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.
ZARA
ZW Collection Lace Blouse
ZARA
Split Suede Shoulder Bag
ZARA
Zw Collection Embroidered Openwork Blouse
ZARA
Flat Split Suede Sandals With Metal Embellishment
ZARA
Zw Collection Contrast-Collar Overshirt
ZARA
Z1975 Palazzo Mid-Waist Full Length Jeans
ZARA
Zw Collection Tie-Detail Round Neck Shirt
ZARA
Linen Shirt With Pockets Zw Collection
ZARA
Linen Blend Straight Trousers
ZARA
Split Suede Belt With Rectangular Buckle
ZARA
Soft Gathered Leather Loafers
ZARA
Zw Collection Oversize Poplin Shirt
ZARA
Long Oversize Trench Coat
ZARA
Zw Collection Tapered Balloon Low-Rise Jeans
ZARA
Mini Bag With Metal Handle
Shop New-In Massimo Dutti Buys:
I totally fell in love with this short lightweight jacket and, yes, it did come home with me.
Massimo Dutti
Cotton Blend Raglan Sleeve Trench Coat
Massimo Dutti
Oval Earrings
Massimo Dutti
Linen Blend Crossover Kimono With Tie Detail
Massimo Dutti
Flowing Pleated Palazzo Trousers
Massimo Dutti
Contrast Suede Leather Jacket
Massimo Dutti
Cotton Blend Corset Top
Massimo Dutti
Linen Blend V-Neck Top
Massimo Dutti
Flowing Pleated Midi Dress
Massimo Dutti
Flowing Suede Leather Blazer
Massimo Dutti
Split Suede Medium Shoulder Bag
Massimo Dutti
Aviator Sunglasses
Massimo Dutti
Nubuck Suede Leather Bomber Jacket
Massimo Dutti
Rhinestone Split Suede Sandals
Massimo Dutti
Suede Leather Flared Midi Skirt
Massimo Dutti
Stone Cord Necklace
Massimo Dutti
Lightweight 100% Linen Coat