I'm a minimalist dresser, but as soon as summer rolls around I tend to become a bit more experimental with my wardrobe. Typically favouring neutral tones and simplistic styles, once summer hits I completely step out of my comfort zone and begin injecting colour and prints into my wardrobe. Unsurprisingly, Zara has mastered colour trends for the season and there are a few new shades set to step into the spotlight.

Trusted classics such as deep browns and crisp whites are a no-brainer and play an integral role in a summer wardrobe, while soft dusky pinks and pastel blues are emerging, working seamlessly together or separately to feel effortlessly luxurious. Butter yellow is undeniably a longstanding favourite and is as prominent a colour trend this summer as it was last, in the form of slip dresses, classic shirts and linen trousers.

If, like me, you’re feeling adventurous this summer and want to discover the colours to have on your radar, scroll on to discover Zara’s colour trends for summer 2026.

Shop The Best Zara Colour Trends

1. Pastel Blue

2. Crisp White

3. Dusky Pink

4. Dark Brown

5. Butter Yellow

If there’s one thing I love about summer, it’s the ease of getting dressed. In the heat, the last thing I want to be doing is endlessly changing to find an outfit that looks chic and will keep me cool at the same time, so the joy of being able to throw on a dress, some sleek sandals, a pair of sunglasses and head out the door in under 20 minutes is truly unmatched.

As we continue to experience spells of warm weather and linen fabrics —whether in the form of shirts, trousers, or skirts—line my wardrobe, I came to the realisation recently that my collection is lacking a great linen dress. As I embarked on my the hunt for most expensive-looking linen dresses without a hefty price tag, I headed straight to my top three high-street brands: Zara, H&M and COS.

From soft beige hues to intricate embroidered detailing, structured silhouettes to oversized floaty styles, mini or maxi, I’ve scoured the high street and curated an edit of their best 19 linen dresses available from Zara, H&M and COS–keep scrolling to discover your favourite.

Shop the Best Linen Dresses from Zara, H&M and COS:

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

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'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:

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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

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

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

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

This summer, I want to redefine the notion of a summer basic, because basics do not have to be boring. Taking a look at what stylists and trendy tastemakers are wearing, I curated a list of pieces that are simple yet striking, ensuring that you’ll never reach for a simple white t-shirt or settle for an average pair of jeans again.

My findings? A simple browse through Zara, M&S and H&M will arm you with the best summer basics, without having to spend a fortune on elevated staples whilst still ensuring you look and feel incredibly stylish.

You see, when I'm in a rush, I’ll always reach for summer basics, making me somewhat of an expert in shopping this category. My formula is quick and simple: flip-flop kitten heels (or ballet flats), baggy pants and a tank top or button-down. Easy and effortless, especially when paired with sunglasses. You'll definitely look like you took longer than ten minutes to get ready for the day. So, when it came to updating these trusted favourites, these were the exact pieces I looked to refresh first.

Flip-flops are everywhere and in all shapes and sizes. I am personally ecstatic about this because they are low effort and a great way to show off a fresh pedicure. Go bold next time you're at the nail salon and slip on some fun flip-flops, whether they are platform, kitten-heeled, or flat; the possibilities are endless.

Barrel-leg jeans are another favourite of mine. They give that expensive, designer-looking structure without the crazy price point. I was suspicious when this trend first emerged a few years ago, but I have become quite smitten with them.

The best part about these pieces is their versatility. They can be mixed, matched, dressed up, or dressed down, depending on your plans. I want to feel excited to get dressed this summer, and I think this list will allow for that.

So, whether you’re ready to update your own wardrobe or are just curious about the high-street staples I stocked up on this season, scroll through for the best summer basics from Zara, H&M and M&S.

The Best High-Street Summer Basics from Zara, M&S and H&M

The Best High-Street Summer Basics from Zara

The Best High-Street Summer Basics H&M

The Best High-Street Summer Basics M&S

To travel well is to travel in style. To the most discerning amongst us, this typically means tweaking your wardrobe to the sights and shades of whatever destination you’re visiting. This summer, my itinerary includes a few weekend getaway trips to Paris and Marseille. Despite these locations offering two varying iterations of France’s enchantment, these mini breaks are a perfect way to immerse myself in the local style and bustling culture of these cities. My dilemma, however, lies in what to pack for these trips. Enter, my edit of the best French summer staples.

As a place, Paris is made unique by its Haussmann architecture, legendary bistros like Brasserie Lipp and streetside bars that sling St-Germain spritz amidst the hum of the city. On the other hand, Marseille’s proximity to the glamour of the Côte d’Azur, yet slightly grungy reputation, makes it both sun-kissed and gritty, even if long alfresco lunches at gorgeous establishments like Tuba Club are on the agenda.

With distinct approaches to fashion—not to mention the added pressure of feeling like I need to blend in with my surroundings when on holiday—the contents of my luggage have become my paramount concern of late. Whilst I’m there, I want to feel like I’m emulating the je ne sais quoi of French women with my wardrobe, rather than just looking like I’ve copied a stereotypical ensemble that will immediately identify me as a tourist.

