My Friend Gave Me a Strict Budget to Update Her Summer Wardrobe—9 Zara, H&M and COS Buys I Chose
From heatwave-ready linen and throw-on dresses to polished summer basics and elevated accessories, these are the Zara, H&M and COS finds to shop now.
With talk of an imminent heatwave, my group chats have, unsurprisingly, descended into a flurry of sunny plans—beer gardens, park picnics and, of course, the all-important question: what are we actually wearing in 25-degree heat? As ever, the conversation quickly turned to the pieces worth investing in right now, and I found myself replying with a tightly edited list from the three high-street brands I always come back to: Zara, H&M and COS.
Each has its own strength. COS continues to lead the way when it comes to elevated summer basics (the Clean Cut T-shirt remains a quiet hero), alongside the kind of polished, expensive-looking accessories that instantly pull an outfit together. Zara, meanwhile, is where I turn for easy, trend-driven pieces—throw-on dresses, standout silhouettes and those slightly more directional styles that still feel wearable. And H&M? It consistently delivers on beautifully cut linen, from tailored trousers to lightweight shirts that make warm-weather dressing feel effortless.
Sarah wearing COS Bermuda Shorts.
Collectively, they prove that the high street is awash with pieces that look far more premium than their price tags suggest, if you know where to look. So whether you’re after a fresh pair of linen trousers, a chic summer dress or a raffia bag that works just as well in the city as it does on holiday, these are the Zara, H&M and COS buys I’d recommend right now
Shop The Best Zara, H&M and COS Summer Buys
The ultimate wardrobe foundation.
Playful but polished.
H&M linen trousers are elite.
Instantly smarten up denim with this broderie cotton blouse.
Relaxed but refined, the barrel shape gives them that subtle fashion edge without sacrificing comfort.
The halterneck detail and chocolate brown hue add instant polish.
A layering essential you’ll wear on repeat.
So rich-looking.
The dropped waist creates a silhouette that feels directional yet wearable.
An elegant shirt with a unique Scandi-inspired fireman clasp detail.
Relaxed denim with a cool, off-duty feel.
Your summer carry-all.
These striped trousers give off that relaxed, expensive-looking feel.
A slightly more elevated version of a classic tank..
A sleek silhouette that works just as well day as it does night.
A great designer alt.
This is so expensive-looking.
Easy, cropped and slightly oversized in all the right ways.
Linen jackets are perfect for cooler summer evenings.
The perfect dress for warm days.
A classic done well.
The metal details make these feel so premium.
So elegant.
Sleek, minimal and made for summer evenings.
The braided detail adds a more premium feel.
A polished alternative to casual shorts.
A subtle statement trouser that you'll wear all summer long.
