28 Winning Summer Basics From Marks and Spencer, COS, Arket and Weekday

For ease, I stick to a pretty minimalist style. Good basics that work hard in my wardrobe and are complimented by interesting colour combinations, hints of print and texture, and often a stand-out handbag. This means that my wardrobe revolves very much around staple pieces. With summer on the way I've taken note of the pieces I rely on for warmer days. T-shirts, jeans and tanks tops are the backbone of easy dressing, and I'm definitely always on the hunt for basic pieces to build my personal style around. 

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(Image credit: @basicstouch)

In my experience, there are a handful of high street stores that particularly excel in the art of the summer basic. With so many exciting trends around it's good to have foundation pieces that compliment changing trends, and stand the test of time. Arket, COS, Marks and Spencer and Weekday sit at the top of my priority list for finding these hardworking staples, and considering the minimalist credentials of a number of these brands, it's probably no surprise that they know how to keep it simple. 

First and foremost, Arket is my go-to for a good white tee that is the hardest working piece in my wardrobe. COS is another brand that excels in the art of the perfect tee, something that has also manifested in its T-shirt dresses, which I'm promptly adding to my wishlist. Reliable M&S is all about the summer linen, whether you're looking for shorts, a midi dress or a jumpsuit. And let's not forget the utilitarian appeal of Weekday, a brand that knows how to deliver clean-lined denim design. So, if you're looking to update your summer basics this season, scroll down to shop my definitive edit. 

1. Arket

2. COS

4. M&S

3. Weekday

Up Next: 26 New Zara Finds You'll See a Lot of This Summer

Promo: @basicstouch@femmeblk@brittanybathgate

Acting Affiliates Editor

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.

During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.