When all else fails, there’s some solace in knowing that you can call upon a few elevated basics to make a summer ensemble that’s as chic as it is effortless. Whilst experimenting with new trends—be it red-and-black flip-flops or balloon shorts—is always a way to breathe new life into your wardrobe, relying upon a few cardinal staples can save you the hassle of staring into the abyss that is your wardrobe and struggling to piece together a look you’ll feel both confident and comfortable in. Still, there are a few rare styles that strike the perfect balance between timelessness and trendiness. Like capri pants or jelly sandals, these items are often few and far between, but still bring a contemporary edge to your outfits despite their quite classical nature.

Having begun planning my upcoming summer holidays, I’ve turned my attention to the best dressed at the destinations I’ve set my sights on visiting over the next few months. It’s here, along the balmy coastlines of the Greek Islands or in the Old Towns of the Balearic Islands, that I’ve noticed one surprising trend emerge. And yes, it certainly can be described as one of those magical items that are both familiar yet fresh.

Indeed, one thing that I’ve observed the most influential tastemakers pack with them for their travels is a bib top. Now, the name may be an instant turn off to some, but lest we forget that we’re currently in an era where wearing underwear as outerwear is a shortcut to garnering cultural cachet. Let alone mention when you wear a style that is reminiscent of something a little French dauphin would wear to bed during the 17th Century. (Read: bloomers.)

Bib tops take a more Victorian look, with antique-inspired lace trims and airy frills that tie up around the waist. The latter is the defining feature that gives the top its name, which is important to note given how visceral the criticism is against supposed infantilising summer trends, like the babydoll dress Olivia Rodrigo performed in a few weeks ago. But there’s no need to jump to moral panic here, with the bib top far more languid and ethereal than any actual child’s bib could ever be.

This trend is an evolution of the apron top trend that features quite prominently in Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2026 collection and Chloé’s fall/winter 2026 show. For her part, Mrs. Prada used the top to subvert the idea of a uniform by designing a collection inspired by late 20th-century female factory workers. However, the bib top trend is a far more delicate version of the industrial and utilitarian vision Miu Miu presented back in September. As London-based influencer Lucy Williams put it, the look is “Miss Havisham does a Shirley Valentine and lives happily ever after”.

Longline and wispy, this is a trend that pairs equally well with blissful shorts when soaking up sun in the Mediterranean or over jeans when wandering through the cosmopolitan streets of Marylebone a little closer to home. So, if you want to look like you've just gotten back from your dream vacation without leaving town, wear the pretty top trend that’s slowly tying everyone in knots.

Shop the Bib Top Trend:

If you're a frequent Who What Wear reader, then you're probably aware of my love for Nordstrom. It is no secret. Simply put, Nordstrom is my go-to for everything. That holds a lot of weight for someone who shops for a living. Of everything in my closet with a Nordstrom origin, the three items I shop for most are basic tops, jeans, and flats. As luck would have it, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026 is set to start on July 18, and unsurprisingly, I've already browsed the sale preview and know exactly what I'll be adding to my cart.

Coming up are the best basic tops, jeans, and flats from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Once again, thanks to the preview, we already know coveted brands are included in the deals: Reformation, Levi's, Madewell, Frame, and Margaux, to name a few. Scroll on to shop classic crewneck tees, Parisian-chic slim-straight jeans, and woven flats.

Shop Editor-Approved Basic Tops, Jeans, and Flats From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026

Basic Tops

Don't sleep on Nordstrom basics. Its in-house brands are consistently serving up cotton, cashmere, and satin staples, like Nordstrom's Pima Cotton Blend Crewneck T-Shirt, its Crewneck Cashmere Sweater, and Open Edit's Lace Trim Satin Camisole. All are editor approved, waiting to be added to your cart. The best part? They'll all be on sale starting July 18. Shop more Nordstrom basic tops below.

Jeans

My denim collection is extensive. With over 13 pairs of jeans, I've affectionately dubbed myself a denim devotee, which is why I'm excited about the upcoming Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The denim selection is a dream. The preview shows editor-loved brands like Levi's, Rag & Bone, and Madewell will be included, and the styles will range from baggy wide-leg jeans to slim-straight silhouettes. Ahead, shop the 11 styles I've got my eye on.

Flats

I hate to break flats in, but I love to style them with a knee-length skirt. From designer-looking ruched loafers to statement suede ballet flats, Nordstrom's flats selection is always on my list to browse. Any of the styles below will find their way into your shoe rotation—just like that.

