The Who What Wear Summer 100: Every Single Item We Simply Adore This Season

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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: