I've Been a Stylist for 20 Years—These Are the Key Buys on My Summer 2024 Wish List
You've probably heard of 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 her talent for uncovering the most expensive-looking finds is unrivalled. So I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear she's now a Who What Wear UK columnist, here to share her expert shopping picks for the season along with some styling wisdom. Keep scrolling to see her key buys for summer 2024.
Angie wears a Free People dress
I’ve been a stylist and brand consultant for over 20 years now, and I'm a strong believer in buying less and wearing those pieces more. I've learnt from my experience re-working 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.
When shopping for new pieces, it’s important to be practical and think of all the outfits you could wear them with from your existing wardrobe. But most importantly, you have to really love those new items to justify adding them to your rotation. When you wear them, they have to make you feel good—really good. They have to feel comfortable on your body; I’m a strong believer in buying the size that feels and looks the best on you, and in some shops that might be a 12, in others an 18—it really doesn't matter. The buys I include in my monthly edits can be easily styled in multiple ways and will still be relevant years from now. We're talking true wardrobe classics, and I’m showing you where to find them.
Angie wears a matching striped set by Deiji Studio
When it comes to my personal style I’ve always been a bit of a lazy dresser. It wasn’t until my late 30s that I finally accepted that it was okay to not be perfectly pulled together or constantly change up my daily look. Through exploring my own personal style I’ve come to two key resolutions. One is that it’s okay to wear your favourite things on repeat. They’re our favourite for a reason after all. Two, no one is taking a mental note of what we’ve worn and how many times we’ve repeated an outfit. For me, finding a piece worthy of being worn repetitively is the ultimate object, to ensure each addition is as hard-working and versatile as it can be.
I recently read Johnathan Hadit’s The Anxious Generation and began thinking about how fast-paced we live whilst most people I speak to want a slower life, fewer things, and more time to enjoy and spend with the people we love. When it comes to getting dressed, this should be a joyful experience, not something that adds stress to your day. So, welcome lazy summer style. Here are the pieces that I rely on year after year to make me feel good in the heat (emphasis on feeling good). Alongside there’s accessories that can instantly make your lazy outfit look like a considered curation.
Scroll on to explore my summer 2024 edit.
Shop Angie Smith's Summer 2024 Edit:
1. Easy Dress
Light weight and seriously soft. Just add sandals and a raffia bag through summer, or a cardigan on milder days.
2. Chic Sarong
Simple in tone but interesting in texture is something I look for in most items.
3. Simple Flip Flops
Reach for simple flip flops every summer as a minimalist finishing touch.
4. Versatile Shirt
You can't go wrong with a linen set. Try this oversized boyfriend shirt and add in some boxer shorts for ease. Remember, don't worry about the creases, this is lazy dressing after all.
5. Black Dress
Buy oversized and add a raffia bag and flat shoes. Keep styling minimal without jewellery and loose hair.
6. Classic Frames
No matter the season, a pair of classic shades will always come in handy.
7. Wear-everywhere Tank
This simple neckline has the ability to update your whole wardrobe.
8. Boxer Shorts
9. Going Out Out
The easy silk tunic style gown by Taller Marmo is my ideal kind of look when getting dressed up.
10. Big Raffia Bag
The bigger the better to suit every occasion - beach, market, work and season, possibly not black tie.
11. Slip Dress
This slip dress is the perfect length and fit for me. I wear a size 3 and am a size 10-12. I always like to allow a little room for any possible shrinkage when washing my clothes, and because I can't stand anything too tight.
12. Understated Midi Skirt
I'm a big fan of Leset for various staple pieces, including this easy to style midi skirt.
Shop More of Angie's Picks:
This jersey drop-waist dress is possibly one of the comfiest finds of the summer. Plus, it also featured in Lucy Williams's edit for Free People.
This easy pyjama set from Arket is giving major vintage '70s vibes. It comes up large, so I ordered the size down for a comfortable fit. For a casual evening look add a simple racerback vest, cute bag and flip-flop sandals with a slight heel (St. Agni has some great ones!) For daytime, wear it open as a light jacket for a beachside cover-up.
My Alighieri necklace is worn on repeat, so much so that my child calls it my "little fish", so when I spied this one by Kirstie Le Marque it was love at first sight. I haven't taken it off and find it adds a playful touch to all my holiday looks.
Dôen is always one of my first stops if I’m looking for something classic with a romantic twist, and this delicate silk top is pretty perfect.
