It's Official: These Are the 17 Cult Luxury Buys On Every Fashion Person's Summer Wish List
From classic warm-weather staples to new arrivals, these are the worthwhile luxury buys that fashion people are already wearing on repeat this summer.
- 1. The Row Ginza Sandals
- 2. Prada Embroidered Lace Dress
- 3. Doen Lace Shorts
- 4. A.Emery Jalen Sandals
- 5. Sézane Loanne Blouse
- 6. Doen Quinn Dress
- 7. AGS Saionara Jelly Flip Flop
- 8. Leset Kyoto Cotton Trousers
- 9. Loewe Anagram Basket Bag
- 10. Le Monde Beryl Beaded Thong
- 11. Matteau Shirred Dress
- 12. Citizens of Humanity Ayla Shorts
- 13. Dragon Diffusion Sante Croce
- 14. Hunza G Burberry Swimsuit
- 15. Celine Triomphe Sunglasses
- 16. With Nothing Underneath Shirt
- 17. Reformation Jessie Sandal
Whilst the great British summer can prove to be unpredictable, there are a few things that we can depend on. As soon as the summer settles into something of a sunny rhythm, dinners will shift outdoors, sunglasses will become an everyday essential, and when it comes to our wardrobes, certain cult buys will return to pride of place.
Building a great summer wardrobe doesn’t need to be a tedious task. Certain staples return every year, from great linen trousers to breezy cotton dresses, and once we have our foundations in place, then the fun can begin. An array of additions from pretty blouses to accent accessories brings our looks together, whether that's a fashion-forward edge or a sophisticated appeal. As a shopping editor, I know that some luxury buys are more worthwhile than others. As we ready ourselves, and our wardrobes, for the incoming warm season, I’ve curated a refined edit of the cult luxury summer buys that are actually worth it.
Valeria carries the Loewe Large Anagram Basket (£1000)
Take a peek at the wish lists of editors and fashion people right now, and these are the items you’ll find on there. Some are returning classics, which rose to the top in previous years and have managed to hold their cult status ever since. Already this summer, I’ve spotted the return of Prada’s pretty embroidered dress, heard the soft pat of A. Emery’s sandals through the city streets and admired a series of sleek Loewe basket bags. Others have spent the last few months rising in popularity, like the various sightings of Dôen's delicate lace-trim shorts and Sézane's intricate blouse.
Alongside, there’s Le Monde Beryl’s beaded sandals ready to inject instant joy into our summer looks, and the blend of two iconic brands, Hunza G and Burberry, who recently released a set of swimwear, which is proving a hit this Euro summer. Some of these are investment buys whilst others are little luxuries, but all are proving to be cult classics for this summer, and every one to come.
Keep scrolling to shop the cult luxury buys for summer 2026, below.
Shop The Cult Luxury Buys For Summer 2026
1. The Row Ginza Sandals
Style Notes: The Row's Ginza sandals are as iconic as they come. Bringing together the brand's eye for clean lines and minimalism with a healthy dose of comfort, these are the kind of sandals you'll stroll around in all summer long.
2. Prada Embroidered Lace Dress
Style Notes: Last year, Prada's embroidered dresses became an instant hit, and proved impossible to track down. Now, they're back to prove just how versatile a pretty summer dress can be in any great wardrobe.
3. Doen Lace Shorts
Style Notes: Paired with knits, blouses, shirts or simply swimwear, Dôen's slinky lace shorts are proving to be a pretty alternative to classic styles. Plus, they come in 8 sweet shades.
4. A.Emery Jalen Sandals
Style Notes: The Jalen sandals come back every single summer. Paired with dresses, shorts, linen trousers or trending capri pants, you'll add style and comfort to your summer looks with these sandals. Trust me, so many of our editors own them.
5. Sézane Loanne Blouse
Style Notes: Sézane's pretty embroidered blouse is bringing an elegant French edge to dressing this summer, and already stylish people across the globe have caught on.
6. Doen Quinn Dress
Style Notes: No matter the year, no matter the trends, Dôen's Quinn dress has already proved that it feels relevant every single summer. The hard part is choosing between all the sleek colourways.
7. AGS Saionara Jelly Flip Flop
Style Notes: If you're looking for a sandal with a difference, Ancient Greek Sandals has brought back the beloved Saionara Jelly for another year. Bring a playful edge to your outfits all summer long.
8. Leset Kyoto Cotton Trousers
Style Notes: If you like your trousers breezy, relaxed and seriously refined, Leset's Kyoto Pants should be on your radar. Even after summer, you'll find yourself mixing these with your autumn staples too.
9. Loewe Anagram Basket Bag
Style Notes: As early as the first spring day, fashion people once again turn to Loewe's iconic basket bags to bring a warm-weather touch to their favourite looks. From classics to newer styles, you'll rely on a spacious raffia style every single year.
10. Le Monde Beryl Beaded Thong
Style Notes: If you thought that Le Monde Beryl peaked with its iconic ballet flats, just wait until you see the new beaded sandal. Bringing a contemporary and joyful addition to any summer look, you'll also depend on these for elegant evenings out.
11. Matteau Shirred Dress
Style Notes: There are plenty of Matteau pieces worthy of this list, but one style that consistently endures is the classic shirred midi dress. The square neckline, intricate shirring and flowing silhouette add polish and poise to this versatile summer staple.
12. Citizens of Humanity Ayla Shorts
Style Notes: On the hottest days, stylish people are looking to longline Bermuda shorts as a grown-up alternative to denim cut-offs. Now, Citizens of Humanity's cult Ayla jeans have been cropped into summer shorts that will feel fresh and fashion-forward every single year.
13. Dragon Diffusion Sante Croce
Style Notes: Dragon Diffusion's woven leather totes have earned their It status over the years, in particular the consistently spotted Santa Croce bag. Whether you're headed to the office or the beach, this bag is sure to keep up with your summer calendar.
14. Hunza G Burberry Swimsuit
Style Notes: Hunza G's swimwear has been a staple in great wardrobes for years, and now the brand joins up with British icon Burberry for a playful spin on its most sought-after style. Blink and you'll miss it.
15. Celine Triomphe Sunglasses
Style Notes: Sunglass trends may come and go, but one style that burst onto the scene and has stayed there ever since is Celine's oval frame style. With a classic look and subtle luxury nod, these will become an everyday essential in no time.
16. With Nothing Underneath Shirt
Style Notes: With Nothing Underneath is known for its beautifully made shirts. From London to L.A, fashion people can be spotted in the classic The Weekend shirt all year round. This summer, pair with linen trousers or simply throw over swimwear as needed.
17. Reformation Jessie Sandal
Style Notes: Reformation has nailed the formula for a flip-flop that feels oh-so elegant. Add sleek lines, leather fabric and understated colourways and you've got the highly coveted Jessie Thong Sandal.

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion 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. Over eight years of fashion industry experience, Florrie has honed her skills from styling e-commerce photoshoots to personal shopping. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer. Now, as the Shopping Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them.