If the recent dip in temperatures has you thinking about autumn dressing, you're certainly not alone. As much as I've enjoyed a wardrobe of linen dresses, raffia bags and barely-there sandals over the past few months, this is always the point in summer when I find myself craving something a little more substantial—and, naturally, Zara's new-in section is the first place I look.

True to form, the retailer is already teasing the season ahead. Among the latest arrivals are sleek funnel-neck jackets, lightweight knits, rich suede accessories and the sort of dark-wash barrel-leg jeans that always come into their own once autumn arrives. The palette, too, has shifted from bright summer hues to elevated neutrals, while soft loafers, polished flats and transitional layers are beginning to replace strappy sandals and beach-ready staples.

If, like me, you're already planning your pre-autumn wardrobe, keep scrolling for the Zara new-in pieces I'm backing before everyone else catches on.

Shop Zara Pre-Autumn Collection

I know, I know. How can I be thinking about fall when it's currently 85°F with not a cloud in the sky? Well, as much as I'm savoring every drop of summer, my mind is undeniably shifting to a fall mood thanks in part to my inbox, which is already filling up with autumn lookbooks and exciting glimpses of new-season styles from our favorite brands and retailers. We fashion editors are always thinking ahead to the next season, and today, I'm excited to share a handful of fall styles that you can start shopping right now so you can get ahead of the curve and make some directional shopping decisions in the weeks to come. In fact, most of the items I'm featuring are perfect for taking you from summer to fall seamlessly.

I'm honing in on three retailers—Zara, Reformation, and Shopbop—known for their trend-forward and chic selections. The retailers are already giving us hints as to what to expect for fall, so keep scrolling to get your wardrobe ready for the new season.

Henleys

Give your basics a fresh update this fall and opt for a Henley silhouette. The rounded neckline with a buttoned placket is a style I've already been spotting at some of our favorite brands and retailers. A chic alt to your basic tee, it will make your everyday outfits feel of-the-moment and always looks so good with jeans.

All Things Satin

Satin will continue its reign this fall, and we're seeing plenty of fresh silhouettes and colors in the rich-looking fabric. Whether you opt for a satin camisole, a skirt, pants, or a handbag, I guarantee it will add a luxe touch to your fall looks.

Shrunken Jackets

The fall/winter 2026 runways offered plenty of chic fall jackets, and I was particularly enamored with the fitted and cropped silhouettes (Gucci's shrunken satin blazer comes to mind) that felt both wearable and exciting.

Opulent & Ornate

If there's one takeaway I took from the fall/winter 2026 collections, it's that opulence is in this season. Designers embraced richly detailed textures, brocade, embroidery, fringe, gloves, velvet, silk, and sumptuous evening bags—looks reminiscent of the glamorous roaring twenties.

White Long-Sleeve Tops & Tees

This summer, long-sleeve white tees and tops have been in the spotlight thanks to a whole host of cool celebs and fashion people sporting them with everything from shorts to cargo pants and slip skirts. For fall 2026, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. It's the perfect simple staple to transition you from summer to fall seamlessly, and my guess is you'll get a lot of use out of it once the temps start to cool.

Dark-Wash Jeans

When it comes to denim trends, it's perhaps not surprising to hear that dark-wash jeans are back in the spotlight, and I'm definitely not mad about it. The indigo rinse adds a more polished and elevated touch to everyday outfits and is perfect for day or night.

V-Neck Silhouettes

Suddenly, every chic woman I know is wearing V-neck silhouettes—a simple yet significant style that feels refreshingly cool. Wear it as a tank top while it's warm out, then switch to a knit once the temps start to cool.

The summer season has settled into a comfortable rhythm of warm days and bright skies, and our wardrobes are working hard to keep up. Loafers have been replaced with open-toe sandals, thick layers set aside in favour of light linens, and on the days when we want instant polish, dresses are leading the charge. At this point in the season, most of us have had the chance to assess our summer capsules, and personally I've found a few gaps where expensive-looking affordable buys should be. Luckily, a fresh wave of new-in styles have arrived on the high street, and I've scrolled through all of them to handpick the very best. Right now, the standouts all come from Zara, COS and Mango.

