If you've sneaked a glance at next week's weather, you'll already know that summer is arriving a little earlier than expected. With highs of 23 degrees Celcius, we're right on the cusp of warm days, and as ever I've started thinking about how my summer wardrobe will look. Naturally, I've looked for inspiration from street style, our favourite fashion people, and what the stores are offering as summer 2024 rolls around, and one aesthetic keeps cropping up in my saved folder and wishlists: pretty.
Ethereal, soft and a little coquette—the pretty style is all about those delicate details that are charming rather than hard-hitting. There are embellishments that tie in to the style from tie-fronts to broderie anglaise, as well as more subtle design details like dropped waistlines and balloon sleeves, all of which conjure up that innate dainty feeling. This makes the style particularly fitting to embrace now, as dress and skirt silhouettes are a key component to the aesthetic, along with embellished tops that were made to be seen without the layers of winter.
With my forever wardrobe stocked with capsule pieces, these can be the backdrop to these more detailed creations, as show by Allison above. Or, they can take a back seat as I swap classic wide-leg trousers for languid dresses with soft embroidery and sweet bows. Lucky for me (and you) these coquette styles have trickled down from the high-end designers to the high street, and below I've pulled together a refined edit of affordable pretty pieces to add dainty details and an ethereal edge to all your summer looks.
Keep scrolling to shop the pretty high street buys I'm dreaming about for summer 2024.
SHOP PRETTY HIGH STREET BUYS:
This elegant top flew last time it was released. Thankfully, we have a second chance.
From the shirring to the tie details, there's so many pretty details to this dress.
Broderie Anglaise comes into its own at this time of year.
The delicate drape of the sleeve and the light blue shade have kept this dress in my head for weeks.
You don't have to stray too far from your classic pieces to add a pretty edge, just look at this tie-front waistcoat.
If any brand could sum up the ethereal feel of the summer, it's Sézane.
For a subtle way into the trend, look to refined dropped-waist styles.
I predict this bold shade tank will be a hit.
Satin finishes are another pretty feature we'll be looking out for this summer, especially when this come with a classical toile print.
Puff sleeves, a playful collar and a bow detail? Nobody's Child has ticked all the boxes.
So effortless.
I love this whole look with the matching shirt.
I too want to be forever that girl.
The drop v-shaped waistline just adds that extra touch of intrigue to this versatile skirt.
It wouldn't be a pretty piece roundup with a corsage moment.
Damson Madder knows all about those finer details.
Truthfully, if you told me this was designer I'd believe you.
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I'm 5'4" and Refuse to Wear Bermuda Shorts—5 Bottoms Trends I'm Shopping InsteadPetite person-approved.
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Stylish Women in Marseille and Cadaqués Swap Out Their Cashmere Sweaters for This Breezier Alt Every SummerVintage J.Crew coded.
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From Saint-Tropez to Sardinia: These 7 Elegant Swimwear Trends Will Be EverywhereThey're at high tide.
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No Hate to the '60s and '80s, But EmRata Just Called the Decade Defining Cool Summer StyleThanks to Kurt Geiger's latest campaign.
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Return Those New Flats—*These* Are the Cool Shoes Fashion People Are Wearing With Dresses and SkirtsFresh and unexpected.
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Don't Say You Never Knew—These 32 ElevatedReplica Store Basics Are a Steal During the Half-Yearly SaleDon't mind if I do.
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FYI: The Accessory Trend Everyone Is Wearing With Swimsuits Right Now Is $26 at H&MDon't miss the boat.
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I'll Know You Have Good Taste If These 30 New Arrivals Are Already in Your Shopping CartA little summer wardrobe update.
