We’re in the midst of warmer, brighter and sunnier days, and while there are only a few weeks of summer left (let’s not think about that right now!) it’s not too late to indulge in some warm-weather purchases. If you’ve got a holiday planned or last year’s staples are looking tired, you might be wondering where to find the best lightweight trousers, vests, linen staples and dresses for the next heatwave.
With so many choices around it’s actually overwhelming to know where to begin, and it takes a great deal of research to pinpoint exactly which styles are worth adding to your wardrobe. But having scoured the new-in sections of a long list of brands, I believe my time spent scrolling will benefit you.
There are a few affordable stores that have particularly impressed me lately. Zara, H&M and Mango are teeming with pieces that are expensive looking and chic. They’re the types of investment items you can quickly get use out of this summer but also for many seasons to come. Below are some long-lasting shopping picks that are classic enough to weave into any year, whatever the trends. Keep scrolling to see the key items I’d recommend from the hundreds and thousands that are currently available…
Jessica wearing linen trousers from H&M.
What a dress! I’d wear this with heeled sandals in the evening and flat slides in the day.
I have a feeling you’ll be showered in compliments when you step out in this chartreuse blouse.
A gorgeous summer set.
Designer-looking sandals at a fraction of the price.
This dress will work hard in your wardrobe. Our editor Maxine wrote a whole story about why it’s so great.
A fantastic pair of jeans available in sizes 4-30.
Bandeau tops are going nowhere. I’d style this with wide-leg trousers or denim.
Knitted dresses are still staples in summer. Just opt for a neutral shade and a lighter-weight knit than a winter iteration.
So pretty.
I love this shade of khaki in summer.
So simple, yet so chic.
The draping on this top is divine.
Lauren is wearing a bomber jacket from Zara.
What a set!
Wear with shorts, jeans and trousers or over swimwear.
Easy to style trousers always get my vote.
A new take on the viral Zara bomber.
The perfect going-out top.
These elegant slingbacks also come in black.
A beautiful holiday outift.
The ideal layering piece for the upcoming transition into autumn.
Throw everything in and go!
I love a stripe in summer.
These sandals look particularly great with shorts and dresses.
I purchased this last year and have not regretted it since.
Monikh wearing a matching striped co-ord from Mango.
I can’t believe how affordable this stunning blouse is.
This textured white jumpsuit is so chic.
Is this the perfect black dress? I think so.
If you told me these were three times the price I’d believe you.
Add a white tank top and you’re set.
What. A. Dress.
I always think fitted polo tops look so chic.
After this year, I think we can safely say denim midi skirts are going to be firm favourites in our capsule wardrobes.
I’m always drawn to buckle details on bags.
A fantastic occasion dress.
I’ve just ordered these to wear with a linen shirt and Birkenstocks.
I just know these will go with everything in your capsule wardrobe.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
