The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space to explore everything from craftsmanship deep dives to the little-known details to consider when buying fine jewelry.
With a solid two months of summer ahead of us, calendars are packed with upcoming vacations to buzzy spots like Bodrum and Hydra, weddings set in destinations such as Sicily and Sardinia, and events with locales like the Cotswolds and the Hamptons penned on the invitations. Whether you're hopping on a flight and have a suitcase to fill or you're sticking close to home to soak up the summer days, we have key shopping recommendations, specifically the best luxury summer shopping buys of the season.
To narrow in on the top designer pieces to invest in for summer, I consulted a panel of luxury shopping experts, who each weighed in on their top picks. The experts range from retailers to luxury product sourcers whose job it is to know the hottest buys. I also specialize in luxury reporting, so I included my personal picks. Ahead, see the top luxury shopping recommendations for summer 2024.
Kristen Nichols, associate director of special projects, Who What Wear
I already own this bag from The Row in black, and it's one of my most-worn pieces. This butter-yellow version just dropped and feels primed for summer.
In a word: perfect.
These just-released two-tone Loro Piana Rebecca slingbacks just shot up to the top of my shopping list.
This ruched Tory Burch miniskirt is equal parts special and wearable.
This sequin Chanel bag has the makings of a future heirloom piece. I'm imagining this styled with a white maxi dress in the South of France.
Libby Page, market director, Net-a-Porter
"A raffia bag is always a must-have for summer, and the latest iteration from Alaïa is at the top of my wish list. This take on raffia with the black trim and laser-cut detailing gives it a unique, cool edge."
"Celine Triomphe Sunglasses are my tried-and-true that I keep going back to summer after summer. The bold, chunky frame instantly elevates the look whether you're in loungewear or a swimsuit. The white is my current fixation, but you can't go wrong with any color."
"A minimal sandal that will pair with all summer prints and silhouettes from jeans to maxi skirts is a must. The Khaite Jones Sandal checks all the boxes and is a constant in my summer footwear rotation."
"The Toteme silk PJ sets are a Net-a-Porter best seller every season, but I love this kaftan style they have done. It feels chic, elevated, and suitable for almost any occasion while you're on vacation."
"I have always loved experimenting with scarf styling, but this style from Eugenia Kim does all the hard work for you. As someone that isn't into prints, a stripe is always where I turn to when I want to add interest."
Sukeena Rao, co-founder, Luminaire
"The ideal dress—one that you pack up and pair with summer flip-flops on a city break or, equally, a mule at that coastal pre-wedding cocktail—is a tough game to crack. The buttery-yellow crêpe mini featured in Jacquemus's La Casa runway collection may just be the faultless and flirty solution."
"La dolce vita dances through Pucci's iconic 1960s Vivara print. The geometric designs and olive-hued palette inspired by lush Mediterranean coastal landscapes are revived in this strappy, one-shoulder swimsuit that looks swell for the evening with a maxi skirt."
"When did the flip-flop turn luxe? Trust The Row to turn the tables and raise the bar on the beach classic. We are opting for the Bordeaux wine, shiny calfskin leather model."
"New Zealand born, London-based jeweler Jessica McCormack has an instinctive knack for those everyday diamonds to take you anywhere. The .8-carat yellow gold bangle featured in her Hello Sailor collection is ready to play in the sun."
"For a gorgeous highlight on eyes, cheek, and collarbones, Chanel's sculpting Glow Stick is a top choice for its melting texture and soft gleam."
Gab Waller, founder, GabWaller.com
"Crochet pieces by Miu Miu are all the rage right now and seem to be flying off the shelves. I love this chic little bag for warm summer days."
"This Prada hat is a twist on an ever-requested cowboy hat Prada produced several seasons prior. I'm loving the updated logo toggle, which makes this an easy, on-the-go summer accessory."
"The Jo Flip Flops are already proving to be popular with our clients. I'd suggest getting your hands on a pair of these while you still can."
"Raffia is always big for summer, and this year is no exception! These sandals by Bottega Veneta will add warm, summery vibes to any outfit."
"A surefire way to glam up your summer sun protection this season would be these crystal-embellished sunnies by Celine."
Harriet Quick, co-founder, Luminaire
"Nothing says effortless chic like this subtle number from New York style icons Mary-Kate and Ashley. This ivory-toned bias-cut top hones in on the desire to 'reveal and conceal.'"
"With a delayed start to summer in temperamental British climate, we are urging clients to go the extra step with sun protection ahead of holidays, and we are recommending Ukrainian-based headwear couturier Ruslan Baginskiy's embellished sun hats. Fastened with playful seashell chains and beading, these fedoras deliver panache."
"Swoop in on a pre-order from Chemena Kamali's debut collection for Chloé. The honoré round, tortoise style brings that footloose style back into the main boho-chic frame."
"Beauty is in simplicity, and that's why we love Miu Miu's drawstring canvas bucket bag (in petit or grand) that will take you from grocery shopping to the beach and beyond."
"Australian-based stylist turned skincare supremo Neada Deters works to a maxim of 'creating something enduring and of beauty.' After four years of product testing, Deters has launched the first 100% non-nano zinc SPF 30 sure to keep your skin calm, protected, and spot-free under the rays."
