Gone are the days of multilayered outfits curated around warmth and waterproofing, with coats and scarves as the focal point. Warmer, brighter and sunnier days have now returned, and we’re now in that lovely period where we can see a few months (or weeks at least) of lovely weather ahead of us. Trousers, vests, linen staples and dresses are unveiled and sandals have firmly replaced our much-loved boots.
And while I’m not one to endlessly buy new items every time the weather changes, I do enjoy looking at new-in summer items—a lot. It takes a great deal of research to find the best top or skirt that can stand alone on warmer days. And with so many choices around it’s actually overwhelming to know where to begin, and that’s where my time spent scrolling will benefit you.
There are a few affordable stores that are embracing all things summer and doing it very well. Zara, H&M and Mango are teeming with pieces that are expensive looking and chic. They’re the types of investment items you can quickly get use out of this summer but also for many seasons to come. Below are some long-lasting shopping picks that are classic enough to weave into any year, whatever the trends. Keep scrolling to see the key items I’d recommend from the hundreds and thousands that are currently available…
Jessica wearing linen trousers from H&M.
What a dress! I’d wear this with heeled sandals in the evening and flat slides in the day.
Designer-looking sandals at a fraction of the price.
A gorgeous summer set.
This dress will work hard in your wardrobe.
A fantastic pair of jeans available in sizes 4-30.
Bandeau tops are going nowhere. I’d style this with wide-leg trousers or denim.
Knitted dresses are still staples in summer. Just opt for a neutral shade and slightly more lightweight knit than a winter iteration.
So pretty.
I love this shade of khaki in summer.
So simple, yet so chic.
Lauren is wearing a bomber jacket from Zara.
A new take on the viral Zara bomber.
Wear with shorts, jeans and trousers or over swimwear.
Easy to style trousers always get my vote.
What a set!
The perfect going-out top.
These sandals look particularly great with shorts and dresses.
A beautiful holiday outift.
I purchased this last year and have not regretted it since.
Throw everything in and go!
I love a stripe in summer.
Monikh wearing a matching striped co-ord from Mango.
This textured white jumpsuit is so chic.
What. A. Dress.
Add a white tank top and you’re set.
Is this the perfect white summer dress? I think so.
I always think summer sequins look so chic.
After this year, I think we can safely say denim midi skirts are going to be firm favourites in our capsule wardrobes.
If you told me these were three times the price I’d believe you.
A fantastic LBD.
I’ve just ordered these to wear with a linen shirt and Birkenstocks.
I just know these will go with everything in your capsule wardrobe.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
