9 Fashion Buyers, Stylists, and Creatives Share What They're Buying for Summer
Welcome to our World's Best Shoppers series, a monthly feature in which we tap into the shopping leaders of the fashion world—the best fashion directors, buyers, and stylists—for sartorial insight on what to buy each season.
Now that summer is officially here, it's time to get our warm-weather wardrobes into gear with a few key pieces to keep us looking chic and on-trend throughout the season ahead. So what should we be buying, Instagramming, and lusting after this summer? To inspire our new-season purchases, we tapped into nine influential women working in the fashion industry to see exactly what they're adding to their own carts this month. From effortless cotton dresses to head-turning bikinis, scroll below to get your sartorial juices flowing this season and shop their must-have summer picks.
"We have a beautiful assortment in Net-a-Porter's Summer Shop, and this June we are celebrating our 20 Year Anniversary at Net-a-Porter and I couldn't be happier with some of the latest brands and exclusive product that we launched. Whether it's new brands such as Arizona Love, Call Del Mar, or our exclusive capsules from brands like Tove and Paco Rabanne. We also have a lovely cotton edit from Molly Goddard using her signature ruffles in easy cotton shapes."
"We have seen a huge shift in how women are dressing and comfort is key. People will be looking for maximum impact with minimal effort. The not-so-simple white cotton dress is a key piece in everyone's wardrobe this summer from brands like Cecile Bahnsen, Gabriela Hearst, The Row, and Jacquemus who all have beautifully simple yet sculptural white dresses that we will all be itching to wear."
"This week, we launched an exclusive two week pop-up with Gabriela Hearst benefitting Save the Children. The gorgeous bags are perfect for summer, and the charitable component adds a wonderful reason to purchase them."
"One of my favorite trends for summer are trekking sandals! I love the white ones from The Row, they’re versatile and super comfortable to wear. Perfect for the city or on the beach. I think it’s pretty cool to wear holiday styles in the city."
"Another one I’m really into it, is leather bermuda shorts or any bermuda's in general. The new short length is very easy to wear. Combine it with a simple tank top or an oversized blazer and pumps."
"The latest trend I truly love are thin knit dresses – this summer it’s all about the body. Fine knit pieces are so comfortable and you can wear them from day to night, at home or out. It’s super sexy and you can easily dress up or down with matching accessories."
"Everyone needs a great summer sandal, but now that walking is the new social activity, you need a pair that can go the distance, and Birkenstocks do it for me."
"Kim Shui's dresses are light, breathable, and can still make a statement. She's my favorite designer to wear in the summer because I feel and look great without the fuss."
"At the moment, my go-to summer bag is my Dior Book Tote. Since the pandemic, I've had to carry around a lot of extra things like masks, sanitizer, wipes, etc., so no more mini bags for me!"
"I'm all about one-pieces for swim at the moment. I'm loving this cute halter-neck in pale pink."
"Since many of us will still be in virtual hangouts for the next few months, I love these rainbow studs to dress up an easy white-tee look. Plus, the brand is emerging, L.A.-based, and female-founded—all things we love to support."
"This summer more than ever, it's all about ease with regard to what we're wearing. I love this dress because it's soft and flowy but not overwhelming and I can wear it for many occasions."
"The 11 Honoré private label Kelli jacket is lightweight and versatile, it can take me anywhere (or nowhere during quarantine). I wear it with jean cutoffs, over sundresses or swimwear, tied like a kimono or draped open and tied in the back. This is the piece for everyone."
"Neutral pieces are always my go-to, especially in the summer. I purchased the 11 Honoré private label Jada skirt because it is a wardrobe staple all year round. Even though we're going out less these days, this skirt is a great way to look and feel your best—it is the effortlessly chic feel I look for in pieces. I pair it with an easy T-shirt or a button-down tied at the waist. The ruching detail across the midsection adds a little something extra to the piece."
"I have been living in Mara Hoffman's Diega dress. It's technically a swim coverup, but I have worn it as a dress quite a few times. Easy, comfortable and instantly chic."
"I plan to wear this with some vintage Levis and barely there sandals. It's the perfect statement top to make an entrance in, it's for a special girl.”
"This is the perfect summer dress for me, it's romantic without being over the top. I'm gonna dress it up on a summer evening but I'm also going to wear it over jeans during the day to add a juxtaposition to the sweetness of it.”
"I love the lightness, length and texture of this shirt. Perfect for the balmy days in NY. You can wear it over denim cutoffs or team it with a white wide legged linen pant for an effortlessly chic look. It's also perfect for the beach to wear over a swimsuit—it elevates your entire beach look.”
Shop matching Delilah Bikini Bottom ($110).
"I love a puff-sleeve swimsuit, and this one in a light wash denim texture is uniquely different."
"A classic tee with a twist. I've already bought this in all three color ways. A must have basic this summer."
"Tohum is one of my favorite jewelry designers. The heart necklace is an inspirational statement piece. Moreover, Tohum will be donating 10% profit our of their Cuore collection to the Haller Foundation in Africa supporting sustainable farming and education for communities."
"Checkered but make it subtle. I'd pair this skirt with a breathable halter top for a nice social-distanced stroll in the park (or really any excuse to get dressed up)."
"These oversize knitted pants are perfect for my first socially distanced summer, making it easy to move from my bed to the couch (and back) and looking cute 'n' comfy while doing it!"
"When your boyfriend's button-down meets the ultimate lounging fabric. I'll be wearing this oversize silk shirt in the house and beyond all summer."
"I live in my Margaux city sandals. They are super comfortable and have the perfect heel height. I pair mine with my favorite summer dresses to cut off shorts. They are so versatile and the ankle strap hits in the perfect place it makes my legs look miles long!"
"My dry-cleaner has been closed since the start of the pandemic so finding washable pieces that look cute and require easy care has been important. I discovered the Ecru brand and am living in their pieces. I'm currently obsessed with their T-shirts and tops. They are so soft and lightweight!"
"I love platinum jewelry mainly because the metal is so brilliant in its sparkle and gets even better over time. I live in my platinum born collection jewelry. Whether it's my go-to hoops or the necklaces that which can be layered and worn at different lengths. I even like to wrap mine around my wrist as a bracelet. Platinum is so durable and lightweight its perfect for every day."
Up next, eight summer trends fashion girls are wearing with their shorts right now.
Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.
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