While I love getting dressed as much as the next fashion person, I tend to have a deficit in one particular clothing category: tops. I don't know about you, but I'm always on the hunt for a range of beautiful tops to mix and match with my go-to wardrobe items. If you're in the same boat, then I have great news. I've recently browsed Nordstrom's newest arrivals and found many amazing tops—from versatile, elevated basics to cool, head-turning statement pieces—worth shopping. Don't worry. I included a list of my top selects below just for you.

In the mix of the best Nordstrom top arrivals, you can expect pretty fabrics and fun constructions. Pieces from top brands like Reformation, COS, and Mango also make a splash. If you're looking to add a bit of freshness to your closet for the months to come, shop these amazing Nordstrom tops.

Shop the Best New Tops at Nordstrom

Eugénie Trochu is a Who What Wear editor in residence known for her transformative work at Vogue France and her Substack newsletter, where she documents and shares new trends, her no-nonsense approach to fashion and style, plus other musings. She's also working on her upcoming first book that explores fashion as a space of memory, projection, and reinvention.

There's a heat wave warning in Rome this weekend, the kind of heat where even the stones seem to be sweating. I had packed sensibly enough: a few lightweight shorts, flat sandals, sunglasses large enough to cover half my face. Yet one question kept coming back every time I stood in front of the mirror. What do you wear on top when it's 38°C (100°F), you're walking around the city all day, and you don't particularly feel like showing your midriff to hundreds of tourists?

Somewhere between the ribbed tank top that eventually starts looking like underwear and the oversize shirt that sticks to your back after 20 minutes, there is a middle ground, a category of tops that can survive a heat wave while still looking somewhat put-together.

This year, I've found myself drawn to things that feel slightly old-fashioned. Prints that look as though they've escaped from a 1950s family photo album. Gingham, tiny checks, miniature florals. Lightweight cotton poplin tops that keep their shape even when they're wrinkled. A touch of lace, a little crochet, some broderie anglaise.

I especially love small sleeveless tops buttoned down the front that vaguely recall childhood blouses, only simpler. They work with absolutely everything.

Gingham has become my ally again in washed-out red, sky blue, and biscuit beige—something fresh, cheerful, and far more suited to extreme temperatures than black, which inevitably gives me the air of a Mediterranean widow in the middle of August.

I've also surprised myself by gravitating toward white cotton tops trimmed with a little lace. They're not overly romantic. It's just enough to suggest an Éric Rohmer heroine who happened to book an EasyJet flight to Rome. They possess that rare quality of looking polished without appearing to require any effort at all.

And then there are mineral shades. Chalk, sand, eggshell, pale clay, faded sage, dusty blue. Colors that seem as though they're feeling the heat too.

In the end, the formula that worked best during this Roman weekend was remarkably simple: a sleeveless poplin top, denim shorts, flat sandals, a few pieces of gold jewelry, and hair pinned up without much thought. The hotter it gets, the more convinced I become that true sophistication lies in simplicity.

French girl–approved summer tops:

It's true that French style is all about classic, timeless, and non-trendy-driven staples, but it's also true that French women adore a romantic aesthetic more than most—a slip dress, a pair of wraparound sandals, a great red lip—and there's one item that I've noticed they wear like clockwork summer after summer. Despite whatever the trend cycle may say, French people will always be faithful to the simple but everlasting combo of a pair of denim (be it jeans or denim shorts) and a pretty white top.

Now, I'm not talking your standard button-downs, tees, or tanks. I'm talking about a specific subset of summer tops that are effortless, a little boho-inspired, and usually finished with delicate embroidery or eyelet details. They usually come in airy cotton or linen and tend to have flowy silhouettes that make them ideal for throwing on with a pair of denim and ballet flats on a hot day, as many Parisians tend to do. Of course, boho-esque brands like Dôen, Sea, and Chloé have some of the most iconic versions but I scoured the internet and found so many pretty styles that range from minimalist to free-spirited and luxury to affordable.

Here, shop the prettiest white tops that everyone in Paris is wearing with jeans and jean shorts this summer, plus see how to style them.

When it comes to a summer wardrobe, there’s nothing quite like a pretty blouse as the foundation for so many different looks. Its versatility is unmatched when it comes to styling after all, you can wear them with relaxed jeans, linen shorts or poplin midi skirts—they manage to make even the most simple outfit feel effortlessly polished and considered.