Australian brand All That Remains has just launched the most incredible new collection, which includes this crochet dress. The colours are seriously beautiful, and I can picture this as the perfect beach cover-up or dress for a relaxed holiday dinner.
One of my favourite summer knits is by Navy Grey, and the brand has recently launched two new linen T-shirts just in time for summer. I've put them to the test and can confirm they are just as beautiful. This long-sleeved style feels particularly laid-back and will excel paired with track pants, boxer shorts or great denim.
Mark my words: This is one of the most beautiful knitted sets I've come across. The pieces are sold separately, and I'm an especially big fan of the trousers, which are exactly what I've been looking for to wear under dresses.
Hot summer nights call for slinky silk, especially in the form of a timeless dress. The best part is that they roll up small for packing and the creases fall out with a quick steam, making the fabric a big part of my summer wardrobe. Reformation's Layla bias-cut skirt is a very similar shape to this dress, and I get so much wear out of it.
If you've been looking for reasonably priced striped pyjama pants that are 100% organic cotton, then these by British B-Corp brand Nudea are well worth checking out. I have them in the white stripe and can confirm they are the lightest cotton sleepwear for summer nights. Plus, you can get 20% off your order with code ANGIE20. The shade of blue is so good and the lightness of cotton is divine.
Your new lifetime companion features four large internal pockets to stay organised and enough room for even the largest laptops. It’s the perfect carry-on that even works as your everyday beach bag when you arrive at your destination. Each bag is made to order in Madagascar so there's no waste. Even better, the tea-stained raffia tone suits every season.
Wear with a simple T-shirt and statement sandals for an outfit that works for so many occasions.
Meet the beach dress of my dreams. I also think it will look nice with a long-sleeved dress in a similar shade layered underneath.
This jumpsuit is giving me Suzie Kondo vibes. Whilst relaxed and easy, it can definitely be dressed up.
This will work equally as well with a black or cream silk maxi as your trusty jeans.
I've tried a lot of black swimsuits, but this is the one I'll be wearing all summer long.
The wedding guest dress of the summer
These are the best silk trousers I've found on the high street.
A black-tie summer wedding guest option that will never date.
This button-down will work so well with cream jeans or denim shorts.
I always turn to this brand for reasonably priced and seriously chic travel totes.
I've been wearing this crochet button-down as a little jacket over a vest.
I am so into this colour at the moment. The matching ice-blue waistcoat is so good, but I also love the contrast with a deep red vest.
Add a spring edge to double-denim ensembles with a fresh off-white shade.
A go-to statement tote that will instantly add a fresh edge to your wardrobe.
Wear on its own with classic jeans or size up and wear oversized with a plain T-shirt underneath.
A satin midi skirt is part of every fashion person's wardrobe. I wear mine with a light jumper and clogs.
Fisherman sandals are everywhere right now, but it's taken me a few tries to find a pair I really like. This style by Grenson has an old-school feel that adds authenticity to the design, like something you'd buy from a little shop in a fishing village in Greece.
After buying and loving Leset pyjama pants back in February, I recently tried this similar style and so far, I'm impressed. Try adding a chunky jumper and thong sandals or a fine, strappy linen vest in the same shade to give the illusion of a matching set.
A classic cricket jumper will always be in style, and I'm wearing this one on repeat right now. It's super soft and seriously easy to style.
I always get asked what tee I wear the most daily, and currently, it's the Margo by Leset. I love how thin the cotton is, making it semi-sheer, and the neckline is a classic crew.
With wedding season incoming, this is a great option to have on your radar.
Denim is so reliable, so it makes sense to tick off two pieces in a matching set.
One of my favourite skirt trends at the moment is a classic cotton midi in fresh white. Chic and simple, it takes little to reach new heights with this piece; even a simple tee will do.
My green obsession continues and this shade is perfection! Wear with denim over cotton boxers, and play up the accessories with big socks and chunky sandals.
Sezane’s Will Jacket is one of the best investments you can make at this time of year, and it’s a very reasonable one at that. I wear mine with fresh white denim and suede pieces.
At this time of year, we get a few days to bare the toes again. I’ve always loved the contrast of jeans, a light jumper or button-down, and a pair of flip-flops. These classic leather ones from Ancient Greek Sandals are so comfortable, and the leather gives a smarter feel to your look, meaning they work well in-between seasons.
Basket bags go with everything, and that's why my collection continues to grow.
There are many reasons to get dressed up during the spring and summer months, and I can't stop thinking about this sunny style by Dôen. From the joyful yellow shade to the elegant smocked bodice, I can imagine wafting around in the floaty fabric everywhere from garden parties to spring weddings.
These are my latest on-repeat wear on warmer days. Granted, I live in Sydney, and our summer has just come to a close, but this means that you can trust me when I say I've already road-tested these for you. I'd been looking to tap into the Bermuda trend but with a more classic edge, so I opted for these Levi 501 shorts in a size larger for a more relaxed fit.
As much as I like the look of bright, colourful trainers, I haven't been able to make a pair work in my wardrobe. That was until I came across these in predominantly white with colourful accents that make them much easier for me to style. I bought this pair in a half size up and popped them on a cold wash to break up the box-fresh look.
Spring's answer to the cashmere sweater is the cotton vest. I've found myself wearing this one by The Upside on repeat since it arrived. The chocolate contrast stripe is such a nice detail, and it can easily be dressed up or down. Go full test match with the co-ordinating track pants or add some '70s cool with wide-leg, tailored trousers or off-white jeans.
No one can deny the usefulness of a "nice top" to pair with jeans. Last year, I bought a similar style top and wore it so much that I decided there's definitely space in my life for another one.
As much as a basket bag is synonymous with the sunnier months, I'm making a case for the basket shoe. This woven pair is in line with the current love for mesh styles and is a great way to dress down your pieces for warm spring days, adding a lived-in feel.
A festival favourite and all-round practical buy, Barbour always comes through in the jacket department. Considering the temperamental weather, this makes for a clever addition to any Brit's wardrobe, especially in a cool oatmeal shade.
I have a lot of button-downs in my wardrobe, but this mini stripe style in pale blue is the one I've worn most. Throughout the warm months here in Sydney, I've found myself reaching for this shirt to throw over swimwear, gym gear or simply with jeans and a vest. For the loose fit I like, I sized up twice.
Quite simply, a great black dress is a wardrobe hero. I have a few pieces in this exact fabric from Leset, which feels like a heavy satin, and I love how it falls.
My latest brand obsession comes is Haulier, and if you're also a fan of wardrobe classics with a vintage twist, it might just become yours too. Stock up on boxer shorts, matching velour sets, pyjama-style jackets or one of its iconic tote bags (currently top of my list). And don’t forget some socks; the colours are spot on.
My love of green started last year with a pair of track pants by Bassike and has continued to grow, even driving the purchase of a green luggage set. This crochet top recently caught my eye and ticks a lot of boxes. It shares the qualities of some of the wardrobe items I reach for over and over again, from the crochet construction to the collar detail and loose fit.
I have the two-piece version from last year and can confirm that it’s worth investing in. Not only is it ideal as a relaxed evening look, but each piece works hard separately. The cut is particularly good and it definitely looks more expensive than it is.
This beautiful knit is one of the best I've come across for spring. It's lighter than my winter go-tos and has a semi-sheer feel that's perfect for the warmer months.
This playful waistcoat is part of a set that would make an ideal spring wedding outfit. You could also pair it with cut-off denim shorts for a very Glasto feel come summer.
As soon as it's warm enough (and even if it's not, to be totally honest), I'm keen to bare a little leg. One combination with just the right amount of spring style is striped shorts, chunky socks and an even chunkier jumper, all wrapped under a wool coat. I recently invested in a pair by St. Agni, but Arket has very similar style.
Loose satin trousers are an eveningwear staple for me, and this is my latest investment from Leset. After buying them, I also realised they were part of a matching set with a halter top, which I bought in the Net-A-Porter sale last year.
Set to become one of summer's biggest shoe trends thanks to Miu Miu, boat shoes are on course for a return. Keep them classic like this Timberland pair, and wear them in for a well-worn look.
I've been after a pair of brown jeans for a while now but was hunting for a warmer tone, and then I came across this perfect '70s-inspired pair.
Crisp cotton PJs to wear out of the house? Yes, please! I recently invested in this pair by Leset, which I've been styling and re-styling ever since. They are quite literally perfect and work just as well as separates as they do together.
The button-down makes for a brilliant beach cover-up thanks to the long, bum-covering hem, and the trousers are a sleek, clean cut, with no bells or whistles, making them incredibly easy to wear. I style them with a simple T-shirt, cashmere jumper and clogs for an off-duty look or comfortable travel ensemble.
This jacket-overshirt hybrid feels really fresh for spring. Because of the refined silhouette with a nod to the '70s, it went straight into my basket.
Often an item reserved strictly for summer, the humble wicker bag has been given icon status in recent years by every design brand worth its salt. I’m a big fan of this logo-free bag and use mine all year round. I love how it instantly dresses down more formal pieces and makes your overall look feel effortlessly cool.
Mango is known for knocking it out of the park with its outerwear. This would be my pick of the latest drop.
I haven’t stopped wearing my Khaite crossbody bag since I got it, and this is the best high-street iteration.
Both parts of this set work so well as separates as well as together.
Apart or together, these make for great workwear pieces.
Jigsaw knows how to cut a decent wool coat, and this colour is so beautiful, plus it looks much more expensive than its price tag.
Add instant style and some much-needed warmth to tops and dresses with a wool bib.
Easy to throw on and perfect for adding a fun pop to your looks during the drearier months.
This one is pretty perfect. Just enough of a statement but not so overpowering that it still goes with everything.
I have a pair and can confirm they are seriously warm, and not at all itchy.
Trust me—you'll have them for years and they can be worn with everything in that effortless French-woman way.
Looking like you know a thing or two about fashion has never been so easy— just add red socks. Make them cashmere for extra cosiness!
Not quite cream, not quite yellow— butter is the elevated colour trend that we saw emerging last summer with the rise in quiet luxury, and I'm predicting it will continue to grow next season and beyond.
Loose, relaxed denim continues to reign as the fashion pack's favourite for 2024, and I'm not mad about it. For bonus style points, go for a pair in dark indigo.
Longer Bermuda shorts started popping up again in summer 2023 and will continue to gather pace in 2024. Think office attire with a blazer come spring or for evenings with an open button-down or loose halterneck top. You could even start wearing them now with sheer or fishnet tights layered underneath.
If you were quick to bag this Aligne denim trench when it came out earlier this year, you're already ahead of the game. Luckily it's still in stock, for now.
Quite possibly one of the easiest trends to get on board with this coming year is fresh white. Got a white T-shirt and some ecru jeans in your wardrobe? You're already there. Want to make life even easier? This jumpsuit is the answer.
The easiest way to introduce a pop of colour into your wardrobe is with a bag, in my opinion. If in doubt, keep the style classic and go bolder with the colour.
Sheer doesn’t have to mean bare. I love how flattering a top like this can look when layered under a dress or blazer.
This is a great trend to introduce for a night out, dressed down with denim (of course). For day, a fringed jacket in suede is what the fashion crowd have been wearing on repeat since Autumn.
A leather bomber jacket will never go out of style. However, I’m not sure I will ever wear one that isn’t oversized again. In the same way as denim, there is something so effortlessly cool about wearing a piece that looks like you’ve shopped it from the menswear department. This jacket by Reformation has exactly the right look. Wear it over, well, absolutely anything to elevate your look in a very non-try-hard way.
This cardigan and skirt set also comes in navy, green, black, beige, purple and stripes.
My current favourite white T-shirt is by RE/DONE. It’s next-level soft and the collar sits at the perfect height to add a contrasting under layer to your winter knits, flannel shirts and wool blazers that need pepping up.
This jumper is giving me Khaite or Gabriela Hearst vibes in spades but at a very affordable high-street price tag. Style it simply to let it do all the talking and you have yourself a laid back look that feels and looks ridiculously chic. This is the statement jumper for minimalists.
If you feel like your outfit is wearing you, then throw on some trainers or biker boots—they will instantly dress your look down a notch and make it feel effortlessly cool.
Is this not the most perfect plaid shirt you ever did see? And if blues and greens are more your match, check out the other colourway.
I have a blazer like this in my wardrobe and love how it instantly pulls together a very average jeans and T-shirt look. The tones in it also mean that it goes with nearly every shade of denim, and it’s super flattering on the skin.
A pop of red is one of this season's biggest trends, and I love the idea of wearing it subtly by layering a red T-shirt under a crewneck jumper or sweater so you just get a little flash. Keep it feeling modern by mixing with camel, navy, grey and brown.
Finding an effortless-looking bag that fits a laptop is hard—trust me. Sézane has nailed it with its camel Gabin. It’s lived-in, has a beautiful colour and exudes laid-back chic.
I’ve worn a St Christopher for over 20 years, and I'm a little bit superstitious about mine. I love how you can also wear this style back to front to make it look like a simple gold disc if your outfit is more minimal.
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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