summer top and bottom dilemma.........need some fashionista help!

[sweetheart]

I am a typical pear shape PLUS i have terrible legs and cankles! In summer I am typically a dress girl as 3/4 length trousers make me look dumpy and I find most summer tops (camisole like things) are empire line and flare out at the bottom which makes my hips and arse look even bigger than usual.

So......... how can I do a bottom and top look for the summer instead / as well as dresses? I did buy some of the Gap capri's that were recommended on here a while ago and I quite like them but I'm struggling to find tops to go with them.

I'm about 5ft 5 and about a size 10 (although as already established I have a fat bottom!)

would your legs look better if you wore wedges rather than flat shoes?

yes they would look slightly better and it's fine when I'm working but when I'm at home with the kids I don't want to be tottering around in heals - I just want to chill out in flip flops or something (which isn't great coz I have really ugly feet too!!!!)

Hmm, my summer outfit (hate to get my legs out too often as means shaving them) is generally lightweight cotton trousers (not 3/4 length as have chunky calves) and fitted vest top (not camisole as need to wear a bra being large of bust). Works for me in nice casual way. When absolutely boiling will wear a sun dress or two.

I'm a pear with long body and short legs (sounds lovely doesn't it?) and wear lots of wide leg linen trousers (full length as my legs are too short for 3/4 ones) and layered blouses/shirts with camisoles underneath. Emphasise my waist with belts (not hip ones). Tops need to not be scooped or too low as I've got no boobs, either straight across or higher neckline. Lots of necklaces, bracelets, waist belts, etc.

A line skirts that finish at my calf do best too as I have heavy thighs and calves.

Help??

I did buy the same pair of linen trousers in every colour last year as they had a side zip which I love because it's less bulky on my stomach - I've always wanted to be able to pull of the relaxed linen trouser and vest top look (there is a picture of leona lewis on a comic relief visit I think which I always think of) but it never seems to quite suit me for some reason.

Wide leg doesn't look good on me - I think because I am quite short it makes me look dumpy.

I did use to have a couple of A line skirts but they made me feel a bit old before my time.

also how do you stop linen trousers going all baggy at the knees? I sit at a desk at work and by lunchtime my trousers are all out of shape and wierd looking

I find it has to be a pretty lightweight cotton for the trousers which is quite soft and it then doesnt lose shape. My favourite ones I got from Topshop years ago. Stiffer linen trousers always go all funny or creasy within a few hours wear in my experience...