New Looks summer pieces include plenty of linen and crochet pieces from co-ords to beach dresses
In recent weeks New Look has caught my eye with its ‘flawless’ summer dresses, from silky maxi pieces to crochet mini and leopard print ruffle dresses. I’ve had a few pieces saved on my shopping wishlist for days, but a visit to my local store finally convinced me to hop on the linen co-ord trend.
I’d gone into the store in a bid to try on these three gorgeous summery dresses in my size; this gold glittery knitted midi dress, a £39.99 animal print ruffled midi, and this £30 split hem crochet option that I think would look subtly put together around a beach bar or restaurant.
While the online models make the crochet split hem dress, leopard print ruffle, and glittery midi dress look stunning, I wasn’t a fan of the summer staples on me. But this linen-blend waistcoat and trouser set caught my eye. Linen has always been a go-to staple in the fashion world for summer as not only does it look chic but it gives wearers a comfortable floaty, airy feel on hot humid days.
I walked out of H&M with six new spring favourites, including Molly-Mae style trench coat
7 best crossbody bags from M&S, River Island, New Look and more for every budget and occasion
Within seconds of entering my local New Look store, it was clear that tailored pieces were in this season, with plenty of cropped waistcoats which can easily be paired with jeans or denim skirts. I liked this £32.99 striped number too, and could see myself wearing it with denim and even under an oversized jacket.
While it’s branded as a ‘linen-look’ it did feel quite chunky on and while I liked the fit I’d think it’d be too hot on a summer’s day. It’s a perfect pick for spring with a pair of jeans but this two-piece white linen waistcoat and trouser co-ord felt much better.
The set can be bought separately, at £32.99 for the waistcoat and £34.99 for the linen trousers – if you’re like me and a short 5ft 3 this means you can pick up the petite pair instead. Just shy of £70 for the co-ord may seem a lot for two high street pieces but its quality made me happy to pay the price.
A big question for me when trying on linen is ‘can you see my bum’ as there’s nothing worse than having a see-through pair of trousers (well for me anyway). The fabric of the trousers were the perfect thickness, still thin enough for a floaty feel but not sheer – and the back pockets add an extra cover-up layer.
The white linen waistcoat top was a good fit too, although I’d definitely try the petite option depending on your bra size – the usual one was too gappy for me. They cost just over £30 each and I loved how both of the co-ord pieces can be styled individually too, versatility that makes the price feel worth it.
Another one I spotted in the store was this off-white-stripe linen-look waistcoat, also £32.99, it’s pretty similar to the other striped one I tried on but doesn’t have ruching around the bust, so it gives a slightly oversized look. As shown on the website model below, compared to how it looks on the hanger, it really pops against blue denim.
Crochet, linen dresses, stone-coloured wrap skirts, and chiffon-style tie tops were other styles plentiful on the New Look hangers, in fact you could pretty much find an option of each in multiple different colourways. If tailored looks like waistcoats and linen trousers aren’t to your taste here’s a quick glance at the rest of its 2024 summer stock.
Knitted-styles are definitely in with various options of midi and mini dresses. This cream maxi beach dress stood out from the rest with its slightly different halterneck tie and pattern. There are tight-fitting crochet mini dresses for those who’d like a slim fit style, and fluted arm options – I personally love this £24.99 black crochet flared sleeve dress.
Throw on jackets were another frequent spot in-store, and pretty similar to when I visited H&M a few weeks back where I tried on what I’d say is a Molly-Mae inspired cropped trench coat. At New Look tailored bomber jackets seemed to be the chosen light weather jacket – this £34.99 Khaki zip-up one would be my top pick.
As well as the tailored pieces fully stocked at New Look you’ll be able to find similar styles at M&S and River Island.