There are few people who spend as much time contemplating clothes as fashion editors do. After all, it’s packed right there into the job title that a healthy obsession with all things style should, at the very least, be a prerequisite.
With a few weeks of summer still left to enjoy, I thought I’d tap into the knowledge of eight fashion experts in order to find out what is still on their wish lists for the remainder of the season. Whether they’re planning ahead by shopping trans-seasonal items that will see them into autumn or living in the moment by investing in key summer necessities, you can guarantee these lists are thoroughly researched and only contain the best.
From sandals to sunglasses, one key thread throughout is that each editor is thinking about investment pieces that will see them through not only this season but also the seasons ahead. Some editors may be focusing on supporting small businesses, while others have discovered brands with sustainability at their core. Either way, you can bet each list is as unique as the woman who created it.
Keep scrolling to see the top five items on the wish lists of eight UK fashion editors.
“Cawley Studio’s made-to-order dresses are structural wonders that will last a lifetime.”
“One for the cottagecore fans out there! I would love to wear this with some toddler sandals.”
“A trans-seasonal piece from a small British brand that I’m dreaming of wearing for LFW.”
“This would be my ideal wedding party dress for my nuptials next year.”
“A throw-it-on wonder made of recycled materials aka a bit of me.”
“If I’m going to be investing in a piece, then I need it to work beyond the six weeks—I’m an optimist—of summer we are granted in the UK. This Molly Goddard skirt is from the autumn/winter collection but will work just as well with a vest and sliders for now and cashmere and chunky boots come winter. I’m excited to wear it.”
“As if anyone needed convincing that these shoes are now a wardrobe must-have. I think this summer is the time for me to take the plunge. I love this candy-pink pair that comes packed with personality and will be just the right shoe to wear with a black Shrimps dress I’ve ordered for a winter wedding—and once a week forever and ever.”
“Last year, I bought that green dress and continue to wear it constantly. When I saw this updated edition, I had to add to basket. What’s great about these dresses is their crumpled nature that washes in the machine and is made for travel. I’ll wear it with that aforementioned black cashmere come winter with the collar popped out.”
“Need I expand? The most perfect handbag to ever exist, repurposed in a heavenly turquoise colour. The bag of my dreams this summer. “
“I’d be lying if I told you I was doing anything other than thinking about my winter wardrobe when lying out in the summer sun. Deciding what to wear, style and bring back out for the colder weather is one of my favourite holiday pastimes. So it’s no wonder I’m lusting over this cute Shrimps cardigan that I’ll toughen up with chunky boots and straight-cut jeans.”
“Everything I’ve worn by St. Agni fits like a glove, and with every piece handmade by a team of artisans the founders have worked with since the brand was established, it’s a feel-good label in more ways than one.”
“I thought that jute sandals would hurt like hell, but I’ve worn this Of Origin pair to death this summer. They form to the foot for extra comfort and are 100% biodegradable at the end of life.”
“I, like every other lockdown cliché, have discovered the joys of cycling. Loose fabric and bike chains are not a match made in heaven, so I’ve been wearing Girlfriend Collective’s shorts (made of recycled plastic bottles!) under dresses and with oversize tees.”
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“I haven’t really used any of my handbags since lockdown began (except for a trusty tote for the weekly food shop), but this utilitarian Sandqvist bag has come in handy on my cycles and big walks.”
“Even on pj days, nothing makes me feel more put-together than wearing jewellery, and these gold hoops from Astrid & Miyu have spruced me up before a last-minute Zoom meeting.”
“Usually, when I’m working from an office, I’ll commute in my trainers and take a pair of heels to switch when I get there. After months WFH in slippers, I’m so ready to be reunited with my shoe collection once again. Mules are my go-to, so these will settle in nicely. This soft-yellow hue is neutral enough to go with pretty much everything. I’ll pair them with clashing pastels and add more anklets to go with the chic chain detail.”
“I’ve been taking the time recently to discover more local brands. I spotted Sondr London’s jewels on Insta and realised the designer lives just down the road from me in East London. There’s something that feels extra special about wearing a small brand and knowing that not everyone will have it. I’ve now got the Lea chain bracelet, and I’m all for a matching set, so this necklace is on my hit list.”
“I’m a sucker for a midi dress. From slips to button-downs, I don’t think I’ve met a midi style I don’t like. They’re so easy to throw on, can be dressed up or down with a change of shoe and always look effortless. This tiger-print dream is all about the little details, from covered buttons to clever ruching and ’80s power shoulders. It’s one of those dresses you can wear with Havaianas for day and with strappy sandals and a clashing coral lipstick for summer evenings.”
“The new Ganni x MatchesFashion drop has just landed, and it’s screaming summer vibes. I can’t get enough of short-sleeve shirts lately, so this denim number is a must-have. My summer uniform has basically been layering an open shirt over a bikini top with shorts and chunky dad sandals. The rhinestone buttons give this soft denim a nod to the ’90s. Psst: There are also matching shorts, so you can style it as a cool co-ord.”
“Bags. Remember those? I’m excited to get dressed up and pick a nice bag to accessorize with again. I got the Rejina Pyo Nane bow bag in check print last year, and I’ve since worn it on repeat. Across all seasons, it looks so good with any outfit. I’m now hoping to get the Banana bag in this gorgeous olive green—perfect with linen or denim. It’ll be my new everyday bag.”
“I’m really into gathered detailing this season, and the super-flattering fit-and-flare shape is undoubtedly my favourite silhouette. Utterly timeless and unfussy, this would be a wardrobe staple for years to come.”
“I don’t think a day’s gone by since I first saw it storm past me on the February runway that I’ve not thought about this blazer. Loose, deconstructed tailoring is very much my bag, and the crystal embellishment appeals to my magpie tendencies.”
“I wear gold chains daily across my neck and around my wrists and ankles, so it’s about time my feet got in on the action. Being slides, these also look infinitely more comfortable than the irritating toe-post belonging to the season’s favourite flip-flop.”
“There are so many great dresses available right now that it’s easy to abandon the jeans-and-a-nice-top look. I’m keen to expand my nice-top repertoire, and the draped back-panels of this silk-blend one provide more than enough drama for even my best jeans.”
“This heavenly Puzzle bag was at the very top of my summer 2020 wish list, so I gave in and allowed myself the splurge. Bags will always be my weakness, but their ability to retain so much of their value years later relieves some of the financial guilt. Plus, it’s REALLY pretty.”
“An elevated tank that can work for both daytime (worn with jeans, denim shorts or tracksuit bottoms) and nighttime (with leather culottes, high-waisted tailored trousers or a silk maxi skirt).”
“Strictly speaking, I’m not really a dress girl, but I love the simplicity of this one, and it has pockets, too. Winning!”
“Shorts have been my go-to this summer, and these easy-to-wear (code for elasticated waist) silk numbers will see me through paired with vests, tees and linen shirts.”
“An elegant alternative to my lived-in Birkenstocks for those need-to-look-a-little-bit-chicer days!”
“I can’t get enough of linen during summer. I have a few shirts on high rotation, and being so light, they also double as a great beach cover-up.”
“I love Daily Paper’s T-shirt selection, and this tie-dye number (exuberant with primary-coloured splashes) is a favourite.”
“The best thing (in my book) to style with slogan tees is printed trousers. I have a polka-dot pair but am coveting some classic leopard spots for autumn.”
“I recently discovered Sun Buddies. Have you ever seen a cuter shade for sunnies?”
“I’m adding spice (pun intended) to all future outfits with chilli-pepper hoop earrings.”
“I always love scrolling Rêve en Vert’s amazing selection of sustainable brands. These jute sandals from Of Origin are 100% biodegradable.”
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