Here are some items that are more basic in silhouette, but just as effective. Some wardrobe essentials, a few wardrobe basics, and the odd statement piece across a range of sizes and colours that might tickle your fancy. Lots of options for high heat sans air conditioning, many rave reviews, and some styles go up to 4X.

  • J.Crew Garment-dyed denim jacket: An oversized trendy denim jacket with a delicious '80s vibe for Team Lilac. Comes in canary yellow too.
  • Gap Mini Bucket Bag: A neat and tidy bucket bag that converts to a crossbody with enough length for tall gals. Comes in navy. Fab faux leather.
  • Lightweight Cashmere Scarf: Lightweight cashmere scarves are essential for long flights because they double up as blankets. They're also cosy and comfy worn as a wrap at home. This orchid is delicious, and it comes in a French blue too.
  • Gap Large Work Tote: Simple, streamlined and practical. Great for laptops as a work bag. Available in three more neutrals.
  • Austin Crossbody Bag: Trendy and fun, and available in neutrals. The drawstring closure is more practical and easy than you expect.
  • Gap Eyelet Embroidered Split-Neck Tank Top: A pretty and fluid eyelet top that works well as a layering top or worn on its own over a skirt or pair of pants. The white is not see-through. Comes in navy and plus sizes.
  • Soft Stretch Seamless Hipster Panties: Our forum members rave about these knickers because they are comfy, stay put, and look nice too. They come in a regular size and a plus size, so if they fit - you're in luck.
  • Banana Republic Cropped Denim Jacket: Extremely comfy soft denim jacket with stretch. It might run a little small if you need a fuller cut on the bust and back, Extremely soft and a bright white. Roomy sleeves. Great over dresses, skirts and wide crops. Comes in two denim washes too. I bought this in the white in my regular size. It's boxy on my waist, but I like that fit. Looks architectural.
  • J.Jill Perfect Reversible Tank: A great tank with a V-neck AND scoop neck because it's reversible. Structured, substantial fabric and many colours to choose from. Might run a little big.
  • Talbots Stripe Linen Maxi Dress: An excellent dress for HIGH heat. Fluid yet structured with a little waist definition. Might run a size big. Hem can easily be shortened.
  • J.Jill Fit Space-Dyed Maxi Dress: A super cute straight cut dress with a party at the back. Might run a size big. Hem can easily be shortened or knotted off to the side for asymmetrical hem interest. Excellent with sneakers and slides.
  • Silk Shift Dress: A repeat EF dress that goes the distance in high heat. A versatile style that can be dressed up or down. Size down, and works on a range of body types.
  • Crossover Linen Tank: A very breezy swing top with crossover back detailing. Unique earth tone for Summer. It doesn't get more ventilating than this for tops. Might need to size down.
  • J.Jill Knit Shirred-Waist Maxi Dress: Semi-structured fluidity with top arm coverage can rock in hot weather. Fun pockets and an easy style to wear casually with flats to just about anywhere.
  • J.Jill Wearever Smocked-Back Maxi Dress: My word, a chocolate brown Summer dress. The sky is falling. UNIQUE. The back smocking adds structure and interest. Might run a size big. Easy to hem to a shorter length.
  • White House Black Market Soft Jacket with Removable Belt: Unusual colour! This is a SOFT jacket that's more like a belted blouse. The belt can be removed if that's your preference. The gently ruffled collar does not lie flat so you have to be okay with that. The front falls open so it's better on a small and regular bust.
  • White House Black Market Pleat-Detail Shell: Easy layering blouse for under toppers. Runs a little big. Fab untucked too.
  • Silk Shift Dress: An easy dress for Team Straight Figure & Narrow Hips. Runs big, and is excellent in high heat. Elegant length, and yummy fabric.
  • Ellery Sandal: A dressy heeled sandal for regular volume feet. Comfy suede and quite supportive of high arches.
  • HOGAN Sandal: For Team Purple who likes to wear sandal booties. Comfy, casual, and good on regular volume feet. The buckle might dig into your ankle so watch for that.
  • Oasis Stripe Tube Skirt: A tube skirt in cool tones is comfy and easy to wear with just about any style of untucked top. Very easy to launder. Moulds to the body and fits most body types. Fab length and streamlining despite the horizontal stripes. Might need to size down. Comes in solid black and two-toned stripes too. Has a matching top for a two-piece dress effect.
  • Sunday Best sullivan pant Cropped, linen-blend culottes: These breezy linen culottes are trendy and fab for hot weather. They look best with a tucked or semi-tucked top, or boxy cropped top. Fits a range of body types and comes in pale lilac.
  • Mesh Yoke Tank Top: A fab better-than-basic tank top to wear OVER bottoms as is and without a camisole. Tailored and well cut.
  • Ashlee Sandal: These are fably comfy and supportive if you can manage the heel height. Best on regular volume and slightly wider feet.
  • White Mountain Women's Gracie Flat Sandal: A fab sandal for low arches. Not too much cushioning but the moulded footbed can be really comfy if it fits the shape of your foot.
  • Everlane The Slouchy Chino Pant: These pleated slouchy chinos have been winners on clients across a range of body types. They've worked with midsection bits a lot better than you might expect, and the rise isn't too high. Fab on curvier and straighter body types because the cut is that good. They work extremely well with boxy or fluid cropped tops if you don't like to tuck tops. Extremely comfy.
  • Handkerchief Hem Midi Dress: A not so simple but very fab frock for a curvier body type. Can work well on petites too. It hugs and glides over all the right places and does not cling. Fun, elegant, and BLUE.
  • 'Laken' Perforated Platform Derby: AMAZINGLY comfy platform oxford for a wider foot with bunions, Comes in navy.
  • Veruca Sandal: Brilliant sandal for a wider foot with bunions that needs arch support. Comes in FOUR neutrals, and read the rave reviews.

Go to the collection page if you would like to see the images alongside my descriptions.

Gap
Mini Bucket Bag
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9
Gap
Large Work Tote
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7
Nordstrom
Silk Shift Dress
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3
Nordstrom
Silk Shift Dress
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2
Nordstrom
Ellery Sandal
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6
Nordstrom
HOGAN Sandal
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9
Nordstrom
Ashlee Sandal
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5
Nordstrom
Veruca Sandal
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8