16 "Boring" Staples Fashion People Are Wearing on Repeat This Summer

I'm the first to admit that the latest trends can seem exciting. We're trained in the fashion industry, after all, to sit up and take notice at least twice a year when designers' new looks are sent down the runways, primed and ready to be labelled the next cult buys, and then worn by the elite style set on the street. However, after a decade of working in fashion, I can confirm that even when the most inventive trends offer that heart fluttering excitement (and hopeful bank balance check), it's rarely these items that any of us wear day to day. 

In reality, myself and my fellow Who What Wear UK editors—along with the majority of fashion influencers, stylists and industry insiders I follow on social media—all rely much more heavily on what you could easily call "boring" basics. No matter if you're a minimalist or a maximalist, truly great wardrobe staples, from the humble tank top to the perfect white button-down, are the pieces we all actually end up wearing on repeat. 

So, as summer 2023 gets well under way, I've done a deep dive into the warm-weather wardrobe essentials that fashion people are truly loving right now. I've scrolled and scrolled and come up with 16 easy basics that are cropping up repeatedly across the coolest Instagram profiles. The best part? You can find good quality versions of most of these staples on the high street, and even the premium designer versions won't be breaking any four-figure brackets. 

Keep reading, then for my list of the 16 "boring" staples fashion people are genuinely backing for summer 2023 and, no doubt, beyond. 

1. White Dress

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

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2. Spaghetti-Strap Top

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(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

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3. Linen Shirt

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(Image credit: @javiera)

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4. Baby Tee

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

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5. Baseball Cap 

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(Image credit: @monikh)

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6. Flip-Flops

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

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7. Denim Shorts

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

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8. Birkenstocks

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(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

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9. Jersey Skirt

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(Image credit: @marina_torres)

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10. Oversized T-Shirt

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

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11. Shirt Dress

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(Image credit: @chiarasatelier)

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12. Black Bikini

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(Image credit: @oliviamarcus)

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13. Ribbed Tank Top

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

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14. Linen Shorts

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(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

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15. Bodycon Dress

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(Image credit: @oliviamarcus)

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16. Linen Trousers

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(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

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Next Up: 8 Autumn Staples Chic Fashion People Are Already Wearing

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.