Anna Harvey on the six wardrobe essentials you need to build a summer capsule wardrobe
I am full of optimism that this summer will be a good one. That may just be an excuse for a bit of retail therapy, but I feel I need a bit of that on yet another humid, overcast day.
To make myself feel less guilty about it, I stick to the essentials. First, a handbag. All winter I have relied on a big, black tote; now I need something equally versatile but which doesn’t have to be changed on a daily basis. My choice, a small Longchamp shoulder bag in white, may not be for everyone but for me it is proving a huge success. It is light, zips up securely and works well with all my wardrobe staples. Inside it has no compartments or pockets so I keep a Tintamar handbag liner (tintamar.com) to hold my make-up and other bits and pieces inside the bigger bag.
Next, I need a comfortable pair of good-looking shoes. In summer these are so easy to find and I love what the high street has on offer. H&M, Next and COS all have a good selection of espadrilles, sandals and slip-ons in canvas or straw, in a range of colours. They may not see a second season but as they aren’t expensive that doesn’t worry me. For more robust summer shoes, I like LK Bennett and Russell & Bromley.
Cotton drawstring dress, £165, Toast; Floppy hat, £48, Anthropologie; Bermuda shorts, £25.99, Zara
Finding a good summer jacket can be challenging. I have bought white blazers in the past but never worn them because somehow I feel they make me look like an official. Nor is a denim jacket for me these days so I’d rather hunt for something neutral that will be versatile. Neutrals are a big fashion theme this summer so it should be easy! I have found one or two I like at Uniqlo and Mango. Layered over plain colours you can perhaps dare to try something in a pattern. Zara has some really pretty jackets with YSL and Chanel influences at the moment.
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I have found a perfect summer dress at daydress.co.uk; beautifully made in a simple printed cotton, made in India. It is waisted so may not suit everyone. If you prefer a looser silhouette, Cabbages and Roses and Toast do some really pretty, easy summer dresses, and if you choose sleeveless then Uniqlo has a great range of cotton cardigans. Zimmermann has a really pretty collection which is perfect for a romantic summer event.
Le Pliage bag, £75, Longchamp; Embroidered jacket, £79.99, Mango; Braided leather slip ons, £79, COS
To complete your summer look, a hat can be a stylish and practical finishing touch. I tend to pick up inexpensive sun hats as and when I spot them because they have a way of losing themselves, I find. I bought a lovely soft straw hat at H&M last summer and M&S is also always worth a look.
The key to summer dressing is comfort. Whether the weather is hot or chilly, what you choose should be easy to wear and to pack too. Getting hot and bothered is not advisable so choose new items to complement your existing wardrobe and don’t go for an entire style overhaul.
Meet The Telegraph's Timeless Style columnist, Anna Harvey: the Ex-Vogue deputy editor, consultant to Princess Diana and author of Timeless Style: dressing well for the rest of your life (£12.89, Double-Barrelled Books).
