As a fashion editor and stylist, I spend the majority of my time looking at clothes, whether it’s a sneak peek at a brand’s upcoming collection, writing up the most recent catwalk trends or searching for expensive-looking pieces on the high street. Whilst it’s amazing to be able to walk you through a show-and-tell of the latest looks, it’s dangerous. And by dangerous, I mean for my bank account. With so much newness, it’s easy to shop at all times. But although I used to be a bit of a shopping addict, my habits have changed, and I now fully think before I shop.
Impulse buys are just so easy to make. And after years of leaving items sitting in my wardrobe with the tags still on, I now make a conscious effort to think about what I need and will get the most wear out of. This doesn’t mean I don’t buy into trends—I do, but I just buy the ones I know I’ll wear.
It’s so important to remember we don’t have to wear all the new trends each and every season. As part of my effort not to shop for the sake of it, I keep a handy list in my Notes app with links to everything I’ve seen that I want at the time. If I’m still thinking about it weeks or months later and I feel like I’ll wear it often, I’ll buy it.
So, seeing as sharing is caring, here’s a look into my Notes app with everything I truly love for Summer 2023. From the Loewe accessories with a cult following to the linen staples you’ll be grateful for once the temperatures rise again (here’s hoping), here’s my edit of the 31 best items to consider for this spring, summer, and beyond. Now, where did I put my passport…
The easy kind of throw-on-and-go dress that I rely on in summer.
Wear with linen trousers, maxi skirts, shorts, jorts, playful minis, tailored wide-leg trousers…
Your everyday Birkenstocks, but better.
From raffia bags to tortoiseshell sunglasses, there isn’t a summer accessory that Loewe doesn’t get right.
I love wearing bikini tops and trousers with an oversized shirt in summer, but when it comes to lounging by the pool, I’m most comfortable in a sophisticated one-piece like this.
There’s no chance of forgetting your passport with a chic travel wallet like this.
We know a new cult classic when we see one.
If you don’t spot me with a trusty tote, it’s likely I’m wearing a versatile crossbody.
Summer calls for minimal, five-minute makeup, and the trick to perfect brows starts here.
Well-travelled readers may already know about Australia’s best-kept secret, but for novice Brits, allow me to introduce you to Nere: A brand for luggage aficionados with an eye for design. If you’re going to travel, you might as well do it in style.
My wardrobe is full of gladiator sandals, mules, loafers, trainers and flip-flops, but you can’t beat the bohemian, artisanal feel of a clog.
I promise I’m not late to the Loewe basket-bag party, but this new Paula’s Ibiza iteration has my name written all over it.
The perfect summer dress doesn’t come around often, but this ticks every box. Take tips from Laura Harrier’s casual Cannes look and wear with a cardigan around your shoulders and leather sandals.
I’ve amassed quite the collection of waistcoats, but there’s something special about this full co-ord that has convinced me that another one won’t hurt.
Zara is having a particularly good run of shoes lately, and the latest sandals drop is everything I want to order. I wore Zara boots to death last winter so I’m ready for a summer switch.
The easy SPF spray that everyone is talking about on social media right now.
Tell me you didn’t think this was designer.
Since the tan and brown colourway dropped last year, I haven’t stopped Googling Matteau shirts. I’m happy to report there’s now navy on the roster too, and it’s made to be worn with linen and sandals.
To wear with camel wide-leg trousers on repeat, all summer.
Crochet is back and bigger than ever.
Wear with a loosely tucked shirt and leather sandals. Trés chic.
The perfect piece to tie around your shoulders now, and wear with jeans in autumn.
Knitted dresses are the one piece that I wear all year round, no matter the weather.
I can imagine wearing this so many times with shorts, skirts, jeans and tailored trousers.
Yes, another Loewe bag. I went to see this IRL and I haven’t seen a bag I want this much in years.
At the risk of sounding linen obsessed, I will find a reason to wear these on repeat.
This set from Whistles is about to be hugely popular this season. From the colour to the fit, I really rate this dopamine-inducing print and easy outfit appeal. Shop the matching Sunshine Stripe Shirt (£99).
I haven’t stopped thinking about this since I first spotted it on the Boteh site. I’m quite convinced there’s no better relaxed dress to just pull on and wear this summer.
Having seen these smart shorts in person, I can confirm that they feel as premium as they look.
Love them or hate them, The Row’s signature sandals have been a fashion staple for the last few years and show no signs of stopping.
Such an easy throw-on style, but with maximum payoff.
The perfect chain to stack up and layer when showing skin.
This is such a cute swimsuit to repurpose and wear as a bodysuit out of the sea, too.
This jacket looks so expensive. How would I style it? With a light, floral maxi dress and a pair of chunky leather sandals. Oh, and a basket bag for good measure.
All of our editors are obsessed with Dragon Diffusion’s elevated take on the basket bag.
Such a fun but classic shape to pair with other neutral tones. Brown also looks so good with hot pink and pastel blue.
There’s nothing not to love about this understated linen mini—cool, cute, chic.
I’ve been looking for the perfect pair of trousers to wear with bikini tops and under slip dresses on holiday. I think I’ve just found them.
Yellow? Raffia? Slip-on? These are simply summer in a sandal.
This is just so beautiful, no explanation required. The perfect way to add a little sparkle to a casual day look, or for a dressed-up evening.
All of my favourite cotton shirts are from With Nothing Underneath, so linen is next on my list. I’m a firm believer that there’s nothing more versatile than a white shirt, and this would be ideal for wearing open over your swimwear, tucked into khaki shorts.
Tell me you didn’t think these were designer.
A silk scarf in summer is one of my favourite accessories. Wear it in your hair, tied onto a basket bag or even around your neck with a neutral cami dress. Any way, it’s a winner.
A full-skirted, high-waisted, warm-weather dream.
I can’t help it—I’m head over heels for khaki right now, and this is such a good example of how universally flattering the shade can be.
Next Up: 6 “Dated” Summer Trends to Put on Hold, and 6 That Feel Fresh for 2023
