Thank you, Hoyaheel (can you be a Tarheel and a Hoya simultaneously?) for the link to the Vivienne Files. I have explored the travel capsule wardrobe idea in the past but, for some reason, the way she describes it makes more sense to me than most. Perhaps it is simply that her style is somewhat similar to mine so I can see myself in those outfits.
I'm with you on knit dresses-they are the best when the temp is high and you feel pulled together. I think that you are right about avoiding white. I have a favorite pair of white linen pants which I may be able to find in navy and that might do the trick.