There are few things the Cosmopolitan Fashion Team enjoys more than talking clothes with people who love them just as much as we do. So, when Club Cosmo members joined us for an exclusive evening with Primark, the agenda was simple: unpack the summer trends worth knowing, get expert styling advice and take a closer look at The Primark Scene, Primark’s latest summer collection.
Together with the Primark buying and design team, we talked through the inspiration behind the edit (California summer, in case you were wondering), the colours shaping the season (think sunset hues with touches of white), and the easiest ways to make the summer trends work IRL. Our consensus on the styling formula to nail right now? The matching set.
Yes, we love a summer dress – but this season, co-ords are making a very convincing case for being the harder-working alternative in your warm-weather wardrobe. They require the same minimal outfit planning, yet offer *so* much more styling potential as they’re three outfits in one, able to be worn together and separately.
Need some inspo for the days ahead? Here are some tips and tricks from our event.
Dial into details
The Primark Scene’s Embroidered Halterneck Top and Embroidered Paisley Wide Leg Trousers pairing is easily the standout look of the collection. With its delicate detailing, fanciful paisley print and relaxed silhouette, the set effortlessly taps into summer’s ongoing boho mood. Crafted from a linen-blend, it’s lightweight and so easy to wear – especially when the temperature climb.
Embroidered top
Wide-leg trousers
“While it totally works as a casual daytime set, the open back means you can just as easily dress it up for evenings with gold jewellery and barely-there sandals, too,” Cosmo UK’s Senior Fashion Writer, Alex, said on the evening.
As for how to wear each piece individually, Claire McGonagle, The Primark Scene Designer, advised pairing the top with a simple pair of shorts or wide-leg jeans. Meanwhile, the trousers are exactly the kind of piece you’ll reach for on holiday with a white tank, oversized shirt knotted at the waist, or even a bikini top.
Less is more
If your summer wardrobe leans more minimal, The Primark Scene also includes a crisp white co-ord made up of a cropped off-the-shoulder tie-back top and matching maxi skirt. “White is always on-trend for summer, returning year after year,” Claire noted, positioning the little white top as the new summer icon. Now that’s a look we can definitely get behind!
Wrap top
Maxi skirt
Lean into animal instincts
Speaking of trends, animal print has featured heavily the past few seasons and it wasn’t missing from The Primark Scene summer collection. The Leopard Ruffle Mini Skirt and coordinating one-shoulder ruffle top tap into fashion’s ongoing obsession. “Leopard print is a neutral,” declared Cosmo UK’s Senior Fashion Editor, Rebecca, calling out the set for combining texture and pattern in one summer-ready look. Though again, the co-ord allows for easily styling options separately, too.
Animal-print top
Animal-print mini skirt
Have fun with it
We can’t talk about summer without mentioning festival szn, and The Primark Scene has catered accordingly. The Cropped Beaded Mesh Cami Top and Mesh Beaded Ruffle Mini Skirt are undeniably festival-coded. Simply add a pair of chunky, lug-sole ankle boots, optional face glitter, and you’re all set to dance the night away in a (hopefully) sun-soaked field.
Beaded mesh cami top
Beaded ruffle skirt
If our evening with Club Cosmo members proved anything, it's that the humble co-ord has officially graduated from holiday packing essential to become the outfit formula of the season. And judging by the reaction in the room, don't be surprised if your favourite summer dress spends a little more time on the hanger this year.
Shop The Primark Scene now in-store or onlince via Click and Collect
