As soon as the warm weather hits, linen trousers are the first thing I bring to the front of my wardrobe. My great summer dresses are primed for those prettier moments, but when I want to feel comfortable, relaxed and still put-together, linen trousers are the first port of call.

Hunting down the best linen trousers has become a personal endeavour this summer. I've put some of the best non-see-through white pairs to the test, and now I'm focused on the best wide-leg styles. Already, one pair is making a case to claim the title, and that's Reformation's Fernando Linen Wide Leg Pant (£188).

Reformation is a brand that consistently impresses me, and during the summer months, I often find myself drawn to its linen pieces. The Olina Linen Pant was my first introduction to the brand's breezy linen, and after being impressed by the fabric and shape, I naturally started here on my hunt for a great pair of wide-leg linen trousers.

The high temperatures and busy days of summer call for loose silhouettes and lightweight fabrics, and comfort becomes key. Luckily for us, these trousers hit every note. The silhouette is relaxed and loose with an elasticated waistband for added ease, and the pull-on design is ideal for early mornings when time is of the essence, or as a quick cover-up when moving from poolside to lunch table. Reformation is all about considered design details, and these trousers have a wide turn-up hem that looks subtle with the neutral colourway, but bolder on the patterned styles (note the horizontal stripes that finish the striped pair I tried below).

Better still, Reformation's best pieces come in both extended sizes and petite lengths, so you can find the ideal fit. For strolls through European cities, simply add your favourite basic T-shirt and trainers, or opt for a romantic blouse and sandals for picnics in the park. Last weekend, I paired mine with a loose linen shirt and flip-flops for an al fresco lunch at my local café. For reference, I took my normal size (medium) and the regular length in the trousers.

Keep scrolling to shop Reformation's Fernando Linen Wide Leg Pant along with more excellent linen buys we're bookmarking this summer.

Shop the Reformation Fernando Linen Wide Leg Pant:

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More often than not these days, dressing for a red carpet event is all about the spectacle, even more so than the quality of the outfit. Mostly made up of over-the-top looks crafted to become viral moments, the practice of understated elegance has become something of a lost art at major events. Luckily, we can always count on Selena Gomez and her stylist Kate Young to err on the side of better, not bigger.

Nowhere was this proven more than at Variety's 2022 Hitmakers brunch, which took place this weekend in Los Angeles. For the event, which Dua Lipa and H.E.R. also attended, the Only Murders in the Building star chose a midi-length little black dress made of extremely seasonally appropriate velvet and formalised with a sculptural, ruffled hem. Designed by one of Instagram’s most beloved brands, Totême, the frock was gorgeous in its simplicity and only made better with the addition of patent leather By Far heels and gold-and-black jewellery. 

Shop her exact Totême dress and more LBDs below. 

On Selena Gomez: Totême Ruffled Velvet Midi Dress (£580); By Far Michele Square Toe Sandal (£335)

Shop little black dresses: 

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear US. 

Next Up: 15 Luxury Buys Our Editors Will Stand By Forever

When sale season rolls around, it can be tempting to treat yourself to a new dress here or a fresh knit there, all with the added benefit of a discount. But the way we approach sale shopping is the same way we approach regular shopping. We never advise spending needlessly or without a strategy. While there are rare sale-shopping unicorns out there—pieces so amazing that you can justify buying them on a whim—we’ve found that if the item (be it a bag, coat, or pair of shoes) didn’t pique our interest when it was full-price, then we probably shouldn’t buy it just because it’s been reduced.

Contributor Monikh Dale wears a pair of sandals from The Row. 

Instead, a hack all editors use is to scout the websites of our favourite brands before the sales even begin, identifying the pieces we’d love to own ahead of time. Then, should we find they’re discounted when the sale starts, we know we’re not spending for the sheer sake of it. So the big question is, Which are the best brands to shop on sale?

Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi wears a checked dress from Ganni. 

From contributor Monikh Dale to Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi, the members of the Who What Wear UK team have come together to reveal the sales they wait the whole year for, categorised ever so neatly by brand. Scroll below to see the pieces we’re earmarking ahead of the sales as well as some of our favourite finds that have already been reduced.

