If you’ve sneaked a glance at next week’s weather, you’ll already know that summer is arriving a little earlier than expected. With highs of 23 degrees Celcius, we’re right on the cusp of warm days, and as ever I’ve started thinking about how my summer wardrobe will look. Naturally, I’ve looked for inspiration from street style, our favourite fashion people, and what the stores are offering as summer 2024 rolls around, and one aesthetic keeps cropping up in my saved folder and wishlists: pretty.
Ethereal, soft and a little coquette—the pretty style is all about those delicate details that are charming rather than hard-hitting. There are embellishments that tie in to the style from tie-fronts to broderie anglaise, as well as more subtle design details like dropped waistlines and balloon sleeves, all of which conjure up that innate dainty feeling. This makes the style particularly fitting to embrace now, as dress and skirt silhouettes are a key component to the aesthetic, along with embellished tops that were made to be seen without the layers of winter.
With my forever wardrobe stocked with capsule pieces, these can be the backdrop to these more detailed creations, as show by Allison above. Or, they can take a back seat as I swap classic wide-leg trousers for languid dresses with soft embroidery and sweet bows. Lucky for me (and you) these coquette styles have trickled down from the high-end designers to the high street, and below I’ve pulled together a refined edit of affordable pretty pieces to add dainty details and an ethereal edge to all your summer looks.
Keep scrolling to shop the pretty high street buys I’m dreaming about for summer 2024.
SHOP PRETTY HIGH STREET BUYS:
H&M
Balloon-Sleeved Blouse
This elegant top flew last time it was released. Thankfully, we have a second chance.
Free People
Free-Est Feeling Bonita Midi
From the shirring to the tie details, there’s so many pretty details to this dress.
Nobody’s Child
White Broderie Anglaise Maxi Skirt
Broderie Anglaise comes into its own at this time of year.
Arket
Short-Sleeved Maxi Dress
The delicate drape of the sleeve and the light blue shade have kept this dress in my head for weeks.
COS
Tie-Front Waistcoat
You don’t have to stray too far from your classic pieces to add a pretty edge, just look at this tie-front waistcoat.
Sézane
Bianca Blouse
If any brand could sum up the ethereal feel of the summer, it’s Sézane.
By Anthropologie
Sleeveless Drop-Waist Maxi Mock Dress
For a subtle way into the trend, look to refined dropped-waist styles.
Free People
Fp One Matilda Tie Tank
I predict this bold shade tank will be a hit.
Kitri
Claire Toile De Jouy Slip Dress
Satin finishes are another pretty feature we’ll be looking out for this summer, especially when this come with a classical toile print.
Nobody’s Child
White Puff Sleeve Birdie Blouse
Puff sleeves, a playful collar and a bow detail? Nobody’s Child has ticked all the boxes.
By Anthropologie
Sleeveless Asymmetric Ruffled Midi Dress
So effortless.
COS
Broderie Anglaise Wide-Leg Trousers
Forever That Girl
Printed Linen Tie-Front Blouse
I too want to be forever that girl.
Peachy Den
The Deba Midi Skirt, Navy
The drop v-shaped waistline just adds that extra touch of intrigue to this versatile skirt.
Emory Park
Corsage Knit Bandeau Top With Side Splits
It wouldn’t be a pretty piece roundup with a corsage moment.
Damson Madder
Rebecca Embroidered Cotton Midi Dress
Damson Madder knows all about those finer details.
Sister Jane
Dream Helena Flower Midi Skirt
Truthfully, if you told me this was designer I’d believe you.