Already this season, we've watched Zara offer up a series of instant best-sellers. From the viral frog-fastening shirt to the sell-out polka dot dress, Zara's summer collection is the strongest it's been in years. Even if you missed out on the It buys, there are a series of fresh pieces vying for a chance at cult status right now.

As ever, COS is bringing its innate elegance to summer staples, from expertly cut tailoring to easy cotton shirts. Soft silhouettes and intricate details of pleats and pin-tucking show the brand's attention to detail, and ability to make even affordable styles look like investment purchases. Mango rounds off the trio with attention to cut and form, from sleek balloon trousers to halter-neck dresses with delicate embroidery and crochet work, making its pieces look triple their actual price. As the best high street pieces tend to move fast, I'd recommend scrolling on.

Shop the Best Zara, COS and Mango Summer Buys

It might be midsummer, but there's still time to reinvent your summer style. The best way to do so is by shopping on sites that offer affordable yet expensive-looking pieces. This ensures your bank statements won’t be unbearable to look at and your closet will be filled with pieces that make you look elegant and put-together. The sites that I find accomplish this offer something for everyone, from simple, high-quality basics to statement pieces.

The fashion sites in question are COS, Zara, and Mango. Yes, each of these retailers is the real deal in terms of budget-friendly, stylish items. From clothing to shoes to accessories, you won't be disappointed. If you're on the hunt to build out your summer wardrobe further, keep scrolling to shop their stunning new arrivals.

COS

COS is for the chic shoppers. This retailer makes looking elegant on a daily basis much more accessible. Sleek basics and essentials and high-quality accessories are all found on this site. The new arrivals always hit, so keep scrolling to find your new dependable summer items for the rest of the season.

Zara

Zara's new arrivals never disappoint. The retailer is a go-to for many fashion people, and it's no surprise why. The offerings for this round of new arrivals include everything from sleek basics to eye-catching accessories. There are a few items for the transitional season in the mix as well, which is why Zara is such a staple for the fashion set. Keep scrolling to discover new items to add to your wardrobe.

Mango

Lately, Mango has been my go-to for all things stylish and affordable. The retailer just collaborated with one of my favorite Gen Z–friendly brands, Eckhaus Latta, and features an array of cool items. From layered dresses to flowy skirts to distressed denim, Mango is the perfect place to turn to for a closet revamp. Keep scrolling to shop my top selections.

If you're familiar with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, you already know that comfort is their top priority. Their signature look of loose, baggy outfits and flat footwear has seamlessly carried over to their luxury label, The Row. The brand is celebrated for its incredibly soft knitwear, cozy loafers, and, most notably, the Frances slippers.

With a chic floral jacquard pattern, sleek satin fabric, and a low-profile silhouette, these flat slides have become the ultimate celebrity-coveted footwear this season. They capture the relaxed vibe of luxury hotel slippers but feature a sturdier insole and outsole designed for outdoor wear. True to The Row's aesthetic, they are minimal, sophisticated, and incredibly versatile. Style icons like Kendall Jenner and Elsa Hosk have been spotted pairing them with a variety of trousers, lightweight knits, tailored blazers, and sporty jackets.

As you might guess, these designer flats carry a premium price tag; even on sale, they will run you roughly $500. Fortunately, Zara Home has just dropped a similar alternative for $40. Much like the original, Zara's slippers are offered in black, beige, and taupe, and they come in both open-toe and closed-toe styles.

Ultimately, the decision is in your hands. Scroll down to compare The Row's Frances flats alongside Zara Home's budget-friendly slides. Whichever you choose, we highly recommend making room for them in your closet—they're the perfect way to get that It-girl look from now through fall.

Shop The Row Frances Slippers

Shop the $40 Zara Alternatives

It's a truth universally acknowledged that Zara's best pieces rarely stay in stock for long. Every season, one or two styles emerge from the new-in section, quickly becoming the items fashion people can't stop talking about before disappearing almost as quickly as they arrived. This summer, that honour belongs to the Linen-Blend Frog-Fastening Shirt (£30).

It's easy to see why. Tapping into the growing appetite for elevated basics, the blouse feels distinctly more premium than its high-street price tag suggests. The delicate frog fastenings instantly set it apart from every other linen shirt on the high street, lending it a refined, designer-inspired feel, whilst the breathable linen blend and softly relaxed silhouette make it the kind of staple you'll reach for on repeat throughout the season.