ÉTOILE ISABEL MARANT 

Étoile Isabel Marant is the sort of brand which elevates everyday dressing, which is undoubtedly why it's always on our assistant editor Nell Block's sale-shopping hit list. While we're yet to see these pieces marked down, we're hoping they will be soon. 

COS

Our shopping editor Joy Montgomery always shops COS's sale. Owing to its sleek tailoring and minimal silhouettes, these are cut-prices investments you won't ever regret making. 

BY FAR

Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi and contributing editor Maxine Eggenberger each have a thing for bags and shoes, so it's little wonder cult brand BY FAR tops both of their sale-shopping priorities. Right now, The Outnet has the best selection of discounted BY FAR pieces we've seen. 

FAITHFULL THE BRAND

Okay, okay, we know we're still in the depths of winter, but that hasn't stopped both Nell and fashion and social media editor Zoe Anastasiou adding Faithfull the Brand to their lists. "I'm so ready to wear these pieces come summer 2021," professes Zoe. 

THE ROW

Our contributor Monikh Dale has a knack for finding the best high-end pieces, particularly on sale. And now that one of her go-to brands, The Row, has landed on The Outnet, we've loved seeing the discounted pieces she's scooped via Instagram. 

& OTHER STORIES

Editor Emma Spedding and Joy both proclaimed & Other Stories as one of their favourite sale-shopping haunts. Its impressive winter sale has already started, and these are the pieces we have our eye on. 

GANNI

Zoe, Maxine, Emma, and Joy all revealed that Danish brand Ganni is on their sale radar, with Joy saying she always finds the best marked-down items in Liberty's sale. Here are the dresses, tops, and skirts we'll be watching over the festive period. 

UTERQÜE

Brands don't come much sleeker than Zara's sister brand, Uterqüe. Like other Inditex companies, Uterqüe's sale can take a week or two to heat up, with initial discounts proving to be minimal. However, once prices start being slashed, you can bet Hannah will be there. 

ARKET

Our love of Arket knows no bounds, but it's Emma who always unearths the best pieces from the high-street store. While the sale is yet to kick in, these are the items we're hoping will make an appearance in it. 

REJINA PYO

Cool and classy, Rejina Pyo is one of our favourite brands year-round. However, it also does an epic sale, in which Hannah has found many a high-end bargain. 

WHISTLES

From its cult lace-up boots to gorgeous outerwear, Whistles is our one-stop shop for refined statement pieces that transcend seasons. Here are some pieces that we'd love to see on sale as well as a staple skirt that's already been discounted. 

RIXO

Rixo's pieces are always in demand, but once they hit the sale, they're like gold dust. This is one brand that it really pays to keep an eye on as sale season progresses. Below are the items we want. 

DÔEN

Maxine used to shop Dôen's sale and have her order shipped to relatives in the US. Now that it has made its way onto Net-a-Porter, this process has been made significantly easier. 

Next up, Your guide to all of the big spring/summer 2021 trends. 

As you have likely heard countless times over the last few weeks, we are living in unprecedented times. Though that does not mean we should cease to seek joy in the small things, like say, for example, an exceptionally beautiful pair of shoes.

In times like these, Who What Wear UK seeks to provide some light relief, and if Carrie Bradshaw taught us anything, it is certainly that shoes can spark joy. With this in mind, we spoke to seven designers—including Jane Frances of Dear Frances, Vanissa Antonious of Neous and Valentina Bezuhanova of By FAR—about what makes a really great pair of shoes, in an effort to understand how to curate a collection that will not only provide aesthetic beauty but also longevity and comfort.

Of course, many of the designers below stressed the importance of investing in quality footwear and outlined the details which prove a shoe is well made—whether it be leather soles or hand-stitching. From It labels to fashion favourites, keep scrolling for seven designers' advice on what makes a really great pair of shoes.

