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 a Who What Wear UK editor-in-residence, 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 Sézane Aya Top (£95), Usisi Sister Chloe Skirt (£290) and Sézane Leonie Bag (£220)
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 much easier to pull outfits together, because you can actually see what's in there.
Angie wears The Upside Dusty's Holiday Shirt (£210) and Run For Your Life Silk Shorts (£160)
We're nearing the in-between point of the season. Half of us are still living out of a suitcase somewhere hot whilst the other half are squeezing the last drop out of the British summer before the school-run montage begins. Either way, it's the month for dressing on instinct, throwing on the one dress that works for the garden party and the post-wedding brunch, packing the shirt that does all the talking so you don't have to. A bit of holiday, a bit of high summer, and one or two quiet signals that autumn will eventually arrive (a carpenter trouser, a checked midi) for those of us already thinking ahead. Either way, these are the kinds of pieces that 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 Wear-Everywhere Dress
The adjustable straps make it perfect for a garden party, pregnancy, or a post-wedding brunch. Style with flat sandals by day, and a heeled mule by night.
2. The Statement Jewellery
Part comb, part pendant, all conversation; wear it solo against bare skin or over an open-collar shirt.
3. The Stripe Bikini
A rust-and-cream stripe with a sweet tie-back; layer it under an open linen shirt with a raffia tote.
4. The Spacious Tote
Can you ever own too many canvas totes? Sling this leather-trimmed one over jeans and a tee or a floaty dress.
5. The Silk Mini
Crisp taffeta with a clean square neck. Dress it down with a chunky sandal or dress up with a strappy heel and red lip.
6. The Relaxed Pant
The first whisper of autumn; a white tank and flip-flops now, a fine knit and loafer later.
7. The Easy Sweater
A soft pink summer knit that quietly does the heavy lifting. Tuck it into tailored shorts or wide trousers.
8. The Joy-Inducing Shirt
No quicker way to add personality to your holiday packing list than a Hawaiian shirt. Throw over a bikini or buttoned up with white linen.
9. The Skirt of Summer
This whole look is what I want to wear right now. Add in a simple tank and a flat sandal and let the skirt do the rest.
10. The Staple Flip-Flop
A minimalist Italian leather flatform flip-flop that makes even a bare foot look expensive.
11. The Designer-Passing Dress
High-street quiet luxury. Layer in flat sandals and a tote by day, or a heeled mule and gold stack by night.
12. The Printed Swimsuit
A ruched bandeau one-piece in a rich foliage print that doubles as a going-out top under a skirt.
13. The Light Jacket
The transitional buy to earmark now! Shrug on over a slip dress in August, then come September swap in trousers and boots.
14. The Standout Dress
The cowl neck and asymmetric flounce make this check feel modern. Keep it clean with a black strappy sandal.
SHOP MORE OF ANGIE'S PICKS:
Collarless! Mocha! Poplin! Meet the boyfriend shirt, done right.
Made for wafting around with a fresh coconut in hand. The floaty romantic feel is what Dôen does best.
No one will believe this is a high-street find.
The closest to a perfect slip I've seen in a while. Style with flat sandals for the day and add heels and a bold cuff for night.
Jelly sandals are back with a soft tapered sole to add a contemporary edge.
Crochet done oh-so right.
This is a really good black one-piece: cut right on the leg with lifting and support where you want it. Your new favourite.
The grown-up answer to a tied sarong.
A flash of red silk to invigorate your outfits.
The most versatile piece on my list, this crisp white cotton tunic is ready to wear over bikini bottoms, with linen trousers and jeans.
Summer rain, handled. This sage nylon anorak actually looks chic.
This is the kind of soft organic cotton I want to fly in.
Buy the set, wear it on the plane, split it on arrival.
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.
