20 Summer Investment Pieces Fashion Insiders Are Already Buying
If I ask anyone at the Who What Wear office or fashion insiders I see out at events what they’re planning on buying right now, the only thing they care about is stocking up on pieces for summer. Yep, we’re all ready for vacations somewhere far away and the outfits we’ll be wearing on them. With this in mind, I was curious about what exactly the fashion set is already buying for the summer months ahead. So I asked some of the women who always guide my style choices to share the investment pieces that are already landing in their shopping carts.
Ahead, you'll find the key summer fashion pieces they’re buying. From the Jacquemus heels everyone will own to the statement top you’ll want to order immediately to the It bags that will be everywhere, these are the summer items to know about. Go on to see picks from six people in the fashion world, beginning with my own must-haves.
Kristen Nichols, Managing Editor, Who What Wear
Kerry Pieri, Fashion Director, HarpersBazaar.com
Olivia Lopez, Lust for Life
Lisa Aiken, Fashion Director, Moda Operandi
Anna Vitiello, Co-Founder, &Finally
"A pair of hybrid sandal-pumps (pandals? samps?) because the super-strappy-sandal trend of last season doesn't sit well with my wriggly toes, and a pointed toe is my one true love, so they're the perfect in-between. Plus, do I really need an excuse to be in love with these?!"
"Vague though it may sound, statement tops are my go-to this summer. I've always loved anything poufy with a big shoulder, sleeve, or otherwise, and there are many incredible pieces—particularly by independent designers, often made to order—that are out there this season. They're the perfect investment for spring/summer, in particular, as they can make an outfit out of anything (literally): jeans, tailored trousers, shorts, and even leggings look dressed up paired with a great top."
"Clean but chunky gold jewelry pieces that are easy to combine for impact or stand alone as a great accessory. Summer is a slightly awkward time for jewelry. Stack it up too much and it can be uncomfortable, so I love pieces that hold their own without having to pile it on too much."
Oumayma Elboumeshouli, Influencer
"I actually spoil myself every summer (because it's my birthday) with beautiful designer items. I bought sandals last year and decided to buy sandals this year again because I fell in love with the Prada. You can combine them to be sporty but also very chic under a wrap skirt or dress."
"I love a good basket bag. I always take many things with me in the summer. Just think about it: suncream, water, sunglasses, and more. I like that everything fits perfectly in my bag. It is also a nice bag to take to the beach, unlike other tote bags where the sand is hard to get out."
Vivian Hoorn, Photographer
Up next? The 17 pieces I'm wearing on repeat.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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