Longtime readers will know that we at Who What Wear have always prided ourselves on predicting the next big trend before it even happens. Call us overzealous, but we want to arm you with the best possible info before you shop to make sure you get the most for your money. And, as our talents happen to extend to searching through the posts of thousands of fashionable people on Instagram, we’re also pros at spotting the viral pieces that everyone from influencers to editors really love. Whether it’s uncovering a high-street hidden gem or spotlighting the luxury investment piece that’s truly worth buying, we consider it our job share with you an edit of the best of the best to save you precious scrolling time. Sound good? Thought so.
As we’re fully in the throes of summer weather and (mostly) in holiday mode, this month our radar has been focused on the heatwave-proof pieces and seasonal accessories about to hit the big time, and a quick scroll through our saved posts has thrown up some seriously good burgeoning trends. There are some double-tap worthy items making a strong bid for inclusion in your wardrobe right now, from the buzzy pair of flats that kickstarted an entire trend, to the re-worked denim shorts that you’re about to see everywhere. Keep reading for our picks of the high-street, premium, and luxury items that are cropping up on Instagram this month. There’s plenty worth screenshotting.
Style Notes: All it took was this pair of Alaïa ballet flats to send the internet into a frenzy, and before we knew it, mesh shoes were the look du jour. You’ll find them everywhere from Jimmy Choo to Dear Frances, but it’s the Alaïa OG’s that have a dedicated cult following.
Style Notes: It’s been a good year for the tank top, and it’s about to get even better. Whilst the last 12 months made a hero out of the plain white racerback, this season is getting a two-toned makeover (and a logo stamp of approval), starting with Rotate’s embroidered top. 90s babies, eat your heart out.
Style Notes: Cecilie Bahnsen is almost synonymous with summer, and we can thank her for the romantic puff-sleeved, full-skirted dresses that crop up year after year. In a change of direction, it’s her ruffled babydoll tops that you’ll find influencers in now, likely because they pair better than puffball dresses with linen trousers.
Style Notes: Whether it’s Loewe or Dragon Diffusion, it seems like every year there’s an instantly recognisable basket bag that pops up in our feeds and becomes the It accessory of the summer. This year, I keep seeing Demellier’s Santorini bag on the arms of Instagram’s most stylish. A coincidence? I think not.
Style Notes: Have Hermés taste on a high-street budget? I hear you. Thankfully, Zara’s speciality is affordable shoes that look every bit designer, and they’re better than ever right now. A case in point—these leather sliders. Just tell me you didn’t think these cost ten times their price tag…
Style Notes: If I’m looking for quality basics that I know will never go out of style, I immediately head to Tylynn Nguyen’s feed. She is the queen of quiet luxury, and her current go-to brand, Wardrobe NYC, is an understated dresser’s dream. Out of all of the blazers, tailored trousers and tank tops she’s worn lately, my favourite piece is this stunning wool maxi. It’s exactly the kind of trans-seasonal piece you can wear all year round.
Style Notes: Who likes short shorts? Well apparently, not Instagram. Jorts are everywhere right now, but this time around they aren’t Daisy Duke cut-offs, they’re knee grazing pseudo-culottes. For an exercise in fashion meets function, try Agolde’s low-rise jorts that come influencer approved. (They’re almost as good as the brand’s famous Pinch jeans.)
Style Notes: If there’s one brand you immediately think of for chic swimwear that doesn’t break the bank, it has to be Insta-famous Hunza G. Its seersucker bikinis and one-piece costumes have been the fashion person’s choice for as long as I can remember, and the the most recent collaboration with Rosie Huntington Whiteley’s Rose Inc has introduced the brand to a whole new legion of fans. For beach-to-bar pieces that you’ll want to wear out of the pool just as much as in, there’s no better place to start.
Style Notes: Question—what do Gigi Hadid, Jourdan Dunn and Chiara Ferragni all have in common? A love for Australian hat brand Lack of Colour. From floppy straw sun hats to cute flannel bucket hats, LOC makes the kind of accessories you can’t help but post on socials, adding to the brand’s covetable appeal. In fact, I’ve lost count of how many I’ve spotted in the last week…
Style Notes: Minimalists and maximalists alike love Kitri, and the brand’s quintessentially retro charm is perfect for chic summer dressing. Looking for the perfect warm-weather dress? Start here, and add a mid-heel shoe and a basket bag. Hey presto, a look that’s guaranteed to get you compliments.
Style Notes: The eagle-eyed among you will notice that Rachel’s exact Me+ Em dress (pictured) has already gone, but never fear. The brand has another bandeau beauty up its sleeve, and since black is universally flattering and maxi dresses are eternally chic, this is exactly the kind of dress worth investing in and wearing for years to come.
Style Notes: Move over, Samba, there’s a new kid in town. Yes, I said it, Adidas trainers are the influencer’s trainer of choice right now. If you’re tired of joining waiting lists for the white and grey Samba, sign up to a new summer style that’ll turn heads for all the right reasons: a bold and bright Gazelle.
Style Notes: It’ll come as no surprise to dress lovers that Free People is my go-to for summer dresses. The brand’s ethereal, boho spirit comes into its own in the summer, and dresses happen to be its forté, so if you’re looking for dreamy styles like Claudia’s lace midi (pictured), step right up. But, be quick. Once everyone else cottons on, pieces tend to sell out quickly.
Style Notes: If anyone had told me a year ago that 2023 would be all about tank tops, denim skirts and platform sandals; I wouldn’t have believed them, but such is the power of the Y2K revival. But honestly, any trend that allows me to wear denim without sweltering in jeans gets my vote, and there’s something about this Reformation skirt that feels elevated beyond the capacity of simple straight-leg jeans.
