I Popped Into Zara and Created 6 Instantly Elegant Outfits

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.

Woman wears green striped shirt and white wide leg trousers

(Image credit: @florriealexander)

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.

Woman wears white vest and beige linen shorts

(Image credit: @florriealexander)

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

Woman wears green top, white skirt and brown sandals

(Image credit: @florriealexander)

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.

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2. STRIPED BUTTON-DOWN + PALAZZO TROUSERS

Woman wears green striped shirt and white wide leg trousers

(Image credit: @florriealexander)

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.

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3. WAISTCOAT + PRINTED SKIRT

Woman wears white waistcoat, animal print skirt and brown sandals

(Image credit: @florriealexander)

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.

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4. DAY-TO-NIGHT DRESS

Woman wears black cutout dress

(Image credit: @florriealexander)

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.

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5. BOHO BLOUSE + WIDE-LEG JEANS

Florrie wears a white boho lace top and blue jeans

(Image credit: @florrialexander)

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.

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6. BERMUDA SHORTS + WAISTCOAT

Woman wears white vest and beige linen shorts

(Image credit: @florriealexander)

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.

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Florrie Alexander
Acting Affiliates Editor

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.

During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joinedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.