BY FAR

"You either go for an amazing timeless black mule or you go for super special craftsmanship with colourful embellishments and statement pop of colour. You should invest in a handmade pair of shoes where the designer and shoemaker have left their heart and soul, and you recognize yourself in the little details—custom-made heels, hand-embroidered stones, special hardware… It's all about the craftsmanship.” — Valentina Bezuhanova, cofounder of By FAR

Shop By FAR:

Neous

"For me, it’s two things: the design and wearability, which is largely determined by the quality. We work with family-run factories in Italy where each component of the shoe is handmade by a small team of artisans who have over many years perfected their individual craft. We also work closely with these factories to source the best quality leather using by-products that are sustainably sourced. The better the leather, the easier it is to dye in bespoke colours like our Neous signature banana (a softer pastel yellow) and brick (a rich bright tan with more red than brown). These elements combined are what I look for." — Vanissa Antonious, founder and creative director of Neous

Shop Neous:

Dear Frances

"Beautifully soft leather that also has a good body to ensure they are durable and long-lasting. Quality shoes will usually have real leather soles, which offers better comfort and long-term wear than synthetic soles. Luxury shoes will offer superior comfort, and you can tell if this has been addressed by the softness of the lining as well as the construction of the insole, which will be softly padded from heel to toe.

"Besides the quality of the materials, you can look for how the shoe is finished and any design details that show a level of craftsmanship, such as hand-stitching or hand details that are unique to each shoe. This shows that artisans have personally crafted and finished your shoes and there is nothing more telling of quality than that human touch." — Jane Frances, founder and creative director of Dear Frances

Shop Dear Frances:

Manu Atelier

"The last needs to be really good and qualified because that's the most important thing about a shoe—both looking nice and being comfortable when you put your feet in." — Merve Manastir, cofounder and creative director of Manu Atelier

Shop Manu Atelier:

Yuul Yie

"Definitely the shape of the heel. The shape of the shoe must be balanced and fit the foot perfectly. Also, justifying the cost per wear." — Sunyuul Yie, creative director and CEO of Yuul Yie

Shop Yuul Yie:

Malone Souliers

"Comfort, for me, is the number one criteria for a great pair of shoes. As a woman designing for women, I know how transformative for the psyche it is to walk comfortably in a beautiful pair of shoes. This means the materials have to be of top quality, the heel needs to be perfectly balanced and the pitch finely tuned so you are standing up tall and straight, so as to protect your lower back. I always take these factors into consideration when architecturally building my Malones before adding all the magical aesthetic details." — Mary Alice Malone, founder and creative director of Malone Souliers

Shop Malone Souliers:

Casadei

"The first quality you should look for in a pair of shoes is the 'vibe' you get from them. Your personality should shine through this specific accessory and make you feel comfortable and confident in yourself." — Arianna Casadei, founder of Casadei

Shop Casadei:

Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know. 

The market is flooded with It bags that retail for £1K and up, so when we see one for anything less than that, it's really refreshing. In this case, the brand in question is By Far, a celeb and Instagram favourite for its highly covetable shoes—and now, it is making handbags.

The collection consists mostly of croc-embossed mini bags, hovering around £400 to £500. By Far's first handbag collection is available on Net-a-Porter as of today, but Gigi and Bella Hadid have been carrying them for weeks. Given the immense popularity of the brand's shoes (pretty much every pair is an It shoe style) and the early celeb approval, we'd put money on this being the next It bag brand. But then again, we'd rather spend that money on one of the bags…

The initial release of bags is small, but we're still having trouble choosing a favourite among the '90s-inspired edit of minimalist-friendly bags. (FYI: The baguette bags Bella has been carrying around are yet to be released.) Keep scrolling to see the bags for yourself on their celeb fans and to shop the offerings, all of which come in additional colours. As you'll see, they're big-time compliment bait.

Related: 11 Under-the-Radar High-Street Brands That Are Just as Good as Zara

Shop By Far Bags

Up Next: The Differences Between Cheap- and Expensive-Looking Slip Skirts

If you're the type of person who considers blowing it all on a new pair of shoes come payday, you're not alone. Who could forget the immortal words of icon Bette Midler when she said, "I firmly believe that with the right footwear, one can rule the world"? That's reason enough to invest in a pair of special shoes. They'll help you feel that much more confident when getting ready in the morning.

