The Summer 100: Who What Wear’s Ultimate Shopping Guide
Dear reader, it's true! Summer is officially here (well, it truly will be when the solstice takes place on 21 June, the longest day of the year), and I for one am so ready to get dressed accordingly. The weather is heating up, the sun is almost at its highest, and a sizzling holiday, or even a relaxing staycation, is high on the agenda.
Everywhere I look in London, be it on my commute, in the office or grabbing a coffee before a weekend walk in my local park, I can see that everyone else is on the same wavelength as me. The sunglasses and sandals are on, and light, breezy linen pieces are being chosen instead of spring's transitional layers. So, having seen some key trends bubbling up on the streets, on social media and emerging from our favourite brands, I've been taking notes.
On my hunt for the ultimate summer-season investments, I’ve been bookmarking the finest on offer from the high street, luxury brands and emerging labels, and compiling my findings in this comprehensive shopping guide. Perfect dresses that'll work for formal events and holidays alike? I’ve got you. Pretty blouses? The search is over. Light but luxe linens? Look no further. I've also sought out easy summer denim options (always good to have a few), essential but fun swimwear, and the finishing touches and accessories to take your look up a few notches.
In my list of the 100 best products for summer, there's something for everyone, from the minimalists to the maximalists and everyone in between. Ahead, you'll find bright colours, natural textures, classic essentials and bold but beautiful additions to bring your summer capsule wardrobe into the now. So what are you waiting for? Scroll on to peruse my editor-approved summer items. Happy shopping!
1. Perfect Dresses
Nothing beats the feeling of slipping on the perfect summer dress. The sheer ease of wearing it and the beauty of its one-and-done appeal are why we think of it as the ultimate summer piece, instantly making you feel put-together and sophisticated. Whether you're looking for dresses to take you from weekdays to al fresco dinners in the city, for weekends packed full of plans in the sunshine or for sipping sun-downer cocktails at a hotel bar abroad, I've picked the very best dresses to wear now, which will carry you through to the end of the season and be ready to slip on again next summer. From fan-favourite brands including Nobody’s Child, Farm Rio and Dôen to more showstopping numbers from Alémais, Rat & Boa and Free People, consider all bases covered.
SHOP SUMMER DRESSES:
Nobody's Child
Cora Midi Dress
Reformation
Nellie Knit Dress
RAT & BOA
Olympia Sequin Dress
ALÉMAIS X Sam Pauletto
Linen-Gauze Midi Dress
Amy Lynn
Polly Shirred Midi Dress
FARM RIO
Richelieu Maxi Dress
Rixo
Dove Cotton Mini Dress
Damson Madder
Simone Slip Midi Dress
Abercrombie & Fitch
The A&F Mila Midi Dress
Reformation
Balia Linen Dress
ZARA
Polka Dot Midi Dress
& Other Stories
Tie-Detailed Midi Dress
COS
Halterneck Maxi Dress
2. Light Linens
There’s no denying it: linen is the ultimate fabric choice for summer. Providing a breathable and light touch to the skin yet still allowing you to be somewhat covered up, it's no wonder it's a summer capsule wardrobe hero, gracing everything from shirts to shorts, dresses and skirts. It’s a summer trend which has stood the test of time, and when styled right, it can work so well for the city, on holiday and for almost every occasion in between. Best in neutrals or block tones such as white, black or brights (I don’t mind the odd stripe or artful floral), you can come back to your linen pieces time and time again, all summer long.
SHOP SUMMER LINEN:
ARKET
Relaxed Linen Shirt
Stradivarius
Linen Blend Halter Top
& Other Stories
Tailored Shorts
ZARA
Striped Shirt With Vents
DEIJI STUDIOS
The 03 Washed-Linen Shirt and Shorts Set
Mint Velvet
Linen Long Sleeve Shirt
River Island
Halter Neck Maxi Dress
POSSE
Matilda Ruffled Linen Vest
Faithfull the Brand
Linen Floral Marie Top
New Look
Linen Blend Midi Skirt
MANGO
Bow Linen-Blend Dress
Reformation
Olina Linen Pant
hush
Linen Blend Midi Skirt
Massimo Dutti
Textured Shirt
3. Pretty Blouses
Whether paired with classic jeans, tailored or denim shorts, skirts or perhaps matching co-ords, there's nothing that a pretty blouse can't be partnered with or give an artful and sweet flourish to. Broderie anglaise, shirred, gingham, lace and chiffon styles are all coming to the fore this summer, in block pastel tones, classic black, white and navy or fresh floral prints. In my opinion, high-street heroes Mango, Free People and Anthropologie have the best variety on the market right now, with Ganni, Damson Madder and Zimmermann offering beautifully detailed premium styles. Go sparingly with the rest of your look and let the blouse do the talking.
