GREAT. Thanks, Anchie.

Does everything fit and look fab - anything you want to pass on?

Off the top of my head, here's my two cents to get you started. Add:

• Some midi dresses
• Maybe a skirt?
• Fun patterned blouses that add pizazz to the jeans
• pink shoes to match the scarf
• A casual blazer in a COLOUR with a scarf to match it
• Silver bag

Thank you Angie, you are the best.
Pink pants, blush sweater, white jacket, turquoise shirt and all shorts have some issues with fit or condition.
-I am constantly looking at Boden dresses, thinking I should order some, but there are too many to choose from.
-I don't wear lot of skirts at the moment, but if I see the right one, maybe.
-Blouses - that is the worst category for me to shop. Just can't find one that that I like. I don't like boho. I don't like polyester, don't like dry cleaning, don't like night gown looking blouses, don't like transparent.. I would need the most help in this category.
-I am not sure about the pink - almost all pink items in this collection are on their way out, so not sure I want to add more pink. Maybe rather add different scarf?
-Casual blazer - not sure if the Expresso jacket that is on its way can fill this hole?
-Bag in this collection is actually silver, but it looks grey in the picture.

PASS ON all the items with issues.

Repost what is left.

I went through my finds in previous post and weeded everything that should go. Not much left   But in reality I cannot pass them on until I get some replacements , otherwise won’t be able to do any of activities in more casual end of spectrum.

You've already had great advice here. I like the specific suggestions that GreenJeans made (about starting with footwear) and then Angie's suggestions as well.

I concur with the advice to look for casual dresses and also a skirt. I almost lived in my tube skirts for years -- they could be dressed down or up. I'm now in need of replacements/ upgrades to the style as well as the skirts themselves.

Tops -- look for wovens if you can. They will tick more of your boxes and feel dressier. Do you want sleeves or are sleeveless okay? My summer options below. The short sleeve gingham one is a bit transparent (i.e I wouldn't wear to an office) but it is the coolest thing ever and with a nude bra is fine for casual wear.

Pants -- linen pants are a great summer option. The ones in Finds are old and no longer available, but they've been great.

I do wear some knits in summer also, either as evening toppers, or on cooler days.

The boatneck linen tees from J. Crew are great -- I wear a cotton tank underneath. I have these in a bunch of colours -- metallic, grey, navy, white, cobalt.

Suz, I like your examples, this is definitely something that I would wear too. I don’t mind sleeveless especially in high summer.
I really liked GreenJeans examples too and I apologize for not replaying to everyone individually. I saw most of the replies in the morning when I had to run to work, and now I just got home to shower and change and go out again to see some friends for dinner (and am agonizing what to wear) But I do appreciate everyone’s input!

Think SMART casual for casual....it will feel more authentic, and add in a few more "picnic" / beach type pieces that feel a little more casual than that, for times when you're truly just in need of shorts and tee type outfits.

Oh -- I even wear a dress as a beach cover up. It's a "gear" dress but it works great over my suit for walking and hanging out on the beach -- dries instantly.

Archie- are there any athletic leisure stores where you live like Lululemon or Athletica? I have several of the street tech pants. They are great for hiking and biking but also look OK for around town and would work for the beach.

Since you mentioned Boden dresses, I can recommend the Phoebe jersey dress. I just got one- sizing was spot on, per the charts and actual garment measurements. The jersey is a casual enough fabric that it will work for hanging at a beach house, or running weekend errands in town.

Suz - I am relatively ok with smart casual when I can wear jeans and blazer. My big problems are extremes - either extremely warm or extremely casual situations.
Lyn - yes, this multitasking pants could be something really helpful for those active situations where I am most at loss of what to wear. I will look for something like this.
Kathie - going to check this dress immediately.

Anchie, have you seen Roxanna's post about her midi casual summer dresses?

Anchie, it sounds like you almost need two mini-capsules. One for the beach, and playing, which would be super casual, and one for walking around, going out for dinner, which would be slightly dressier.

For the former I think you can easily find 1-2 pairs of shorts (even replicate what you have if you know it works: red, white, denim), and 2-3 tops. Maybe include a lightweight long sleeved linen top you can use as sun protection? You'd want more tops if you are thinking a week away vacation type of thing, but this would get you started for just weekend wear.