I've already spotted it styled with everything from denim shorts and tailored Bermuda shorts to flowing linen trousers and silky slip skirts. Still, I'd argue its biggest strength is its versatility. It has that rare ability to make even the simplest outfit feel considered; a quality that Zara's cult pieces almost always share.

Keep scrolling to shop the viral Zara shirt before it's inevitably gone again.

Shop Zara Viral Linen Blouse:

Shop More Zara Linen Buys:

Try as I might, I never seem to be able to plan out my summer purchases in advance. I attempt to anticipate what I'll need before the warm weather even arrives, but then life happens. A friend gets engaged, an unexpected work opportunity arises, or I simply get bored with what I already own. Whatever the reason, I can reliably be found at Zara midsummer to fill the gaps in my wardrobe.

If Zara's new-arrivals section feels a bit overwhelming, I don't blame you. I can hardly keep up with the cult Spanish retailer's fresh inventory, and it's actually in my job description to do so! Sifting through hundreds of pieces is a time-consuming task, which is why I'm shouldering the burden for you. I've gone through Zara's new arrivals with a fine-tooth comb, surfacing only the best of the best for you. The cream of the crop, the pick of the litter, the top of the heap—whatever you want to call it, this is a list of fantastic finds for summer 2026. Happy shopping!

The summer season has settled into a bright, warm rhythm, and in response, my calendar is filling up fast. Plans of picnics in the park, al fresco dinners and weekend getaways are lighting up my group chat, along with the age-old question of what we're going to wear. As a shopping editor, my friends know that I spend hours scrolling through the new-in sections, so I have a good idea of where to find the best pieces at all times. So when my best friend asked for an affordable update to her summer wardrobe that focused on timeless pieces that looked triple their actual price, I sent these Zara, COS and H&M buys straight back.

The British high street has come a long way in recent years. Now, any time I need a refined update at an affordable price, I know that with a little searching, there's something special to be found. And most of the time, I start my search at Zara, COS, and H&M. This trio of brands has a way of leaning into current trends with an enduring edge, ensuring these pieces will earn their keep in our wardrobes.

For summer 2026, these brands have once again proven their design prowess and contemporary accolades, with classic trousers and jeans taking on a fresh barrel-leg silhouette, simple tank tops renewed with accents of lace and Broderie anglaise for a dainty edge and throw-on dresses cut in elegant silhouettes that can move from day to night dressing with the swap of a shoe. Whether you're bolstering your summer capsule wardrobe or looking for a standout piece to freshen up your most worn summer outfit, these three brands have restocked their summer collections just in time. Now, I've rounded up the very best summer buys from Zara, COS and H&M that look seriously expensive and will immediately work hard in any great summer wardrobe.

Shop the Zara, COS and H&M Summer Buys That Will Sell Out First

Shop More Zara, COS and H&M Buys We Adore

As soon as I realise there's a gap in my wardrobe, Zara is almost always the first place I head. Call it an occupational hazard, but I can happily lose an hour scrolling the new-in section in search of that one piece that suddenly makes everything else in my wardrobe feel fresh again. So, when I recently noticed my summer wardrobe was missing a few essentials—a flowing skirt here, a pretty blouse there—I did what I always do and opened the Zara app.

To my delight, I was met with a collection that felt altogether more elevated. Think beautifully embroidered separates, soft butter yellows, fluid tailoring and romantic blouses that wouldn't look out of place on the streets of Paris. The overall mood is effortless, understated and undeniably French-inspired—the kind of wardrobe that looks expensive without trying too hard.

From chic linen dresses and elegant Bermuda shorts to polished sandals, sculptural bags and the prettiest tops I've seen all season, these are the new-in Zara pieces that immediately earned a place in my basket

Shop Summer Zara Edit

Summer is still in full swing in my own closet and at all of my favorite retailers right now. At Reformation, Shopbop, Zara, and J.Crew, the new arrivals just keep coming, and I'm here to report on the latest bunch because they're really that good. I plopped myself on my couch (importantly, right in front of the AC) and spent my summer Friday doing a deep dive through all four sites. The number of tabs I had open at one time may have had my laptop making a certain whirring sound, so if you work in Who What Wear's IT department, consider this my formal apology.

