It can be a challenge working as a fashion editor to keep perspective when you’re often surrounded by so many beautiful, luxurious items. Our wish lists include designer pieces we’ve seen on an influencer, runway or celebrity that we could only ever dream of owning in reality ourselves. Yes, there are some pieces worth saving for, and we’re all about investing in a few key, timeless pieces that will elevate your wardrobe for many years to come—a leather handbag or camel coat, for instance. But when it comes to our day-to-day wardrobes, the Who What Wear UK team have become experts in channeling that expensive taste to find the most premium-looking but affordable pieces out there.
Since we’re entering a new season, and the weather is warming up before our eyes this weekend (finally), I thought it might be a good time for me to ask my fellow editors which under-£100 buys they’ve got their expert eyes on for spring and summer. From pretty, easy dresses to chic suits and updated accessories, they didn’t disappoint. Keep scrolling, and you’ll find a veritable feast for the eyes, wardrobes and purse strings to bolster your new-season capsule collections without breaking the bank. You can thank us later.
“I blame our contributor Lily Russo-Bah for making me want this! She tried it on recently for a high-street spring dress edit, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.”
“I’m not very good at wearing flats! Although I have lived in Tevas over the past few summers, I feel like it’s time to take things up a notch to my pre-pandemic/pre-baby style and go for spring’s kitten-heel trend.”
“I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of slouchy trousers, and I think these might be it! Love that they’re created from a majority sustainable fabric (56% Ecovero viscose).”
“I do consider myself to be a hat person and never more so than in the sun! These super-fun printed bucket hats from Lack of Colour are my dream indulgence for the season ahead. Now to choose a colourway…”
“I just know I’d wear this throw-on co-ord all summer, every summer! It is timeless but still feels a bit fancy, and I love wearing a striking black outfit in the warmer months.”
“I’ve been wanting to dip a proverbial toe in the fisherman-sandal trend this summer, and these are a perfect entry point to see how much I’ll actually wear them. (My current prediction is a lot.)”
“Linen is always my go-to fabric at this time of year, and this easy shirt feels like the perfect way to add a pop of colour to my fresh spring neutrals”
“When I first saw this bag, I would have sworn it was designer. I always love a big basket for throwing in everything from picnic provisions to holiday essentials and even my laptop, so you can bet I’ll have this by my side all season.”
“I’m not usually a dress person, but something about this throw-on, minimalist, airy style has won me over. I also love how chic a black dress looks against sun-kissed skin as we head into summer. I’d wear this to the office with mules but also to the beach with flip-flops.”
“This year is already the year of the wide-leg trouser for me. As the weather warms up, I’ll be switching my heavier wool styles for this lighter linen pair. I bought the black last year and lived in them, so I know I’ll get so much wear out of these too.”
“Mango’s elevated take on the classic tailored trouser is very appealing—especially in this beige colour. I can imagine these paired with a simple fitted vest top so they can do all the talking!”
“I’m fan of a flared trouser, so coming across this denim pair was a real treat. The typically British weather will have me styling these with ankle boots for now. Once it gets a lot warmer, I’d bare the ankles and wear them with gladiator-style sandals.”
“I’m on hunt for a practical yet stylish summer bag, and this Arket Raffia Bag ticks all the boxes. From the neutral tones and checked pattern to the leather handles, this bag is suitable for many different activities, such as shopping or trips to the beach.”
“I own quite a lot of pieces from Astrid & Miyu and love the quality and style. This chain bracelet is such a statement that I’ll be wearing it alongside daintier pieces on the wrist to let it really shine.”
“Knitted dresses for me are a year-round necessity! I adore the length and rounded neck design. The open back also makes this the perfect dress to wear from day to night.”
“This sky-blue suit is just so beautiful.”
“I’m starting to think about outfits for my honeymoon, and this co-ord is high on my list.”
“I’m so into zebra at the moment.”
“White dresses are my weakness, and this is the strongest style I’ve seen this season. I can already think of five separate occasions I can wear it for, and that doesn’t include warm-weather weekends, so I know I can justify the investment.”
“I prefer to keep my sandals minimal so as to maximise their versatility. I have plenty of black styles at the moment, so I’m turning my attention to tan. Not only will these Whistle sliders work with the muted tones that fill my summer wardrobe, but they’ll help make everything I wear look more premium in the process.”
“I’m always looking for ways to make my outfits feel French, and one of the easiest ways to do so is by adding a basket bag into the mix. I’ve bought a couple of affordable options in the past, but, keen to invest in a more quality iteration, I’m considering this Jigsaw tote, complete with luxe leather straps.”
“I don’t wear a lot of colour, but I’m really drawn to the tangerine tones that are dominating this spring. The way I plan on channelling the trend? An orange linen blouse layered over a bra top.”
“My wish list is usually filled with dresses (see above), but in an effort to switch things up, I have my eye on this chic COS jumpsuit. I love the colour and the fact it’s so easy to style.”
“I have it on good authority that Charles & Keith bags are of good quality, and I think this tote bag is perfect for summer days where I need to carry my laptop around.”
“I recently bought this trench coat, and I can already say I’ve achieved the cost per wear. I’ve reached for it every day of the week.”
“I’m not usually a fan of the feminine offerings of florals, but for some reason, this summer, it’s the print I’m drawn to. We can probably thank Bridgerton for my current obsession with corsets because my wish list right now is jammed packed with them.”
“For those days when I’m far too lazy to put together a cool outfit, I always reach for a co-ord. This one from Zara can be dressed up or down and manages to tick so many summer trends, making it perfect for the season ahead.”
“Despite the extensive trainer collection I already have, my collection doesn’t feel complete without the New Balance 550s. Technically not under £100 from resellers, but if I manage to miraculously get my hands on them direct from New Balance, then they still just about fit the bill.”
