Ask any fashion editor worth their salt, and they will tell you the same thing: the one item that you can rely on to elevate an outfit is a considered investment piece. Season after season, year after year, classic designer items earn their spots in our wardrobes by delivering on quality craftspersonship and timeless design, and in a bid to shop smarter (not harder) in 2026, knowing which pieces are worth the money and which are better left to window shopping all comes down to experience.
At Who What Wear UK, we are experts in luxury shopping and pride ourselves on our ability to spot a sound purchase in a crowded market. However, when it came to rounding up the pieces set to define the world of luxury for the year ahead, we turned to industry leaders. We asked some of the most sought-after names in fashion, design and beauty for the items they consider the gold standard so we could share them with you. Nothing on this list is a fad or flash-in-the-pan trend; instead, you'll find a curated edit of the ready-to-wear, accessories and even homeware that you'll cherish for many years to come.
Consider this luxury at its finest—you won't regret weaving any one of these buys into your roster. So, without further ado, keep scrolling to see all of the pieces that made the cut. We have a feeling you're going to find something you'll love.
"This popped up in my emails the other day, and it truly was love at first sight. I’m dreaming of owning it by the time I go on holiday to Antiparos this summer. I’m usually pretty fuss-free and feral on holiday, so this will elevate even the most basic beach looks."
"These have been on my wish list ever since the new Phoebe Philo drop was announced. They’ll look great with so many [outfits], but my main vision for them is with white jeans and a tank top."
"For some reason, I dislike wearing sunglasses on my head, and I'm always hooking them onto my collar. This provides a chic alternative and yet another Phoebe Philo accessory to add to my growing collection (yes, I am obsessed)."
"Lately, I’ve been opting for ear cuffs over earrings, but these I feel need to be purchased for summer. I love wearing a pair of statement earrings to dress up simple looks for big events or evenings out on holiday."
"I love Westman Atelier makeup; it feels so light and is formulated with clean ingredients that work with my routine. I love a swipe of the Baby Cheeks Blush Stick for a natural, healthy glow, and if I could have skin anything like Gucci [Westman]'s, I would be thrilled."
"Turnbull & Asser's striped cotton gown always makes its way onto my wish list. I’m currently dreaming of drifting about in it on a laid-back summer holiday."
"Right now, I’m [carrying] the pecan Mortimer on repeat. It’s beautifully [handmade] in Florence and like a small filing cabinet inside, which keeps me organised (even when I might not be). I love mine a little messed up with a bunch of bag charms, and it's currently sporting the Malibu bottle, Nurofen and Ever Ready Battery charms, which just about sums me up! I will switch out for the raffia version when it gets a bit sunnier."
"I can be a mixed bag when it comes to shoes. One minute it's a Prada pointed-toe pump, and the next it could be a Hoka trainer. At the moment, I'm dreaming of these leather slingbacks, and also the Prada suede mules for holidays."
"I love this Saint Laurent romper; it's sexy and cute. It could be worn with sheer tights and a stiletto for a summer night out in the city, or to the beach in Ibiza with ballet flats."
"I love how light and refined this feels; the silk, the lace and the way it just drapes so naturally. It has that Chloé ease: romantic, but still really modern. I’d keep it simple with flats in the day, or switch to heeled Saint Laurent boots and a fur for the evening. It’s one of those pieces that feels truly special."
"I’m obsessed with The Rose Dress, a standout from Debute’s Valentine’s collection. The rose pink is my go-to right now, and I love the contrast of black lace for a bit of edge. The satin cut is so flattering, and the mini length is perfect for summer. I wear it with a soft, oversized knit and flats in the day."
"The leather and gold hardware on this Chanel bag feel so classic; exactly how Chanel used to be back in the day. It looks like my mum's old bags that I've been borrowing forever. It's just one of those forever bags that always works. If this were in my wardrobe, I'd wear it the same way I always do: with baggy, vintage jeans, Tom Ford boots, a cute Debute top and Saint Laurent sunglasses."