Everyone else, though, consider this my gift to you: a few hours of labor and some minor tech issues to produce 46 of the coolest new arrivals on my radar, from the airy Zara top I just ordered and wore straight away (pictured here) to the Reformation sandals that are sparking a new shoe color trend. Below, shop the new arrivals that only the very chicest people will put in their carts, all handpicked by me.

Zara

Reformation

Shopbop

J.Crew

Every summer, I head out way east and go to Madrid, Spain. I've gone for seven years in a row now, each trip making me fall more and more in love with the city. It's practically become my second home—so much so that I decided nearly two years ago to host my wedding there!

Over the years, Spanish women and their fashion ethos have influenced my personal style in more ways than I can count. In the land of Zara, Mango, and jamón ibérico, there's always something to be inspired by. Every year, I come back with a suitcase full of new shopping items I picked up from my time abroad, nearly all of them purchased after seeing the stylish Madrid women on the streets of Chamberí and Salamanca wearing them. Case in point: the pastel striped jeans from Zara I saw on nearly every corner. After seeing them styled in so many ways, I headed to Madrid's largest Zara to grab a pair for myself.

As it turns out, I wasn't the only one obsessed. It took me a good 15 minutes of digging around my local store to find a pair in my size because they were almost sold out. It felt like every stylish Madrileña had bought them before I did.

Striped jeans have quietly become one of summer 2026's defining denim trends, with brands embracing candy-colored pinstripes and pastel palettes that feel especially fresh for warm weather. Instead of reaching for white jeans or linen pants, fashion insiders are opting for striped denim to add a bit of color and personality while still treating it like a neutral.

With this Zara pair, I found that the colorful stripes somehow managed to feel playful without veering costumey, making them the perfect antidote to the sea of classic blue denim that typically dominates summer wardrobes across other European cities. (Cough, cough, Paris.)

I decided to style them just like any of the Spanish women I'd seen: colorful velvet slippers, a black tank top, and a woven basket bag. After sporting the outfit across town at least twice, I purchased a second pair of striped jeans from Mango, another Spanish export that American women love.

If Madrid's stylish locals are any indication, striped denim is only just getting started, and I'll happily keep making room in my suitcase for it. Below, shop the best striped jeans and other striped summer essentials you need in your closet.

Shop Striped Jeans

Shop the Viral Striped Zara Jeans

Shop the Spanish Striped-Jeans Trend

Shop More Summer Stripes

Stylish people shop at a variety of stores to build their fashionable wardrobes, but Nordstrom, Zara, and J.Crew are three of their go-tos—and they are definitely favorites among the WWW editors (myself included). You can consistently find compliment-worthy pieces that are modern, versatile, and cool. And yes, the really good stuff often sells out. Cue J.Crew's taffeta pants (if you know, you know).

I thought it would be helpful to curate an edit of the best Nordstrom, Zara, and J.Crew summer 2026 items that I know fashionable people will love. The picks in question certainly have that "where did you get that?" energy. Keep scrolling to shop gorgeous shoes, trend-forward trousers, directional blouses, and more.

Nordstrom

Zara

J.Crew

It's funny to admit that, even as a shopping editor, my answer to the question "Where's that from?" has, for the best part of a decade, almost always been "Zara." It's the place I've long relied on for expensive-looking high-street finds and the first place I check whenever I'm looking for something new. But after years of turning to it for everything from dresses to denim, I've realised it's time to broaden my shopping horizons.

Fortunately, spending my days analysing the high street, I know the exact brands that rival Zara in all the right ways, and I've narrowed it down to three: COS, Reformation and Mango. Each has carved out its own niche, and together they cover almost every wardrobe category I could want.

COS is unrivalled when it comes to elevated essentials—beautifully cut tailoring, minimalist handbags and polished basics that look far more expensive than their price tags suggest. Reformation, meanwhile, has become my go-to for effortless summer dressing, from the linen trousers that return every season to the dresses fashion people genuinely wear on repeat. Mango, on the other hand, consistently surprises me with elegant tailoring, premium-looking accessories and trend-led pieces that feel every bit as chic as their designer counterparts.

So, if, like me, you've found yourself refreshing Zara's new-in page one too many times, consider this your sign to cast the net a little wider. Ahead, I've rounded up the COS, Reformation and Mango pieces.

