I strive to reach a point where I’ll dress casually to make a designer purchase, but unfortunately, I’m not there yet. Buying designer goods for me means getting dressed up, saying yes when offered champagne, and making myself feel like a princess along the way. I am currently stationed in Barcelona for a few weeks of observing the culture, and of course, one of my first stops to do so had to be some of my favorite designer boutiques. With short trips to Germany and Andorra during my time here as well, I’ve had a wide array of experiences, and I have many observations to share. I stationed myself in Passeig de Gràcia (a luxury shopping street in Barcelona) and took it all in.
Among designer shoppers, there couldn’t be more of a diverse array of personal style to be found. With Barcelona being such an international city, there were people from all over the world—some dressed formal and some in casual looks. My favorite outfits were the ones that felt like an elevated approach to a laid-back off-duty look. Below, find seven outfits that I want to copy and paste off of the luxury shopping clientele ASAP.
Even though this clothing item couldn’t be more casual, something about an oversize tee has an elevated appeal to me. I saw a shopper in a boutique wearing these staples, and it couldn’t have felt chicer.
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Polo Ralph Lauren
Stripe Cotton Pocket T-Shirt
DISSH
Tia White Linen Circle Skirt
Maguire
Prato Ballerina
I’ve always thought of a white or black maxi dress as an essential purchase because of the versatility it can bring. I like how this one has a bit of a twist with the lace trim. Pack this in your suitcase to have the appeal of the luxury shoppers you surround yourself with.
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J.Crew
Clio Dress in Textured Gauze
A New Day
Sheer Mesh Ballet Flats
Capris are officially back in full force, and I loved seeing European women prancing around from store to store Carrie Bradshaw–style in these. They just might be the perfect thing to wear in the heat of summer.
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EDIKTED
Sarafina Capri Pants
Madewell
The Oversize Straight Hem Signature Poplin Shirt
BP.
50mm Oval Sunglasses
Some of the best styling moments happen when someone creates an unexpected outfit combination with two pieces that don’t exactly come to mind as a match for each other. In this case, a striped skirt and cream blazer make a surprisingly good match.
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AllSaints
Deri Lyn Blazer
Nordstrom
Rib Scoop Neck Cotton Tank
J.Crew
Cashmere Fringe-Trim Sweater-Skirt
It’s a very L.A.-girl move to shop in a workout set, and I saw very little of that since I began spending time in Europe, but every once in a while, I’ll see someone doing it right. There are active sets like this one that feel elevated and are still just as comfortable. The right accessories will dress it up.
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Alo Yoga
Cropped Doubles Only Full Zip Jacket
Alo Yoga
Cropped 1/4 Zip Alumni Pullover
Hermes
Taurillon Clemence Birkin 35 Brique
Similar to capris, Bermuda shorts have also taken over this summer, and there’s no denying it. A silk button-down feels like the ultimate Euro-girl staple, so I highly recommend styling yours with it.
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MANGO
Satin Button-Up Shirt
Favorite Daughter
The Low Favorite Bermuda Shorts
Jeffrey Campbell
Persona Slingback Pump
When you invest in a good tank top, it will do wonders for you. I went shopping in Germany during my time abroad, and this look would be 100% accepted there.
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KHAITE
Johnnie Ribbed-Knit Tank
Reiss
Millie Wide Leg Pants
J.Crew
Heart Classic Belt in Italian Leather
