I've Been a Stylist for 20 Years—These Are the Key Buys on My Summer Wish List
Angie Smith has been a stylist for over 20 years. As our columnist, she's sharing some fashion picks from her summer 2026 wish list.
You've probably heard of Who What Wear UK Editor in Residence and celebrity stylist Angie Smith from her work with household names like Holly Willoughby, Eva Mendes, Davina McCall and Rochelle Humes. Smith has a gift for making her clients look effortlessly chic, usually on an affordable budget. She's an advocate for shopping the high street, often mixing high and low pieces in her styling, and her own wardrobe and talent for uncovering the most expensive-looking finds is unrivalled. She's here to share her expert shopping picks for the season along with some styling wisdom. Keep scrolling to see her key buys for summer 2026.
Angie wears the wears The Upside Take Me to the Ball Park Top (£90) and the Hit The Road Track Pants (£110)
I’ve been a stylist and brand consultant for over 20 years now, and I'm a strong believer in buying less and wearing your pieces more. I've learnt from reworking clients' wardrobes that after editing them down to a smaller capsule, it becomes a lot easier to pull outfits together, because you can actually see what's in there.
Whilst Sydney eases into winter, I'm living vicariously through those of you who are about to embrace the sunshine. With the return of the high temperatures and calendars filling up with staycations and trips abroad, I've focused on the most versatile, breezy and refined buys to see us through the warm weather.
This month, I've focused on smart wardrobe additions which can blend into your everyday outfits and check off items on your packing list. Think lightweight shirts for the office or thrown over swimwear, a slip dress that can be dressed down with sandals or taken to evening with a pair of heels, and pretty tops that can be mixed throughout your wardrobe. All of the styles can slot straight into your existing rotation and still feel relevant for many years to come.
SHOP ANGIE SMITH'S SUMMER 2026 EDIT
1. The Staple Shirt
Collarless! Mocha! Fine poplin! Meet the boyfriend shirt, done right.
2. The White Dress
Made for wafting around with a coconut in hand. The floaty romantic feel is what Dôen does best.
3. The Crochet Top
No one will believe this is a high street find.
4. The Slip
The closest to a perfect slip I've seen in a while. Style with flats sandals for day, add heels and a bold cuff for night.
5. The Modern Flip-Flop
Jelly sandals are back with a soft tapered sole to add a contemporary edge.
6. The Pretty Skirt
Crochet done oh-so right.
7. The Classic Swimsuit
A really good black one-piece: cut right on the leg, lifts, supports. Your new favourite.
8. The Beach Cover-Up
The grown-up answer to a tied sarong.
9. The Loose Shorts
A flash of red silk to invigorate your outfits.
10. The Breezy Top
The most versatile thing here. Crisp white cotton, ready to wear over bikini bottoms, with linen trousers, or over jeans.
11. The Reliable Anorak
Summer rain, handled. A sage nylon anorak that actually looks considered.
12. The Collared Top
The soft organic cotton I want to fly in.
13. The Comfy Trousers
Buy the set, wear it on the plane, split it on arrival.
SHOP MORE OF ANGIE'S SHOPPING PICKS:
The kind of top that feels put-together without trying too hard. Bust-friendly without being fussy, which is the only kind of halter I'll actually wear. I'm also eyeing up the matching trousers.
There are an array of great skirts around right now but this would be my pick. Look at that red!
The kind of shorts you can wear out to lunch and not feel like you've just rolled off the beach.
Recently I've found myself reaching for espresso colourways over black. With a structured design, considered cut and pared-back look, this is the kind of swimsuit you'll rely on every time the weather heats up.
Rely on a cotton poplin shirt every summer. Throw over swimwear or pair with slouchy vintage denim.
The kind of scarf that you'll wrap yourself up in on long haul flights and live in on holiday.
You had me at lilac.
Wedding guest season is on the horizon, and this is the dress I'd be picking.
Vanessa Bruno cut it intentionally oversized so it skims rather than clings, which is exactly what I want from a summer shirt that needs to work tucked, untucked, knotted, or thrown over swimwear.
Mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe.
The side tie details are such a nice touch.
I can't get this Sézane blouse out of my mind.
This went straight in my basket.
Spacious, timeless and and sure to outlast the moving trends.
Sunglasses are back as an everyday essential.
I'm yet to meet a pretty lace top I don't like.
Wide-cut white denim can do no wrong in my eyes. Style these with loose tops, fitted blazers and more.
This whole look is exquisite, but mainly the shirt! The cool tone is perfect.
This is exactly how I want to wear midi dresses this spring: with chunky jewellery and streamlined trainers.
No one will guess that this designer-looking blazer is a high-street buy.
The cut of these jeans is truly incredible. If you like your denim low, you have to try them.
Chic ready-made sets are just so versatile.
The perfect weekend top.
I can't get this colour out of my mind.
Effortless and enduring, this is the kind of jacket that will instantly restart your wardrobe.
Citizens of Humanity always gets the cut right. I'm styling this pair with Western boots right now.
Black dresses are eternal, especially when they have a little intrigue in the design and long sleeves.
Now that the weather is starting to warm up, I'm reaching for this shirt over and over again.
This necklace sits perfectly with crewneck tees and cosy knits.
I'm into this whole look, but in particular, the sleek trousers.
I'm drawn to the soft texture of this shirt. For warmer days, I'll wear it as a light jacket.
COS's beloved cashmere knit is one you'll reach for season after season.
I love the cut of these T-shirts, and this vibrant red is calling my name.
This dress would look great layered over straight-cut, lived-in denim. Finish with the Marant boots.