Shop The Best Pieces From COS, Mango and Reformation

Summer has arrived in a flurry of hot days, al fresco dinners and endless plans to get outside. In the midst of it, we've been trying to pull together our warm-weather wardrobes and bring a chic edge to this busy season. With an early start to the hot weather, I've already found that my summer looks are working overtime, and so I set about to find a few classic additions that will instantly join my summer wardrobe rotation and hold their place for years to come. Luckily, I didn't have to look far, as Zara just dropped a refined edit of minimalist pieces that look exceedingly expensive and have timelessness ingrained in every stitch.

Zara's new collection perfectly encapsulates my minimalist aesthetic. Whilst the summer days draw me towards bolder accessories and jewellery updates, my foundations remain the same year-round. Tonal shades always look sophisticated, with updated silhouettes for the new season. Textures are also amping up my looks right now whilst still holding their timeless appeal, and the most simple designs have become standouts with fresh hem lengths and fabric updates.

Whilst the entire drop has seriously impressed me, 9 styles immediately went in my basket. The standouts come by way of intricate lace tops to pair with longline denim shorts, or swap in slouchy linen trousers for a laid-back appeal. Flowing silhouettes are all I can think about in this heat, and thankfully they look exceedingly expensive in Zara's designs. Look to the off-the-shoulder dress that pairs well with understated or more vibrant accessories, or consider adding an oversized linen shirt to your collection, primed for the office or for layering over swimwear. Finally, the trending frog-fastening jacket is back, now in an airy linen style that is sure to sell out fast. Altogether, these pieces make up for an incredibly refined minimalist summer wardrobe. Let's get straight into it as they're already selling fast.

Shop the 9 Minimalist Zara Summer Buys That Will Sell Out First

Shop More Minimalist Zara Summer Buys We Adore

When it comes to finding the hottest trends at an affordable price, Zara is well known among the fashion people and editors alike as their first port of call. I mean, we’re only one month into the season, and the brand has already leaned into all of the defining trends of summer 2026 far faster than its other high-street counterparts. And of course, this includes its forever-elegant dress collection.

I always turn to a dress as an easy yet stylish throw-on option on those summer days when I want to look put together with minimal effort. So, I decided to go on the hunt for some on-trend dress styles that feel fresh and elevated for the current season. The spring/summer 2026 designer runways have already showcased a number of chic trends that feel just as timeless as they look chic, and it should come as no surprise that the high-street hero already has several of these styles on its website right now. And in true Zara fashion, the overarching dress trends remain elevated but effortless, and more importantly, all look extremely expensive, with each easily passing as a designer find.

So if you, too, are in need of some elevated throw-on styles to polish up your sandals, flip-flops and trainers this season, keep scrolling to discover the six elegant dress trends Zara is backing for the season.

6 Easy But Elegant Dress Trends Zara Is Backing In Summer 2026

1. Linen

Style notes: Lightweight, breezy, with just the right amount of relaxed edge to feel effortless, linen dresses are a trusty staple that can be relied upon summer after summer. And for 2026, Zara has upped their game with a number of elevated silhouettes, bold colours and chic detailing.

Shop the Trend:

2. Polka Dot

Style notes: Polka-dot dresses are set to be everywhere yet again this summer. And Zara’s current selection is elegant, timeless, and can be taken from day to night with ease. I’ll personally be styling one of the brand's midi iterations with loafers and a raffia tote for the office and swapping these out for kitten heels and a statement clutch on summer evenings.

Shop the Trend:

3. Ruffles

Style notes: Ruffled detailing on clothing is by no means new; however, for summer 2026, Zara has taken it to the next level with even more exaggerated frills that elevate its dress selection and lend it a romantic quality that pairs easily with formal footwear.

Shop the Trend:

4. Lace

Style notes: It’s clear that 2026 is the year of vintage revival, and lace is one of the many ways Zara is hopping on this comeback trend. Wearing lace dresses might initially sound quite daunting, but trust me when I say that all of the styles below are pared-back, easy to style, and most importantly, lightweight for the hot days to come.

Shop the Trend:

5. Pastels

Style notes: I’m not usually one to opt for colour; however, the pastel hues that I spotted on the spring/summer 2026 runways and now at Zara are tempting me. Bright enough to inject some colour into your outfits, but still feeling wearable for a minimalist like me, pastel dresses are perfect for the upcoming wedding guest season.

