Effortless Linen, Pretty Dresses and Elegant Accessories: What Luxury Looks Like for Summer 2026
Summer is here, and if you're looking to invest in your wardrobe, these are the new-in luxury buys worth considering.
Florrie Alexander
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 a 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 2026 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 for summer 2026 is shifting towards a softer, more expressive mood, defined by a playful yet refined colour palette of butter yellow, powder blue, rich jewel tones and, notably, flashes of burgundy balanced by grounding shades of chocolate brown. Tactile textures remain key, but heavy winter layers give way to lighter suede, fluid silk and fine-gauge knits that feel effortless rather than enveloping. Tailoring still plays a central role, though silhouettes feel more relaxed, with elongated lines, lightweight trench coats and softly structured jackets leading the way. While the influence of quiet luxury remains unmistakable, summer marks a clear evolution, moving beyond strict polished neutrals towards a wardrobe that feels warmer, more personal and subtly expressive.
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 2026 wardrobe refresh, keep scrolling to see our edit now...
Shop the Best New-Season Designer Buys:
This halter-neck dress simply exudes quiet luxury.
Bermuda shorts are back, and Khaite's quiet luxury iteration is at the top of my list.
Trust The Row to design the ultimate raffia bag.
A fun pop of colour.
Add instant texture to your summer outfits.
Say hello to the ultimate office dress.
There's something inherently rich-looking about silk trousers.
The suede add instant richness.
The latest in Bottega's line-up of chic bags.
Love.
If there's one brand that knows all about beautiful blouses, it's Zimmermann.
There are going straight into my basket.
The Row's latest It bag is on every fashion editors wish list for 2026.
Pretty dresses are back for summer, and few do them as well as Doen.
At last its time to kick off our winter boots, and the chicest women around are slipping into Toteme's embossed heels.
The perfect amount of slouch. Worn by Olivia Dean and Jacob Elordi, Bottega's latest It bag is already a hit.
SEA is known for its pretty creations. This one currently has all my attention.
Add into your spring wardrobe, and restyle throughout summer, autumn and winter too.
An easy Matteau dress will hold it's own in your wardrobe for many years to come.
Loewe's latest basket bag is already making waves in fashion circles.
Sunglasses are now an everyday essential.
Take on the cooler spring days in style with St Agni's sleek brown suede jacket.
Take simple tank top outfits to all new heights with this silk-blend style.
The drop and flow of this skirt sets it apart from the rest.
A classic for good reason. We come back to them every single year.
Take sunny dressing to all new heights with this standout dress.
Light layers remain a key part of our wardrobes as we move into spring, and this cable-knit style will never date.
I'm already thinking of all the ways I'll wear these trousers.
DeMellier's new bag is already beloved by celebrities and fashion people.
Add an elegant edge to rainy spring dressing.
A classic striped shirt will earn it's keep in your wardrobe.
Smart shorts are bringing a refined edge to warm-weather dressing.
Alaia flats are famously comfortable.
