Summer is almost upon us. Hallelujah. Who else is excited about sun-soaked park picnics and spontaneous beach trips—and wearing blissfully breezy clothing while you do it? I know I am.
There are so many fresh trends to tap into this season, and so many brands—from the high street to high-end—nailing them. But there are also those fail-safe summer pieces that come out every year: the linen midi dress; the leather sandal; the woven basket bag. You know, the classics that form the foundation of our warm-weather wardrobes. The hard part is knowing which items to tick off the list first.
In the spirit of making the switch from transitional attire to top-to-toe-cotton ensembles, I've asked eight of Instagram's best-dressed influencers to share their seasonal wish lists with us. Each has a personal style that's unique to them, and their picks reflect this. So, whether you're a minimalist at heart or you enjoy all things flouncy and floral, you'll find something you love below. Strap yourself in.
"I’m forever on the lookout for tops that are a bit of a twist on a basic. This one combines two of my favourite summer go-to’s—a tank and linen.”
Arket
Bias-Cut Satin Skirt
"I’ve finally entered my dress and skirt era and I feel like this will be the perfect addition to my denim-heavy wardrobe to add some versatility.”
Grlfrnd
Celina Frayed Denim Shorts
"A denim short is a classic for me in the warmer months. Throw them on with a black flip-flop, an oversized white tee and I’m sorted.”
Dragon Diffusion
Triple Jump Large Woven-Leather Basket Bag
"I have resisted this bag for three summers now, but I think it’s time to take the leap! Crafted from woven leather, this will outlast any raffia bags but gives the same relaxed vibe.”
& Other Stories
Strappy Leather Slides
"This summer I’m feeling a slightly daintier sandal. This one comes in three colours and looks like it shouldn’t be too hard to break in.”
+ Net Sustain Cutout Stretch-Knit and Organic Cotton-Poplin Maxi Dress
"This design is stunning—every summer I like to invest in a good dress that I can wear time after time. This Esse Studio piece is a fun twist on a simple summer dress and this colour is stunning. It's on the top of my list.”
Demellier
New York Striped Canvas Tote Bag
"This bag screams summer, doesn't it? The stripes and the large shape make it the perfect summer beach bag to carry with you on your travels or even around town.”
COS
The Longline Waistcoat
"This COS waistcoat is such a great little piece. I love a waistcoat in the summer to style with linen trousers, a skirt or shorts. This particular one has a summery vibe because of the button placement, and the long length of it. It might already be on its way to me...”
Gigi Clozeau
Classic Gigi Resin & 18kt Gold Necklace
"This Gigi Clozeau neon yellow necklace is going to make any simple summer look just POP! It is an investment but I think investing in a few special pieces of jewellery once means you will have them forever. I love that this is a simple touch of neon and not too full-on.”
Mango
Bows Leather Sandals
"These little bow heels have got to be the cutest shoes on the internet! I love a little sandal in the summer and this pair is just so pretty. They look like a pair of vintage Chanel shoes, they're just so delicate and the colour is perfect.”
"I love the interest a graphic tee adds to an outfit, and this bunny print is so fun. I'd highlight the blue slogan by pairing it with a matching blue accessory.”
La Veste
Parasol Pants Orange
"I'm really into stripe trousers at the moment—these ones from La Veste are stunning in orange. I'm imagining wearing them with a white vest or graphic T-shirt (see above) and chunky sandals for summer.”
Aligne
Gabriella Denim Midi Dress
"I love an easy chuck-on-and-go dress, and this pink denim one could be styled multiple ways. I'd start by pairing with the red Charles Keith sandals on this list.”
Charles & Keith
Red Nell Gladiator Sandals
"These chunky sandals will add a pop of colour to any look, even a simple jeans and white tee outfit. They look super comfy whilst also being smart. I could see these working for lots of occasions.”
Jakke
Mel Bomber Royal Blue
"I'm really into this blue hue at the moment! This bomber jacket is a classic piece, I'd wear with a graphic tee and jeans for an easy everyday look.”
"It's a big yes to this crochet dress. The colour and the silhouette look so elevated. Perfect for the summer sunsets on the beach.”
Matteau
Broderie Anglaise-Insert Organic-Cotton Shirt
"A basic white shirt is always a key piece in my wardrobe. And this one from Matteau with the broderie detail is even cooler.”
Arket
Linen Drawstring Trousers
"I love linen for summer and these drawstring trousers are perfect to incorporate into an effortless yet chic look.”
Jil Sander
Yellow Small Cannolo Bag
"I need to add some colour to my wardrobe, and accessories are the easiest way to do it. This bag's shape and colour make it a statement piece.”
COS
The High-Slit Maxi Skirt
"This classic skirt inspired by '90s silhouettes is a beautiful choice for the new season. It could easily be worn from day to night. I would add the vest too for a slick tailored look.”
"I always find that Arket has a great selection of bags. A large straw tote is perfect for summer and carrying all your essentials in.”
& Other Stories
Puff Sleeve Linen Midi Dress
"A classic black dress with interesting details—in this case, the puffed sleeves—can be worn either during the day or dressed up for the evening.”
Maison Margiela
Tabi Slingback Pumps
"I love a good pair of slingbacks. I think it's the perfect spring/summer shoe and can be styled with anything.”
Loewe
Anagram High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
"I enjoy wearing a good pair of jeans, no matter the season. Especially a relaxed wide-leg cut; I'd style this pair with a crop top and some sandals, probably Birkenstocks.”
Birkenstock
Arizona Suede Flat Sandals in Taupe
"I believe you can never go wrong with a fresh pair of Birkenstock sandals. These are a great option if you want to achieve a relaxed and comfortable look.”
"A maxi dress is a must for me every summer and this year I'm going for a white option with spaghetti straps.”
Jane Koenig
Souvenir Earstud, Gold-Plated Sterling Silver
"Gold is the metal for summer, perfect for sun-kissed skin. Big bold statement earrings like this one lift any outfit.”
Arket
Leather Thong Sandals
"The best part of the summer wardrobe is all the open-toe shoes and sandals. I love a good pair of flip-flops but sometimes you want them to feel a bit more dressed up. A nice leather option will last for several years.”
Toteme
Scarf-Neck Trench Coat
"For rainy and slightly colder days during early summer, a trench coat is the best piece to keep you warm. I tend to lean more towards trench coats with a classic cut but which have that extra detail.”
Max Mara
Large Pasticcino Bag in Raffia
"A raffia summer bag is a timeless piece. This clutch model is so refreshing instead of the usual tote bags.”
"I love buying jackets from Worn Vintage. The cuts are great, and the fact that each piece has a history but has been reworked is a lovely concept.”
Shop Salomé's picks:
Réalisation Par
The Electra - Crush
"Silky dresses and skirts from Realisation Par are always a must-have for me. I like to express my femininity with sensuality and modernity.”
Miu Miu
Leather Shoulder Bag
"At the moment, this bag is exactly what I want to wear. Chic and casual at the same time, modern and slightly vintage with a nod to the '90s. The size is perfect—it goes with every outfit and feels very functional.”
Mango
Low-Rise Loose-Fit Wideleg Jeans
"Lately, I’ve only been wearing wide-leg, low-waisted jeans. I have this pair from Mango, and another in dark grey.”
Aeyde
Wilma Silver Nappa
"I adore these square-toe, minimal thong sandals. The silver adds a bit of fun and makes them evening-friendly.”
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.