This summer is lining up to be two things: cold and wet – words none of us want to associate with what should be the warmest months of the year. 

So, as we shiver in beer gardens and get goose pimples in the park, it’s time to reassess our outfit choices to see what’s fun, fashionable and functional. After all, that sweet sundress looks much less chic when bundled up beneath pub blankets.

We know as well as anyone that the thought of retrieving items from our winter wardrobe to wear now can seem a little bleak, so let’s try to avoid the puffer coats for now.

Instead, we turn to these seven staples to see us through the summer months, no matter the weather: a chic colourful shirt, a snuggly jumper, a trusty T-shirt, jeans, sandals, a waterproof coat and, finally, a mini skirt (or shorts, depending on your personal style). All of these can be styled as a mini capsule wardrobe, offering a variety of looks that will have you out the door in seconds. Simple.

Despite being thought of as a workwear essential, shirts are a great staple to have to hand for a whole host of occasions – especially once they’re well loved and feel soft against the skin. For summer, we want to add a pop of colour to our outfits to (hopefully) mimic the sunny skies, and this raspberry With Nothing Underneath find does that perfectly. No matter which shade you opt for, you can style it in several ways: undone over a vest top or bikini when on the beach, loosely tied over a slip dress or tucked into jeans or a skirt for a more modest fit. 

Other options we love include this Arket yellow shade (£77), this blue striped Hush style (£79) and this red and pink pick from Gap (£40). 

Not many fashion finds scream summer like a mini skirt. Hiking up the hemline of the trending denim midi skirt, minis add a fun fashion twist to any outfit, whether styled with a shirt, trusty T-shirt or jumper. If you prefer a more practical pick, opt for shorts. 

Denim is always a safe option, especially in easy-to-wear white shades, as demonstrated by this Reformation skirt (£148). Cargo shapes add a chic twist that’s very on trend, like this Rails option (£168), and fun fashion-forward finds, such as this Damson Madder leopard print design (£65), are likely become the focal point of any outfit. 

Nobody wants to wear knitwear in June and July, but looking at the current weather forecast, we might not have that luxury. So, rather than reaching for your winter warmers in dark black, grey or navy shades, it’s time to invest in bright and bold knits so our summer sweaters still spark joy. Throw them over your shoulders in preparation for a cold spell and you’ll be well prepared. 

This pretty pink Reiss find (£148) looks wonderfully warm, as does this The Knotty Ones textured option (£163) and Mango’s pale blue sweater (£35.99). 

We probably don’t need to explain why jeans are a great all-rounder, especially when we’re not sure what kind of weather the day will throw at us. Instead, we’ve curated an expert guide on the best ones to buy for every occasion. Although we will say they work for almost every occasion and pair perfectly with every other item on this list (bar the mini skirt, unless you’re really into layering). 

For a classic blue wash, this M&S slouchy style (£39.50) has caught our eye alongside New Look’s wide-leg option (£31.99), and these cream Nobody’s Child jeans (£69).

No, it’s not quite sandal season but we’re determined to make it happen so we can turn away from our trusty trainers for just a month or two. Firstly, if it’s really freezing, don’t shy away from adding socks – the chunkier, the better, and they make a real style statement. Secondly, select a style you feel comfortable in – is this a barely there flip-flop or a more covered fisherman sandal? There are plenty of options to choose from. 

For a laidback look that’s perfect with jeans, look to a simple flip-flop such as Arket’s colourful styles (£29) or the currently trending chunky styles spotted at FitFlop (£100). For a fisherman sandal with more foot coverage, Anthropologie’s leather option (£115) tops our list. 

Whether tucked into jeans, a mini skirt or linen trousers, a T-shirt is a trusty staple that will see you through every season, no matter the weather. Right now, slogan T-shirts are trending, or you can add a bit of personality by wearing one from your favourite band. Otherwise plain and simple white or black will work with any outfit. The one thing that will make any T-shirt look more luxe, of course, is giving it a good iron. 

We’ll leave you to find your own band T-shirt (but vintage options are often the best), but if you’re after a slogan our eyes are set on this ‘Yes sir, I can boogie’ find (£45) or Petite Bateau’s simple white style (£29) for an everyday staple. 

We hate to say it, but we’re still wearing coats – and we know we’re not alone. We are, however, trying to find a good middle ground, packing away the puffer and trying out lighter styles such as a trench or a waterproof rain mac. Plus, there’s something quite chic about wearing shorts and a duster coat; it really gives off Glastonbury vibes. 

While we don’t want to buy new outerwear at this time of year, with the rain showing no sign of easing up, now is as good a time as any to pick up a waterproof parka. Rains has a number of chic options (£95), and there’s a rise in cropped trench coats that seem made for this exact occasion, such as this Jigsaw style (£220). 

Images: Getty; With Nothing Underneath