With that in mind, shoe lovers, this is a guide for you. Settle down for 10 minutes of required reading. Below, we're giving you our comprehensive list of designer shoes from the big names we've loved for decades (ahem, Manolo) to the new brands making our feet look more fashionable. Keep scrolling to see and shop the best designer shoes making a real impact this year.

1. Manolo Blahnik

When Carrie Bradshaw was mugged in New York in an episode of Sex and the City, she famously said, "Please, sir. You can take my Fendi baguette, you can take my ring and watch, but you can't take my Manolo Blahniks." We don't blame her. Manolos are arguably the most beautiful shoes in the world.

2. Aquazzura

Shoe lovers won't need to be introduced to Aquazzura—this brand has an A-list following and is Meghan Markle's go-to label. Markle wore these for her engagement photograph and with her second wedding dress by Stella McCartney.

3. PIFERI 

Inspired by architectural and sculptural shoe shapes, founder Alfredo Piferi launched his eponymous shoe line after celebrated stints at Valentino, Versace and Jimmy Choo (some of the best credentials in the business). And just when you thought the brand couldn't get better, all of the shoes are vegan and sustainably produced, so you can shop, wear and enjoy them guilt-free.

4. Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta had a revival last year, which you may have seen on Instagram. Although you might have seen the bags on the street style set, the shoes are perhaps the most covetable items from the new collection, and anybody who is anybody will have a pair of these soon. 

5. Neous

If you've seen a pair of sculptural shoes in a street style image, chances are they're by cult label Neous. And if this shoe brand only had one thing going for it, it would be the wearable heel height. Goodbye, party feet.

6. By Far

Instagram-famous brand BY FAR creates shoes around the £300 price point, and it's largely to thank for the square-toed sandal trend. Don't miss out on its great boots this autumn, though. 

7. 10TH FLOOR 

Inspired by women who aren't afraid to take risks, 10th Floor's statement shoes are designed with standing out in mind. The label was founded in 2020 by former fashion buyer and shoe designer, so you can expect expressive shoes that are works of art.

8. Tabitha Simmons

Tabitha Simmons launched her label back in 2009 and is loved for her feminine colours and silhouettes. Alexa Chung is a big fan of her elegant ballet flats, the easy way to do French-girl styling. 

9. Gianvito Rossi

Son of Italian designer Sergio Rossi, Gianvito Rossi launched his own shoe label in 2006 and has become one of the most beloved names in the industry. There are over 60 steps involved in making a pair of Gianvitos, so you know the final product is a finely crafted labour of love. 

10. Roger Vivier

Parisian label Roger Vivier has been creating dream shoes since 1937 and is one of the most esteemed names in the industry. Even the Queen has worn Viviers, a testament to each pair's regal finish. 

11. Dorateymur

London Fashion Week brand Dorateymur is another relative newcomer, and it's beloved for its celebrity-approved ankle boots and loafers with statement buckle detailing.

12. Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Maryam Nassir Zadeh is another name that exploded on Instagram and certainly lives up to the hype—the colourful pumps, plastic mules and leather boots are worthy of every single Instagram Like.

13. Alexandre Birman

Alexandre Birman is our go-to for romantic wedding sandals, and the bow-adorned Clarita sandals come in several heights and colours, meaning there's a pair for every single dress.

14. Malone Souliers

British brand Malone Souliers is another London Fashion Week favourite, and it's our go-to for bold heels. You can spot the Maureen heels on the red carpet at least once a week on the likes of Jennifer Lawrence and Olivia Palermo.

15. Jimmy Choo

It's an oldie but a goodie. Jimmy Choo has always been the obvious go-to for event dressing, but we can't not give them credit for creating the most perfect knee-high boot of the 2020s: the Karter.

16. Amina Muaddi

Newcomer Amina Muaddi has set the standard for glamorous party shoes that stand out from the crowd. With feathers and crystals galore, these shoes are guaranteed to make you feel special. 

