Welcome to Refinery29 Loves, the monthly news bulletin where you’ll find the best things to shop and see in fashion and beauty right now.
While the sun might still be hiding behind the clouds some days, the temperature has risen to warm and sweaty, meaning our makeup and fashion looks for the month ahead have to be sticky commute-proof.
When it comes to beauty, we’re leaning into the power of tinted sunscreens, which act as a hydrating foundation alternative with lightweight formulas that provide just enough coverage to skip a heavy base. We’re also giving ourselves the ultimate at-home pedicure for the start of bare feet season (mesh ballet flats count, too) and investing in a summery scent to usher in the lazy, hazy days.
On the style side, we’re looking to flirty skirts, with Y2K bubble skirts and Wimbledon-inspired tennis skorts topping our list of picks. For those who prefer a trouser, the capri pant is holding its own, with cool-girl brands like Sandy Liang and Mirror Palais producing some of our fave iterations. And we can't ignore the ever-growing cult of cowgirl clothing, with lace skirts, scarf tops and cowboy boots remaining sartorial summer staples for another year running.
To discover more beauty products and wardrobe winners that caught our eye this June, click through the slideshow ahead…
For the first time ever, Shopbop — and its fashion director Caroline Maguire — has co-designed a collection, and the online retailer tapped New York-based brand 3.1 Phillip Lim to help make it happen. The resulting capsule release features eight pieces and includes collegiate-inspired graphic T-shirts, khaki joggers, rugby sweaters, and more. Prices range from $195 to $650.
There’s a new sneaker vying for a spot in your summer rotation: the Converse Run Star Trainer. The new silhouette, which borrows design cues from more than 20 designs from the brand’s archives, is equally stylish and sporty with a nylon upper, suede and leather accents; a comfortable foam interior; and a rubber outsole with gripping traction. The Run Star Trainer is available in five colorways (black, white, blue, red, and yellow) for $90.
Brazilian footwear brand Melissa — known for its nostalgic rubber shoes — has teamed up Marc Jacobs for a second collaboration. This time around, the Melissa x Marc Jacobs launch includes three styles — the Becky platform sandals (with the logo wrapped around the soles), the Melissa Mule in polished and matte finishes, and the Ruby ballet flat which is available in translucent and metallic colorways — made from recyclable PVC. Prices range from $150 to $295.
Unofficial quiet luxury ambassador Sofia Richie Grainge has curated a summer-ready edit for all-American brand Tommy Hilfiger. The 12-piece collection highlights warm-weather essentials, including a crochet midi dress, linen suit, white Oxford shirt, and a reversible bikini. “To me, summer is all about relaxed vibes, breathability, and a sense of playfulness,” Richie Grainge said in a press release. “I love it when I can mix-and-match statement pieces with a wardrobe staple, not only making vacation packing easier, but also never compromising on my personal style. I think summer is such a fun time to show your personality through your wardrobe.”
We’re revisiting the 2024 Met Gala — sort of. Jewelry brand Catbird has teamed up with New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art for a five-piece collection inspired by The Costume Institute’s latest exhibit, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” which was also celebrated at the star-studded fashion event in May. With prices starting at $98, the line evokes the exhibit’s themesof the passage of time with pieces like a pearl plum charm, a still life art-inspired oyster ring, and a gold chain necklace with moonstone bubbles. Catbird and The Met previously collaborated in 2020 to celebrate the museum’s 150th anniversary.
Looking for a more eco-friendly way to add to your warm weather wardrobe? Look no further than The RealReal’s new collaboration with NYC designer Ian Allen Greer. The 24-piece collection is made up of upcycled garments crafted from items unfit for sale from the online retailer’s inventory. Find summer-ready dresses, tops, shorts, shawls, and more, all made from cotton and linen, that Greer hand-dyed using plant-based pigments sourced from flowers, plants, minerals, and repurposed food waste from local restaurants. Prices range from $175 to $500.
Though liquid formulas have dominated the blush space in recent years, the power of powder is undeniable — especially for oilier complexions. This month, Kosas is launching a new selection of baked, single-pot blushes for the summer season, aiming to both brighten the face with long-wearing color and add dimension. The silky formula even contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and oil-balancing squalane. When it comes to the shades, each two-tone baked blush mimics the look of a natural flush, ranging from a cool baby pink to a fiery blood orange and an even deeper mauve. Plus, the formula is vegan and talc-free.
Giddy up! New York fashion brand Collina Strada and Baggu have teamed up to create a whimsical 18-piece collection that includes a crossbody bag shaped like a horse. Other pieces include Baggu staple silhouettes — such as a cargo shoulder bag, nylon crescent bag, and shopping totes — in trippy, maximalist prints (chrysanthemums, puppies, and plaids). All bags are made with at least 59 percent recycled material, with prices ranging from $16 to $70.