SHOP SUMMER BLOUSES:
ZARA
Romantic Embroidered Blouse Zw Collection
GANNI
Check Taffeta Blouse
LORETTA CAPONI
Giannella Lace-Trimmed Broderie Anglaise Cotton-Voile Blouse
Damson Madder
Becca Multi-Way Blouse
Nobody's Child
Broderie Anglaise Blouse
ARKET
Broderie Anglaise Blouse
& Other Stories
Ruffle Blouse
H&M
Lace-Inset Peplum Blouse
Free People
Rosa Ruffle Top
ASOS DESIGN
Puff Sleeve Top
Zimmermann
Embroidered Blouse
4. Summer Denim
Forget what you thought, because denim is, in fact, an all-year-round staple which can form the base of many a summer outfit. Opt for light blue, ecru, white and stone-wash hues to tune into the summer season. Denim jackets, dresses, skirts, shorts and of course, jeans, are still very much here to stay, and will form an essential part of your high-summer rotation. I’m going for big and baggy blue jeans, and pairing them with white tank tops and flip-flops for '90s-cool-girl vibes. There’s nothing better! 7 For All Mankind, Mother Denim and Citizens of Humanity are contemporary denim experts, whilst Sézane, Dôen and Reformation offer graceful styles with a Parisienne appeal.
SHOP SUMMER DENIM:
MOTHER
High-Rise Tapered Jeans
H&M
Oversized Denim Shirt
7 For All Mankind
Lola Shorts
Levi
Lightweight Baggy Carpenter Jeans
ASOS DESIGN
Asos Design Denim Mini Dress With Balloon Sleeves in Midwash Blue
ZIMMERMANN
Lucky Denim Blouse
ALIGNE
Low Rise Loose Wide-Leg Jeans
Mint Velvet
Denim Puff Sleeve Shirt
Reformation
Ellison Denim Midi Dress
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
Ayla Wide-Leg Jeans
H&M
High-Waisted Denim Shorts
5. Swimwear
Swimwear is a great opportunity to be playful with print, pattern, colour and texture, so take a leaf out of the latest season of The White Lotus, and be loud and proud by the pool or beach this summer. Hunza G's crinkle bikinis and swimsuits will always be coveted (if you don't already own one, use this summer as an excuse), and come in one-size-fits-all thanks to the stretchy fabric. I'm pairing mine with a chic mix of a semi-sheer sarong, statement towel and gold jewellery. If you're a minimalist, now is the time to browse black swimsuits, which are not only infinitely chic, but practical too (no need to worry about SPF stains). Ôsalé, & Other Stories and H&M have great monochromatic styles as well as trend-forward options.
SHOP SWIMWEAR:
HUNZA G
Nadine Seersucker Bikini
Free People
Phia Knit Co-Ord
& Other Stories
Square-Neck Bikini Top
AWAY THAT DAY
Sicily Woven Mini Sarong
MANGO
Draped Halter Swimsuit
H&M
Loose-Knit Beach Dress
Frankies Bikinis
Lila Triangle Bikini Top
Ôsalé
Emma Cut Out Swimsuit
Matteau
The Square Swimsuit
COS
Embellished Plunge-Neck Swimsuit
6. Finishing Touches
Now, this is where I like to have the most fun with my summer styling, and I think many a fashion editor would agree. The finishing touches to your look, be that your shoes, bag, jewellery, sunglasses or perhaps a whimsical silk scarf, can add serious kudos to any outfit. Jelly sandals lend a splash of unexpected colour to your look (give head-to-toe linen a go here), whilst an XXL raffia tote can transform from work to beach bag in an instant. Chunky bangles, beads, pearls and shells are the style set’s selection of choice in terms of jewellery this season. Dragon Diffusion bags are notably the arm-candy du jour, whilst A. Emery or Ancient Greek Sandals are undeniably the shoe brands of summer 2025.
SHOP SUMMER ACCESSORIES:
DRAGON DIFFUSION
Eclipse Leather Tote Bag
& Other Stories
Woven Straw Bucket Hat
Celine
Triomphe Sunglasses
Isle of Eden
Brown Luca Sunglasses
SANDRALEXANDRA
Pearl and Stone Necklace
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Saionara Jelly Flip Flops
Reformation
Jessie Thong Sandal
& Other Stories
Oval-Frame Sunglasses
LA DOUBLEJ
Printed Silk-Twill Scarf
The Row
Emilie Raffia Basket Bag
YSSO
Birth of Venus Pendant
Topshop
3 Pack of Bangles
Accessorize
Flower Stud Earrings
MIU MIU
Oval-Frame Sunglasses
A.EMERY
Jalen Suede Sandals
Sézane
Justine Maxi Basket Bag
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