I've Been a Stylist for 20 Years—These Are the Key Buys on My Spring Wish List

You've probably heard of celebrity stylist Angie Smith from her work with household names like Holly Willoughby, Eva Mendes, Davina McCall and Rochelle Humes. Smith has a gift for making her clients look effortlessly chic, usually on an affordable budget. She's an advocate for shopping the high street, often mixing high and low pieces in her styling; and her own wardrobe and talent for uncovering the most expensive-looking finds is unrivalled. So I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear she's now a Who What Wear UK columnist, here to share her expert shopping picks for the season along with some styling wisdom. Keep scrolling to see her key buys for 2025.
Angie wears a shirt from Sézane and skirt from Dries Van Noten.
I’ve been a stylist and brand consultant for over 20 years now, and I'm a strong believer in buying less and wearing those pieces more. I've learnt from my experience re-working clients' wardrobes that after editing them down to a smaller capsule, it becomes a lot easier to pull outfits together because you can actually see what's in there.
When shopping for new pieces, it’s important to be practical and think of all the outfits you could wear them with from your existing wardrobe. But most importantly, you have to really love those new items to justify adding them to your rotation. When you wear them, they have to make you feel good—really good. They have to feel comfortable on your body; I’m a strong believer in buying the size that feels and looks the best on you, and in some shops that might be a 12, in others an 18—it really doesn't matter. The buys I include in my monthly edits can be easily styled in multiple ways and will still be relevant years from now. We're talking true wardrobe classics, and I’m showing you where to find them.
Angie wears ballet flats from Le Monde Béryl.
Finally, the chill is gone from the air and spring is officially on its way. Many of us are already considering the updates we can make to move our wardrobes out of winter and into the new season, but I'm here to show that this doesn't have to mean a complete overhaul. It's just about adding a few key pieces into the mix to make everything feel fresh again. Here I'm bringing together a mix of pieces that I own, reliable staples I'm wearing on repeat and a few new injections that I'm adding to my basket right now.
Scroll on to explore my 2025 denim edit.
SHOP ANGIE SMITH'S 2025 EDIT:
1. The Fresh Shade Shoes
Buttery soft, yucky green ballet pumps are suddenly making every single piece of denim I own feel cooler. The colour is oddly perfect—somewhere between a fashion risk and an instant classic and the shape is just structured enough to feel intentional rather than dainty. A subtle way to inject some personality into an otherwise simple outfit.
2. The Boxy Denim Jacket
Designer denim fans, listen up. Before you make another purchase, you need to check out this jacket from Nobody’s Child. Even I was floored by how good it looks and feels in the flesh—the perfect balance of boxy and structured, like the kind of thing you’d find vintage shopping but without the hours of searching.
3. The Not-So-Basic Shirt
I love a shirt, but I didn’t have anything that felt quite like this. Statement but timeless, structured but relaxed, like a vintage piece you’d steal from your effortlessly cool older sister. Since it arrived, I’ve barely taken it off, and it’s giving all my go-to basics a whole new lease of life.
4. The Ultimate Jeans
I am, and always will be, a denim girl through and through. My ideal pairs? Vintage-feeling, no stretch, soft cotton with an androgynous edge—jeans that feel like they’ve been worn and loved for years. If you don’t fancy spending hours trawling vintage stores, this pair might just scratch that itch.
5. The Lace Slip Skirt
This lace slip skirt is easily one of the best I’ve tried. Perfect for layering over trousers with a baggy jumper to recreate that iconic The Row look, or worn on its own with a slouchy tee in summer.
6. The Barn Jacket
There are barn jackets, and then there's this Stella McCartney barn jackets. I’ll take the latter. God, she’s good.
7. The Elevated Co-Ord
No one does a co-ord quite like Free People. I’ve tried my fair share, especially for travelling, but this one stands out as something I’d also wear for a relaxed dinner. The neckline makes it feel a little more elevated, and it works just as well tucked in as it does left untucked. It's one of those surprisingly versatile pieces that ends up being a total wardrobe workhorse.
8. The Everyday Bag
This bag is firmly on my wishlist. One of the best bag brands around, and this one is the kind of throw-over-your-shoulder-and-go style that makes every outfit look that little bit better.
9. The Easy Tee
I love adding a pop of crisp white under a crew or V-neck, but a washed-out black layer? Even better. Instantly cool, a little grungy, and especially good under brown knitwear.