British brand RIXO is teaming up with Los Angeles-based label Ciao Lucia this month, bringing a slice of West Coast sunshine to the classic English countryside. The 12-piece capsule collection aims to mix occasion dressing with everyday wear, with floaty cotton midi dresses available alongside silky, lace-trimmed maxis. If you're looking for something more casual (and warm weather-friendly), the collection also features a series of minidresses, including a vintage-inspired, powder-blue collared shirt dress with silk ties. The real show-stoppers are the printed dresses with an angelic cherub design, hand-painted by RIXO co-founder Orlagh McCloskey.
Bold brows defined the past decade but in 2024 the consensus seems to be working with our natural brows to create face-framing, fluffy goodness. While this can be achieved through a number of methods, the most effective way is with a strong-hold brow gel. Happily, VB has devised one just in time for a sweaty summer. Combining the silkiness of a serum with a hairspray-like hold, the product promises ultimate staying power alongside actual haircare, thanks to a biotin formula that aims to promote fuller-looking brows. It's available in four shades as well as a universal clear for barely there brow-brushing.
Tubing mascaras continue to have a loyal fan base thanks to their long-wear formulas. Coating and sealing each individual lash in polymers (like a cover for each separate lash), they have been hailed as a lengthening alternative to fiddly falsies. Now, Milk Makeup is backing the hype by upgrading its famed KUSH mascara with a clean tubing formula that promises to provide maximum volume and definition. Free of alcohol, the formula uses vegan waxes and hemp seed oil to condition lashes while avoiding flaking or dryness throughout the day. If makeup remover irritates your eyes, you can simply soak your lashes in water for 30 seconds, then massage the mascara away, meaning no need for stinging cleansers.
If you’re lucky enough to be travelling this summer, you'll know the stress of having to pack your makeup into a teeny tiny suitcase. This is why we have our eye on anything that can shrink that stress into practical, compact products — thankfully, NARS has the goods. Released as part of the brand’s Seductive Summer Collection, the limited-edition Laguna Ultimate Face Palette is built around the iconic bronzer shade, famed for its silky texture and subtle sculpting capabilities. Featuring a mix of four shimmer, satin and matte eyeshadows, two bronzer shades and a glow-inducing highlighter, the palette may be made with a tropical beach in mind but works just as well for high summer in the city. It comes in two separate colorways to suit lighter and darker skin tones.
Rhode's Peptide Lip Tint is one of the brand’s most talked-about products but we suspect that the new Pocket Blush might just give it a run for its money. Known for her minimalist makeup and rosy cheeks, Hailey Bieber is bringing a set of six blushes to the market this June, with colors spanning from baby pink (Piggy) to a deeper reddish-brown hue (Toasted Teddy). Suitable for both cheeks and lips, the wind-up blush tubes are creamy and contain tamanu oil and peptides for a hydrating feeling. You can apply the product straight from the applicator but tapping it on with fingers is recommended for an even distribution of pigment and a natural, glowy flush.
Putting the London girl aesthetic on the world stage since 2019, Peachy Den has found fans in superstar Brits like Raye and Olivia Dean, alongside global It girls like Bella Hadid, Gabriette and Kaia Gerber. Known for its '00s-inspired style, this summer the brand is drawing inspiration from the British seaside in its latest capsule campaign, with new colourways of the drop-waist seersucker Cindy frill dress, alongside a retro tunic and short co-ord set. Coinciding with the label’s five-year anniversary, the collection also includes classics like '50s-inspired swimsuits, sheer cardigans and checked maxi dresses for the ultimate beach day (come rain or shine).
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Guard your paychecks because Zara’s annual summer sale is back after much anticipation and speculation on TikTok about the official start date. The popular Spanish brand’s end-of-season discounted extravaganza begins today, June 26, starting at 9pm EST on the Zara app, 10pm EST on the website, and on June 27 in stores.
While the retailer’s special prices sale section has already featured discounted winter essentials, the Zara Summer Sale is the best time to find seasonally-appropriate fashion styles for the warm-weather months. Cart up everything from on-sale summer dresses and chic separates to stylish swimsuits and summer accessories like mixed metal jewelry and trendy sunglasses. And luckily, you can peruse all of the on-sale items now so you can plan your shopping haul ahead of time.
Scroll on to find our top picks from Zara’s coveted summer sale to refresh your wardrobe at too-good-to-be-true prices.
Zara Summer Sale Dresses
Summer dresses are staples for any warm-weather wardrobe, and Zara has styles for every kind of occasion. From flirty mini dresses for picnics to cocktail dresses for summer weddings and billowing maxi dresses for seaside strolls, Zara’s summer sale has all your frock needs covered.
Zara Summer Sale Tops
You’ll no doubt be able to round out your collection of staple shirts and statement blouses with Zara’s sale styles. The broad selection includes everything from elevated T-shirts, one-shoulder silhouettes, and sequin tank tops to classic white button-down shirts and printed tube tops that can go from day to night.
Zara Summer Sale Bottoms
Need a pair of linen trousers for the office? A trendy skort to look put-together while running errands? Denim cut-off shorts for backyard barbecues? Zara’s summer sale features every type of bottom you could want. From mini shorts to maxi skirts, cart up and slip into styles that’ll complement your Zara tops to create a head-to-toe summer outfit.
