Here at Who What Wear, we're big believers in high-low dressing. What we mean by that is spending money on our wardrobes wisely—investing in quality, luxury buys where it counts and bolstering our everyday wardrobes with more affordable winners. We can see the benefits of owning a beautiful designer handbag or show-stopping dress that has longevity and versatility, but we also know that COS does the best white shirts in the business.
Of course, we appreciate that it is a luxury in itself to be in a position to spend on new season clothes at all, let alone save up for or splurge on designer buys. But if you are in a position to invest in your wardrobe, generally we know that buying fewer, better quality items is a key factor in having an overall more responsible approach to fashion. Interspersing even just one or two key luxury buys into your wardrobe can not only mean cherishing those pieces more and for longer, but can also really elevate those more affordable buys too.
Where and what we all choose to spend our money on will obviously differ depending on each individual's lifestyle and personal taste—someone may enjoy wearing Valentino's bold pink platforms every day, and someone else may get more wear out of Saint Laurent's minimalist loafers. In general, though, at Who What Wear, when we're browsing the new season luxury drops, we do tend to lean towards recommending those more wearable, classic items—those that don't play into trends or "It" buys so that you can be more confident you'll want to wear them for longer.
Once you've decided you'd like to invest in some key luxury buys, it can be difficult to know which items are truly worth the splurge. So, on the cusp of the new summer season, we've done the 'hard' work for you, firstly dissecting the catwalks to pinpoint the overarching themes that will no doubt run through the most popular designer buys of the year. As it turns out, luxury in 2025 is all about those more wearable pieces anyway, with so many designers focused on what "real" women will want to be dressing in. Think pared-back tailoring, soft textures and a relaxed simplicity that makes for comfortable wear, as well as practical bags big enough to cart around everything needed for a busy lifestyle. All with elevated detailing, of course.
Luxury in summer 2025 is also set to be focused around a sumptuous colour palette of rich creamy latte tones, soft butter yellows, and more rich chocolate and rust tones. It's not a million miles away from 2024's ubiquitous quiet luxury aesthetic, but it's also a clear progression away from neutrals alone.
We took to the new-in sections of our favourite luxury retailers and scrolled through everything (someone has to do it) to round up the best new season designer buys that it would be wise to invest in now. So, whether you're looking to buy something special, or simply use this list as inspiration for finding similar, more affordable items for a 2025 wardrobe refresh, keep scrolling to see our edit now...
Shop the Best New-Season Designer Buys:
This is just so elegant and beautiful.
So fun and glamorous!
I love the braided straps on this new Hunza G design.
Layer over a bikini or swimsuit to look elegant at lunch, dinner or walking around town.
This has been on my summer wish list for a couple of years now.
If you're after bold sunglasses this summer, these are the ones to be seen in.
We all know Dôen does the best dresses.
Summer is all about textural updates, so swap out your chain necklace for a rope style.
Zimmermann gets boho dressing so right.
A new quiet luxury icon.
These look just as good with jeans as they do a dress.
An LBD for the ages.
If you've fallen for this bag like I have, join the waistlist for instant updates on restocks.
Wear everywhere, from the beach to the office.
I love a striking pop of red in the form of a chic accessory.
Linen is a summer essential and Citizens of Humanity brings a denim-look to this cool pair.
Dress up all your existing summer outfits with this delicate bracelet.
A beautiful top that you'll find yourself restyling with skirts, shorts, jeans and tailoring throughout summer and beyond.
A canvas update brings Alaïa's beloved Le Teckel bag straight into summer.
Easy yet elegant. Rely on this every day.
After years, these flip-flops still feature on every editors wish list.
I love this summer version of the barn jacket trend. Perfect for those cooler moments.
You'll get so much wear out of these.
Polka dots are big news this summer.
So cute thrown over shoulders of pretty dresses, or paired with linen trousers and a T-shirt for cooler days.
The best investment I made a few years ago and they're still paying off.
No matter the season, I always come back to Cartier's Panthère watch.
Dragon Diffusion's intricate weave bags always come back in the warmer months.
Take elegant dressing to new heights with Manolo Blahnik's elevated sandals.
Skirts are proving to be a key trend on the spring/summer 2025 runways; start wearing this light cream iteration now.
100% linen, primed for the warmer days.
Sharp pleats in a relaxed wide-leg shape will serve your wardrobe well when spring arrives.
No matter the season, a great pair of sunglasses will always be the elegant finishing touch.
The majority of my summer wish list is filled with pretty blouses.
Carry by the top handle or longer woven strap.
The kind of piece that you'll be grateful for on a warm, busy morning.
Play into the summer season with seashell statement earrings.
Travel in style, of course.
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