Shop the Trend:

6. Two Tone

Style notes: If you’re unlikely to branch out from your neutrals, then the two-tone dress trend thats set to dominate summer 2026 is for you. Not only does this trend feel more elevated than your standard one-coloured dress, but it will also look expensive and polished at any price point—just look at Zara’s selection below!

Shop the Trend:

It's safe to say that, long before the title shopping editor even existed, I was already honing the skills of one without even realising it. From a young age, friends would regularly stop me to ask where I'd found a particular top, pair of shorts or handbag. More often than not, the answer was Zara or H&M; "You just have to know what you're looking for" I'd tell them.

Years later, very little has changed. Whilst the sheer volume of new arrivals can feel overwhelming, I've learned that the pieces which look the most luxurious are rarely the trendiest pieces on the rack. Instead, it's the impeccably cut linen dress, the beautifully embroidered blouse, the perfectly tailored Bermuda shorts or the minimalist leather sandals that quietly elevate an entire wardrobe. They're the kinds of finds people always assume cost far more than they actually do.

If the recent spell of sunshine has you contemplating a complete summer wardrobe refresh, the good news is you don't need a luxury budget to achieve it. Season after season, Zara and H&M quietly produce some of the most elegant, expensive-looking pieces on the high street. From breezy linen separates and polished dresses to chic accessories that could easily pass for designer, these are the standout buys I'd add to basket before everyone else catches on.

Shop The Most Expensive-Looking H&M and Zara Buys

If the current heatwave we’re experiencing here in the UK wasn’t indicative enough, the summer season is officially upon us! And as someone who has the goal of spending my money easily at the top of mind, there’s no better time to start investing in new items than in the summer sales. I’m determined to create a warm-weather capsule that perfectly strikes the balance between feeling effortless and looking elegant and put-together. But I do have to admit, as someone with a luxury taste on a very non-luxury budget, I’ve always been extremely picky with the high-street buys that I invest in. However, there’s one affordable store that I know I can rely on time and again for expensive-looking buys that will actually last in my wardrobe—Zara.

The perfect balance between on-trend appeal and a timeless aesthetic, Zara never fails to impress me with their staples. And luckily for me (and now you), the brand’s summer sale is filled with a myriad of designer-looking pieces that I spotted on chic fashion people earlier this year when they were full-priced. Now, I’m well aware that the sheer number of items in the sale can feel overwhelming, so I decided to focus my attention on the thirteen pieces that truly stood out to me. Think effortlessly chic staples that can seamlessly slot into any existing wardrobe to create a plethora of polished summer outfits.

From elegant dresses to elevated sandal styles, keep scrolling to shop the 13 Zara summer sale buys that I’m convinced will be sold out by June.

Shop the 13 Best Zara Summer Sale Pieces:

Shop More Zara Summer Pieces I Love

When is the Next Zara Sale?

Zara's next sale (the final sale of 2025) is happening right now! It launched on 24th June at 9pm on the website and app.

How to Shop Zara's Sale:

Regardless of the brand or discounts, we always advise caution when it comes to shopping during markdowns, so you'll find a few tips and tricks for shopping the Zara sale below.

Firstly, have a look through your wardrobe and have a think about what you need and what works with your current pieces. Then, when browsing on the site, add pieces you love. But before you check out, it's worth thinking about how much wear you'll get out of them. A good rule is to know if you'll wear it 30 times or more, which is a great way to ensure you're shopping as mindfully and sustainably as you can.

What Will Zara's 2026 Summer Sale Discount Be?

For Zara's 2026 Summer Sale, the brand is offering up 40% off selected products with 1000s discounted across the site

I can smell a sellout from a mile away, and right now, after a string of buzzy drops, Zara, J.Crew, and Reformation are all primed for a clean sweep of product. Honestly, I'll be surprised if there's anything left in their distribution centers come July 1 at this rate. All three have perfectly balanced sporty casualness with European effortlessness and elegance. Think a two-tone bikini paired with a romantic lace slip that could have easily been found in one of Rome's or Florence's many hidden mom-and-pop lingerie shops. Taffeta pants are everywhere and will go perfectly with a super-lightweight cotton knit or a boatneck tee. This trio of shops is a treasure trove right now for cool summer dressing, driving fashion people to swipe their credit cards with abandon.

