Massimo Dutti's Summer Drop Looks Too Good to Be True, so I Test-Drove It IRL

No matter how good the photos are, detailed the descriptions are, or visually appealing the website interface is, shopping online will never ever compare to the simple act of trying something on. Why do you think the pandemic led to so many outlandish purchases? No one could try anything on first, and everyone was too exhausted to return anything. Unfortunately, depending on where you're shopping from, you might not have the privilege of living in close proximity to every store you're eyeing something from. That's where I come in.

Exhibit number one is Massimo Dutti, Zara's elevated older-sister brand that specialises in clothing, shoes, and accessories for people who want their clothes to do the work for them by making them look chic without any effort. Think linen separates, satin slips, tweed outerwear, and flats and heels that look and feel like designer but rarely cost more than £200. This season's offering is one of the Spanish retailer's all-time best.

Below, check out all nine of the pieces I ordered from Massimo Dutti's summer drop and get the lowdown on the Zara-owned brand that all the best dressers in Europe, from Paris to Madrid, rely on. 

I've long believed that you only need a few simple pieces to craft a stellar outfit—the perfect pair of jeans, a bleached-white ribbed tank, gorgeous footwear, and a tailored jacket to put on top. Add some accessories—maybe a timepiece, earrings, and a chic bag—and you could walk into a runway show with some of the best dressed people in fashion and fit right in. Well, that's exactly the uniform I discovered at Massimo Dutti, starting with this textured jacket that reminded me of a laid-back version of something Jackie O. would wear on top of a matching dress with gloves and a pillbox hat. As for the jeans, I've never tried on a pair that feels and looks like perfectly worn-in vintage Levi's. The rise is just right, and they look great with both heels and flats. 

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I am wildly picky when it comes to slip dresses, but that has never stopped me from at least trying on every single one I come in contact with. For once, this one really impressed me. Though it's not made of silk, the satin feels extremely high-quality and heavy (in a good way), so you don't need any intense underwear situation to hide lines. The length was perfect on me, hitting right above the ankles, and it can be worn super dressed up or casually with ballet flats or sneakers. What I loved most was the neckline, which featured a just-low-enough V cut and double spaghetti straps on both sides that really elevated the overall silhouette. For shoes, I chose these cage-toe patent heels. I love the idea of clashing navy and black together, and this vintage shoe style has been creeping up on me for some time, showing up at brands like Gucci and Celine in recent years, so I knew I wanted to snag a pair. Despite having a higher heel than I'm used to wearing, it's a bit thicker than most stilettos, so I had no trouble walking, and the cage-toe and T-strap details provided a good amount of support. 

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I did a try-on last autumn with designer runway looks, and one of them was from Brandon Maxwell, a favourite of mine that included, by far, the best white tank top I've ever had the pleasure of wearing. It was so thick and structured while still looking casual. I talk about it constantly. Well, this white tank from Massimo Dutti is the only one I've put on that even compares to that Brandon Maxwell one. At £30, it's so high-quality, and I can tell that it won't stretch out after just an hour of wear. With it, I wore this gorgeous white linen skirt, which features a long slit up the front and tiny embroidery details that elevate it far past any basic linen skirt on the market. It's also lined, which is surprisingly hard to find for a decent price these days. For shoes, I added the brand's viral Mary-Jane flats that, to my dismay, sold out in the time it took me to get my package and take these photos. That's how good they are. Fortunately, the brand is selling an equally tempting pair of tied ballet flats—for now. 

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If you're heading to Europe this summer like seemingly everyone I've ever met and/or followed on Instagram, you need to run to Massimo Dutti's website (or just scroll down in this story and click) and buy this halter top. It's absolutely gorgeous. Drapey, a little risqué, and versatile, the black linen silhouette is perfect for an after-beach aperitif before dinner followed by an outdoor meal at sunset. Just think of the photos. I paired it with simple black linen drawstring trousers that fit like an absolute glove and would be perfect for long travel days or hot summer days alike. 

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This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. 

Coming up next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week