With the days getting longer and the temperatures finally rising, it can only mean one thing: summer is on the way. And with the new season ahead, I’m on a very specific style mission. This year, I’m determined to find luxury-looking items that will elevate my outfits without the burden of a designer price tag. And when it comes to finding expensive-looking high-street items, Zara is always my first point of call. No matter the season, the brand perfectly blends classic and on-trend to create versatile pieces that will stand the test of time in your wardrobe without the risk of looking too dated in the years to come.
@aidabadji_ wears tailored trousers from Zara.
For a summer capsule wardrobe, I’ve narrowed it down to just nine key pieces. Think effortless yet stylish essentials that you can easily mix and match to look put together for every occasion from beach days to rooftop evenings with a cocktail in hand. And luckily for me (and my wallet), Zara has all of them this year. From understated sandals to easy throw-on midi dresses, the Zara website is currently filled with affordable buys that could easily pass as high-end.
Whether you’re simply looking for some extra items to add to your existing outfits or are itching to start your wardrobe from scratch, below I’ve rounded up the nine designer-looking staples from Zara to add to your summer wardrobes.
9 Classic Zara Pieces That Make Up My Expensive-Looking Summer Capsule Wardrobe:
1. Throw-On Midi Dress
When it comes to summer dressing, a throw-on midi is the easiest item you can own. It’s the kind of staple you can pull out and look instantly put together whenever you don’t know what to wear. Not to mention it can easily be dressed up or down for any occasion with a simple swap of footwear.
Shop the Staple:
ZARA
Polka Dot Midi Dress
This looks way more expensive than its £30 price tag.
Simple. clean and easy to dress up or down.
2. Minimalist Sandals
A pair of minimalist sandals will pair well with everything from breezy linen dresses to baggy denim throughout summer. Opt for neutral hues and natural fabrications that will make your entire outfit look expensive, even at a more affordable price point.
Shop the Staple:
Everyone will think these are designer.
Every wardrobe needs a pair of goes-with-everything sandals.
3. White Shirt
Nothing says timeless like a crisp white shirt. Whether worn over a bikini at the beach or tucked into a pair of tailored trousers for the office, this classic item will serve you well no matter the occasion. And the best part? Zara currently has a wide range of shirts in natural fabrics, all for £60 and under.
Shop the Staple:
100% linen for £30 is hard to come by on the high street.
ZARA
Contrast Poplin Shirt
Perfect for in or out of the office.
ZARA
Cropped Poplin Shirt
I’d style mine exactly like this.
4. Midi Skirt
You can never have too many midi skirts, in my personal opinion. They add instant polish to a summer outfit but still manage to feel effortless. I’d personally opt for a poplin or a-line style, wearing it with a tank and suede sandals for casual days and a silk blouse and kitten heels on summer evenings.
Shop the Staple:
A pleated skirt will never date.
ZARA
Voluminous Midi Skirt
Wear with tanks, tees or lightweight knits.
The perfect holiday skirt.
5. Shoulder Bag
The practicality of a tote is undeniable, but when I want to look really chic a sleeker shoulder bag is my go-to. Opt for a clean silhouette and gold hardware to give your outfit that ‘designer’ look.
Shop the Staple:
The gold detailing makes this look so high-end.
Animal print has become a neutral in my wardrobe.
6. Lightweight Jacket
The summer weather here in the UK is unpredictable, so a lightweight jacket is a must. Cotton, denim or linen are great choices for the warmer weather but can also be seamlessly taken into the autumn season with the correct layering techniques.
Shop the Staple:
Zara’s bombers always sell out quickly.
Such a sophisticated fit.
Khaki denim? Yes, please!
7. Relaxed Jeans
Skinny jeans may have been trending this year, but I personally don’t think it gets much chicer than a relaxed silhouette. A barrel, baggy or wide-leg silhouette in a lighter hue is my go-to for the ‘French-girl, off-duty’ look I’m always trying to emulate.
Shop the Staple:
White denim always looks fresh in summer.
I love this shade of blue.
This brown pair is a nice point of difference from your classic blue jeans.
8. Kitten Heels
You don’t need to throw on a pair of towering stilettos to look elegant. Kitten heels remain walkable and look classy without having to compromise on comfort. Zara always has a plethora of kitten heel options to choose from, but I particularly love the suede pair below for summer.
Shop the Staple:
Thong sandals are having a moment.
ZARA
Kitten Heel Slingbacks
The perfect summer event shoe.
9. Classic Tailoring
Tailoring is not just for autumn and winter. In fact, you’ll be grateful for sartorial items when you want to look sophisticated at summer weddings, garden parties and other formal events. Simple opt for linen fabrications to keep cool in the hot weather.
Shop the Staple:
ZARA
Linen-Blend Waistcoat
A waistcoat is a summer staple.
ZARA
Linen-Blend Trousers
Tailored trousers that feel like pjs.
Bermuda shorts are great for when you don’t feel like trousers.
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