The lesson? Don't wait if you see something you want from Zara, Ref, or J.Crew—especially the first and third retailers, which are both running major discounts—if you want to actually secure your favorites in your size. By July 1, you won't be able to anymore. Don't ask me how I know that. I just do, which is exactly why I put in my order this morning. I've been burned by a sellout one too many times in my 30 years to hesitate. Trust me. It's not fun, and your closet will thank you for making haste.

We're on the same page, right? Cool. Now, start scrolling through 29 of the best, most-likely-to-sell-out pieces at Ref, Zara, and J.Crew.

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

I don't know what it is about summer, but something in the air makes me want to revamp my entire wardrobe. Perhaps it's because we wear less in the summer, so the pieces we choose really need to pack a punch? Whatever it is, I've admittedly been on a shopping kick lately. I can confidently say I've scanned every single new arrival at all the top retailers and have amassed a long list of items I'm eyeing for the season in the process.

I must say, though, my list has all the summer '26 hits. Toteme raffia bags, silk Ref tops, and beaded sandals made the cut. Of course, scarf tops are on there, as well as the editor-favorite Kyoto Pants from Leset. Oh, and Staud shell bags, lace-trim sets, and resin bangles, obviously. My cart is basically a one-stop shop for everything fashion people are into right now, so I figured it's worth sharing here. If you're also in the mood to do some perusing, I'm giving you the best shopping picks from Nordstrom, Zara, J.Crew, and Revolve for summer 2026 below.

Nordstrom

Zara

J.Crew

Revolve

The state of my bank account doesn't support a Euro summer, so I'll have to settle for a South of France state of mind instead. If you're also interested in dressing for the vacation you want, not the one you have, you've come to the right place. Our readers are obsessed with shopping at J.Crew and Zara, so it was a no-brainer to focus my search on these two retailers.

Below, I rounded up my favorite pieces that are giving major I-vacation-in-the-French-Riviera vibes. A pair of green gingham pants from J.Crew, for instance, would look just as chic on a yacht as they would in the parking lot at Trader Joe's. As a bonus, J.Crew showed us exactly how to style them for maximum chicness: with an unbuttoned white shirt, white bikini top, straw bag, and flip-flops. What's not to love? Some pieces have a bit of nautical flair (but not in a cheesy way), while others are made for ordering room service in bed. Scroll down to shop my favorite summer pieces from J.Crew and Zara.

The summer solstice marked the arrival of the new season, and in response, the temperatures are about to skyrocket. Right now, many of us are booking rooftop restaurants for the weekend, planning picnics in the park and adding fans to our Amazon basket (with a discount thanks to the Amazon Prime Day sale). Now, it's time to figure out what we're going to wear for the scorching hot days. Personally, I'm looking to Zara, H&M and COS to bring their innate elegance to warm-weather dressing, and make the stifling days exceedingly chic.

This year, my goal is to take on the heat with a serious dose of sophistication. Of course, I have a few trusted outfits I go to, but this year I want to take them to a whole new level. Whilst a tank top and cut-off shorts can do the trick, there are plenty of elegant outfits that are just as breezy, but feel much more put-together. And that's where great summer staples come in.

Looking to our trust high street heroes, Zara, H&M, and COS have bolstered their summer offerings with a series of refined summer staples which make elegant dressing so easy, even on the hottest days. Light fabrics of cotton and linen bring an airy edge to all aspects of our wardrobes, allowing us to play with silhouette and proportion to make the hottest days both breezy and polished. The best thing about stocking up on summer staples is that they can be depended upon every single year. The airy linen trousers you buy for 2026 will hold their place for many years to come, just like the pretty dress you pair with simple sandals and a basket bag. As high temperatures are rare in this country, we all want to make the most of them, so forget scrolling for hours through the new-in sections. Instead, I've curated a refined edit of mix-and-match summer staples from Zara, H&M and COS that stylish people rely on every year to take on the heat. Now, scroll on to shop, and enjoy the sunshine!

Shop the 9 Chicest Zara, H&M and COS Summer Staples

Shop More Chic Zara, H&M and COS Summer Buys