I might be a fashion editor, but it might surprise you to learn that I don't shop a whole lot. I know what you're thinking; Isn't that counterintuitive? I liken it to my friend who's a baker and doesn't eat much cake. It's not that you don't enjoy it—the opposite, in fact. The difference is that you don't indulge in it for the sake of it.
(Image credit: @nicolemgomes)
For the last 10 years or so, fashion has been my livelihood and my greatest passion. I preview collections before they're released, analyse the runways to pick out the need-to-know trends and scour new-in sections daily, all to bring you the very best that fashion has to offer. As a result, I've become very particular when shopping for myself. For one thing, I have to be in the right mood to shop. Shopping is a big part of my job, which can make doing it on my own time a chore. I also have to be willing to part with some cash. (I was raised to be very money-conscious.) Plus, my increased exposure to fashion means my taste has become all the more specific—something has to really impress me before I'm willing to invest in it. I'm picky, and I don't care who knows it!
That's not to say that everything I buy is an investment—at least, not in terms of cost. I love the high street, and in Britain, we have access to some of the best affordable brands in the world. Although I shop from it, I do so mindfully. And I apply that same mentality to any high-end purchases I'm considering. In the past, I've been swayed into purchasing on name alone, but in my tenure at Who What Wear, I've developed a thicker skin for designer pieces, which allows me to look past the gilded embossing and instead see the piece for what it is and determine whether it's actually worth it.
As you can see, I'm very particular about the clothes I wear, the story they tell, and the impact they have on my life. So why not share my shopping picks with you? These are pieces even a perfectionist can't find fault with. I hope you find something you like and can see yourself wearing for a long time.
See the Shopping Picks That Have Impressed Me
FAITHFULL THE BRAND
Noa Gingham Mini Dress
Anything gingham I'm instinctively drawn to, but I'm yet to own it in a minidress guise. This style from summer favourite Faithfull the Brand, with its shirred bodice and flippy skirt, is very close to being bought, let me tell you.
KHAITE
Olivia Medium Raffia Shoulder Bag
Every summer, a designer basket bag rises above others to become the most coveted of the season. Devoted fashion people, I give you Khaite's Olivia shoulder bag.
H&M
Short Blouse
The prettiest little top that'll go with everything from jeans to capris, midi skirts to shorts. And no, that price isn't a typo.
COS
Straight-Leg Denim Shorts
I'm not usually a pink person but I saw these in store and immediately gravitated towards them. The shade is just so, so pretty.
COS
Sculpted Cuff
Sticking at COS, I just know this bangle will make my outfits look 100% more expensive when I wear it.
ZARA
Zw Collection Flared Cotton Skirt
This shade of cornflower blue is very summer 2025. Wear it with tan footwear as black will probably look too heavy.
Zimmermann
Gleam Leather Sandals
These beaded sandals are occupying my thoughts right now.
Whistles
Neutral Bandeau Linen Blend Dress
Sleek and sophisticated—the perfect summer evening dress has arrived.
RIXO
Alva Co-ord in Ditsy Trail Cream
Yes, Rixo does great dresses, but the brands separates and co-ords are just as impressive. How cute is this short-and-blouse set?
See Pieces From My Previous Edits
COS
Sleeveless Bubble-Hem Midi Dress
I don't consider myself to be much of a pink person, but the delicate shade of this COS dress has converted me. The perfect throw-on option.
Next
Tan Brown Suede Signature Premium Footbed Toe Loop Sandals
These look so much more expensive than they are. Plus, I find Next sandals are always one of the most comfortable options out there.
River Island
Cream Linen Blend Wrap Tie Tunic Top
A chic top to wear with jeans and circle skirts (and the matching trousers, no less!).
H&M
Tailored Shorts
I can't stop thinking about how chic these H&M tailored shorts are—just add a linen shirt and cuff bangle.
COS
Slouchy Tote Bag
I love a basket bag but they aren't always the most practical option. This zip-up style negates this issue.
ASTRID & MIYU
Serenity Pearl-Beaded 18kt Gold-Plated Necklace
Wear this elegant pearl necklace with simple tees and vest tops to instantly elevate them.
FAITHFULL
Corbiere Linen Top
I'm a sucker for a summer co-ord—this Faithfull set is at the top of my wish list.
FAITHFULL
Clove Pleated Wide-Leg Linen Pants
I'm pregnant, so I'll be sizing up in these, but I know the wide-leg silhouette will make them especially comfy to wear regardless.
Nobody's Child
White Lace Detail Top
This blouse features the sort of detailing I usually attribute to vintage pieces. Simply stunning.
Reformation
Irene Linen Jacket
I know it's summer but, this is Britain, so a light layer never fails. This butter yellow throw-on from Reformation will look good with everything, from jeans to skirts to shorts.
M&S Collection
Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress
I saw this dress in store at the weekend and it was love at first sight. The princess waistline coupled with the bubble hem is a combination I didn't know was lacking from my dress collection, but here we are.
