I Asked My Chicest Colleagues What Luxury Buys They’re Backing This Summer—15 Items That Made the Cut
From The Row’s minimalist sandals to Loewe’s cult raffia bags and Matteau’s quietly luxurious dresses, these are the elevated summer pieces fashion editors return to year after year.
If the longer, golden evenings and fleeting spells of sunshine weren’t already enough to signal summer’s arrival, the sudden influx of raffia bags and barely-there designer sandals on the streets certainly is. Season after season, our editors curate the chicest luxury buys of the moment—but as someone born in the height of July, I’ll admit it: this is the edit I look forward to most.
When it comes to summer’s core luxury pieces, the brief is refreshingly simple. Think linen dresses for everyday ease, fluid satin for evenings, elegant minimalist sandals, relaxed linen trousers and woven leather or raffia bags. Add in a rotation of white tees and tanks, and you have the foundation of a wardrobe that feels effortless but considered. It’s this stripped-back approach to dressing that makes summer style so appealing, when there are fewer layers to rely on, every piece has to work that much harder.
Elsa Hosk wearing the Saint Laurent Icare Bag.
Naturally, there are a handful of brands that truly come into their own at this time of year. The Row’s pared-back sandals, Loewe’s cult raffia bags and Dôen’s romantic dresses remain perennial favourites. But this season also sees a shift towards newer names quietly gaining momentum—Matteau for its refined, minimalist silhouettes, A Emery for understated suede sandals, and Liffner for beautifully crafted woven top-handle bags.
Keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best luxury buys for summer 2026.
Best Editor-Approved Luxury Summer Picks 2026
A bestseller season after season, Reformation's Balia is an easy linen dress that feels both relaxed and polished.
The kind of understated suede sandals that quietly pull an entire summer wardrobe together.
This lacey Rixo blouse will immediately elevate jeans, linen trousers and skirts.
Raffia, leather and that iconic Loewe finish make this a seasonal staple.
This is the sort of silk dress that requires little more than a great sandal to feel complete.
A blouse that instantly elevates everything you pair it with.
A denim classic with a cult following for good reason. The high-rise, straight-leg fit is flattering, timeless and easy to style.
A modern take on the classic basket bag, reimagined in smooth leather.
The definition of quiet luxury.
These satin trousers bring an elevated feel to even the simplest outfit.
So sleek.
Possibly the most iconic and recognisable sandals of the few years,
Soft cotton, delicate detailing and a silhouette that feels made for long summer days.
An iconic staple in every chic woman's summer wardrobe, the Dragon Diffusion woven handbags have reached cult status at this point.
Simple, glossy and surprisingly chic for everyday summer wear.
Such a pretty summer dress designed for every manner of occasions.
Relaxed linen trousers done right. Lightweight, easy and ideal for building a polished summer look.
The best-selling Idaho handbag, now available in a sleek shoulder silhouette.
The distinctive platform sole and minimal straps strike the perfect balance between comfort and style.
Every chic woman I know owns a pair of Khaite jeans.
The gathered jersey creates a silhouette that feels sculptural and incredibly flattering.
A refined take on raffia. Sleek, logo-led and perfect for elevating evening summer looks.
A reliable warm-weather dress you’ll reach for again and again.
Compact, structured and quietly elegant.
So romantic.
The wide-leg silhouette and crisp pleats make these perfect for the office.
Textural, sculptural and unmistakably Bottega.
Romantic with a vintage feel.