17. PARIS TEXAS 

Founded in 2015 by Annamaria Brivio, Paris Texas is inspired by the modern international woman who embodies the Parisian spirit of stylish sophistication and the Texan fun attitude. Signatures include eccentric details, head-turning colours, and feminine silhouettes that will upgrade any outfit.

Up Next: Autumn/Winter 2022 Trends: The 15 Fashion Looks You Need to Know About

Main Image: @Deborabrosa

Lisa Aiken is Net-a-Porter’s retail fashion director and the woman responsible for our extensive wish lists and dented wallets. She is something of an oracle for the Who What Wear team in the UK. We trust her every recommendation (and attend her seasonal trend presentations without fail); we look to her wardrobe choices and unwaveringly cool NAP edit to make our own moves; and now, she’s a regular columnist here on the site—hurrah! For May, it’s all about the virtues of that contemporary brand price sweet spot…

Looking through my wardrobe recently, I realised the vast majority of pieces I love and wear on a daily basis are made up of my favourite contemporary brands. Of course, I still save up to buy those key designer purchases, but they’re not the items I rely on day in and day out.

Contemporary brands, on the other hand, are the bread and butter of my daily wardrobe. They’re the pieces I pick out first thing every morning, no matter what season or city I’m in. Even during fashion month, when I’m travelling I often wear more statement, fashion-forward pieces, and I actually prefer to wear contemporary brands because they’re more under the radar. I love wearing pieces that feel like hidden gems.

Essentially, contemporary brands aren’t your big-ticket buys—they’re your stealth purchases, the ones people don’t necessarily know where you got them. They’re the ones that form your everyday functional wardrobe and are the answer to a perfect shopping fix.

Now our thoughts are turning to warmer months, I asked some of our favourite contemporary designers—from Ganni, Rixo and Staud to Rejina Pyo, Wandler and Yuzefi—to create a series of capsules just in time for the summer season ahead. In addition, we’re set to stock a raft of new contemporary labels you don’t even know yet—so check back soon for additions. For now, just keep scrolling to see all of my favourite midpriced brands—and good luck stopping yourself from shopping them all.

WANDLER

GANNI

Related: It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss

SIMON MILLER

BY FAR

NANUSHKA

ALBUS LUMEN

STAUD

Related: From Dresses to Bags, I've Handpicked 21 New-In Pieces Just in Time for Payday

REJINA PYO

CARRIE FORBES

Don’t forget to see my predictions on next season’s trends.

We all know keeping it cool in winter can be pretty tricky. And who isn’t super excited about wearing winter coat coats, knits, and boots when the first days of autumn start to show their wonderful colours? (Even if we do get tired of wearing the same pieces over and over again while struggling with winter-burdened, ghostly skin.)

But rest assured, I’m here to help you solve that problem. Ahead, I’m laying out three key rules to follow if you want to tap into French style. I’ll also tell you which popular pieces you’ll never see Parisians wearing in the winter, as well as the staples everyone needs to own. Let’s dive into winter styling à la Française!

Rule number one: Don't give in to too comfortable pieces

I know—Uggs are comfortable. But would Catherine Deneuve wear Uggs? I’m guessing you already know the answer. When it’s been cold for months and the days stay short, it can be tempting to leave the house in a puffer coat and winter beanie. But if you want to follow the French rules of winter styling, it’s best to leave these pieces at home. On a more serious note: I find that for me, placing style over comfort motivates me because it makes me feel good about myself.

I know it sounds weird, but I believe the key to the cool French-girl vibe is to neither overdress nor underdress. Always ask yourself: What would Catherine Deneuve wear? As a side note, this tip only works for those who live in the city. I wouldn’t recommend wearing heels in the countryside. I’m not that cruel.

Rule number two: Try not to accumulate winter accessories 

This is much easier said than done. While it’s fun and easy to go accessory-free in the summer (since you’re wearing fewer pieces of clothing), over-accessorizing in winter can make you look like a “Sapin de Noël”, aka a Christmas tree. (Yes, it’s a saying.)

I rarely come across women wearing the full winter package in the streets of Paris (oversize beanies, knitted gloves, oversize scarves, furry boots). It’s just too much. Wear leather gloves (if it’s really very cold) with a turtleneck layered under a men’s coat to make you appear lighter and more French.

