To get an inside look at the pieces fashion's most in-the-know experts have on their radars for summer, I asked shopping insiders to share the exact pieces they plan to add to their wardrobes. Specifically, I turned to some of the best-dressed editors, stylists, personal shoppers, and international product-sourcing specialists to get an inside look at what will land in their closets for summer.
So, what landed on their lists of recommendations? Their picks include some of the biggest summer trends (Did someone say, raffia trend?) and the most-talked-about pieces, including items destined to gain a cult following in the coming months. Everything from summer's best investment-worthy designer bags to vibrant resortwear and wear-with-everything sandals makes up their top finds.
Keep scrolling to discover fashion experts' picks for the best shopping finds of summer 2023.
Alexis Bennett, commerce writer for Vogue
"I'm taking a practical yet fun approach to summer shopping this year. I want versatile pieces that I can wear both on vacation and to the office, and I'm excited to infuse more color into my wardrobe this season. Vibrant pieces in the new Simon Miller x Mango collection will be the attention grabbers in my summer wardrobe, but I'll anchor those playful separates with minimalist wardrobe essentials from labels like Wardrobe.NYC." — Bennett
"I adore the craftsmanship of a finely knit top. While there are so many beautiful creations to choose from, I adore the serene pops of blue and asymmetric hem on Anna October's tank." — Bennett
"The entire Simon Miller x Mango collaboration makes me smile, and this fringe-finished dress especially has my heart." — Bennett
"I've held out to buy this bag for a couple of years, but now I'm certain that it deserves a spot in my closet. I love the ease of the open knit design mixed with the elevated dark tone." — Bennett
"I'm balancing my summer style with staples that can elevate weekend outfits. These trousers will look great with a plain tank top but also feel polished at the puff ice with a button-up blouse." — Bennett
"I'm obsessed with the allure and comfort of kitten heels. This playful pair in a pastel yellow hue feels just right for infusing color into my summer wardrobe." — Bennett
Jennifer Nisan, founder and international fashion sourcing concierge for Front Row Live
"My approach for summer shopping is to aim for lightweight clothing & accessories that still make a statement! This summer, I'm sticking to anything crochet, raffia & lightweight pieces." — Nisan
"Recently, my Instagram DMs on @FrontRowLive have been going off for the Loro Piana L19 and the L27 pouches! It's super lightweight, comes with a strap, and is a chic addition to your summer wardrobe. These pouches have been all the rage." — Nisan
"I really love Miu Miu this season. This crochet dress is lightweight yet still makes a statement, especially when paired with the open-toe boots as shown on the model. Adding it to my cart for my summer purchases!" — Nisan
"My favorite thing about summer is getting dressed in a cute swimsuit and hanging by the pool. Louis Vuitton swimwear is always at the top of the swim requests I receive at FrontRowLive each and every season! I usually pair my swim with a sarong or a pair of cute denim shorts to complete the look." — Nisan
"A straw or raffia hat is a staple for the summer. Days can get super hot, and it's important to protect your skin from the sun. I love the idea of a wide-brim hat for summer. This Celine hat is perfect to pair with a maxi dress so you are ready for a beach vacation." — Nisan
Ilana Torbiner, stylist and personal shopper
"I'm all about keeping it easy and simple in the summer. I love anything linen—linen pants with a simple well-fitting tank or with a coordinating linen vest. Australian brands do summer so well—Matteau, Matin Studio, Sir. Dôen and Donni also have some great summer staples as well." — Torbiner
"Reformation does linen well, and their coordinating sets are always reliable. This linen vest and skirt in oatmeal is on my wish list." — Torbiner
Shop the matching Gia Skirt ($178)
"The Row Chocolate flat sandals are the perfect minimal sandal. I couldn't resist the red, but all the colors are great. I also love that it takes up minimal space in a suitcase for any summer travels." — Torbiner
"[I'm] here for anything raffia, like Khaite's Olivia Hobo. The shape feels laid back for summer, and I love that you can wear it day or night." — Torbiner
"Eres makes the most classic, simple, high-quality swimwear. Their Mouna top + Malou bottoms are the only swim you need." — Torbiner
Shop the matching Malou Bikini Bottoms ($195)
"Dôen makes some of the best dresses that you'll have in your closet for years to come. I'm especially loving their Lantana dress and Yselda, both perfect for hot summer days." — Torbiner
Tchesmeni Leonard, senior fashion editor for Allure, Glamour, and Teen Vogue
"My approach to summer style is finding a balance between sexy and chic and transitional pieces that can take me from day to night or summer to fall. One summer trend I'm really excited about and [that] offers easy duality is crochet! It's sexy and paired with a chic pair of strappy sandals (heels or flats)- can be worn during the day but easily take you into the night for dinner with friends and a night of drinks and dancing." — Leonard
"Nia Thomas is an emerging designer whose pieces are ethically made and celebrate the female form. I love the subtle sexiness this dress offers." — Leonard
"I love this updated take on a classic style, and the soft buttery leather makes these worth the investment." — Leonard
"No introduction needed for this cute Doen dress. They make some of the best dresses, and I especially love this one. The red color pairs perfectly with a summer tan and a pair of strappy sandals or a cool boot toward the end of summer." — Leonard
"I love this woven textured bag from Dragon Diffuson. The designer uses traditional weaving techniques that make this bag feel timeless. This bag can be worn all year round." — Leonard
"Agmes makes beautiful sculptural, modern pieces that feel thoughtful and are eye-catching. I especially love this cuff which goes with everything and instantly makes any outfit chic. [Pair it with] either a white tank and jeans or a summer dress." — Leonard
Nicole Eshaghpour, editor-at-large for Who What Wear
"Since I spent all of last summer either pregnant or post-partum, this year feels like I'm starting from scratch, and I'm Okay with that! I'm currently investing in all new basics as well as a few key looks for events and dinners but trying to make sure everything I buy will last me longer than just this season." — Eshaghpour
"Living in New York City means a lot of sneaker days. For summer, I'm ready to give into the Samba craze because they pair very well with jeans and seemingly most other pants (which is hard to find in a sneaker)." — Eshaghpour
"I always like to have a light layer on when leaving the house and if a classic linen shirt feels too casual, this polished linen jacket will do the trick." — Eshaghpour
"I know this seems frivolous, but it also seems like the perfect little bag for pairing with all my neutral summer outfits, so I think I need it." — Eshaghpour
"I have these in black and have already come to the conclusion that owning them in this creamy white color will do wonders for my wardrobe. They're the perfect heel height for when you want to be casual or dressed up." — Eshaghpour
"I saw these on TikTok recently, and now I can't stop thinking about them. If anyone reading this owns them, please let me know if they are, in fact, as perfect as they seem!" — Eshaghpour
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