I distinctly remember watching The Parent Trap as a kid and thinking Meredith Blake was the chicest woman ever. Her blonde bob and signature red lipstick were great, but it was her pared-back color palette that made the biggest mark on me. Her black-and-white poolside outfit is, to this day, one of my favorite summer looks of all time—to the point that I'm adding more of the minimalist color combination to my warm-weather wardrobe for 2026.
I want to replicate the exact refined style I loved so much, so I decided to turn to Zara for black-and-white pieces that won't break my budget. From vacation dresses to elevated basics, the finds I spotted are the definition of "pure elegance." If you think black-and-white outfits are boring, basic, or obvious, allow me to change your mind with my curation below.
My edit of the options at Zara proves you don't have to wear flashy colors—or even have a designer budget—to look expensive. Case in point: The minimalist-friendly picks below scream "wealth," and won't cost you more than $100.
This color combination elevates the baseball tee trend.
I want to wear polka dots all summer long.
When the dress code says "cocktail," this is the dress I'd go with.
Your summer dress rotation just got a whole more classy.
When you're bored of a basic white tank top, try this one.
The boho trend is still well and alive for summer.
Be prepared to see lace details everywhere this season.
This top with cigarette jeans and thong heels would make for the dreamiest summer outfit.
Grab the matching pants and you've got a chic, yet comfortable airport outfit.
From the tie-neckline to the midi length, I'm obsessed with everything about this dress.
Yes, trousers can be elegant and cool.
I wouldn't be surprised if I saw this outfit while walking in the Upper East Side.
My favorite It girls would be all over this lace-trim skirt.
I've been obsessing over double-layer tops in recent months.
If I were heading to the Hamptons this summer, this cardigan would be on my packing list.
I could easily see Hailey Bieber in this look.
