Every morning, I complete the same ritual. I grab a cup of coffee (the largest I can find) and head to Instagram for my daily style fix. It’s probably no surprise that my Saved folder is overflowing with striking new styles, inspiring colour combinations and sleek minimalist looks, ensuring that I have every style covered when I come to share my fashion insights with you. And whilst checking my Saved folder recently, I noticed that the most fashionable women I know all have this one skill: finding high-end-looking pieces on the high street as well as covetable designer finds.
As we know, gorgeous, gorgeous girls don’t gatekeep, so I decided to go straight to the source. I asked seven influencers to share their dream summer buys, and with an array of personal styles, there’s plenty of variation in their must-have pieces. I’ve called on bright-colour enthusiasts who know a standout piece when they see it, as well as monochrome lovers who know the perfect staples you need to finesse minimalism. Whether you’re a summer-dress obsessive or a jeans-in-any-weather type, there’s plenty of inspiration for everyone.
Keep scrolling for the summer wish lists of seven fashion influencers.
Francesca’s style revolves around exquisite tailoring and floaty dresses that we always want to shop. She’s an expert in finding elevated-looking premium pieces that can be styled for day or night.
“I’m particularly drawn to strapless necklines at the moment, and this gorgeous bandeau dress is both feminine and comfortable for warm summer days.”
“Mesh ballet flats are all over my Instagram feed at the moment. I love these leather ones as they feel a bit less trend-led and more durable.”
“I love to add a pop of colour to my outfits, especially during summer. This mini basket bag is divine and would add a bit of fun to summery outfits.”
“These lightweight olive green trousers are perfect to team with Birkenstocks and a vest top for an easy, everyday summer outfit.”
Rachael has a keen eye for a standout print and can spot a cult item a mile off—like this best-selling Massimo Dutti waistcoat and COS trousers. Yes, you read that right, they’re high street.
“I am obsessed with Monikh [Dale]’s new collection with Faithfull The Brand, and this set is top of my wish list!”
“I’m very into bandeau tops and dresses at the moment, and this COS linen number is so chic, especially with the matching trousers.”
“I have been looking for the perfect flat, strappy, ankle-tie sandals for a while, and these Ancient Greek Sandals ones look perfect to pair with everything this summer.”
Eni’s style expertly balances classic elegance and modernity. With a keen eye for forever pieces, she has a wish list full of swishy dresses and must-have accessories.
“The first item for my top picks would have to be a basket bag. It one of my essentials, not only for the summer, but all year round. The size of this Sézane basket makes it a practical choice, especially when running errands and going shopping”
“House of CB does the most amazing printed dresses for summer. They fit nicely as well as being elegant, and they always make me feel so girly. I love this one.”
“I love Dad sandals. They are my ultimate summer staple and I love pairing them with dresses, trousers—you name it. They also happen to be very comfortable as well as versatile.”
If dopamine dressing is your signature, then you’ll be head over heels for Sara Brown’s wish list. Bright colours and bold prints are mixed in perfect harmony to create uplifting outfits, and as a Who What Wear UK contributor, Sara knows exactly what you’re looking for.
“It’s a joy to see Rixo collaborating with Abi [Omole], and this shirt is particularly gorgeous. I especially love the colour palette and vintage-style collar. It’s such an easy piece to throw on and feel put together. There’s a matching skirt available too, making this a fabulous co-ord, but I’d also love to pair this with a denim maxi skirt or jeans.”
“I’m almost too scared to share this because if you all buy it before I can, I’ll cry! I tried this Stine Goya shirt dress on in the brand’s Beak Street store and fell in love. I love the juxtaposition of a more formal garment—a shirt—in such a playful fabric. This shade of purple is so gorgeous in person too, it’s such a standout piece.”
“When I spotted this jumper in store I was drawn in by its slightly jarring colour combination. I love the mix of the almost-neon with a murky neutral colour. Plus, it’s really soft. I’d love to throw it on and feel cosy on a chilly summer evening.”
Seun takes classic pieces and makes them feel oh-so modern with bold pops of colour and clever design details. With a focus on cost per wear, her wish list is full of wear-forever pieces.
“Issey Miyake Pleats Please and Homme Plisse pieces are so easy to wear in the summer. The minimal plisse detailing literally works with everything, so it’s perfect for repeating over and over and dressing both up and down.”
“I know we’re all about the denim maxi skirts right now (I have DIY-ed a couple myself), but I still love a cute mini. This skirt from Revival London was made from deconstructed denim, and the horizontal placement of the denim offcuts make it that much more unique.”
“One can never have too many pairs of sunglasses, in my opinion. I think these Kimeze frames will be the next addition to my collection. Designed with ethnic features in mind, Kimeze is always my go-to brand for sunnies.”
Nicole always finds the most expensive-looking high-street pieces that suit her colourful style. You’ll find her wish list full of rainbow shades and daring prints that will add excitement to any wardrobe.
“My sunglasses collection is fit to burst at this point, but this yellow pair from Jimmy Fairly are putting the “sun” in sunnies! These will lift the mood of any outfit and I am so here for them!”
“I too am obsessed with Abisola Omole’s collection with Rixo, which ranges from a size 6-26. This skirt is a full-on add to cart moment! This print and colourway are both gorgeous with a playful, retro feel.”
“I’m fully a dad sandal girl to my core (stomping around London makes me feel like I have no choice), but I love how Arizona Love makes them playful. This pair with the gold cowrie shell embellishment is winging its way over to me from The Outnet already. Now, I just need a beach to wear them on.”
Anna has proven time and again that black is a summer colour. Her minimalist style is woven with striking pops of colour that are always timeless, proving them to be worthwhile purchases.
“I love the simplicity of this belt. There’s no big logos, it’s just understated and clean. I’d wear it with jeans and a crisp white shirt with ballet flats for a really cool day time outfit for running errands around town.”
“Barbie fever has hit the UK and unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve no doubt been bombarded with sickly sweet images of pinktastic outfits. I certainly won’t be going head to toe Barbie, but I do love this beautiful pink Jacquemus top that I would pair with loose jeans and barely there heels. A little nod to Barbiecore without going over the top but if you prefer, it also comes in black!”
“This shirt is high on my wishlist. I always say that if you can bring a touch of the unexpected to a basic, then it will completely elevate your outfit. The wrap style and belt together with the relaxed style will upgrade any jeans and sandal combo. Love.”
