The 5 High-Street Items Our Editors Have on Their Summer Wish Lists
Summer isn't over yet, no matter how excited we may be about the autumn/winter trends. Whether you're looking to upgrade your staples or hunting down a standout summer piece, this season, the high street really does have it all. And with a team of Who What Wear UK editors to hand, I figured I'd ask the experts what they're currently impressed by on the high-street shopping circuit.
Considering they spend all day, every day searching through the new-in sections to share their favourite finds with you, the personal recommendations of these seven editors hold considerable weight. Although they each have their own aesthetics and preferences, you might see commonalities in their selections. This, I believe, affirms the fact these pieces are enduring in their appeal. Of course, it wouldn't be a WWW wish list without a mix of great dresses and sleek tailored pieces balanced by bold accessories and reliable staples. And as this is a high-street wish list, they're generally pretty attainable, too.
Keep scrolling for the high-street pieces that our in-the-know editors want right now.
HANNAH ALMASSI, EDITOR IN CHIEF
Kicking off our edit is Who What Wear’s editor in chief, Hannah Almassi. By now, you'll be well aware that she's an expert on dresses and always knows the best accessories to pair with them.
"I love dresses, but I keep gravitating towards co-ords at the moment—something about them feels more current at times. The unusual colour and flattering shape make it an easy statement piece to throw on time and again."
"I still regret never buying the Stella McCartney Linda denim skirt from about a decade ago, as I know I'd have worn it a lot in that time, so I'm forever on the hunt for a great alternative! This looks like a good option."
"Any excuse to be a little bit extra—I can't stop investing in summer hats!"
"I recently bought these sandals in tan leather, and I'm thrilled with the quality and comfort of them. They're leg-lengthening and go with everything. I think I might have to get them in another colour…"
MAXINE EGGENBERGER, ACTING ASSISTANT EDITOR
If you're searching for staple pieces that are always on-trend, our acting assistant editor Maxine has you covered. With relaxed fits and loose pieces, these high-street finds will keep you cool and stylish this summer and next.
"I wore this when I was in Paris recently, and I received so many compliments on it. To me, this is the highest praise an item of clothing can get."
"I have a serious weakness for basket bags, and when our contributor Jessica Skye showed me this style, it was love at first sight."
"Broderie cut-outs are one of my favourite summer details, and I usually buy them in blouse form. This skirt, however, is a beauty all its own."
"Much like dresses, the appeal of a jumpsuit lies in its ease—it’s a one-and-done outfit. Between the gathered waistline, the colour and the general fit, this is one of the chicest I’ve seen in a long while."
"There's nothing I love more than a good rummage around Zara, and when I was last in the store, I spotted these and thought they looked so expensive. I haven't been able to stop thinking about them, which should tell you all you need to know."
EMMA SPEDDING, EDITOR
As editor at Who What Wear UK, Emma knows her stuff. With a job that revolves around finding the best pieces for our readers, Emma is able to spot a high-street hero from a mile away.
"I'm on the hunt for a pair of denim shorts and think these look lovely."
"The wide-leg-trouser trend is still going strong—this is the pair I currently have my eye on."
REMI AFOLABI, VIDEO CONTENT EDITOR
Our seriously stylish video content creator, Remi, has a knack for combining minimalist pieces with fun prints in perfect harmony—and always with a beautiful bag in hand.
"You can never have too many sunglasses! Besides the pretty colour, I love the contrast between the rectangular shape of frame and the circular shape of lenses."
"I'm a big fan of H&M's silk-blend dresses, and I also have a thing for anything peach coloured at the moment."
"Flatform slides have grown to become a favourite shoe style for me this summer. An all-black leather pair would go well with everything."
"Cargoes are definitely making a comeback this summer. I've always loved the utility style, and this particular colour is a nice change from the usual khaki green you tend to see everywhere."
"Statement bags are essential for my wardrobe to help elevate my looks. The colourful patchwork detail on this casual bag makes it a real showstopper!"
REBECCA RHYS-EVANS, BRANDED CONTENT EDITOR
Rebecca's wish list reflects her personal style, as it is full of classic pieces with a fashion-forward twist. She has an eye for a retro silhouette, and there's plenty of inspiration to take from her picks.
"With British weather, a classic mac is as essential as underwear."
"I have it on good authority that lime is the new Bottega Green."
Shop the matching trousers (£119).
"Hot summer nights call for sultry slip dresses, and this one will flatter my top-heavy frame."
EMILY DAWES, AFFILIATE EDITOR
Most days, you can find our affiliate editor in trousers, a shirt and always a great jacket. Although, she does have a great selection of dresses, too. If you've ever wanted that effortlessly stylish look, her wish list is a great place to start.
"I plan on wearing this blazer over summer wedding guest and occasion dresses but also with jeans and sandals for the office."
"I've been looking for a chambray-blue linen shirt to wear with all my neutrals this summer, and this one is such a good quality."
"For a chic, smart and comfortable summer look, these trousers are perfect. I'll be pairing them with tank tops and white shirts."
"All I want to wear right now are easy short-and-shirt co-ords, and this new style from Arket is currently top of my wish list."
Shop the matching shirt (£45).
REMY FARRELL, SHOPPING EDITOR
As a self-confessed shoe hoarder, shopping editor Remy has a great pair of summer sandals on her wish list. And with an eye for expensive-looking pieces at high-street prices, she also included plenty of staples you'll wear forever.
"I'm an oversized-shirt devotee, and this fresh, boxy version with a wide cuff detail looks instantly expensive."
"Are these not the best chunky sandals you've seen lately? I'm certainly inclined to think so."
"It turns out the perfect pair of affordable sunglasses does exist."
"Finding expensive-looking high-street bags is one of my favourite pastimes. This just might be one of my best discoveries yet."
"What is summer without a little white dress? This one is beautiful."
Up Next: I Just Tried On M&S's Best-Selling Jeans, and I'm Officially a Convert
Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.
During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.
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