Your summer wardrobe refresh should start here

A British summer is a strange thing to dress for. One day it's 28 degrees on the Tube, the next you're in a jumper at a barbecue. The trick is a small wardrobe of light pieces that layer well, wash easily and don't fall apart the minute it rains. Get that right and you can stop panic-buying sundresses every heatwave.

Linen and cotton first

Natural fabrics breathe, polyester doesn't. A linen shirt, a pair of cotton trousers and a couple of loose dresses will see you through most of the season. Accept that linen creases, because that's part of its charm. Arket and Mango both do excellent linen at high street prices, and Seasalt is great for practical pieces that can cope with a wet weekend in Cornwall.

The midi dress

If one piece does the most work, it's a midi dress in cotton or light viscose. Wear it with trainers in the day, sandals for dinner and a denim jacket when the wind picks up. Choose a simple shape and a print or colour you'll still like in August. Never Fully Dressed is reliable for prints, Whistles for plainer styles.

Shorts that aren't scary

Shorts can be smart. Tailored Bermuda shorts in linen or cotton, worn with a loose shirt and loafers, look grown up and stay cool. Mid-thigh to knee length is the most forgiving, and a slightly wider leg is more flattering than anything tight. Throw a knit over the shoulders for the evening.

Layers for the in-between days

Summer still needs a light layer. A cotton cardigan, a denim jacket or a lightweight trench will handle cloudy mornings and chilly evenings. Keep it neutral so it goes over everything. Uniqlo cotton cardigans are excellent and cheap, and a Levi's denim jacket never dates.

Shoes for hot pavements

Sandals should be comfortable enough to walk to the station in. A flat leather sandal, a pair of espadrilles and a clean white trainer cover most situations. Ancient Greek Sandals are worth the money and last for years. Birkenstock is the comfort choice. Leave the flimsy flip-flops for the beach.

One good swimsuit

Rather than five cheap bikinis, buy one swimsuit that fits properly and makes you feel good. Look for thicker fabric and decent support. Hunza G is the crinkle classic, while Boden does surprisingly good versions for less. Rinse it in cold water after every swim and it will last several summers.

Bags that work in summer

Heavy leather bags feel wrong in July. Swap to a raffia basket, a canvas tote or a woven shoulder bag. They look fresh with everything and hold a towel, a book and sun cream. Liberty and John Lewis have good edits, and local markets are great for baskets with character.

Don't forget the SPF

The best summer accessory is sun cream, every day, even when it's cloudy. A light SPF 50 under make-up and a stick for top-ups on the go. Our SPF edit has the best options for every skin type.

Edit before you buy

Before shopping, pull out last summer's clothes and try them on. Most of it will still work. Fill the gaps rather than starting again. Look for pieces that work in at least three outfits, and if in doubt, choose the simpler version. It will still look right next year.

Our edit below brings together the summer pieces worth adding, from the linen shirt you'll live in to sandals that can handle a proper walk.

Packing for a week away

If the wardrobe is right, packing gets easy. Two pairs of trousers or shorts, four tops, one midi dress, a light knit for the plane and the evenings, a swimsuit, sandals and trainers. Keep it all in two or three colours that go together. That's enough for a week in Spain or a long weekend in Cornwall, and it fits in hand luggage.

Roll rather than fold, put shoes in a bag at the bottom and decant toiletries into small bottles. Leave the just-in-case outfit at home. You never wear it.