I don’t thrive in hot weather. The second temperatures climb past pleasant and into full heatwave territory, getting dressed starts to feel like a logistical challenge. Which is why Zara suddenly becomes very useful.
This is the moment where I want clothes that work hard without looking like they’re trying too hard: loose trousers, oversized shirts, flat sandals and pieces that somehow still look polished even when my brain has melted by 2pm.
The good news is Zara is currently in a very strong summer phase. Less random trend chaos, more genuinely wearable pieces that make surviving 33 degrees in London feel slightly more elegant. These are the items currently carrying my summer wardrobe and helping me look like I thrive in the sweltering heat, even when I categorically do not.
1 These are exactly the kind of trousers I want to wear in a heatwave. Crisp white cotton, a really elegant wide-leg shape and just enough structure through the pleats to make them feel polished rather than floppy. They have that effortless ‘expensive summer in Europe’ energy Zara occasionally gets very right, and I already know they’ll work with oversized shirts, simple tanks and flat leather sandals.
The kind of trousers fashion people wear on holiday
2 This leans into the whole boho mood that’s everywhere right now, but in a way that still feels easy and wearable rather than full festival costume. I love that it has the ease of throwing on a T-shirt, but the embroidery and soft linen blend make it feel far more considered and elevated. It works with white trousers, the matching shorts or with swimwear on holiday.
The throw-on top that looks styled
3 I always keep a lightweight scarf in my bag in summer because I’m constantly moving between heat outside and freezing air conditioning inside. Flights, restaurants, trains, offices… it’s become one of those things I never travel without. This striped linen-blend one feels especially chic, and instantly makes even the simplest outfit look more pulled together at the same time.
4 This is exactly the kind of basic Zara does brilliantly. The double sleeve detail gives a simple white T-shirt that slightly more styled, layered feel without any actual effort involved, which is ideal in hot weather when the last thing I want is a complicated outfit. I’d wear this with my ubiquitous loose trousers, light denim or linen bermudas all summer long and probably end up buying a second one once I realise how often I’m reaching for it.
5 I am forever looking for shirts that feel polished enough for meetings and dinners, but still relaxed enough to throw over swimwear in summer. This red striped one has that perfect slightly oversized menswear feel, but the contrast cuffs stop it looking too corporate or predictable. Exactly the sort of piece that makes even very simple outfits feel styled with almost no effort.
The shirt making everything look polished
6 I’m very into bags that make simple summer outfits look more elevated, and this braided leather shoulder bag does exactly that. The woven texture gives it that understated Bottega-adjacent feel, while still being practical enough for everyday life. I also really like the drawstring interior detail so the bag doesn’t feel completely open, which makes it feel much more functional for travelling around the city all day.
7 This exact shade of blue is becoming the colour of summer, and I keep seeing it everywhere in the best possible way. These flat leather sandals feel fresh, easy and genuinely comfortable enough to wear all day, which immediately makes them more appealing to me than anything overly trend-driven. I already know they’ll work with every simple summer outfit I own.
The colour making every outfit fresher
8 I love gingham in summer because it makes an outfit feel more playful and slightly nostalgic, but these wide-leg trousers still feel very wearable. The loose shape keeps them cool in the heat, while the print gives simple tanks and white shirts a bit more personality. Exactly what I want on holiday or during an urban heatwave when I still want to look vaguely stylish without putting in too much effort.
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.