So, to ensure I’m stocked with the chicest French fashion staples, I’ve turned to some trusted fashion destinations to pick up a few essentials. What you won’t find is an edit of Breton-stripe tops, cigarette trousers and ballet pumps. These are far too conventional and, in all truth, not quite aligned with the actual ensembles I see French women wear daily. Instead, you’ll see polished basics, flirty neutrals and sophisticated essentials that can work from Le Marias to Saint-Victor. Best of all, these are pieces that will channel the essence of a French woman’s style, irrespective of whether you’re actually visiting there.

Live out your Jean-Luc Godard fantasy with these stylish pieces, below.

Shop French Summer 2026 Buys from Zara

Shop French Summer 2026 Buys from Sézane

Shop French Summer 2026 Buys from Reformation

We're currently in the midst of our second heatwave, which means I've reached the point in summer where I want exactly one thing from my wardrobe: an easy dress. The kind that looks polished with minimal effort, feels comfortable in soaring temperatures and requires little more than a pair of sandals and a great bag. This year, the dress trend ticking every box? Embroidered dresses—and Zara and H&M are leading the charge.

There's something about embroidery that instantly elevates a dress. Whether it's delicate eyelet detailing, intricate cutwork or broderie anglaise panels, these subtle details bring texture, interest and a touch of romance to even the simplest silhouette. They feel feminine without being overly sweet and add that expensive-looking quality fashion people are always searching for in summer.

The beauty of the trend lies in its versatility. This season, embroidered details can be found on everything from breezy minis and easy daytime midis to dramatic floor-skimming maxis. Whilst white remains the perennial favourite, I'm also seeing beautiful navy, butter yellow, soft pink and rich red iterations that feel equally timeless. Effortless, elegant and surprisingly practical in hot weather, embroidered dresses are quickly becoming the chic woman's answer to summer dressing.

Keep scrolling to shop the best embroidered dresses from Zara and H&M.

Shop the Best Embroidered Dresses From Zara and H&M:

After surviving the grey skies and bouts of downpours, the balmy, sun-soaked days of summer are finally settling in. As such, it's always important to equip yourself with the right staples to see you through the season. Be it soft linen or a breathable open-toe sandal, there are certain pieces worth their weight in gold come summertime, and in 2026, fashion's chicest dressers know broderie anglaise is one of them.

Any old connotations of stiff collars and prim nightgowns are now the reserve of history buffs, as today's broderie is fresh, loose and so pretty. Sure, blouses and dresses still boast the same signature whitework stitching, delicate eyelet details and decorative scalloped hems, but now they're synonymous with French romanticism and bohemian styling.

Now considered a staple in contemporary spring/summer collections, this timeless fabric has adapted to fall in line with fashion's ever-changing zeitgeist. From Alexa Chung to Kate Middleton, broderie anglaise has remained a favourite amongst our most highly regarded style icons. The eternal appeal holds, and in summer 2026, it's more popular than ever.

This season, broderie is everywhere, and I’m very much on board. So, whether you’re a minimalist or maximalist at heart, there’s a broderie anglaise piece out there right now that will fit seamlessly into your summer wardrobe. Keep scrolling to see (and shop) the styles I’m loving for summer 2026. Trust me: your hot-weather wardrobe will thank you.

The Best Broderie Anglaise Pieces by Price

1. Under £150

Style Notes: Pairing well with all your summer footwear, broderie anglaise dresses are a lifesaver this time of year. Keeping you cool and stylish, for a current feel, take inspo from Debora Rosa and style yours with ballet flats and large sunnies.

2. Under £200

Style Notes: If you're less of a frilly dresser, Chloe Kath Butler's look (above) is one to pin for later. Dressing down her sweet blouse with cargo trousers, she uses a pop of red to brighten the whole look, and I'm thoroughly into it.

3. Under £300

Style Notes: French women know how to style broderie best. Case in point: this look from Emmanuelle. Keeping her base simple, she allows her printed blouse to do all the heavy lifting, accented by her suede shoulder bag.

4. Under £400

Style Notes: If you're a regular reader around here, our love of French style won't come as news. But when outfit inspo looks this good, it's easy to understand our fixation. From the safari-style shorts to the chunky belt, it's effortless excellence at its best.

5. £500+

Style Notes: Broderie anglaise is incredibly versatile. When paired with short-shorts and a headscarf, it's cool and fun—perfect for a festival.

It's not often that a Zara piece becomes so universally loved that it finds its way onto virtually every fashion editor's wish list, but that's exactly what's happened with the ZW Collection Satin Shirt. Whether I've spotted it at press appointments, on trips abroad or simply walking around the Who What Wear office, one thing has become clear over the past few weeks: stylish women can't get enough of it.

The appeal is obvious. With its lustrous satin finish, elegant collarless neckline and distinctive frog-fastening detail, it feels far more premium than its high-street price tag suggests. The gently cuffed hem only adds to the polished, minimalist aesthetic, giving it that hard-to-achieve balance of looking both fashion-forward and timeless. Available in chic black, rich mustard and minimal white, it's the sort of piece that instantly elevates whatever it's paired with, whether that's relaxed denim, linen trousers, tailored shorts or a silky slip skirt. Unsurprisingly, it has sold out multiple times already—but it's finally back in stock.

