And Now, the Classic Luxury Buys Our Editors Are Standing by This Summer
From standout dresses to timeless handbags, six editors weigh in on the most worthwhile luxury buys of summer 2026.
It’s no secret that we Who What Wear editors love to find chic buys at a more affordable price point. Of course, there are some great value, classic pieces to be found on the great British high street that will last a long time in your collection. But sometimes, when curating your forever wardrobe, you’re looking to spend a bit more on quality, luxury items that then elevate the rest of your wardrobe effortlessly. And while we do love an expensive-looking bargain, as experts in the industry, we also know a thing or two about a smart designer fashion investment.
So, as we're almost into spring, I thought I would ask my fellow editors: what’s on their luxury wish list right now, and their answers didn’t disappoint. We're talking beautifully crafted bags, sleek ballet flats, light summer jackets and, of course, plenty of dresses. Pieces that they love now but will also stand by forever. One thing’s for sure, these women know how to elongate someone else’s wish list in a heartbeat—you've been warned.
Below you can see and shop their current luxury shopping picks. Not everything on our lists is wildly expensive—some are little luxuries— but rest assured, when they do come with a higher price tag, it’s on there because we believe it’s worth every penny. There are some all-time classics we’ve been lusting after for a long time, and some fresher new-in pieces that already seem just as timeless. Any one of these buys, though, feels rightly special and will add polish to your everyday wardrobes for many years to come. Keep scrolling for some luxurious shopping inspiration…
Shop Our Editors Autumn Wish-List Items:
1. Rebecca Rhys-Evans, Acting Deputy Editor
Shop Rebecca's Picks:
"Loewe's basket bags are iconic, and this season the brand brings a touch of ease to its raffia styles. With leather handles and a slouchy shape, this is a bag I'll depend upon for years to come."
"With warm days ahead, it's time to consider what will take the place of my jeans and tailoring this spring and summer. For me, it's a sculptural dress. Naturally, Proenza Schouler came through."
"My summer wardrobe is calling out for an infusion of colour, and I know my warm-weather neutrals will feel instantly more refined with a dash of red suede courtesy of Khaite."
2. Poppy Nash, Managing Editor
Shop Poppy's Picks:
"As soon as the chill leaves the air, you can find me wearing dresses on repeat until the end of autumn. I've been building my collection over a few years and now I'm ready to add one more. Naturally, it has to be Rixo's pretty new style."
"To say I’m excited for The Row’s east-west India bag to launch would be an understatement. Designed in a finely grained leather and featuring a softly structured, unique shape and top-handle design, the Inida is already an icon."
"Whilst summer might bring more sunshine, a versatile jacket remains essential. To take on cooler evenings in the chicest way possible, I'm turning to Toteme's country jacket, which will outlast moving trends and serve my wardrobe every single year."
3. Florrie Alexander, Shopping Editor
Shop Florrie's Picks:
"Pretty blouses return to my wardrobe every time the weather warms up, and few do them as well as Dôen. I'll be styling this with silky skirts, tailored shorts and lightweight denim."
"Every single fashion person is talking about Loewe's Amazona 180 bag. As soon as it hit the runway, the ripples were immediate. Sleek, timeless and understated, this versatile bag has been on my wish list ever since."
"The return of sunny days has me turning to richer shades in luxurious silhouettes. Enter Matteau's gathered halterneck dress made from airy cotton poplin for the warm days to come."
4. Marina Avraam, Senior Shopping Editor
Shop Marina's Picks:
"This summer, I’m finally looking to invest in a Nour Hammour jacket. The fashion-insider favourite, Paris-based brand excels in excellently crafted leather jackets, including this elegant collarless style. Find this as a prominent feature in my wardrobe for many years to come."
"Everywhere I look, stylish people are adding the sleek yet functional Prada Route bag to their collections. The style comes in an array of sizes and shades, but I know this classic black version will fit seamlessly into my wardrobe."
"All year round, I find myself reaching for satin trousers to bring polish to my looks. For summer, I'm pairing this best-selling Reformation pair with romantic blouses, easy tank tops and loose linen shirts."
5. Ava Gilchrist, SEO Writer
Shop Ava's Picks:
"I'm leaning into the ease of summer in the best way I know—relying on matching co-ords. Whether worn together or mixed throughout the rest of my wardrobe, I'm going to get plenty of wear out of this pretty Broderie set."
"In the summer months, my accessories get a fresh palette and textures, notably woven raffia by way of handbags and shoes. This season, the piece at the top of my wish list is Saint Laurent's Icare bag in a raffia finish. Spacious, sleek and incredibly luxurious, this will be my go-to bag this summer."
"I've been dreaming about these ballet flats since I first saw them. The mesh style has proven over the past few years that it's outlasting the trends, and now I'm ready to invest in a pretty pair in a soft blue shade to pair with floaty dresses, easy skirts and summer linens."
6. Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, Junior Fashion Editor
Shop Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolakis Picks:
"Could we really talk about summer without mentioning at least one lace trim? We’ve long watched the rise of dainty dresses cascading in lace, and who could forget last summer's floaty midi skirts, but this season it's the shorts which have caught my eye. Call it the Hailey Bieber effect (we all remember her outside the Saint Laurent SS 26 runway in a vivid orange technical jacket and contrasting yellow lace trim shorts), but to me, there’s quite literally nothing chicer. Whether paired with a simple Tee or finished with a matching top, the laissez-faire attitude is exactly what I want to embody this summer."
"If you’re a regular Who What Wear UK reader, you’ll know that we’ve long been predicting the return of the peep toe. Cocooning the foot whilst offering a peek at your fresh pedicure, these wedge mules from Jude balance sophistication with a modern sculptural edge, to create a silhouette which has never felt more now."
"Looking for a print to renew your summer looks? You'll want to know about Rat & Boa's playful take on the animal print trend."
