The Sunday List - High Street Edition
How to build a minimal summer wardrobe for less.
When summer finally rolls around in the UK, all two and a half days of it, many of us rush into buying colourful printed dresses, flouncy tops and beaded bags that we may or may not wear again. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with loving colour and prints - if that’s your style, embrace it wholeheartedly. But what if we made those choices more mindfully? Choosing pieces we genuinely love, that reflect our personality and will be worn on repeat. This year, what if we took a different approach? A more thoughtful, minimal, and wearable one?
A minimal summer wardrobe is all about simplicity, versatility and quality. It does not mean boring. It just means pieces you can mix, match and rewear without getting fed up after one heatwave. And the best part? You can find everything you need on the high street.
Start with the basics
First things first, you need a solid foundation. Think classic tanks, T-shirts and vests in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen or bamboo. Stick to neutral shades like white, black, stone, grey or navy and you will never be short of outfit options.
Look to COS and Uniqlo for perfect cotton tees and their cult-favourite AIRism tanks, which are great on their own or layered. H&M also does excellent basic vests for under £7 that wash and wear beautifully.
Uniqlo open back integrated bra top, £19.90
Uniqlo Airism vest, £19.90 (also comes in black ,white, khaki and brown)
H&M white ribbed vest, £5.95 (also comes in 6 other colours)
COS white tee, £30
Choose your summer bottoms wisely
You do not need six pairs of shorts and ten skirts. Just one or two of each, chosen well, will do. Denim bermuda shorts, a midi skirt in a neutral colour and perhaps a wide-leg lightweight trouser will see you through everything from park days to pub gardens.
COS and Mango are great for relaxed tailoring. Look for elasticated waists, breathable fabrics and slightly looser cuts - you want to feel comfortable as well as put together.
COS culottes, £75
Arket linen wrap skirt, £77. Worn with matching linen shirt, £77
Mango denim shorts, £35.99
One or two dresses will do
Rather than filling your wardrobe with a rainbow of dresses, pick one or two you absolutely love. A linen strapless dress, a black cotton midi or a shirt dress are timeless options that can be dressed up or down.
John Lewis and Arket always do excellent summer dresses with a minimalist twist. Simple silhouettes, no fussy prints, just beautiful structure and fabric that speaks for itself.
COS layered dress, £135
Arket stripe shirt dress, £97
M&S linen rich dress, £45
John Lewis tie detail dress, £59
Arket cotton wrap dress, £119
Layers are still your friend
Let’s be honest, UK summers are not exactly Mediterranean. A lightweight oversized shirt, a classic denim jacket or a neutral cardigan are must-haves for breezy days and cooler evenings.
Zara often has stylish shackets and lightweight knits in chic neutrals, while Massimo Dutti is a goldmine for beautifully cut shirts and linen blazers that look way more expensive than they are.
Zara yellow cardigan, £25.99. Matching vest, £17.99
Massimo Dutti linen shirt, £59.95
Zara linen bomber, £79.99
Whistles wool tank, £71.20
H&M short trench, £25.50
Next green linen shirt, £42. Matching shorts, £32
Zara denim shacket, £49.99
Arket linen cotton jacket, £149
Minimal trends to know for summer 2025
This summer, the clean girl aesthetic has grown up. Think pared-back elegance with just enough detail to keep things interesting. Here are a few minimal trends you will be seeing everywhere and how to make them yours without breaking the bank.
1. Waistcoats
Waistcoats are still here for 2025. Wear one on its own with relaxed trousers or linen shorts for an effortlessly tailored look.
Try H&M, Aligne, or Mango for affordable takes in linen and cotton.
Aligne red waistcoat, £79.99
Mango knit waistcoat, £29.99
H&M stripe waistcoat, £37.99
COS navy waistcoat, £75
2. Monochrome everything
Wearing head-to-toe white, stone or black feels fresh and intentional. Mix textures like cotton with poplin or linen with ribbed jersey to keep it interesting.
Check Arket and COS for tonal separates that make putting together outfits a breeze.
Massimo Dutti white kimono, £99.95. Palazzo trousers, £119
Zara v-neck top, £29.99. Matching skirt, £29.99
Mango linen blend shirt, £32.99. Linen blend straight skirt, £45.99
Massimo Dutti linen blend blazer, £169. Matching trousers £99.95
COS silk shirt, £155. Matching silk shorts, £155
Zara white twill trousers, £49.99. White cotton top, £25.99
Arket black midi skirt, £87
Stories U-wire swimsuit, £67
3. The long-line short
Say goodbye to micro shorts. 2025 is all about longer, boxier cuts. Think Bermuda shorts or tailored knee-length styles. Perfect for dress down days or even to the office.
You’ll find brilliant versions at COS, Stories and Monki.
The White Co. linen shorts, £130
Massimo Dutti pleated shirts, £59.95
COS denim shorts, £65
H&M Bermuda shorts, £23.80
Mango brown linen blend shorts, £49.99
Monki longline shorts, £23.80
Stories tailored shorts, £57
4. Minimal sandals
Chunky soles are out, and sleeker silhouettes are in. Look for minimalist sandals with soft square toes or asymmetric straps and a really good flipflop in an interesting colour or detailing to add a bit of personality.
& Other Stories, Massimo Dutti and River Island have some great options right now.
Massimo Dutti toe bar sandals, £119
Stories black sandals, £95
River Island jelly clear flip flops, £30
Marks & Spencer kitten heel sandals, £39.50
New Look snake print sandals, £22.99
Next strappy sandals, £17
Anthropologie red kitten heels, £90
5. Everyday sheer
Sheer pieces are having a moment - think mesh tops, floaty layers and peekaboo fabrics. The trick is balance: throw a sheer shirt over a cute bralette or layer a dress over a slip. Keep it casual with jeans or dress it up with something silky. It’s all about showing just enough.
Find some great options at H&M, Mango & Zara
Zara sheer skirt, £35.99
Mango sheer shirt with scarf detail, £140
H&M sheer skirt, £29.75. Matching top, £15.30
Mango green wrap shirt, £45.99
Rise & Fall silk organza skirt, £190 (also comes in black and off-white)
H&M sheer long top, £21.25
Zara sheer strapless top, £89.99
A few final tips
Stick to a colour palette: Choose two or three base colours and build around them. It makes getting dressed a breeze.
Choose fabrics that breathe: Linen, cotton, viscose and bamboo are your summer friends.
Buy better, not more: Think in terms of outfits, not individual pieces. Can this top be worn with three things you already own?
Consider second-hand: Check resale platforms like Vinted, Depop, eBay or other preloved and vintage stores to get quality items for less.
Less is more - and more stylish
A minimal wardrobe is not about having fewer clothes just for the sake of it. It is about choosing pieces that work harder, last longer and bring you more joy with less stress. And thanks to the UK high street, looking effortlessly cool in summer has never been easier.
Enjoy the bank holiday weekend
Anna xx
A cup of tea and The Sunday List dropping into in inbox, makes my day. Thank you, great article.
Very helpful, thanks Anna