Working as a fashion editor has its advantages. Day in and day out, we meticulously examine collections and scour the internet in search of noteworthy items that we can’t wait to share with you. If you’re a regular Who What Wear UK reader, you’re already aware that we strive to feature a diverse range of prices and brands. This includes popular selections from the high street that have captivated our fellow fashion editors and influencers, investment-worthy purchases that truly justify your hard-earned cash, and hidden gems from independent brands that deserve recognition.
It’s through our combined years spent exploring the shopping space that we’re able to determine what’s going to work hard in a wardrobe and what’s going to end up simply taking up space. Given the current landscape, where everyone’s budgets are carefully considered, we need to be more thorough than ever, not just in finding pieces we think will be of value to you, but in being more discerning about the items we actually want to buy for ourselves, too. As such, our on-site edits have become tighter—and so have our personal shopping wish lists.
So, as we embark on the summer season (and I look to treat myself with some of my payday earnings), I decided to ask our in-house style experts to narrow down their wish lists to just four items that they have their eye on right now, with the caveat that each item has to be £100 or under. Interest piqued? Scroll on to see our editors’ respective affordable shopping picks. Enjoy!
The only thing I’m interested in wearing right now are simple, throw-on dresses, and Zara is delivering. This piece looks just like a designer dress I was eyeing up that cost five times as much. Can you guess which I ended up adding to my basket?
Simple, no-fuss sandals are having a moment, and I can already picture myself wearing these tan sliders with linen trousers, skirts and jeans.
Speaking of trousers, I’m really into this wide-leg pair from Anthropologie. Being a minimalist, I was initially tempted to buy the classic black colourway, but this khaki hue is just as versatile—if not more so!
COS knows how to create expensive-looking handbags, and this ruched style has been on my mind for a wedding I have coming up in a couple of weeks. The nylon material looks significantly softer against my summer clothing than a leather style would, too.
Walk into any H&M store and you’ll be met with practically thousands of blue shirts, but that’s no bad thing—they are a bona fide summer staple for me, and this punchy shade in particular pays homage to the bright shirting trend without demanding a heap of cash. I’ve already worn this in multiple ways: as a thrown-on layer for a flight, a pool-side cover-up and knotted with a slip skirt for an evening look.
I can’t resist a ’90s-inspired kitten-heel mule, as they add a little sass to every outfit.
What I love about this skirt—aside from the perfect pencil-maxi silhouette and chic brown linen—is that the buttons at the top are actually part of a seam, so no gaping when you sit down!
This website is full of random, wonderful, up-cycled or recycled goodies, including these joyful market totes. It’s one of those unexpected little things that I always get compliments on.
The heatwave has me yearning to update my wardrobe with a pair of shorts, and I’m into this boxer-style pair from Adanola.
No, these aren’t designer, but don’t they look the part?
I’m a bit of a magpie, so there’s always a piece of jewellery on my wish list, and right now, it’s this Mejuri ring. I’m picturing it with a white or red manicure.
If you’re looking to update your swimwear game this year, Away That Day bikinis are sure to win your affections. I’d style this with an unbuttoned striped shirt and linen trousers (and the above sandals and ring!).
I’m always on the hunt for easy, black summer dresses that I can dress up or down and I think this COS style fits the bill perfectly. I’d add strappy, barely-there heels in the evening and Birkenstocks in the day.
I normally rely on a pretty monochrome palette, even when the weather heats up (with a touch of pastels thrown in if you’re lucky!), but I like to add some fun with colourful jewellery, especially when on holiday. Anni Lu’s playful bracelets are just the ticket.
Swimwear is something I hate shopping for, but & Other Stories always delivers. This button-up swimsuit is so chic and will look perfect on my holiday to Provence later this year. I normally get a size up.
There’s something so effortlessly cool about these heeled sandals. I’d wear these with mini dresses, maxis, jeans and more.
Nothing says “summer” like a babydoll dress. So easy, feminine and chic, I’ve collected a few over the years, and they never seem to date.
Jorts are one of the more controversial summer trends that have appeared this season, and until a certain celebrity absolutely nailed the styling of them, I was unsure. What can I say—I saw Hailey Bieber wearing jorts and a tank top, so I bought jorts and a tank top. I think the key is to not go too big, to avoid them looking comical.
God bless the return of indie sleaze so I can forgivably return to my phase of wanting to re-create every look Alexa Chung pulled out between 2008-2011. Top of the Alexa-revival wish list? Ballet flats. These from Vagabond come in some amazing colours and variations, but I can’t get enough of the black suede.
As someone who loses almost everything, I couldn’t be more glad to see that sunglasses chains are making a comeback. Maybe this year I’ll manage to keep my Prada shades for an entire summer.
I can’t resist the lure of trainers. They’re the perfect example of a fusion of comfort and style, and this year, that’s my entire vibe. I’m really into the look and feel of this Nike pair; the metallic accents are bang on trend for this season, but because they’re trainers, I know I can wear them for years to come.
I’ve set out to fill my wardrobe with easy, throw-on dresses this year. This style? It’s next on my hit list.
Surprised to see two pairs of trainers on my list? I’m all about comfort, and if I can secure that at a reasonable price, I’m all for it. If you haven’t noticed, Vans are on their way back. I’m getting ahead of the inevitable price increase by securing a pair for under £100 now.
In lieu of trousers, I intend on tackling the London heatwaves in floaty skirts just like this one.
I bought these trousers last month and I’ve worn them nonstop ever since. After a recent restock, I thought it was high time to bring them to your attention. They’re a little roomy, so if you’re between sizes, I’d say to opt for the smaller.
Looking at my summer shoe collection, I’m lacking a pair of delicate black sandals; this pair will rectify that oversight.
Maxi dresses are the only dresses I’m interested in this summer. Tick off two trends in one with this gathered-side number.
I have a thing for Charles & Keith bags—they always look more expensive than their price tags.
I’ve been on the hunt for a white denim skirt for a while now, and I stumbled across the perfect option at Abercrombie & Fitch. The length is ideal for my petite frame (it’ll probably look more like a midi skirt on me), while the light ecru shade looks more premium than true white.
In my opinion, Massimo Dutti has some of the best dresses this season. This linen maxi comes in a chic blue shade also, but I’m especially into this avocado green colourway.
Basket bags are my biggest weakness, though for this size and at this price, I can fully justify investing in another.
It’s been a long time since I invested in a new piece of jewellery, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this pretty ring ever since I saw it a few weeks ago.