If there’s one brand that’s my go-to for summer blouses, it's Free People. Known for their romantic, wearable styles, lived-in denim and floaty dresses, their aesthetic has a contemporary, bohemian edge to it that lends itself perfectly to delicate embroidery, vintage-inspired laces and airy fabrics. Rather than chasing fleeting trends, Free People set themselves apart by sticking to what they know and what their customers love, and this makes their investment-worthy blouses a core piece in your wardrobe long after the trends have moved on.

Want to buy a new summer blouse and don't know where to start? I’ve done the work for you and spent time scouring their top options to narrow down the best Free People blouses for summer 2026. Scroll on to discover an array of styles that are worth adding to your wardrobe now, and to keep reaching for year after year.

The Best Free People Blouses for Summer:

Believe it or not, one of the categories I struggle with most when summer arrives is tops. When it comes to bottoms, my wardrobe is overflowing with linen trousers, long skirts, Bermuda shorts and jeans, but finding tops that feel polished, interesting and versatile enough to wear with all of them is another story entirely. That's why I always find myself returning to Zara.

The high-street favourite has quietly become one of my go-to destinations for elevated summer tops that feel just a little more special than your average tank. Whether it's romantic embroidered blouses, chic strappy tops, pretty lace-trimmed styles or expensive-looking linen shirts, Zara consistently delivers pieces that make even the simplest outfit feel considered. The beauty of a great summer top is that it does all the hard work for you; simply add linen trousers, denim or a slip skirt and you're instantly polished.

This season in particular, Zara has excelled itself. Think delicate embroidery, intricate frog fastenings, breezy linen fabrics and elegant silhouettes that look far more expensive. Keep scrolling to shop the chicest Zara tops of the season.

The Best Zara Summer Tops

Since Aligne first came onto my radar, I have been hooked. The brand is well-known and loved for its perfectly polished pieces that instantly elevate any look. It's for that very reason that Aligne has steadily grown a cult following, and with the latest chic additions to its collections, that following is unlikely to waver anytime soon. No wonder Aligne is approved by It girls around the globe.

Below, I'm sharing a quick edit of standout Aligne pieces, including a mix of its new summer 2026 additions along with classic hero pieces. Think incredibly chic dresses like the latest Gabriella Denim Dress, blazers, shorts, skirts, pants, and more. Each piece can easily be dressed up or down, and they're all guaranteed to get endless compliments. Not to mention, these selections are effortless and timeless, so you can rest assured that you will wear them for many years to come.

Chic Aligne Pieces for 2026

In case you weren't already clued in, flip-flop sandals are one of this season's biggest sandal trends. While these styles are not new, considering their ubiquitous presence in fashion history, they seem to be quite controversial this time around, typically bringing in either overwhelming approval or outright distaste. I, for one, am a fan thanks to all the chic flip-flop outfit inspiration I come across daily.

One thing I found surprising was that many in the European fashion set adopted a love for flip-flops over the past year. I just figured the sandals would be kept strictly for summer beachside holidays rather than everyday city life. Naturally, their way of styling the sandal trend is top-notch. With that in mind, I rounded up five standout outfits from stylish women in France, Sweden, Portugal, and more. Keep scrolling to check out and shop each inspiring summer 2026 look.

Chic European Summer Outfit Ideas With Flip-Flops

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I know, I know. Wearing black on a hot, sunny day can make you feel a million degrees hotter, but I just can't help but remain loyal to wearing all-black looks regardless of the season. I'm not alone either. With one quick look through my Instagram and TikTok feeds, I'm guaranteed to spot stylish all-black ensembles worth saving and re-creating. With summer approaching, I set out to find a fresh round of looks to consider for the upcoming season.

Ahead, I share and break down seven chic all-black summer outfit ideas from stylish women around the globe that have my attention right now. From Paris to NYC, the looks are easy to pull off. I made sure to include an array of options for various occasions that feel both timeless and trendy. Think elevated basic tops, of-the-moment sandals, and cool sunglasses paired with pants, skirts, and more. Keep scrolling to check out and shop each inspiring outfit.

Chic All-Black Outfit Ideas for Summer 2026

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There's one retailer that I've been telling friends not to sleep on lately: Zappos. The underrated site is full of chic pieces spanning from clothing to shoes to bags. Don't even get me started on its fast and free shipping. For summer 2026, the selection is exceptionally good, so when a friend recently asked what to buy, I was more than ready to put my stylish favorites on her radar.

