We're still in the midst of summer style and I, for one, am ready to embrace it for as long as possible, even if the weather isn't playing ball. Now is a good time to look for simple summer buys to prop up our hard-working wardrobes for the rest of 2024 and many more summers ahead. As the countdown to my holiday is upon me, as well as plenty of dinner dates and park picnics to come, I headed to the high street to hunt down expensive-looking pieces that can stand the test of time, and Zara had everything on my dream wish list.
When it comes to building a summer capsule wardrobe, it can be easy to fall for swiftly moving trends or very specific items that might not go the distance. Thankfully, I'm bringing my eight years of expertise in the fashion industry to guide you through. Whilst I will always support clever investment pieces with the design and quality to withstand changing aesthetics and years of wear, I also know that not everyone has the budget or inclination to make those purchases. Luckily, the great (Spanish!) high street offers a chance to dip into sophisticated styling without the hefty price tags.
Truthfully, I could have spent hours trying on all that Zara's summer collection has to offer; it's that strong. But I honed in on the most classic offerings that are not only easy to style but will feel contemporary no matter when you pull them out. I soon realised that I wasn't just trying on random pieces but curating elegant outfits that I could easily wear straight out of the store.
I've shopped the pieces out below for you and added a few accessories I'd slot into each outfit. If my arms hadn't been full heading into the changing rooms, I would've tried them on with the looks there and then. For reference, I'm 5'2" and normally wear a size 10 or small.
Now, let's get into the six easy yet sophisticated outfits I put together entirely from Zara's summer collection.
1. SIMPLE TOP + PLEATED SKIRT
Style Notes: If summer 2024 has given us anything, it's a revival in adoration for the humble skirt. Zara's pleated style is one I predict will move quickly. The best part is that this only needs simple styling to create a very put-together look, ready for a beach day, market stroll or even an al fresco dinner.
Shop the Outfit:
Khaki is a surprisingly versatile shade. I tried a size small.
The perfectly placed pleats add a premium feel to this skirt. I tried a size small.
Bring in a summery feeling with a textured handbag.
I wore these throughout my try on, taking my regular size.
2. STRIPED BUTTON-DOWN + PALAZZO TROUSERS
Style Notes: I'm always drawn to tailoring, and a classic button-down paired with a smart trouser is a combo that can be relied upon at any time. For summer, just swap your trusty loafers for sandals, and throw all your essentials in a spacious basket bag.
Shop the Outfit:
There's a silky feel to this shirt that adds to the expensive look. I tried the medium for an oversized fit.
The wide-leg silhouette feels so impactful, ready for work looks or chic evening 'fits. Here, I've tried the small, but as the waistband has no stretch, I'd size up.
There's something about the warmer months that draws me to chunkier accessories.
This is one of the most elegant straw bags I've seen.
3. WAISTCOAT + PRINTED SKIRT
Style Notes: Waistcoats have quickly established themselves as a modern wardrobe staple, and to prove their versatility, I styled this fresh white version with an animal-print skirt and a pair of tailored shorts (scroll down to the final look) to show their full potential.
Shop the Outfit:
The strap at the back lets you adjust the fit from straight to slightly more cinched. Here, I've tried a size small.
This skirt feels so silky that I had to double-check the price tag. I tried the size medium as the waistband is expandable, but I could also have taken the small.
A classy kitten heel is an easy way to elevate an outfit.
4. DAY-TO-NIGHT DRESS
Style Notes: Whether on holiday or at home, I frequently turn to dresses for their undeniable ease, and I found myself drawn to this embroidered style. This day-to-night marvel would be so easy to dress up or down, saving my luggage allowance in the process.
Shop the Outfit:
Slip on sandals for a daytime look or keep scrolling for the ideal accessories to take this dress to evening. Here, I tried a size small.
Bold earrings have become a key part of my 2024 wardrobe.
A classic black bag will always come in handy.
The dark burgundy shade adds to the elegant appeal of these heels.
5. BOHO BLOUSE + WIDE-LEG JEANS
Style Notes: I adore jeans, so naturally, I had to create one look that featured denim. Here, I tried the Relaxed Fit Mid-Rise Jeans, which will easily transfer from my summer to autumn and winter wardrobes. To bring the warm-weather vibes, I paired this with a sweet boho blouse.
Shop the Outfit:
The Chloé effect is still going strong, and I'm tapping in with this pretty blouse. I tried the size small.
The dark wash has a year-round appeal, enhanced by the relaxed silhouette. Here, I've tried the size 10, which sat closer to mid-high on my waist.
The shape of this bag is particularly sleek.
Play with texture to add depth to your looks.
6. BERMUDA SHORTS + WAISTCOAT
Style Notes: The waistcoat strikes again, this time paired with tailored shorts. Whilst described as Bermuda, this pair hit around mid-thigh on me, which is shorter than I expected. However, I actually preferred the slightly shorter hem with the polish that the tailoring brought to this look.
Shop the Outfit:
With jeans, skirts, tailoring and more, there are many ways to wear this waistcoat. Again, I went for a small.
This pair looks even more premium in person. In the picture, I'm wearing a size small.
From the asymmetric shape to the beads, this is a real standout.
A best-selling pair for obvious reasons.
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