ARKET
Bubble-Hem Pintuck Top
White blouses are my weakness—I have this one on order already to wear with jeans.
Manu Atelier
Cachemire Suede Bag
Manu Atelier's bags are a firm fashion favourite and I suspect this new tote style will be no exception.
Clarks
Sivanne Clogs
Clogs are set to be summer's biggest shoe trend and Clarks always deliver on pairs that are both chic and genuinely comfortable.
DISSH
Frankie Tie-Waist Tweed Vest
Australian brand Dissh is now stocked at Selfridges, which is great if you've been hesitant to order from it owing to the import fees. First on my wish list is this very elegant waistcoat.
ZARA
Waxed Jacket With Contrast Collar
Update everything from simple jeans outfits to full white cotton skirts with this very cute red cropped jacket.
Orelia
Statement Cuff Bracelet
Trust me when I say this bracelet will make everything you wear look more expensive.
Nobody's Child
Chocolate Brown Double Pleated Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda shorts will work with anything you'd usually pair a skirt with—try a roomy shirt tucked in, a leather belt and slingback kitten heels for starters.
MANGO
Combined Linen-Blend Midi-Skirt
The addition of the second layer underneath makes this skirt look high-end.
COS
Oversized Tailored Shirt
Pale yellow always looks so high end and is more versatile than you might think—I'll be wearing this with blue jeans and a brown jacket.
MANGO
Satin Kitten-Heel Shoes With Straps
Speaking of brown, I would have believed you if you told me these Mango micro heels were designer.
FAITHFULL
Enna Asymmetric Woven Blazer
A chic blazer is your fast track to looking chicer every day.
ALAÏA
Click E/W Small Leather Shoulder Bag
Mark my words—this will be one of 2025's biggest It bags.
DÔEN
Lillette Cardigan
An entire look I'd love to wear this spring.
Massimo Dutti
Cotton Blend Strappy Midi Dress
Simple and nostalgically '90s, I'll wear this dress for evening with black court shoes and a tennis necklace, then with flat mules and a shirt layered over top for during the day.
Róhe
V-Neck Knitted Jumper
This colour is nothing short of beautiful, plus it's from Róhe, so you know the quality will be exceptional.
Arket
Cropped Trousers
I live in wide-leg trousers but, for spring, I'm investing in a pair of sleek capri pants.
Free People
Perfect Tones Set
I'll always have a soft spot for matching sets, no less because the time saved styling a look from scratch affords me more time in the mornings for a second cup of tea before my day starts.
Arket
Relaxed Suede Blazer
I'm yet to invest in a suede blazer, so Arket's new addition makes for fortuitous timing.
J&M Davidson
Quiver Bucket in Cream
Get it right and a cream handbag will elevate any outfit you own. This one will do just that.
H&M
Knitted Cape
I have a thing for capes, so you know this knitted number went straight into my basket.
ZARA
Leather Strap Heeled Shoes
I'm growing bored of my boots and looking for new shoes to add to my collection. This pair are it.
Massimo Dutti
Flounce Midi Skirt With Contrasting Detail
This hangs from the body so beautifully.
STAUD
Wells Pleated Gingham Poplin Midi Dress
The best gingham dresses always sell out early in the season: I'm predicting a similar outcome for this Staud style.
DESTREE
Amoako Denim Peplum Jacket
A brand I've admired from afar for so long (especially its mutton-sleeve jackets).
DESTREE
Olafur High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
Naturally, I want to treat myself to the matching set.
Completedworks
Buttercream (or, the Icing on the Cake) Gold Plated Pendant
A gorgeous addition to any jewellery box.
Autograph
Modal Blend Satin Collared Relaxed Shirt
Wear this with cream trousers and brown accessories for a rich-looking ensemble.
Prada
Medium Leather Handbag
I would like to invest in a new designer bag this season, and this Prada option is a big contender.
A.EMERY
Shel Lace-Up Leather Thong Sandals
A.Emery sandals are especially popular this summer and I can see why. Although the brand ticks off classic colours of black and tan, it's this burgundy pair that I can't stop thinking about.
AWAY THAT DAY SWIMWEAR
Cannes Top in Black and Ivory
Being a 32G, to say I find it hard to hunt down swimwear that makes me look and feel good simultaneously is an understatement. However, Away That Day's Cannes top combines decent support with incredibly chic design.
Sézane
Medea Dress
So little time, so many excellent dresses! This satin midi will work perfectly for more formal occasions such as weddings just as it will worn with flat sandals for dinner on the beach when on holiday.
Dissh
Carter Black Linen Midi Dress
Australian brand Dissh always peaks in popularity in the summer months, and its 2024 collection might just be the strongest I've ever seen from the label. Expect to see it everywhere this month onwards.
THE ROW
Attica Oversized Cotton Shirt
Anything from The Row is a luxury but this shirt, in its very elegant pink hue, feels extra special.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.