"Art has always been one of my great inspirations, and I have been fortunate enough to meet so many inspiring artists working today. At our concept store in Sloane Street, we are currently hosting British artist Gabriele Beveridge. Her piece "Three Bodies", composed of glass and aluminium, is at the top of my wish list."
"Three Bodies", 2024 (hand-blown glass, chromed steel, 130 x 70 x 50cm) can be seen at the Roksanda store, 171-172 Sloane St, London SW1X 9QG.
"Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata was a prolific interior designer, and his minimalist, elegant, yet futuristic designs (in particular, the Sing Sing Sing chairs) are one of my absolute favourites."
"Our icon collection is specially designed to highlight the brand's 20th anniversary, and it features some of my most signature styles. The Radica Dress in bubble pink is one of my eternal favourites."
"I love everything about Kim Sion's collaboration with Le Monde Béryl, but the cut-out pumps are particularly beautiful."
"I have fallen completely, and somewhat irrationally, in love with these sunglasses. They would make even a white T-shirt feel intentional, as though you’ve just stepped out of an art fair carrying bad news and excellent olive oil."
"I love how deceptively simple this skirt is. Black on one side, soft yellow on the other, it feels like two completely different pieces in one. I would wear it with an oversized knit and flats during the day, then turn the yellow side out with a sharp heel for evening."
"Like most good accessories, this bag does a disproportionate amount of the work for you. It’s a really easy piece I like to travel with, as I can throw it over the top of a simple outfit and it looks like I made an effort."
"These earrings feel slightly dangerous in the very best way. I’d wear them with a monochrome outfit and let them do all the socialising for me."
"My wish list always says something about the life I’m building. Right now, I’m drawn to pieces that feel timeless but still have personality; things that look better the more you live in them. An Alaïa leather jacket is the kind of forever piece that instantly makes everything you pair it with feel sharper."
"I love the handwoven texture of Dragon Diffusion bags because they feel artisanal and well-travelled, almost like something collected over time rather than bought impulsively."
'"Alighieri jewellery has that ancient-world storytelling I’m always drawn to—every piece feels like a modern relic with meaning behind it."
"And then, the Karen Millen white shirt from the We Saved You a Seat campaign is the grounding piece that pulls everything together. I love how Karen Millen approaches modern dressing with structure, elegance and ease; refined clothes that make women feel powerful in their everyday lives."
"The Row does a beautiful job of capturing modern simplicity, and all of the pieces feel incredibly thoughtful and refined. This cardigan is the kind of quiet luxury that allows the fabric, cut and proportion to speak for themselves."
"Zimmermann is one brand that I always recommend. [Its] dresses have such a beautiful sense of femininity and ease; they’re pieces designed to make you feel instantly good."
"I love bags that feel understated and beautifully made rather than overly branded. Acne Studios makes beautiful leather bags that are perfect for everyday wear."
"Low-heeled sandals are my travel essential; they’re comfortable enough for walking through cities but still feel polished for dinner in the evening. This Khaite sandal would be my top choice for ticking every box."
"So much of my world focuses on creating form with function when designing for Neous, and I often feel drawn to the sculptural balance of chairs, how they live and connect with people and really generate such presence. A piece that I find elegantly humble is the TooGood Spade chair, crafted in simple lines and inspired by a three-legged milking stool and the handle of a gardening tool. The rubber coating adds a beautiful high-shine contemporary flourish."
"I wanted to create the perfect classic life-companion catchall bag, and the crossbody Scorpius is my answer. It can be worn in three variations (including as a clutch), and the capacious interior is lined with suede for holding key items like your makeup pouch and a paperback."
"Our Paris showroom is a little home from home that overlooks the rooftops of the city and the Opéra Garnier, and we like to fill the space with sensory elements that accompany the collections. One of these is new brand Azophi's Sirius Ember Candle. Perfectly handcrafted and defined yet delicate, the scents [are] incredibly captivating."
"I'm currently focused on tactility in saturated hues of chocolate, mochas and burnt umber that are just as sumptuous and beautiful in sunlight as in candlelight at night. This new Safi leather-and-suede sandal is a piece that we created to feel fluid, with encircling straps and a graceful, minimal profile, and it's equally perfect with jeans as with statement dresses. This is a shoe that serves double duty for a vacation wardrobe."
