As an editor at Who What Wear, I typically spend a lot of time looking at new-in products, so I thought it would be handy to have this space where I’m able share with you the very best pieces I come across and the shopping picks I’m personally adding to my wish list.
This month, I’ve transitioned fully into spring mode. The days following the clocks going forward are always some of my favourite in the year. Nothing beats that hopeful feeling of finishing work while it’s still light, and I can’t help but get excited for all the fun of warm summer days to come. We are, however, still in that transitional time when the weather can be a little temperamental, and my current wish list reflects that. Some pieces, like the denim and shirting will work right now, and some, like the dress and sandals, are me optimistically forward-planning.
The current new-in sections seem to be as excited for warmer days as I am—with colourful, breezy drops full of linen, swimwear and sandals. And while I totally agree that it’s wise to think ahead when it comes to our wardrobes, I’m not *quite* there yet. So, for now you’ll find pieces on my wish list that still feel like a breath of fresh air (the gorgeous spring green of Raey’s blazer, for example), but that you don’t have to wait patiently around for our first heatwave to wear.
While there’s plenty out there catching my eye, I don’t plan on being frivolous and I’ve been thinking long and hard about what the most useful and versatile spring pieces are that my wardrobe is missing. So, whether you’re looking to buy, browse for inspiration or discover something new, keep scrolling to see the nine smart items on my spring wish list this year that I believe are really worth investing in, and read on to discover how I plan on styling them for now and throughout the year.
Dôen’s Meribel dress is the perfect example of a missing piece in my wardrobe, as I’ve been on the hunt for one really good dress to invest in for some years now; one that I can wear to work, as well as on holidays and out at weekends as well. Dôen’s styles always sell out so it’s something I don’t mind investing in early to avoid any regret.
I’ve been influenced, and have been looking for the perfect long denim skirt—one of the coolest things you can be wearing for S/S 23. I love it when these buzzy, ‘on trend’ items are also really classic and wearable, and COS’s new-in version is the best one I’ve found at that under-£100 price point. I’m still yo-yoing between the darker blue or white denim colourway, but since we’re looking ahead I think the white might just take the cake.
During these more difficult-to-navigate transitional seasons, I find myself leaning into key accessories more than ever. After all, you can wear a basic jeans and T-shirt or jumper outfit and instantly take it into spring by switching your ankle boots for a pair of ballet flats, and these Aeyde’s are my current fave.
A great pair of sunnies plays an equally pivotal role in making all your colder-weather outfits feel spring-appropriate. I love the more rectangular shape of these, and always find tortoiseshell to be more flattering than black.
The Row’s Kris sandals are undoubtedly about to be the brand’s next ‘It’ shoe—you heard it here first—and we’ve been seeing a huge sway towards these kinds of understated leather sandals already for 2023. They are, of course, an investment, but their simplicity will elevate any outfit, and they feel a lot more classic and elegant than some of the brand’s previous big-hitters like the chunky fisherman sandals. I have utter faith that if I do take the plunge, I’ll be pulling them out for many years to come.
These are the jeans I’m trying on in the image above. I popped into Arket recently for our Great Try On, and these were the one item I haven’t been able to stop thinking about ever since. I never thought I’d be into low rise jeans but I loved the cool slouch to this pair. at 5’2″ they didn’t overwhelm me like other baggy jeans can do, either. They are roomy around the waist so I’d probably recommend sizing down one size.
If I had to pick a favourite designer handbag right now, it would be Toteme’s utterly beautiful T-Lock bag. It’s timeless, elevated, and it screams quiet luxury; it’s certainly not a style you’ll see everyone else wearing either. I love the medium size that feels practical but not ‘ludicrously capacious'(Succession fans, that ones for you), and it has a crossbody strap for versatility.
You can always count on Raey to produce elegant yet unique wardrobe staples that feel exactly right for the moment. I’m imaging this with a crisp white T-shirt or button-down, and the blue Arket jeans above.
A crisp pinstripe shirt is a key layering piece for spring, and this will look effortlessly chic over a white T-shirt. As the weather warms up I wear them like cover-ups too.
This looks SO much more expensive than H&M, and it’s from the brand’s Premium Quality range.
I just feel like this would make any basic outfit look polished.
I have these perfect wide-leg trousers in black which were probably my best investment of winter, so I’ve got my eye on the lighter beige pair to wear with tank tops all spring and summer.
Yes, it’s back! And I won’t let it slip away for another year.
The best affordable tweed jacket out there.
White tank tops are my most worn staple, so I know for a fact the cost per wear for this will creep down rather quickly.
A beautiful staple to add to my capsule collection.
See? So classic but they still feel fresh.
I couldn’t not include a trench, and this is the style you’ll see fashion people wearing this year.
Still living rent free in my mind, especially this elevated Khaki colour.
I’m in the market for a loose pair of jeans and these ultra-chic ones tick all the boxes.
I simply can’t wait until spring for these. They’ll be sold out by then anyway.
I have a soft spot for Arket’s stretch denim. It’s comfy but still holds its shape—these are the latest style I added to my collection.
I just know I’ll wear these all year on repeat.
The perfect 2023 alternative to jeans.
See? Winter whites galore.
The camel coat I’ve been searching for.
My dream bag for 2023.
I’m seriously tempted by the zebra-print version of these and actually the white—but for now I’ll start with classic black.
PSA: Arket just had a a fresh restock of New Balance. I always buy my trainers from here by the way—it has the coolest edit, so non-sneakerheads like me can be confident picking any style.
I’ve been looking for a classic pair of black wide-leg trousers to dress up and down. I love that these are slightly cropped so will pair well with chunky flat boots but also flash some ankle when worn with the Gucci slingbacks.
I honestly believe these are such a good investment. They look great with dresses, skirts and tailoring, but I’d wear them with jeans and a blazer for a low-key, polished look that works at drinks, dates, dinners, parties… the list goes on.
