If you had a week to buy a new summer wardrobe

[Themasterandmargaritas]

..and limited opportunities to spend lots of time perusing the shops with three dc in tow, just what would you buy?

As a basic wardrobe, I would have:

Maxi dress
knee length day dress
ankle skimming FITTED crops (emphasis on ankle and fitted - do not go for mid-calf, wide/loose leg monstrosities)
Selection of tops - including short sleeve tees, strappy camisoles (the empire line type), vest tops - especially the looser fit styles that are around, breton style (not necessarily in navy & white......M&S had a warm slate grey with thin white stripes which is particularly gorgeous). They need to be worn as either "stand alone" items or as layers on cooler days.
Cardigans - one fitted, one slouchy
Coloured jeans (preferably canvas cotton type)
Leggings
Sandals
Flip-flops
Jacket in a neutral shade which will go with everything from jeans & tee to more dressy outfits.

If you're going to be in London - I would book a personal shopping session and give them tulpe's list

I'd personally add:

• white skinnies
• rolled up chinos
• denim jacket
• straw trilby
• bangles!

Tulpe - link to M&S grey top please?

OP - it really depends where you're spending summer! If in Britain, I would go for:

• trench style mac in a funky colour
• Breton tops
• jeans
• couple of cotton skirts, just on the knee
• three quarter and short sleeved tops plus a couple of nice camis
• thin cardigans in either 100% cotton or a cotton/linen/silk mix
• couple of silk or cotton dresses
• denim jacket and a blazer-type jacket (maybe grey?)
• ballet flats / flat but comfortable sandals - maybe silver / converse type things

oh yes, yes, yes!!! Agree with all TB's additions

I bought the rolled up chinos by Gap via ASOS (which are now reduced in Gap stores to a paltry £9.99). They are so incredibly wearable and stylish as well as being incredibly practical..........how often does that happen?

Also, scarves. I think they can really take a so-so outfit of jeans and tee to something substantially more stylish for very little outlay. Think French chic rather than wafting middle aged hippy new age therapist I have a stack of scarves - from cheap as chips to more expensive ones. H&M is a good starting point for building your scarf collection, as is Primark.

Oh and a fab slouchy bag in which you can throw all DCs gubbins and anything of your own you might want in there

Oh yes tulpe - scarves - I am seriously into light weight scarves from alexander mcqueen through to mango.

TMM - you're somewhere exotic though aren't you?

Janeite : link to M&S top here

Looks crap on that model, imo However, I have received so many compliments when I have worn it. Generally wear with rolled up chinos, floral scarf (slate grey background with gorgeous pale pink roses from Primark).

Oh and the colour online is listed as Blueberry but is really a warm grey-blue shade.

Thank you - will have a look at that as I quite like boat necks. Have just bought their striped 'Perfect' t-shirt in both navy and grey. I had to size up one but dp told me that it made me look really skinny!

thanks for the suggestions, yes I'm somewhere tropical so hot 3/4 of the year then cool (think cold British summer) for 2 months.

Can you do me some links to your favourite items? Turn up chinos for example?

I am quite small at 5' 4'' and a size 8. I'd love a couple of going out at night suggestions too....

Gap Turn Up Chinos . Unfortunately, ASOS still have them at full price but they are worth the money.

Boden's teen range have great skinny jeans for summer. I have the pinky-red pair. I am the same size as you (although 2" taller) and I bought the 30L. They come up very small so you would need the either the 28 or 30. Apparently the white skinnies in this range are very good too.