For the latter, a couple of dresses, a denim jacket and a couple of scarves. I love dresses in the summer, so easy and comfy.
I personally am a huge fan of skorts for shopping and sightseeing in the summer. I feel a bit dressed up, yet don't have to worry about what I do or how I sit

I agree with Elizabeth P and others about first musing on whether you’re a skirt/dress or pants perso, and also what is your ideal casual footwear the you live and your feet love.
Fir exampl I know I’m a pants( or some version of shorts) person and closed toe, super comfy shoes. So then I go further into hmm, and what exactly— linger shirts, cropped or rolled pants; sneakers or super comfy loafer or closed toe fisherman sandal or similar— and build from there.

I agree that shopping brick & mortar at least for inspiration and direction, trying on for outfit proportions, can help focus online shopping.

Anchie - you are not the only one to need interventions like this! I really like Aida's advice that it is OK to wear more dressy items casually because if that is what you like to wear, then it is OK. I found a couple of shorter jumpsuits this summer and really enjoyed wearing them as a slightly more dressy version of shorts. I love jeans for casual wear, but sometimes it can just be too hot for jeans and pants, which is where summer casual dresses and shorts are useful. I hope you find some things that you love.

Dianna- thank you for bringing Roxanna’s post to my attention, I will look for it.
Elizabeth P - it sounds so easy when you put it like this. You could be right that I need two different capsules. My problem is that I am always looking for such magical item that can play many roles and fill all my wardrobe holes.
Unfrumped - I think I am pants and shorts type but I would not mind having a dress or two. Casual skirts, I am not so sure.
Bijou - I am glad I am not alone. I was looking today at some The North Face active pants but just couldn’t force myself to order them. I am telling myself that they can be useful and that I need to be practical but I just can’t picture myself wearing them.

You might like “ city shorts” looks , with more refined casual footwear, or juxtaposed with sneakers. Or elegantly cut silk, cotton or linen trousers.

I also separate “ casual” into smart casual or resort casual type looks that are “casual “ and fun/ playful compared to business wear, vs “ active casual “ ( which still does not have to be “ gear” but needs to be more durable, washable and comfortable than say, weekend lunch outfit. In my ideal wardrobe these might overlap somewhat using different footwear, or a silk top vs sturdy cotton top.

I think Elizabeth is onto something with the idea of treating this as two mini-capsules, and I would focus on the active-casual of the two FIRST because it will have little to no overlap with your current wardrobe; the "smart casual" set could certainly pull from both and you can wing it a bit with some of your dressier pieces but you can't really fake the active casual stuff.

I had a big long post about this several years ago, along with my plan (plus lots of really great extra tips in the comments!), which you might find useful. I also have a capsule in my Finds though it's not quite complete nor up-to-date since I don't have my whole wardrobe in my Finds (like, I wear baggy denim shorts a LOT for this capsule but they're not in there; same with my straw cowboy hat). My capsule has changed a bit since my original post -- less tees, more woven blouses/tops, more dresses, and more crossover into my other casual wear -- but the general structure has remained pretty much the same! It's bigger, too

(Hmm maybe I should make two versions of this capsule for my Finds: one with the active-casual ONLY items, the ones with zero crossover, and one with all the smarter pieces I'll wear with them as appropriate.)

unfrumped - Yes! Light-bulb moment! I need active casual that is bordering with gear. But I don't like gear and don't know how to shop for gear. And I have a feeling that I have again ordered the wrong, more smart then active things.I am just attracted and easily distracted by pretty things.

Aida - thank you so much for pointing me to your old post. Lot of great ideas there. It feels good that I am not alone with this issue. Only difference is that it looks like my climate is slightly warmer than yours, because I am not able to wear jeans in summer and that is another problem for me.

It is probably less warm where I am but the jeans really only get worn early and late in cooler weather. I have shorts I wear when it's hot, they're just not in my Finds (really need to get on that) Mostly jean shorts for the very casual stuff but also some silky pleated shorts. An old post with lots of examples! I'll also wear cropped pants in fabrics like Tencel, cotton and linen for days when it's hot but leg coverage is needed (like those below).

I think that once you decide upon a couple of bottoms it will be easier to round out your wardrobe. I have had good luck with chino style shorts from J Crew and Talbots. Both brands offer different lengths. White denim short are a summer essential. I often wear simple dresses and easy pull on skirts. Here are some brands that work for me.

#1 Mellie M. Many style and print options. Washes and wears well.
#2 Hatley also offers style and print options and is more affordable. Check fabric content though. Some are buttery soft and others can be a bit stiff until after a couple of washings.
#3 Max Studio Outlet. I have 3 skirts and a couple of tops. They are incredibly comfortable. The skirts I have are all lined, but not one bit hot. I wash and hang mine to dry.

Good luck! I hope to see pics of what you decide upon.