Below, you can shop my curated list of top Zappos picks for the season. I've included a mix of trendy finds along with closet staples. Think pretty summer dresses, lace-trim shorts, timeless tote bags, fun flip-flop sandals, and more. As for the brands, you'll find everything from Levi's to Adidas and Free People. Keep scrolling to check everything out, and thank me later.

Chic Summer 2026 Picks From Zappos

If there is one category that forms the backbone of any stylish closet, it would have to be basics. Of course, there are the classics, but the trendy ones also hold an important place in outfit rotations. Not only are they easy to style, but they also add an of-the-moment boost that helps your wardrobe feel current without being over-the-top. Nordstrom is teeming with basics that fit this very definition, and many have "It girl" written all over them.

Below, I'm breaking down and shopping out four standout trendy basics that are worthy of your attention this season. Each is guaranteed to get you many compliments and will have you looking like a fashion person. Think casual yet cool shorts, effortlessly relaxed pants, and more. Keep scrolling to check them out along with outfit ideas to inspire how you style each one.

Trendy Basics From Nordstrom

1. Drawstring Pants

2. Headscarves

3. Elevated Basic Tops

4. Boxer-Style Shorts

With summer in full swing and another heatwave on the way, it's time to talk outfit options. Specifically, we're focusing right now on those simple, throw-on wardrobe pieces that make you feel chic in the warm weather with little to no effort. Enter: The summer blouse. Easy, breezy, beautiful. Just add your favourite jeans, shorts, linen trousers, slip skirt—you name it—and you have a look that feels instantly polished. What's not to love?

While a pretty blouse can often make an outfit look elegant and expensive, investing in one doesn't actually need to mean emptying your bank account. I've been keeping a close eye on the high street summer collections, and I've spotted so many beautiful summer blouses recently. Zara, M&S and H&M have all particularly stood out to me as having the best affordable styles for 2026, so I dug a little deeper into their 'new in' sections and have pinpointed five summer blouse trends that are standing out for this season (and beyond). From delicate lace details to romantic, bohemian ruffles and—for the minimalists—some loose linen heatwave heroes.

There's a time and a place for a white tank top, but if you're looking for a little more elegance—whether its for workwear, summer date nights or balmy holiday evenings—I've saved you some time and added links to the high street summer blouses I would recommend below.

Lace Details

Loose Linen

Polka Dot

Romantic and Ruffled

Embroidery

If you were to have asked me a few years ago about whether I would be lusting over a striped top this summer, I would’ve told you that the trend had been retired long ago, alongside the pleather leggings, wedge trainers and faux-fur gilets that millennials religiously paired with them. Now, if you were to pose the same question, you’d get an entirely different response.

It’s bizarre to think what a few years out of fashion’s favour can do to a silhouette, as this summer is seeing a resurgence of simple striped tops once only sported by adherents of the French aesthetic. As formally beloved Breton stripes were—especially throughout the 2010s, by twee enthusiasts Alexa Chung and the matriarch of artistic minimalism, Phoebe Philo, during her tenure for Céline—the striped top redux is ushering in a new era of bold hues and candy-colour combinations splashed across in saturated horizontal lines.

The rise in this motif, as much of many of fashion’s most memorable trends, can be traced back to Mrs. Prada, specifically her designs for Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2024 collection. Continuing to mine preppy subcultures, she recontextualised the collegiate styles of indie sleaze Ivy League types from the late 2000s—think: the frat bros and tech guys from The Social Network—by presenting a range of oversized blazers, slinky bubble skirts and, of course, striped tops.

Now, after a slow burn, the striped top is here to claim its spot as the most revered summer basic. And after a reign of quiet luxury and muted minimalism, I can’t think of a better antidote than these saccharine tops. Whilst there will always be a place for those crisp white t-shirts and clean cut ribbed tank tops, I’m following suit with the style set and pairing these newfound wardrobe essentials with other balmy fundamentals like cobalt trousers and red-and-black flip-flops. High-octane and effortlessly elevated, shop the trend ahead.

Shop the Striped Top Trend:

While a Euro summer is unfortunately not on my itinerary this year, that doesn't mean my wardrobe won't reflect the vibe! I've already been admiring all the coolest outfits coming straight out of Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, etc., and copying them for myself. I've been particularly focused on summer tops and the of-the-moment styles fashion people have been pairing with their staple jeans this warm-weather season.

