The 5 Items Our Editors Have on Their Summer 2021 Wish Lists

The 5 Items Our Editors Have on Their Summer 2021 Wish Lists

The 5 Items Our Editors Have on Their Summer 2021 Wish Lists

April 28, 2021 at 06:02AM

When you’re blessed with having a job that means you spend at least part of your time shopping for a living, you see a lot of stuff. However, our jobs as editors working for a fashion website mean that we often spend time working out what is and what isn’t worth your cash. Right now, that feels more important to get right, what with budgets being tighter and customers wanting pieces that work harder for them—essentially longer-lasting items that still nod to trends but aren’t defined by them. There’s no denying that it can be a tricky couple of criteria to fill. 

But, as I already mentioned, as fashion insiders this is what we do. For this month, I asked several of our editors what’s on their shopping lists for summer. While it’s still pretty brisk out there (hats off to anyone who’s perfected the art of al fresco dressing already), we’re all very much looking ahead to when we can finally, finally, cast off the puffer coat and put on our favourite midi dresses and sunnies. Unsurprisingly, several of our editors picked sunglasses as a key item on their lists for the season and midi dresses also cropped up a lot. But for those who aren’t quite there yet, there are plenty of jeans that are great for a more transitional wardrobe and fun tops that are going to look great for when we no longer have to wear coats. Keep scrolling for our editors’ summer 2021 shopping picks…

The 5 Items Our Editors Have on Their Summer 2021 Wish Lists

I don’t just want these, I’m literally waiting for them to arrive as I type! I had a voucher to spend and took the advice of our shopping editor Joy, who said some of the best expensive pieces she’s bought are the ones that seem the most frivolous! So, here we are: giant tortoiseshell, super-statement sunglasses for a casual summer probably spent at home.

Gray Matters is one of those clever shoe brands who make practical day-to-day flats and low heels seem just as exciting as a pair of party heels. These will go with every summer outfit I can imagine.

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Kate Spade Autumn/Winter Sale

It’s so hard to find cool navy pieces and yet it’s such a chic colour for things to be rendered in! This shirred linen midi dress is timeless, comfortable and going to get a LOT of wear this summer.

I’m suddenly into printed jeans and trousers, especially in co-ord form. This set has all but sold out but I’m hoping it’s coming back soon…

Fancy white blouses are my weakness but that isn’t a bad thing, because I wear them on repeat as soon as spring kicks in. Something like this will look cute with a skirt, layered under a dress or jumper, and definitely with jeans (if I ever find a pair I’m happy with…)

Square frames are just about the only type of sunglasses I wear now (as well as a big trend for 2021), and this smokey blue colour is unique yet versatile.

I’ve noticed cut out sweaters gaining steam on my feed lately, so its only a matter of time until it’s completely everywhere. My & Other Stories knits last forever which is really amazing considering the price.

Who knew hats looked so good with sweatpants? Bucket hats were huge about a year ago, but for today its all about making it fresh with a little added detail. I’m pretty sure my Brooklyn friends are responsible for the red hat selling out like hot cakes, so I’m trying to snatch this one in the black and white colour-way before it’s gone, too.

By Far just brings it everytime when it comes to their boots, and I’m super impressed with this muted shade. I’m so ready to kick my basic black boots to the curb now.

I recently wrote a fashion story asking my coworkers for their favourite jeans of all time, and a style from Agolde popped up more than once.

Story MFG not only creates the prettiest summer pieces, but is truly committed to sustainable and ethical production. The MFG is short for ‘manufacturing garments’ and they create cruelty-free clothing that is 100% biodegradable.

I have been eyeing up these candles ever since they launched. Expensive, but seriously beautiful.

The perfect midi dress.

Simple, but oh-so good.

I think these fisherman sandals are perfect.

Jeans are still great in the summer. I’ve been eyeing up these versions from cult brand Agolde for ages and just know they’re be the perfect cut for warmer weather. 

While I’m definitely into clogs this summer too, you’ll never separate me from my chunky sandals. And I’ve just found a great pair at Arket.

Such a great summer vibe. 

Guaranteed to make every outfit you wear this with 100% more fun. 

I’ll be channelling all the holiday feelings in this. 

I’m loving the plisse trend this season, and you can’t go wrong with the OG king of pleats: Issey Miyake.

While some may hate it, I am totally invested in the baggy jeans trend. The key is to make sure they’re fitted on the waist and taper out at the hips.

I’m obsessed with the two-tone finish of these boots from sustainable shoe brand, Alohas. I’ll wear now with tailored trousers and a white tee then with jeans and a chunky knit come autumn.

I don’t love summer dresses usually, but I might just make a concession for this Mango mini.

I’m still hunting for the perfect pair of ’70s sunnies, and these might just be the ones.

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This was at the top of my wishlist for a very long time and I finally made the investment a few weeks ago. Sufficed to say, I’m in love. I know this purchase will be with me for summers to come and I’ll tote it everywhere from park to beach.

I’ve had my eye on these Le Specs sunnies for a while. I just love the oval shape. It’s interesting enough to feel unique, without being to OTT. They’ll make every outfit look that little bit cooler.

I recently tried on a few dresses from Reformation and realised their petite selection fits me like a glove (which, to be clear, is a rarity!) since then I’ve been swooning over everything in their collection. And this dress in particular feels like a true investment piece. It’s just so classic.

I love to support Australian labels, and when it comes to summer fashion you can’t go passed Posse. The brand specialises in creating the most beauty linen pieces. In some alternative post-pandemic universe, I imagine myself wearing this while riding a bike around a Mediterranean island.

These are very classic and I just know they’ll carry me through spring and summer. From jeans to dresses, in this timeless shade of tan these shoes will go with every summery outfit I have.

Next Up, Spring/Summer 2021 Trends: The Most Important Fashion Looks You Need to Know

This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated. 

Author Elinor Block | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC