I've Been a Stylist for 20 Years—These Are the Key Buys on My Spring 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 along the way. All I'll say is ready your cards. Keep scrolling to see her key buys for spring 2024.
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—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 will be ones that can be easily styled up in multiple ways, and will still be relevant years from now. We're talking true wardrobe classics, and I’ll be showing you where to find them.
We're well into April and those sunnier days are sneaking their way into our lives. Even though I write this column from Australia, I spent 20 years living in London and remember how excited I used to get when waking to blue skies and sunny mornings, and finally, those days are upon us. Our heavier wool pieces have been packed away and now it's time for those key spring pieces to come to the fore. Sandals are introduced back into our outfit builds, and button-downs layered over T-shirts or a vest serve as a light jacket for the warmer days. This edit is a collection of pieces I start to add back into my wardrobe around this time of year, all with a hard-working element, to celebrate making it through those colder months.
Shop Angie Smith's Spring 2024 Edit:
1. White Denim
Add a spring edge to double denim ensembles with a fresh off-white shade.
2. Statement Tote
A go-to statement tote will instantly add a fresh edge to your wardrobe.
3. Nice Top
Wear on its own with classic jeans or size up and wear oversized with a simple T-shirt underneath.
4. Forever Denim
5. Satin Midi Skirt
A satin midi skirt is part of every fashion person's wardrobe. I wear mine with a light jumper and clogs.
6. Fisherman Sandals
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.
7. Relaxed Trousers
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.
8. Cricket Jumper
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.
9. Simple Tee
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.
10. Occasion Dress
With wedding season incoming, this is a great option to have on your radar.
11. Easy Sets
Denim is so reliable, so it makes sense to tick off two pieces in a matching set.
12. Cotton Midi Skirt
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.
13. Vibrant Knit
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.
14. Light Jacket
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.
15. Flip-Flops
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.
16. Basket Bag
Basket bags go with everything, and that's why my collection continues to grow.
Shop More of Angie's Picks:
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.
Next Up: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
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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