Keep scrolling to shop Zara's cult satin shirt, plus more of the chic minimalist buys fashion editors are backing this summer.

Shop Zara's Expensive-Looking Blouse

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With the high temperatures set to return, my calendar is steadily filling up with a series of al fresco plans. Park picnics are set for the weekend, spontaneous rooftop dinners are being squeezed into evenings, and now I'm readying my wardrobe to take on the heat in style. Looking expensive and staying cool this season are my main priorities, and my wardrobe is calling out for a few new additions to bring that final touch of polish to my summer looks. With £100 to spend, I turned to the brands that do expensive-looking high street buys so well: Zara, COS and H&M.

When putting together our summer wardrobes, it can be easy to think that you have to spend a serious amount of cash to embody an elegant summer mood. Actually, if you know where to look, there are plenty of high-end passing pieces that could convince any onlooker that you've invested a lot in your summer wardrobe. My first port of call is Zara, COS and H&M, each with its own specific way of creating expensive-looking pieces at a fraction of the price. Zara excels in intricate throw-on dresses and sweet blouses, whilst COS brings a luxurious edge through quality linen and cottons throughout. H&M's tailoring comes into its own in the warmer months, making it the place to go for smart trousers, longline Bermuda shorts and summer-ready denim.

Whilst the three have particular strengths, they all excel in various categories, and if you have the time to scroll through, there are a series of refined buys at affordable prices waiting to be discovered. If you don't have the hours to spend searching, I've done the hard part for you. From throw-on dresses to loose summer trousers, elevated accessories to classic shirts, scroll on to explore the expensive-looking Zara, COS and H&M buys that no one will believe cost under £100.

Shop the Best Under £100 Buys at Zara, COS and H&M

Shop More Under £100 Buys

Every time I find myself scrolling the Zara website (occupational hazard!) I notice just how good the high street retailer is with colour. Getting colour right in fashion is not an easy feat, even for the luxury design houses. Knowing the shades that are about to take off and making them feel instantly wearable takes an expert eye—and the Zara design team seems to be overflowing with them. Even for a neutral-lover like me, a few scrolls into the new-in section and I'm feeling encouraged to experiment with butter yellows, ripe cherry tomato reds and powder blues—and honestly, my wardrobe is all the more interesting for it.

For summer 2026 Zara is definitely leaning into these playful accents, but they still sit against a backdrop of expensive-looking neutrals like espresso brown, clean whites and creamy ecrus. All covetable colours in their own right, but together the brights and neutrals create a polished colour story that feels entirely modern and easy to style. So, whether you're looking to refresh your holiday wardrobe, invest in a few new elevated basics or simply want to know which hues fashion people are gravitating towards right now, scroll on to see the colour trends that Zara has given its seal of approval for summer. Compliments guaranteed.

Butter Yellow

Powder Blue

Cherry Tomato Red

Espresso Brown

Clean White & Ecru

Blush Pink

If there’s one antidote to the unpredictability of British summertime, it’s the promise that the grey clouds will always eventually clear, making way for blue skies and warm weather, despite how long it takes for these bluebell days to arrive. As such, it’s always important to arm yourself with a balmy summer dress that can see you through. This season, the options worth your investment are insurmountable, meaning that there are countless new-in styles all vying for a spot in your wardrobe.

Across London, you’ll find ethereal prints and slinky silhouettes inside Réalisation Par’s new Mount Street flagship, gorgeous floaty floral midis at Rixo’s iconic King Road boutique and the full spectrum of occasionwear dressing at Reformation’s Covent Garden store. There are also establishments like Selfridge’s, which serve as a dress emporium and service every occasion and style under the sun, from the effortlessly contemporary cuts of brands like DISSH to the more architectural and minimal silhouettes of St. Agni.

Lest we understate the offerings across the high street, too. At Zara, trending prints like polka dots and classic motifs like crochet and lace are on full display. Meanwhile, at Mango, a recent co-sign from Hailey Bieber has further cemented the retailer as the master of blending effortlessly cool silhouettes with contemporary trends. Of course, we need to acknowledge the offering at H&M, too. At an affordable price point, the brand makes elegance accessible with graceful lace-trims, delicate broderie anglaise details and satin slips.

Still, we’d be remiss if we excluded mentioning the paragon of summer dresses. Dôen continues to dominate this category with romantic minis that feel right at home inside a 17th-century French château or the sun-kissed coastline of California. Faithfull the Label continues to inspire our Euro Summer wardrobes with a collection of dresses inspired by the shades and styles of Spain’s rugged Costa Brava. Chloé brings a nostalgic bohemian sensibility to summer dressing with ethereal minis and vintage botanical illustrations.

Suffice to say, there are plenty of new-in summer dresses to marvel at. So, whether you’re daydreaming about the next time you get to wear one or are very much manifesting sunshine by picking one up now, continue scrolling through for our meticulously curated edit of the finest new-in summer dress styles to covet.

Shop the Best New-In Summer Dresses for 2026