at low prices. They have printed cotton trousers that are cool and comfy, loads of coordinating vest tops. I also got a couple of Jersey breton stripe dresses. Can't recommend them highly enough

Gillybobs an H&M size 18 is not very generous and they don't stock very many items in larger sizes. Their jersey dresses and separates that just come in S M L are quite roomy though - I take size 18 in most shops, can't fit into an H&M 18, but can comfortably wear size L in almost everything in that range.

I'd probably start with a couple of pairs of Primark linen-mix trousers (black and white cover most eventualities or it could be navy and white if you're more of a navy person), and a stack of t-shirts in any colours you like. Peacocks, which are also quite reasonably priced, have lots of nice summery stuff at the moment - capris, shorts, swimming costumes, vests and t-shirts, summery linen dresses, and it all goes up to a 20.

I'm a size 16/18 and am 5'7. I don't like my legs though so keep them covered but in the hot weather I live in linen trousers, there are loads in the supermarkets. I buy V neck tee shirts in navy or white and occasionally yellow/mustard and my trousers are navy, white, beige stripy and chambray blue. To cover my arms I have some cheap long-ish linen shirts which I wear open over my tee shirt with the sleeves rolled up. I also have a couple of scarves in similar colours. It's not exciting or fashionable but it's comfortable and easy to put together because my colour palette goes together.

That's good to know usernameinvalid - I haven't shopped in H&M in years after at size 16 none of their maternity wear fit me at all. I like their basic stuff so may give them another try.

A trip to Primark (well, Penneys, I'm in Ireland at the moment) was totally unsuccessful today. Not a plain linen or crop trouser in sight. Plenty of tops with holes in unflattering places though...

I'm a 16 and find the cotton trousers plenty big, Jersey dresses and vests generous too. Definitely worth a look.

I think the whole of Dublin has descended on the shops this week - half of them only had random sizes left in everything.

So far - H&M had nothing suitable in my size (the jersey stuff did fit, but clung in a very unflattering manner). New Look appeared to be going the see-through route with their lighter weight trousers. In desperation I went to Evans and got a pair of navy linen shorts.

A closer look in my wardrobe found a pair of cream crop trousers that fit, and a pair of cream shorts that are a little too loose but will do fine.

So I think the focus will be on tops now - aiming for floaty and flattering. And if I spot a skirt or two that will tone in with what appears be a developing navy/cream theme, then I'll add that too.

I really hate shopping.