With any luck, I'll be studying abroad in Senegal--Dakar, more specifically--next semester, from January until late May. However, I'm having trouble on finding information, especially on what kind of clothes I ought to bring. First, I've gone on weather-related websites that say Dakar is generally really HOT (compared to Michigan anyway!), so should I go with capris or shorts? The second part I'm worried about is the culture. I don't want to offend anyone with what I wear as I will be living with a host family. Mind you, I'm far from what you would call "slutty", but would it be offensive if I wore a tank or something? The quick information sheet told us to wear what we would normally wear at here during the summer--but there's SUCH a variety, how do I know what to wear?

Also, does anyone know of some clothing shops (either chains or online) that sell summer clothes year round? I lost weight since last summer, so I need to buy bottoms!

Any tips will be greatly appriciated! Thanks
Tiffany