Assume I am completely stupid and have never experienced summer before...

[roaringwater]

I post on MN incredibly rarely but earlier in the year, you were kind enough to give me some suggestions of what I could wear in winter to escape a jeans and boots rut and you were right .

I am 43 and have never, ever cracked summer dressing. I am tall, size 12 and in 'colours' terms an autumn. I work FT and have pretty much got that bit cracked so really I need out of work stuff. I like brown / grey / neutral shades. I don't want to wear heels (too tall).

Today, DH drove me 40 miles for a day of child-free shopping and I literally had no idea what to look for.

Seriously, if you're bored and want a challenge, just assume I have no weekend summer clothes and help me!

Hi OP, for autumn colours and preferring a more sedate colour palate would you consider;

• tailored navy / tan shorts with a cute shirt / blouse and flats or chunky heels

(Shorts) www.next.co.uk/g82508s16#624466

(Shirt) www.next.co.uk/g7280s5#924472

(Top) uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.3/6429680312

• Denim shorts (longer length) with a colourful lightweight top

(Top) www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/tops/boat-print-t-shirt/069275.html?dwvar_069275_color=60&position=20&cgid=tops#page=1&hideFeatured=false&start=20&categoryID=tops

• skater dress with a pop of colour cardigan (to cover arms in the evening)

(Dress) www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/dresses/%09dahlia-skater-dress/070132.html?dwvar_070132_color=58&position=46&cgid=dresses#page=3&productsMoved=10&hideFeatured=false&start=46&categoryID=dresses

• Shirt dress

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/clothing/dresses/%09stripe--shirt-dress/070067.html?dwvar_070067_color=68&position=23&cgid=dresses#page=1&hideFeatured=false&start=23&categoryID=dresses

I’d highly recommend perhaps letting your husband select things and try them? Mine occasionally surprises me with some lovely things I wouldn’t usually wear.

Thank you, these are great suggestions.

I really like the little Next shirt. The Monsoon top is really pretty but I don't think I could wear it as I have the shoulders of a prop forward.

Interestingly, the one thing I did buy was a striped shirt dress in coffee / cream from Warehouse so maybe not that far off the mark!

Toast and Cos both do tend to have some good colours for Autumn colourings.

I have no idea what colouring I am but I try to stick to tan, white, blue and khaki in the summer. Usually tan sandals or heels and a tan bag. I have a couple of patterned dresses in green and red but that is my limit. I find if I start adding loads of colours and prints I look a mess. I do a lot of dresses as they are easier.

Its probably boring but quite effortless and most things go.

I usually add a cardigan or bolero but it’s usually the same shops - Next , OASIS, Warehouse, ASOS etc and I do try places like misguided, phase eight and fat face or salt rock for inspiration

Today I've been wearing this: tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/p/Khaki-Retro-Floral-Print-Sundress/134737833-Khaki?searchTerm=:newArrivals&searchProduct= with a denim jacket and grey Vans trainers.

I am also tall and size 12. Although I like the Oasis range I find they don't cater for taller women, the dresses sit too short on me unfortunately

Watching with interest as I am the same as you OP...clueless!....

Glitteryfrog I saw a lady wearing that in the beach today, and I almost went up to her to tell her how nice it was and to ask where it was from!

Following! You could be me OP, same height, size, age and colouring. I have absolutely nothing to wear in this weather and can't find anything I like in the shops.

I like midi dresses that you can wear a proper bra under. Got a lively navy one in uniqlo - broderie anglais in the bottom and plain navy cotton on the bodice with a narrow tie belt on the back. Really simple and can wear with trainer (vega ones are v hip) or sandals or flip flops. Also have a lovely but ££££££ from MIH in mint Green floral 70s style. It’s awesome on, really light and comfy and floaty. www.irisfashion.co.uk/m-i-h-jeans-leia-floral-cotton-dress-93933

Khaki cargo style trousers are good too - with a plain white v neck tshirt or shell top.

I had a pair of patent black one strap slider birkenstops and they was amazing. They go with everything and we’re so comfy. I wore them to death and need to replace this year.

I hate shorts as I have fat thighs in comparison to everywhere else so I stick to dresses, knee length skirts or trousers

Oh, a pair of Chambric denim wide trousers are also my saviours. This sort of thing www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/trousers/blue-tie-waist-denim-culottes/p/624089540?_cclid=Google_EAIaIQobChMI8P3Ixazf4QIVBeh3Ch0PbwvdEAQYEiABEgKHLPD_BwE&extcam=UK_PPC_CSS_Google_DV_m&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8P3Ixazf4QIVBeh3Ch0PbwvdEAQYEiABEgKHLPD_BwE

I pretty much lived in a pair of Levis denim shorts last summer.

Today I've been wearing this jumpsuit which is brown, so may appeal!

I go for loose patterned trousers and close fitting T-shirt's/vests.
Decent jacket - denim jacket/utility jacket?
Tan leather sandals/white trainers
Handbag either cross body or rucksack style

Silver Oasis do regular and longer length in quite a few of the dresses now

I bought this in Zara - it is the most gorgeous quality fine cotton. Very cool - and pretty Autumnal in colour?

Other Stories have some great autumn coloured clothes at the moment. How about a pleated midi skirt, with plain t-shirt, shirt dress sounds good, or a boiler suit or jumpsuit?

These all sound like great ideas and thank you for some suggestions of brands I don't normally look at.

Agree with the PP who mentioned being able to wear a 'proper' bra - as a D cup after 3 children, this is quite important.

Massimo Dutti has some gorgeous summer dresses and jumpsuits

I'm also tall and a size 12, but I have soft summer colouring (so misty greens, pinks, cool greys). Having said that, my summer dressing is mainly denim, black, navy and lots of blush pink.

I like simple styles, so today I'm wearing denim shorts, loose black cotton long sleeve smock top from Zara, black leather gladiator sandals from Topshop, silver hoop earrings.

I regularly look on Pinterest for ideas. So say for example, I buy a white linen top I will search up "white linen top outfits" on Pinterest.

I would take a look at Toast and Cos if you're tall, as their clothes need height. Another tip is buy the entire outfit you see on the screen because professional stylists have put a lot of thought into creating that outfit.