I Just Popped Into Zara and Massimo Dutti and Found So Many Incredibly Chic Buys for Spring

Spring has most definitely sprung this week, and so my approach to the new season pieces landing in stores has shifted from general perusal to serious consideration. Which few items are really going to make my current wardrobe feel fresh and exciting in the warmer weather? And where am I best placed to spend my hard-earned pay check to guarantee the chicest finds?

There are some key luxury buys to consider first, but after those investments I like to top up my seasonal edit with a couple of really smart high street buys. To kick off my research I had a day of pounding the capital's pavements recently, and popped into all the big hitters—COS, Mango, H&M, ARKET, Other Stories... you name it, I was nosying around there. But it was Zara and Massimo Dutti that I came away from feeling most inspired.

Sara inspired me to pop into Massimo Dutti and try their beautiful suede jackets for spring.

Zara, unsurprisingly, was ticking all of the trends, but it was the more timeless pieces that caught my eye. Things like pretty blouses (invaluable for making my existing trousers feel less boring during this transitional weather), cute cardigans and updated denim (the palazzo jeans in particular feel very cool).

Massimo Dutti is like Zara's smarter, wiser and—I'll say it—chicer older sister brand. When I was in there I could barely browse without bumping shoulders with incredibly polished-looking European women, which says it all really. Less bothered about fleeting trends, Massimo Dutti's focus this spring seems to be on beautiful suede pieces (the jackets rival any designer style I've found), chocolate and buttery neutral shades (heaven) and breezy linen separates (I live in linen every summer so this is a no brainer for me). The elevated accessories like leather sandals and woven bags impressed me as well. I love shopping there as I have so much confidence that I'm going to love the more premium pieces for much longer than just one season.

If you're also in the market for some smart spring/summer buys, keep scrolling and you'll find my top picks from Zara and Massimo Dutti's new in sections.

Shop New-In Zara Buys:

I loved this pretty white blouse with suede accessories. The bag and loafers felt so expensive.

Shop New-In Massimo Dutti Buys:

I totally fell in love with this short lightweight jacket and, yes, it did come home with me.