Rule number three: Chose the perfect essentials and be playful with them

Sometimes it’s cool to be playful and wear your French basics (like a men’s coat, oversize knit, or the perfect jeans) with some fun items. To me, wintertime is the perfect season to wear glitter, velvet and furry numbers. Mix these with your everyday essentials. After all, it is party season.

Ahead, shop French girl–approved items à la Catherine Deneuve.

Fluffy Details

Fluffy details are my absolute go-to’s for party season. Pair them with a fun pouch and some cute heels (preferably fluffy as well).

Velvet

Velvet can look so chic if paired with something super simple. It’s also perfect for going out.

Fur Coat

I love furry, vintage-looking coats. You see so many of them wandering the streets of Paris. They pair perfectly with a simple outfit. Wear one with a T-shirt, jeans and boots.

Boots

One can only call herself French if she owns at least one pair of super-cool boots.

Jewelry

And of course, pair all your outfits with some cool jewelry.

If you haven’t heard of Bulgarian brand By Far, you’ve no doubt seen its shoes on the feet of influencers from Aimee Song to Anne-Laure Mais. Having only launched last year, it’s safe to say the brand has quickly become something of a cult among those in the know. So of course, when Whistles went looking for a cool new design talent to collaborate with, all roads led to the pared-back aesthetic of the trio (twin sisters Valentina Bezuhanova and Sabina Gyosheva, plus sister-in-law Denitsa Bumbarova) behind the footwear label that’s causing a frenzy on Instagram. The result? A limited-edition collection of four highly covetable shoe styles—we love the chic loafers which come in grey suede and glossy brown mock-croc—all inspired by some of London’s most iconic streets.

Dropping today, the Whistles x By Far collection marries the timeless style Whistles has made its signature, with the clean, minimal touches and pinches of bold colour that have turned By Far into the must-have brand of the moment. Translation: You’re going to want it all, and you’ll need to move fast to make it happen.

Keep scrolling for a closer look at the Whistles x By Far collection and to shop the range stat.

The Ledbury Loafer

Need a new loafer in your life? This is the wear-anywhere option you’ve been looking for, inspired by Notting Hill’s Ledbury Road.

The Redchurch Slingback

Taking a cue from jaunty Redchurch Street, these block-heel slingbacks are just what your autumn wardrobe needs.

The Chiltern Shoe

Perfect for smartening up denim or teaming with midi dresses, these Chiltern Street–inspired tassel detail pumps come in black leather and brown suede.

The Burlington Boot

Channel the sophistication of Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade with these classic lace-up boots in black or brown leather.

Next up, the 11 A/W 17 looks every fashion girl needs to see.

Every now and then, a brand comes along that we find it hard to imagine our life (read: wardrobes) without. There are key dates such as BZ (that's Before Zara) and BMG (Before Mansur Gavriel) that can claim the kind of status we're talking about. And there may be a similar story to be told in the future about a chic shoe brand called By Far.

Based in Bulgaria and far from widely available, this accessories brand has a considered approach to shoe design, tapping into the modern minimalist's want for unfussy but unique footwear. All styles err on the right side of vintage-looking, and the colourways and heel heights make them versatile enough to feel like special everyday shoes. They've also led the charge in the rebirth of Carrie Bradshaw–inspired, square-toed sandals, with the iconic '90s style shaping a large portion of their new-season collection.

Celebrities and off-duty models agree: Kate Bosworth, Elsa Hosk and Karlie Kloss are just a few of the high-profile names who have joined the By Far fan club. From Parisian influencers who find the label's midi-heel sandals a welcome break from the regular espadrille routine through to L.A. girls who want bright white heels to shine brightly in the sun, there's a global following for women who like their shoes to be comfortable but noticeable, too.

Keep reading to see a handful of By Far's ambassadors, and then shop the new season collection for yourself.

Shop By Far Shoes

Related: The Lazy-Girl Sandals That Somehow Made It Onto the Paris Street Style Scene

Next, see 12 summer outfit ideas you'll want to wear as much as we do.