There's a reason why the word elegance in the context of fashion is often associated with high-priced designer items. The easiest way to appear graceful and refined at all times is to shop from the brands that offer the highest possible quality. Their materials are more luxurious, and the silhouettes fit and fall in the most effortless, sophisticated way. There's only one problem: Some of us are on a budget, and yes, I'm referring to myself. We can't all spend thousands of dollars building a wardrobe that makes getting dressed chic and easy, but that doesn't mean that we can't still achieve aesthetic elegance.
Trust me—I've been studying this look for a while now. Sure, a ton of expensive Prada, The Row, Alaïa, and Saint Laurent pieces will probably do the trick, but they aren't the only way to consistently ooze elegance. In my opinion, all you really need to do is head over to Zara, Massimo Dutti, and COS and select pieces from each of the three brands that exude grace without coming close to the same financial burden a designer haul would. To make the process that much simpler, I went ahead and did the work for you. Scroll down to shop 28 high-class finds from Zara, COS, and Massimo Dutti.
I can totally see Kelly Rutherford, the queen of elegance, in this cropped, fitted blazer.
These are selling too fast.
Whether you're headed on vacation or just out for a day of errands, this dress will always look gorgeous.
When in doubt, add a brooch.
Every item on the market that's chocolate brown is chic. It's basically a fact at this point.
Butter yellow, burgundy, and navy are probably 2024's most elegant shades.
Please, if you're headed on a warm vacation, pack this skirt. It's too good to not make it into your carry-on luggage.
Works of art.
If you can't quite splurge for the Saint Laurent tiny cat-eye sunglasses that Hailey Bieber loves, try this more affordable alt from COS.
This bag is kind of giving me The Row Idaho vibes.
Just toss this on with whatever—from long denim shorts to linen drawstring pants—and it'll look good.
White linen pants are a summer staple no matter what vibe you're going for.
I love how low-key and logoless these sneakers are.
I'm such a sucker for a '90s tube top.
Throw this skirt on with a cashmere sweater in the fall or a little white tank in the summer.
Wow, this dress could easily cost over $500, and I wouldn't question it.
These pumps are giving strong Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Gwyneth Paltrow vibes.
I haven't been able to stop thinking about the leopard coat from Michael Kors's F/W 24 collection. This is what I'm buying right now to fill the void.
This bag looks way pricier than $30.
These also come in black and tortoiseshell, and I think I need all three pairs.
A good hat is instrumental if you want a "chic Italian summer" vibe when the nice weather hits.
*Adds to cart.*
Oh, these are very good.
I searched for a baby-pink button-down shirt all summer last year. Once I found one, I wore it far too often.
This skirt lives at the corner of boho and elegant. It's kind of perfect.
The perfect summer sundress doesn't exist—oh, wait.
I think about these strappy sandals a lot.
Who can resist an LBD?
-
Zara Has Every Single Chic Bottoms Trend You Can Think of Right Now—40 That Are Worth Your AttentionGood luck picking just one.
-
I Spent Hours Searching for the Chicest Summer Minidresses—These 44 From Revolve, Zara, and Nordstrom Have My Full AttentionFrom $50 to $350.
-
27 Crochet Pieces From Zara, H&M, J.Crew, and More That Scream Cool GirlYou'll wear these on heavy rotation.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor, and These Are a Few of My Favorite Things Right NowThe ultimate summer 2025 wish list.
-
I'm a Shopping Director, and I'm Here With a List of 35 Chic Things—EnjoyCool denim, pretty tops, gorgeous sandals, and more.
-
The 29 Most-Wanted Luxury Buys of Summer 2025, PeriodFrom jelly sandals to Burberry bikinis.
-
Linen Who? This Even More Effortless Trend Just Entered the ChatMeet the most wearable trend of the summer.
-
My Most Fashionable Friends Live in NYC—They'll Love These 30 Wildly Chic Zara FindsCool new staples.