Zara Summer Sale Swimsuits
Is there anything better than scoring on-sale swimsuits before the summer is actually over? We don’t think so. Peruse discounted Zara one-piece swimsuits (that can double as bodysuits during your summer vacations!) and bikini separates in a range of classic solids and playful prints.
Zara Summer Sale Bags & Shoes
Don’t sleep on Zara’s bags or summer sandals. Complete your outfit with strappy flats or satin heels and wedges for your everyday activities and special occasions. And keep up with the summer-appropriate straw bag trend with the brand’s many on-sale woven basket bags, totes, and crossbody bags. For a more elevated look, try a leather bucket bag or shiny shoulder bag.
Zara Summer Sale Jewelry & Accessories
If you’re looking to stay on trend and be playful with your jewelry this season, consider carting up beaded candy-like necklaces or dramatic teardrop earrings. And if you’re looking to bring some more dimension to your summer outfits, throw on a denim bucket hat, printed bandana, or jute-and-leather belt for finishing touches.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
With the weather getting hotter and days getting longer, we’re looking for summer outfit inspo for all our upcoming vacations (and staycations), summer weddings, and casual Friday office days. But if you’re not looking to accumulate an entirely new wardrobe this season, consider renting. Whether you opt for a subscription plan to refresh your summer looks on a monthly basis or a one-time rental (for as low as $15) for a special occasion, Rent The Runway offers thousands of summer fashion styles from over 750 designers.
Whether your summer plans involve sightseeing, taking seaside walks, or going to al fresco restaurants, Rent The Runway has a range of vacation-worthy styles. The service is currently highlighting two holiday-appropriate shops for different moods — playful and extroverted — featuring adorable rompers, luxe maxi dresses, and effortlessly chic separates. Don’t forget about carting up a purse (may we suggest a straw bag?) to complete your outfit, too.
For all the backyard barbecues and park picnics you have in store this summer, look to Rent The Runway’s 90+ degree forecast roundup. For a very coquette picnic, opt for a playful fruit print, a corseted midi dress, or a straw tote bag. For a casual barbecue, opt for a denim jumpsuit, sherbet-colored shorts, or a gingham showstopper. Some of these hot-weather statement styles would also work for graduation parties, bridal showers, and weekend brunches.
Summer Wedding Weekends
If you have a garden party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, or summer wedding (or two or three of these) quickly approaching, renting your bridal event attire is one of the easiest, most cost-effective solutions. Rather than recycling the same looks or buying a new costly dress for every event, rent designer styles that will make a statement without taking up space in your closet. Whether you’re the bride herself, a bridesmaid, or a guest, you can find everything from white mini dresses and statement shell jewelry to summer wedding guest dresses and luxe jumpsuits.
Pool Parties & Beach Getaways
While Rent The Runway doesn’t offer swimsuits to rent (we assume for hygienic purposes), it does offer oceanic and nautical-inspired styles (think: a kitschy fish-printed mini dress and sailor-approved striped romper). The service also currently offers a few accessories that we’d love to style our poolside or beachside looks with (think: a pearl necklace and beaded bag with a swimmers design). Cart them up to make (ultra-stylish) memories in for your summer parties, last-minute getaways, and boat outings.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Nothing sparks our love for sporty style and an Americana aesthetic like the Olympic Games — something that LoveShackFancy understands perfectly with its new capsule collection with Cotton Incorporated and gold medalist Suni Lee.
Launching today, the new collaboration finds the vintage-inspired brand reimagining its popular feminine silhouettes with Americana-inspired prints — think: gingham, stars, cherries, and more — using ultra-soft cotton. To help bring the collection to life, LoveShackFancy has tapped U.S. gymnast Suni Lee — who won gold in 2020 and is currently competing for spot on this year’s squad ahead of the 2024 Paris Games — to lead the campaign and highlight her off-mat style.
“I was so excited when LoveShackFancy and Cotton asked me to be a part of their Americana campaign,” Lee said in a press release. “I love the fun and girly designs and the use of cotton fabrics allows me to stay comfortable on and off the mat. The styles and colors of this collection are perfect for summer celebrations!”
The resulting collection features relaxed, playful pieces such as halter-neck mini dresses, white crochet matching sets (with options for pants and shorts), tiered maxi skirts, an eyelet maxi dress, and a sleeveless dress with a large bow on the front.
“Going back to where it all began, this capsule collection is so special to me, because it’s core to LoveShackFancy’s history. Cotton fabrications have been essential in creating our very first pieces and in building that ease and comfortability that makes them so timeless and wearable,” LoveShackFancy founder and creative director Rebecca Hessel Cohen added. “Creating such an inspiring campaign starring Suni Lee has been the biggest honor. Having grown up with a love and passion for gymnastics myself, I have such an admiration and respect for Suni. She’s truly the perfect, female powerhouse to represent our Americana capsule collection.”
This latest collab follows recent LoveShackFancy team ups with British heritage company Liberty Fabrics and jewelry brand Kendra Scott. LoveShackFancy’s Americana capsule is available to shop now, with prices ranging from $95 to $695.
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