Below, I'm sharing seven specific tops I'm seeing around Europe so far that are unquestionably adding a trend-forward touch to denim outfits. The styles below, from dainty white tops to cool graphic tees, are giving major Euro summer 2026 vibes. Keep scrolling to get inspired, and take your pick of shopping options.

1. Pretty White Tops

Nothing says summer like a pretty white embroidered top. Go for a silhouette that's effortless and easy—preferably with a vintage vibe.

Shop:

2. Graphic Tees

It's all about dressing with personality this summer, and one of the coolest ways to do it is with a graphic tee. Whether you're sporting something bold and colorful or choosing a tee to represent your country in the World Cup, it's the perfect way to express yourself.

Shop:

3. Lace-Trim Tops

Romantic, delicate, and sultry—silky lace-trim tops will continue their dominance and are the ideal day-to-night pieces to style with jeans. This season, I'm seeing plenty of fresh colors and silhouettes, such as halters and asymmetric styles, in the mix.

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4. V-Neck Silhouettes

When it comes to basics, I'm seeing V-necks really taking off. Whether it's a halter style or simple tank, cool girls can't get enough of the minimalist-chic silhouette right now.

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5. Scarf Tops

Opt for a top that leans into this season's scarf-dressing trend. There are plenty of cool prints and silhouettes to choose from that will instantly elevate a simple pair of jeans.

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6. Striped Tees

Striped tees are going strong. Choose one with a relaxed fit and a retro vibe that will add a cool touch to your denim.

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7. Fringe Detail

Summer gives us the perfect opportunity to get playful and fun with our style choices, and nothing is more fitting than fringe. Style a fringe-hem top with your jeans, and let the compliments roll in.

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In true British form, we’ve gone from scorching hot sun to downpours almost overnight, but I for one am still in the mindset that summer is upon us, and I refuse to go back to my knitwear. I’ve worn dresses and sandals for weeks now, and I'm keeping up with the momentum of summer dressing while I still can. Anyone else with me?

If there’s one outfit combination that I've returned to time and time again, it’s a summer top paired with jeans. Denim is the staple of a wardrobe throughout the seasons and provides the foundation to countless chic looks, so pairing it with a stylish top creates an effortless, put-together look. For me, jeans and sandals are one of my favourite combos, so adding a cute summer top just adds that cherry on top.

From light and airy linen shirts to romantic broderie anglaise blouses, I’ve rounded up five of my favourite styles of summer tops to wear with jeans for summer 2026. There's something for everyone in the mix.

1. Long Sleeved Linen Shirt

Style Notes: A light long sleeved linen shirt is a go-to of mine as soon as the summer sun comes out. It’s such a versatile option that can be worn alone, or easily layered over vests, swimwear or dresses.

Shop the Look:

2. Broderie Anglaise Blouse

Style Notes: A broderie anglaise blouse is a timeless summer staple for a reason. It’s such a chic, romantic style that is so versatile and will be an option you’ll keep in your wardrobe and bring out each year.

Shop the Look:

3. Halterneck Top

Style Notes: A halterneck top is undoubtedly one of those perfect day-to-night styles. Whether it's a casual basic or a bright, printed iteration, it's such a versatile option for keeping denim playful.

Shop the Look:

4. Gingham Printed Top

Style Notes: Usually I tend to stick to neutrals and plain pieces, but when it comes to summer, I like to step outside of my comfort zone and inject colour and print into my wardrobe. A gingham is a classic print that never goes out of trend and one that comes back around each year.

Shop the Look:

5. Boho Blouse

Style Notes: The boho trend is still so prevalent following its resurgence after Chemena Kamali’s debut show for Chloé, and we don’t anticipate its departure anytime soon. Think crochet, lace, earthy tones, floaty fabrics and ruffles paired with flares and wide-leg jeans.

Shop the Look:

6. Floaty Cami Top

Style Notes: Marianne’s look is one I revert back to each year—a stylish, floaty cami top paired with a blue jean and sandals. Blue jeans give a softer finish than black when it comes to summer months, and there’s no better combo than jeans and sandals.

