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I Didn't Think I Needed Anything New for Summer—Then I Saw These Chic Pieces

From flowy midi skirts to woven-leather shoes, this is my edit of elevated essentials for every kind of summer.

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(Image credit: NET-A-PORTER)

With the UK basking in a mini heatwave this past week, I've been living in linen shirts, oversized sunglasses and flat leather sandals, and it's got me in full summer mode. Usually, I'm straight on a plane the second the weather warms up, but this year, I'm doing things a little differently. I've got a long staycation planned at the start of summer (think garden BBQs, spontaneous day trips and early evening walks with an iced coffee in hand), before heading abroad later in the season, which means my wardrobe needs to work twice as hard. I've already been re-wearing the core pieces that always make up my summer uniform—flowing midi skirts, easy striped poplin shirting and a great cotton dress—but with sunnier days ahead, it's time to fill in the gaps. I'm not starting from scratch, but I've realised there are a few considered additions I could use to make old favourites feel fresh again and help me get through this early burst of heat without defaulting to a T-shirt and skirt every day.

NET-A-PORTER

(Image credit: NET-A-PORTER)

When it comes to adding newness to my wardrobe, there's one retailer I know I can rely on for getting it just right. NET-A-PORTER always seems to get ahead of the curve—not in a trend-chasing way, but with a quietly confident edit that feels like it's been pulled together by someone who knows what they're doing. The new-in holiday selection, in particular, has become a go-to for me. I like that it covers both sides of my summer: the breezy, relaxed pieces I'll wear at home and the slightly more elevated styles I know I'll reach for on holiday evenings. What I appreciate most is that the edit doesn't feel overwhelming. Rather, it's curated in a way that makes me feel like I'm building a wardrobe, not just aimlessly adding things to my basket. I'm not trying to overhaul my style; I'm just thinking about the smart, stylish things I'll actually wear to rooftop dinners in London, for long travel days, beach lunches and everything in between.

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(Image credit: NET-A-PORTER)

This season, I'm honing in on versatile staples that still feel special. I've got my eye on pieces that tap into the current mood (yes, I'm still thinking about waistcoats and long skirts) but won't date by next summer. I'm adding soft linen trousers and a sweet blouse that can be dressed up with gold jewellery for dinner or thrown over a bikini at the beach. I've also found a shirt dress that works for layering now and later, which is ideal for warm weekends in the city or with sandals on holiday evenings. There's a shirred piece that plays well with last summer's sandals from The Row (still going strong), and a raffia tote that's spacious enough for daily wear but elevated enough to take on a plane. It's the kind of shopping that feels practical rather than impulsive, and there are so many options I know I'll be reaching for well beyond the current season. Keep scrolling to see the 19 summer-ready pieces that made the cut.

Shop My Favourite New-Season Pieces at NET-A-PORTER:

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Junior Branded Content Editor

Humaa is the Junior Branded Content Editor at Who What Wear UK, where she specialises in paid-for and affiliate content across beauty and fashion. She holds a BA Hons in English Literature and has previously held editor positions at British Vogue and Marie Claire US. Before joining Who What Wear UK, she was part of the US Branded Content team, bringing her expertise back home to help grow the UK division. With years of experience testing and reviewing fashion and beauty products, she writes trend-driven and commerce-focused stories. When she's not shopping for work, she's making her way through her Kindle TBR list—spoiler: it's a long one. Follow her on Instagram at @Humaa.Hussain