"Augustinus Bader Rich Cream is one of those products I use even without thinking. Face, body, wherever I need it. It’s rich, hydrating and gives skin that healthy, natural glow I’m always after."
"I love organisation. My dream is a beautiful wooden closet or dresser where everything has its place: clean, simple, easy. When getting ready feels effortless, that’s true luxury to me."
"The Human Touch massage chair should be considered real luxury. I’m on my feet all day, so having something at home that helps me reset and take care of my body makes such a difference. When you feel good, you look better. It's that simple."
"I have always lusted after Gucci's leather goods since I was an intern in Vogue's fashion cupboard. The craftspersonship is second to none, the styles are timeless, and any gold hardware with an equestrian nod immediately goes to the top of my wish list (it must be the Jilly Cooper fangirl in me). I have my eye on this one at the moment. It's the kind of effortlessly put-together bag that I can take to boardroom meetings, but also isn't out of place on the nursery-to-office run."
"I love everything about Jessica McCormack, from her branding and campaigns to her designs and Townhouse [London flagship], but my favourite thing is my wedding band. Next on my list are these swallow and sapphire earrings—blues and birds are two of my favourite things. I like to mix-and-match how I stack each ear, and adding a single earring would add a subtle asymmetrical element to my look."
"This bag feels like a beautiful contradiction: slouchy, but still sophisticated. This is exactly the sort of bag I’d chuck all my stuff into and use all summer long."
"As an ex-jewellery editor, I am a huge fan of vintage jewellery, and I have retained my magpie tendencies. I love nothing more than to see Humphrey Butler's newest finds. This chunky diamond gypsy ring is my new crush."
"I'm obsessed with anything Matthieu Blazy right now, and frankly, any Chanel jacket with jeans is going to be a winning combo this season. The Coco Beach Collection is just perfect, and the jacket is my favourite piece."
"I recently tried on a 1970's Piaget Manchette cuff watch at the Miami antique watch and jewellery show. It's my favourite era of watches, and I was an absolute sucker for the lapis and jade setting. Although it's not easily shoppable because it's such a special vintage find, I'd wear it with some baggy Celine men's jeans and a simple white tank top. The Agolde white tank is my go-to."
"I already have these in another shade, but I’ve been eyeing up this gorgeous chartreuse. The shape is absolutely killer. I call this a classic "bitchy shoe", and I'd wear them with a silky, low-rise, flowing midi skirt in an equally bright colour—the gorgeous bright purple Amanda Skirt by Ellie Misner would be a match made in heaven."
"My first job at university was at Garrard, and I’ve continued to work in jewellery ever since. It takes a lot for me to really lust over an item, but the Dyne ear cuffs are candy for the ears, and so unique. These have been on my wish list for quite some time now... one day! They're so easily dressed up or down, but in an ideal world, I’d be wearing them with a 1998 Galliano gown. At the same time, they'd look fab with jeans and a T-shirt!"
"I love a mini bag or small baguette-style handbag—they’re easy to wear when travelling or on the go, whilst still making a statement. I’m especially drawn to bags with intricate detailing or embroidery, and the Fendi cloth baguettes are always amongst my top picks, thanks to their iconic shape (especially the vintage ones)." — Sophie Coote
"This season, I am all about big eyewear, and I particularly love wrap-around shades. This statement pair from Saint Laurent feel like the perfect final addition to any summer look." — Nikki Campbell
"When it comes to beauty, I’m very much a minimalist. I love dewy skin, a bold, brushed-up brow and a touch of bronzer to add warmth and definition to the cheekbones. My go-to staple is the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream from Chanel; it gives the perfect natural, sun-kissed finish." — Sophie
"Let's be honest: who doesn't love a loafer? I've been eyeing these leather loafers from Versace's collaboration with Onitsuka Tiger as my next wardrobe investment." — Nikki
"Like most people, I'm a huge denim fan, but the wash and cut are the most important factors. I'm loving this pair from The Row for their perfect shape and shade of blue." — Sophie
