Anyone who knows me will tell you that I have never been one to follow trends. I think it’s all well and good to have the latest fad, but for me, it will always be difficult to look expensive and polished without having those major capsule wardrobe staples in place. And I think it’s even more challenging to master the art of wearing elegant clothes during the warmer months.
So, with the upcoming summer season upon us, I’ve already started thinking about which trusty staples will form the foundation of my everyday wardrobe. And after months of observing what’s trending on the 2026 runways, scrolling through TikTok and InstagramAnd Who What Wear By observing street style while commuting to and from the office, I’ve managed to narrow it down to seven versatile staples that I’ll be wearing again this season. And it should come as no surprise that I immediately turned to my favorite high street stores, Zara, COS and H&M for shopping.
(Image credit: Zara, H&M, COS)
Perfectly balancing on-trend appeal with an equally timeless aesthetic, I constantly turn to these three high-street heroes for designer-passion pieces that will stand the test of time. And very quickly, my basket was filled with a myriad of summer items that are cute, easy to style and most importantly, way more expensive than they look. And luckily for you, I’ve collected items that perfectly fit the description below.
Keep scrolling to shop seven designer-looks from Zara, COS, and H&M staples that I’m adding to my Summer 2026 capsule wardrobe.
7 Zara, H&M, and COS purchases I’m incorporating into my summer wardrobe
1. Midi Dress
Style Notes: It’s dress season At the end Here, and a midi iteration serves as a throw-on style you can easily take from day to night. Just swap your flat Sandals and raffia bag for a pair of kitten heels and a statement clutch.
Shop Staples:
H&M
Embroidered Linen-Blend Dress
I can’t believe this is a high-street find.
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Zw Collection Poplin Pleated Dress
Simple, attractive and easy to style.
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Ruched-Waist Cotton-Jersey Midi Dress
The ruched-waist is very attractive.
H&M
Smocked-Bodice Tie-Strap Dress
Wear equally with sandals, ballet flats, and heels.
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Midi Linen Blend Dress with Open Back
Perfect for inside or outside the office.
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Tiered Gathered Midi Dress
2. Minimal sandals
Style Notes: With sandal season in full swing, fashionistas are turning to low-back iterations that look chic and put-together but come with a sense of ease that makes them perfect for everyday styling. No matter the color or fabric, a pair of minimalist sandals will add instant sparkle to all your summer outfits.
Shop Staples:
store controller
leather fisherman sandals
These are finally back in stock.
No one would guess these were from the High Street.
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contrast leather sandals
Red and black sandals are everywhere right now.
Chocolate suede will always get a yes from me.
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Flat Leather Criss-Cross Sandals
These look like a lot of the designer options on the market right now.
3. Blouse
Style Notes: If you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear, you’ll know how much we love blouses in spring and summer. Dressier than your average tank or tee, but still looks wearable for casual occasions too, this pretty top style will add a touch of elegance to jeans, linen trousers or even capri pants this season.
Shop Staples:
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Ruffled Blouse with Gathered Detail
Pirate-Corps at its best.
H&M
lace-trimmed cotton blouse
It went into my basket immediately.
I love the vintage feel of it.
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printed polka dot blouse
Yes, polka dots are still in for summer 2026.
It won’t last long.
store controller
Sculpted Pima Cotton-Poplin Blouse
This green color is a nice contrast to the black or white.
4. Linen trousers
Style Notes: When it gets too warm for my wool trousers, I always turn to airy linens to see me through from now until the beginning of autumn. I’m well aware that the classic drawstring style can look a little too casual, so I opt for a more tailored linen trouser style that can work just as well for the office as it does for a day out with friends.
Shop Staples:
H&M
Linen-blend barrel trousers
Barrel trousers will take an outfit from basic to elevated.
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Casual Linen-Blend Wide-Legged Trouser
COS’s cult wide-leg trousers now come in this lightweight linen fabrication.
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100% linen straight trousers
The loveliest shade of pink.
H&M
tailored linen trousers
If you already have plenty of black pairs, why not pick up this brown one?
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Elasticized Linen Barrel-Leg Trouser
I’m still always a fan of the classic drawstring silhouette.
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Pleated Linen Blend Trousers Zw Collection
I’d style it with a linen blazer and ballet flats for the office.
5. Knitted Hat
Style Notes: I can’t wait to break out my knit bags this season. Whether I choose the beach-ready raffia style or the smooth woven leather iteration, it’s a structure that’s timeless and versatile, but that also comes with just the right amount of edge to add interest to my otherwise very simple look.
Shop Staples:
store controller
Hand-Knitted Market Tote – Straw
I’ll be taking it with me on all my vacations this season.
Ample space for even the smallest essentials.
In my opinion, the perfect summer office bag.
COS’s Cavatelli Clutch is editor-approved.
You’ll be able to fit a lot in this roomy tote.
Everyone will think it’s a designer find.
6. Linen Shirt
Shop Staples:
Black will go with everything.
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wide sleeve linen blend shirt
This striped iteration is perfect for the office.
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oversized short sleeve linen shirt
I also want matching shorts.
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short linen blend shirt
7. Straight jeans
Style Notes: As slim-fit denim replaces the baggy and barrel silhouettes that dominated last year, straight-leg jeans are back at the forefront for polished dressers. They lend themselves very well to a smart style of dressing in warm weather, but they are also incredibly adaptable, looking just as good with a simple tank top as they do with an elegant blouse.
Shop Staples:
store controller
cord straight-leg jeans
These are bestsellers for very good reason.
H&M
straight high waist ankle jeans
I want a complete outfit.
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Zw Collection Mid-Waist Straight Leg Jeans
White jeans are synonymous with summer.
store controller
Façade Straight-Leg Jeans
This chocolate wash is calling to me.
Wear with blouses, t-shirts and tank tops alike.
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TRF Fold Up Straight Mid-Waist Jeans
Fold-up jeans are an easy way to elevate an outfit.
