Summer isn’t over yet, no matter how excited we may be about the autumn/winter trends. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your staples, or hunting down a stand-out summer piece, this season, the high-street really does have it all. And with a team of Who What Wear UK editors to hand, I figured I’d ask the experts what they’re currently impressed by on the high-street shopping circuit.
Considering they spend all day, every day searching through the new-in sections to share their favourite finds direct with you, the personal recommendations of these seven editors hold considerable weight. Although they each have their own aesthetics and preferences, you might see commonalities in their selections—this, I believe, affirms the fact these pieces are enduring in their appeal. Of course, it wouldn’t be a WWW wish list without a mix of great dresses and sleek tailored pieces balanced by bold accessories and reliable staples. And as this is a high-street wish list, they’re generally pretty attainable, too.
Keep scrolling for the high street pieces that our in-the-know editors want right now.
Kicking off our edit is Who What Wear’s Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi. By now you’ll be well aware that she’s an expert on dresses and always knows the best accessories to pair with them.
“I love dresses but I keep gravitating towards co-ords at the moment—something about them feels more current at times. The unusual colour and flattering shape makes it an easy statement piece to throw on time and again.”
“I still regret never buying the Stella McCartney ‘Linda’ denim skirt from about a decade ago as I know I’d have worn it a lot in that time, so I’m forever on the hunt for a great alternative! This looks like a good option.”
“Any excuse to be a little bit extra, I can’t stop investing in summer hats!”
“I’m always receptive to a tea dress!”
“I recently bought these sandals in tan leather and I’m thrilled with the quality and comfort of them. They’re leg-lengthening and go with everything. I think I might have to get them in another colour…”
If you’re searching for staple pieces that are always on-trend, our acting assistant editor Maxine has you covered. With relaxed fits and loose pieces, these high-street finds will keep you cool and stylish this summer and next.
“I wore this when I was in Paris recently and I received so many compliments on it. To me, this is the highest praise an item of clothing can get.”
“I have a serious weakness for basket bags and, when our contributor Jessica Skye showed me this style, it was love at first sight.”
“Broderie cut-outs are one of my favourite summer details, which I usually buy in blouse form. This skirt, however, is a beauty all its own.”
“Much like dresses, the appeal of a jumpsuit lies in its ease—it’s a one-and-done outfit. Between the gathered waistline, the colour, and the general fit, this is one of the chicest I’ve seen in a long while.”
“There’s nothing I love more than a good rummage around Zara and, when I was last in store, I spotted these and thought they looked so expensive. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them, which should tell you all you need to know.”
As editor at Who What Wear UK, Emma knows her stuff. With a job that revolves around finding the best pieces for our readers, Emma is able to spot a high-street hero from a mile away.
“I’ve been eyeing this dress up for ages.”
“I’m on the hunt for a pair of denim shorts and think these look lovely.”
“The wide-leg trouser trend is still going strong—this is the pair I currently have my eye on.”
“All I’m wearing this summer is shirts.”
“I’ve been considering buying these for months now. “
Our seriously stylish video content creator Remi has a knack for combining minimalist pieces with fun prints in perfect harmony—and always with a beautiful bag in hand.
“You can never have to much sunglasses! Besides the pretty colour, I love the contrast between the rectangular shape of frame and the circular shape of lenses.”
“I’m a big fan of H&M’s silk-blend dresses, and I also have a thing for anything peach coloured at the moment.”
“Flatform slides have grown to become a favourite shoe style for me this summer. An all-black leather pair would go well with everything.”
“Cargos are definitely making a comeback this summer. I’ve always loved the utility style and this particular colour is a nice change from the usual khaki green you tend to see everywhere.”
“Statement bags are essential for my wardrobe to help elevate my looks. The colourful patchwork detail on this casual bag makes it a real showstopper!”
Rebecca’s wishlist reflects her personal style as it is full of classic styles with a fashion forward twist. With an eye for a retro silhouette, there’s plenty of inspiration to take from her picks.
“With British weather, a classic mac is as essential as underwear.”
“I have it on good authority that lime is the new Bottega Green.” Shop the matching trousers (£119)
“Didn’t you hear? It’s Clog Girl Summer!”
“Hot summer nights call for sultry slip dresses, and this one will flatter my top-heavy frame.”
“Because nothing says ‘beach, please’ like a gigantic straw tote.”
Most days you can find our affiliate editor in trousers, a shirt and always a great jacket. Although, she does have a great selection of dresses too. If you’ve ever wanted that effortlessly-stylish look, her wish list is a great place to start.
“I plan on wearing this blazer over summer wedding-guest and occasion dresses, but also with jeans and sandals for the office.”
“Trust me, this bag looks so expensive in real life.”
“I’ve been looking for a chambray-blue linen shirt to wear with all my neutrals this summer, and this one is such a good quality.”
“For a chic, smart and comfortable summer look, these trousers are perfect. I’ll be pairing them with tank tops and white shirts.”
“All I want to wear right now is easy short-and-shirt co-ords, and this new style from Arket is currently top of my wish list.” Shop the matching shirt (£45)
As a self-confessed shoe hoarder you can rest assured that shopping editor Remy has a great pair of summer sandals on her wish list. And with an eye for expensive-looking pieces at high-street prices her wishlist has plenty of staples you’ll wear forever.
“I’m an oversized shirt devotee, and this fresh, boxy version with a wide cuff detail looks instantly expensive.”
“Are these not the best chunky sandals you’ve seen lately? I’m certainly inclined to think so.”
“It turns out, the perfect pair of affordable sunglasses do exist.”
“Finding expensive-looking high-street bags is one of my favourite pastimes. This might just be one of my best discoveries yet.”
“What is summer without a little white dress? This one is beautiful.”
