I'm a plus size fashion stylist

STOCKING up on summer staples is no easy feat.

Not only are prices rising, you’ve also got to find styles that are in line with current trends AND actually suit you.

And if you’re mid or plus-size, it only gets harder, thanks to limited collections available both in-store and online.

Luckily, plus-size personal stylist and colour analyst Laura Tippett-Wilson (@styledby_laura) has some easy tips to make sure you look cool and feel comfortable.

Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, she reveals the fashion staples that will mean you never run out of stuff to wear - and the exact items that will work for any shape or size.

The 29-year-old stylist from York revealed the tip she recommends to all her clients when it comes to summer dressing - and that's to stick to a capsule wardrobe.

You’ll have heard this buzz term all over TikTok, but what does it actually mean?

Boutique owner Susie Faux first coined the term in the 1970s, which relates to a limited number of essential or staple items that you can mix and match for multiple occasions and seasons.

For Laura, investing in elevated basics is the best place to start when planning for the season ahead.

She said: "I think it is really important to just have a capsule wardrobe in place for summer, clothing you don't have to think about too much, especially in the heat.

"Really simple pieces are coming back on trend and it is what I style the most.

"I always recommend having a good pair of shorts, whether it be denim or cotton - they are a staple when it is sunny.

"Good t-shirts and blouses, again a staple and so easy to wear.

"Dresses, are a really easy piece to have for summer, because you can dress them up or down. You don't need to think too much about it but they look fab in summer and they are definitely becoming more of a wardrobe staple.

"I always say to have some lightweight trousers in your wardrobe, for days when it is not warm enough for shorts but too warm for jeans. Something like a light cotton chino or a linen trouser that you can have to put on if you need them.

"Last but not least some COLOUR, it is so important to remember to wear colour in the summer, it will give you an extra boost and makes you excited to open your wardrobe."

Sadly, it's not always easy to track down these items on the high street, as Laura suggests plus-size ranges tend to stick to the same, outdated styles.

"Fashion on the high street is really outdated - they don't listen to their consumers and make changes.

"If you have even been into a shop where they claim to have a plus-size range, you see the same styles.

"Women don't want to wear cold shoulder tops or tops with loads of random logos and patterns on. They deserve to be stylish as well."

Luckily Laura's had a hunt around for the best, on-trend offerings on the high street right now.

Starting off with shorts, the fashion pro found two pairs of on-trend denim that will be both flattering and comfortable.

First up - Simply Be's Bermuda Shorts, now reduced to £25.20, which she particularly likes in the washed black shade.

She said: "Bermuda shorts are really easy to style because the leg is long enough to be comfortable all day.

"These ones in particular are really trendy, with the raw hem along the bottom. They're also a mix of cotton and elastane, meaning they'll be both cool and comfortable.

"Style them with a simple t-shirt for a warm day."

She was also a fan of YOURS Curve Mid Blue Elasticated Waist Denim Shorts, priced at £22.99.

"You will see this paper bag style becoming a big trend this year.

"Again they have a longer leg and some stretch in them, so they'll be comfortable to walk around in.

"Blue denim is a staple and you can style these really easily, but if blue isn't for you then they have plenty of other colours to choose from."

For those after a reliable dress that they can dress up or down, Laura also had some suggestions, including Simply Be's Green Print Supersoft Midi Dress With Pockets, now £26.

"This dress is such a nice example of an easy wearer.

"Style it either on its own or with a denim jacket and some trainers if you are going out for the day."

She also noted that this emerald-green shade is a key one for this summer, so recommended snapping this up now before it sells out.

If you're in the market for a statement blouse, the stylist suggested checking out Boohoo's collection of oversized linen shirts, which can be styled in various different ways.

She was particularly fond of the terracotta Oversized Linen Shirt, a total steal at just £12.60.

"I always recommend a simple linen shirt because it is a really cool blouse to wear in summer, especially when it is really hot.

"These ones from Boohoo Curve come in a range of new season colours and are fab for those Autumn pallets too.

"You can style linen with your shorts or trousers and they just look effortlessly stylish."

However, to elevate a simple linen shirt, Laura suggested opting for a co-ord, meaning you've automatically got an entire outfit to fall back on if you don't fancy putting a full look together.

She suggested the Jess Millichamp Mauve Oversized Shirt, now £32, and matching shorts - part of In The Style's new summer range.

"I absolutely love this set.

"I do like buying co-ords for summer because they are so effortless.

"And I love the colour of this one - it's a gorgeous soft pink which is a great colour for summer and it has an elastic waistband so those shorts are going to be super comfortable!"

And if these aren't exactly your thing, Laura has some recommendations for when picking items out that will see you through the season.

First - keep an eye on the fabric.

"I always look for light fabrics, cotton or linen is a good place to start as they are both natural fabrics and will allow your skin to breathe.

"Stay away from any synthetic fabrics like acrylic or nylon because they will stick to you and make you warmer.

"When it comes to trousers, look for something with stretch in them - so if they have any elastane in them - as these will be more comfortable to wear.

"And one of my favourite outfits for summer is a very simple cotton summer dress because it is so easy to just throw on and be comfortable all day."