The Ultimate Guide to a Summer Wardrobe: High Street & Designer Options

Summer dressing is a unique balance of cool comfort, polished styling, and versatile elegance. Whether you're exploring high-street staples or aspirational designer picks, the goal is to curate a wardrobe that flatters your shape and simplifies your daily choices—all while looking timeless.

Here's how to build that summer wardrobe, complete with detailed fabrics, styling routines, brand guides, and how Tellar.co.uk ensures the right fit across 1,500+ brands.

1. Essential Summer Pieces – What to Include

Your summer wardrobe should consist of:

Lightweight Trousers & Shorts (linen, cotton-linen blends, soft denim)
Flowy Dresses (shirt-, wrap-, midi-length)
Crisp Button-Down Shirts (oversized or fitted)
Tailored Blazers or Lightweight Jackets
Core Basics: ribbed camis, white tees
Midi Skirts in viscose, cotton blends
Shoes & Accessories: minimalist sandals, straw totes, metal jewelry

1.1 Breathable Fabrics to Prioritize

Linen: It breathes, creases less in warm weather, and drapes beautifully. Linen trousers and oversized blazers are wardrobe heroes.
Cotton & Poplin: Crisp and structured—great for button-downs, midi skirts, and tailored shorts.
Viscose / TENCEL™: Soft, cool, and forgiving—perfect for dresses, skirts, and floaty tops.
Lightweight Denim: Opt for lighter washes and looser fits to stay cool.

1.2 Structuring Your Summer Closet

Piece	Why It Matters	Styling Tip
Linen Blazer	Adds polish & layering	Pair with tank and midi skirt
Camisole or Rib Tank	Layering staple	Tucked into wide-leg trousers
Wrap Dress	Flattering on all shapes	Cinch with tan belt
Shirt Dress	Work to weekend	Roll sleeves, add sneakers
Wide-Leg Linen Trousers	Cool & breezy	With fitted cotton tee
Midi Skirt	Elevates basics	Pair with flat sandals
Cropped Jeans	Easy every day	With tee and raffia bag
Light Jacket	Coastal cool days	Denim or cotton trench
Minimal Sandals	Summer essential	Wear with floaty maxi dress
Straw Totes / Gold Jewelry	Cost-effective style upgrade	Complements neutral looks

2. Top High-Street & Designer Brands by Category

🧶 Linen, Cotton & Everyday Basics

COS: Sleek linen trousers, clean shirts, and minimalist camis.
- See: The Ultimate Guide to Smart Casual Blazers for Women’s Body Types
M&S: Reliable basics like cotton poplins, knit tanks, and versatile shorts.
- See sizing: What Size Am I in Next?
NEXT: Affordable dresses, skirts, and everyday cotton tees.
- Guide: What Size Am I in Next?

🧵 Investment-Worthy Designer & Premium Brands

Reiss: Crisp shirt-dresses, linen co-ords, and robust shirting.
Me+Em: Polished cuts, breathable fabrics—great for modern summer suiting.
Theory / Vince: Lightweight silk-cotton pieces that feel luxurious.
Everlane: Sustainable, honest pricing—look to their cotton tanks and denim.
- Related read: The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide
Eileen Fisher: Pure linen sets and flowy silhouettes with form.
Whistles: Sophisticated midi skirts and dresses in viscose.

3. Styling for Your Wardrobe

Layering for UK Weather

Cool nights? Add a light jacket, cotton trench, or cropped denim for warmth.
Over-air-conditioned interiors? Use a linen blazer thrown over a shell top.

Choosing Tone-on-Tone Looks

Monochrome dressing (e.g., cream, beige, navy) adds sophistication and lengthens silhouette.
Add texture—raffia, gold bangles, leather belts—to finish looks.

Balance Silhouettes

Pair wide-leg trousers with fitted tops, and floaty skirts with cropped tees.
For shift or wrap dresses, add structured bags and minimalist sandals for polish.

4. Avoid Common Summer Style Pitfalls

Shrinking fabrics – Wash linen and viscose cold and on a gentle cycle.
Inconsistent sizing – Always check size charts (UK vs EU vs US)
- See: UK vs USA vs European Clothing Sizes
Wrong blazers – A too-long blazer with cropped trousers looks sloppy.
- Fit Guidance: Smart-Casual Blazers Guide
Skipping practical pieces – Flat sandals and straw totes are summer workhorses.
Over-accessorizing – Summer wardrobe thrives on simplicity.

5. Tellar.co.uk: Fit Confidence Across Brands

What is Tellar.co.uk?

A free sizing tool mapping your measurements to 1,500+ brands. Providing unbiased, data-driven size guidance so you shop with certainty.

How Tellar.co.uk Works:

Measure once – bust, waist, hips, or your existing brand size.
Store Size Lookup – Get your precise size for brands like COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket.
Shop confidently – Reduce returns with accurate fit.
Always free – No downloads, works direct in browser.

➡️ tellar.co.uk
➡️ Use the Store Size Lookup tool
➡️ Download a free printable measuring tape

6. More Pillar Content Worth Exploring

📏 Sizing Deep Dives

👖 Jeans That Flatter

👚 Smart Summer Tailoring

📲 Connect with Tellar’s Style Community

For daily style advice, fit science, and seasonal deep dives, follow Tellar:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Pinterest: TellarSizing

✅ Final Takeaway

Summer wardrobes should be versatile, breathable, and stylish. From linen trousers to midi skirts and crisp shirts, the mix of high street and designer pieces gives you comfort and polish. But fit is crucial—Tellar.co.uk removes sizing uncertainty and lets you shop confidently across 1,500+ brands for free.

Start building your summer capsule today—then explore your perfect size and styling advice on Tellar.

Visit: tellar.co.uk