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 seven 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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…”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“A basic white shirt is always a key piece in my wardrobe. And this one from Matteau with the broderie detail is even cooler.”
“I love linen for summer and these drawstring trousers are perfect to incorporate into an effortless yet chic look.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“I love a good pair of slingbacks. I think it’s the perfect spring/summer shoe and can be styled with anything.”
“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.”
“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.”
“This dress looks so special and the shade of pink is perfect. Every summer wardrobe needs a floral midi dress, in my opinion.”
“It wouldn’t be summer without a basket bag. I adore the size of this one and the length of the straps for wearing it over your shoulder.”
“I’ve seen a few cool girls wearing a blue fringed blazer over maxi dresses and now I want one. It’s a fun twist on the denim jacket for cooler days.”
“I love a long cotton dress that I can wait around in while the weather heats up. This one is just the ticket for long hazy days.”
“These ballet pumps are so delicate and will go with all my floaty dresses. Loeffler Randall is my go-to shoe brand—they never miss.”
“A maxi dress is a must for me every summer and this year I’m going for a white option with spaghetti straps.”
“Gold is the metal for summer, perfect for sun-kissed skin. Big bold statement earrings like this one lift any outfit.”
“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.”
“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.”
“A raffia summer bag is a timeless piece. This clutch model is so refreshing instead of the usual tote bags.”