Shop the Look:

Summer is here, which means most of us are looking to make meaningful updates to our closets. Some of the toughest categories to shop for are tops and dresses. Recently, I dug through hundreds of Revolve tops and dresses, and I was seriously impressed. Don't worry; I couldn't possibly leave you hanging. I used my shopping editor expertise to handpick a selection of on-trend summer tops and beautiful dresses for the summer ahead.

It's so easy to reach for a simple tee or tank, but there are so many pretty tops that'll mix and match endlessly with your favorite pants, skirts, or shorts. And we all know the struggle of finding the perfect dresses for all your warm-weather activities. No matter your sartorial needs, the curation of great summer tops and dresses from Revolve will tackle any wardrobe gaps. Keep scrolling to uncover your new favorite pieces.

Shop the Best Revolve Tops

Ahead you can expect a slew of on-trend tops that will mix and match seamlessly with your favorite closet items. From stunning halter tops to polka-dot tube tops, there's something for every kind of summer dresser.

Shop the Best Revolve Dresses

Summer and easy, breezy dresses could not be more synonymous. I've handpicked some styles that scream beachfront vacation, while others are perfect for a chic wedding. Keep scrolling for these on-trend dress picks for summer.

We simply have to extend a hand to whoever is doing the public relations for the humble top, for it’s never been a better time for this wardrobe staple than right now. Indeed, the mastermind behind this summer basics’ renewed interest must be working overtime, because across all facets of the fashion landscape, there’s an appetite for clean cut and chic tops that simply can’t be satiated.

Of course, if you want to know what style the Who What Wear UK editors are backing this summer, you’ve come to the right place. And after doing some serious research—see: trawling new-season collections and reviewing the most recent runways—we can say with confidence that the three-quarter sleeve top will reign supreme.

Though the double-layered crewnecks—especially when rendered in the colour palette synonymous with Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, like cobalt blue and tomato red—seen on Harry Styles in the “American Girls” music video and the boho chic-inspired peasant blouse trend were worthy contenders, a recent slew of chic dressers endorsing the three-quarter length top has crowned it as this season’s leading trend.

Indeed, only yesterday, Kaia Gerber stepped out in New York in the quintessential model off-duty uniform. For the stroll, she wore a pair of ballet pumps, low-rise jeans and tied these foundational items together with the elbow-grazing silhouette. Earlier this year, Hailey Bieber posted a photo of herself in her butter yellow kitchen wearing the bracelet-length long-sleeved style.

The sightings don’t stop there. A few months ago, Lily-Rose Depp was seen in Los Angeles wearing the same cut, albeit in a baby pink style that complemented her Y2K-inspired grey tracksuit and slate blue Ugg boots. Elsewhere, whilst taking a break from her Short’n’Sweet tour, Sabrina Carpenter also posted a photo of herself wearing the top alongside a saccharine gingham-print bandana. All this to say, the three-quarter sleeve top has officially become one of the must-have pieces of the season.

Of course, to those in the know, you’ll be aware that the three-quarter sleeve top is by no means new. One of the earliest and most influential appearances from the top came in 1973 when Jane Birkin wore it during rehearsals for a performance at the Artists Union Gala. Wearing nothing but a pair of black undies and thick thigh-high leg warmers, she cemented the silhouette as a venerable extension of Parisian sophistication and unfussy elegance, something that today’s style savants have reinforced, too.

Still, there’s a reason why the three-quarter sleeve top is dominating now, decades after it entered the cultural zeitgeist. The most prominent reason is that the top embodies the slight sensuality and inherent romanticism associated with French girl fashion, making it an effective way to inject these traits into any ensemble without investing in a whole new wardrobe. What’s more, this cut offers a fresh take on a capsule wardrobe staple, as it can easily be paired with any well-edited fundamentals and instantly adds dimension to any tried-and-trusted ensemble.

And with summer on the horizon, there’s no better time to get your sartorial affairs in order and stock up on anything-but-boring basics that can elevate any look. So, whilst you can spend your time embracing novel trends like silk taffeta trousers and jelly shoes, there’s solace in knowing that with the three-quarter sleeve top, you’ll never struggle to find a blouse or shirt to wear it with. Delicate, flirty and effortless, discover below the best three-quarter sleeve tops to invest in and the styles that will have you bidding adieu to your crisp white T-shirts and scoop neck tank tops for good.

Shop the Three-Quarter Sleeve Top:

It's no secret that track pants had a major style moment. Everyone from Hailey Bieber to Margot Robbie was slipping on the sporty-chic bottoms—and while they're still guaranteed to stick around, a cooler option has taken center field.

The varsity T-shirt trend is big for 2026, calling on oversized lettering, jersey-style elements, and a vintage-inspired aesthetic. With the World Cup right around the corner, this collegiate-core look is only bound to increase in popularity, so now's your chance to get in on the ground floor.

The best varsity tees don't only look good, but they're comfortable. Often featuring a stretchy fit, the laid-back top is unfussy and demands little. Further details like soft cotton and a throw-on-and-go feel only make it easier to reach for. Still, it delivers a big impact that's simple to style.

Wear your favorite retro gym tee with low-slung denim and lightweight sneakers for a casual look. For an unexpected combo that surprisingly works, dress it up with a maxi skirt and kitten heels.

If you're ready to add a cool-girl varsity tee (or maybe even two or three) to your wardrobe, then keep reading. Aritzia, J.Crew, Old Navy, and more currently have styles ranging from cropped silhouettes and V-necks to oversized fits and classic ringer tees, so you're bound to find a few favorites.

Shop the Varsity T-shirt Trend for 2026

As an editor on a budget who has a penchant for all things The Row, Khaite, and Toteme, I am constantly keeping an eye out for pieces that fit the bill without breaking the bank. Enter Zara with a stellar selection that has the exact designer vibe I am looking for just in time for spring and summer 2026. Not only will the designs and the styling have you doing a double take and taking notes, but you will also be surprised by the price point, as everything comes in at under $150.

I rounded up the rich-looking standouts from the collection. Think everything from understated tank tops to statement silhouettes, cool pants, sleek sandals, effortless dresses, designer-looking jeans, and much more. If you click on a look that you love, the Zara site is great at breaking down how to shop each piece. I highly recommend purchasing your favorite picks as soon as possible since they are bound to sell out fast.

Shop Incredibly Chic Designer-Inspired Zara Picks

We’re in the middle of spring, and summer is fast approaching, which can only mean one thing; blouse season is officially here! And although a number of elegant designer blouses have caught my eye this season, I’ve noticed one particular high street store that currently has a blouse selection that looks just expensive at a fraction of the cost—Zara.

A perfect blend of looking elevated enough to feel fresh and current for 2026, and timeless enough to last in my summer capsule for many years to come, the brand is always my first port of call for finding the most expensive-looking take on designer trends. And its blouse selection is no different. From pretty polka-dot styles to elegant ruffle iterations, Zara’s summer blouse collection is a fail proof way to polish up my jeans, linen trousers and skirts this season.

Now, I'm well aware that the number of items on any fashion website can be overwhelming, so I decided to focus my attention on the 13 stand-out blouses from the brand that I’m convinced will be sold out long before summer officially begins. Keep scrolling to see and shop the very best of Zara’s summer blouse collection.

Shop the Best Zara Blouses for Summer 2026

Shop More Blouses I Love

My spring-and-summer uniform is a cute top and jeans. I already own 13 pairs of jeans (some baggy, some slim, each different in some way, of course), but I'm always on the lookout for another pretty top. As it happens, Nordstrom is currently having its Half-Yearly Sale. That means from now until June 1, you can save up to 50% on editor-loved brands like Free People, Open Edit, Madewell, Damson Madder, and Mango. Take this as your sign to revamp your summer closet on a discount. I'm talking lace-trim camisoles, polka-dot peplums, and standout under-$50 finds.

Scroll on to shop the best tops to wear with jeans from the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale event.

Shop Pretty Tops From the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale 2026

There's no denying that lace-trim shorts have taken over our screens and closets since growing in popularity over the past year. Naturally, Zara has its hand in the mix with a chic array of lace-trim shorts options in a variety of colors and styles. One such pair caught my attention thanks to the effortless styling that features three key pieces: an oversize white button-down shirt, ivory lace-trim shorts, and metallic gold kitten-heel sandals. The easy yet stylish summer look is a no-brainer for a variety of occasions since it feels elevated and dressed up yet it leans casual enough of for less formal moments.

Below, I shopped out the look and included a solid list of other lace-trim shorts from Zara that deserve your attention. If the main shorts featured in the look caught your eye, don't hesitate to buy them, as they are bound to sell out fast. Keep scrolling to check out and shop the standout three-piece summer outfit idea.

The Effortless 3-Piece Zara Outfit

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Shop More Chic Lace-Trim Shorts From Zara