10. The Track Pants
I'm saving this entire look as my next travel outfit. I haven’t seen a chicer take on track pants, and I love the unexpected pairing with Mary Janes—something I never thought I’d be into, but here we are.
11. The Cosy Set
Another Free People set I’ve been wearing on repeat, both together and as separates. So soft, so easy, and both pieces are really well cut—one of those things that just works no matter how you style it.
12. The Standout Skirt
Wardrobe staples mean something different to everyone, but for me, when it comes to skirts, a bias-cut silk or satin number will always get my attention. This one has just landed in my wardrobe, and I can already tell it’s going to be one of those ‘goes with everything’ pieces. Dress it up with a blazer and a low heel, or wear relaxed with an easy tee and trainers. If you need convincing, check out my latest Substack post, where I show you how I’d wear it eight different ways.
SHOP MORE OF ANGIE SMITH'S SHOPPING PICKS:
Kicking things off with a new edition to my wardrobe. I can’t tell you how good this jacket is. The pockets! The contrast! The perfect blue! I’ve always been a fan of Mother Denim and they’ve knocked it out of the park with this piece. I wear a size 10-12 on top but went for a large so it feels oversized in a non-boxy way.
I've tried on quite a few pairs of longer-length shorts, but these are the best I've found so far. The cut is relaxed yet polished thanks to the darker wash and neat hem. I bought a 12 and they fall on my hip so I’d say go for your true size in jeans, often I say to size up in denim shorts but not these.
Horseshoe style jeans are sticking around and this pair by Mother is high on my wish list. The wash is that perfect blue, and if you need any more convincing check out the reel they posted on them that influenced me.
I feel like slim, straight-leg jeans bought in a size up will always be the most flattering and versatile shape. This pair by Arket comes in a sleek washed black making them easy to dress up or down. I hadn't worn black jeans in a while, but now love how they look with checkerboard vans and a vintage grey sweater.
A fresh milky white will instantly freshen up your outfits, and the cut of this pair is so good. I'd recommend altering the hemline (head to your local dry cleaners) to let the kick flare sit right on your ankle bone.
The colour of this jacket feels really modern but with a vintage inspired cut. I'd wear this with brown tailored trousers, trainers and an off-white tee, giving a supremely '70s vibe.
This shirt is a classic, and my go to for clear reasons.
One of the quickest ways to look pulled together: the denim jumpsuit. It's giving '70s Chloe but it's actually from the high street.
I love the straight shape of this mini paired with the deeper wash. Style now with a turtleneck, tights and flats and a'90s baby tee and flip flops come summer.
When it comes to dungarees I like min white and a bit oversized. Personally, I don't think you can better this cut and they come in so many colours.
These are my most worn pair of jeans over the last two year. The cut is just so flattering!
A great dress to style for any season. I love the light wash and the fray details give a hint to '80s minimalism.
This feels like the slightly more together older sister of the jacket at the start of the edit.
A recent addition, and one that I can already see myself wearing a lot, it this cosy and cool cardigan. There's a very Isabel Marant feel to it, like something you'd find in a great vintage shop. Already I'm imagining styling it with white denim and black boots or clogs. It's definitely thick enough to wear as a jacket on milder days, or add in as a layering piece on chilly winter days.
My white dungarees got a lot of wear this year, I feel like they are less of a statement than blue and also work with a leather jacket, white tee, chunky cardigan in an effortless way.
I wear off white t-shirts a lot. I love how classic they are and their ability to dress down smarter items quickly or inject a preppy coolness to a knit or blazer.
I have a collection of 3 of these and I have worn them on repeat this year. The cut is perfection and they wash and wear really well, no dry cleaning required!
If you are looking for a jumper that you’ll want to keep getting out year after year then British brand Navy Grey is the answer. I have a few of their pieces and they're so well made and timeless in design. This one is a perfect cream and works equally well with a silk skirt or satin trousers for evening as it does with denim for day.
This green is just so good, and the perfect way to add a little colour into your winter wardrobe. It works equally well for day or night.
White jeans are one of my favourites for the colder months as a good way to stay warm without your outfit feeling too heavy. They work well with tonal shades or cream off-white or light grey, or provide striking contrast to darker tones of black, red, navy and green.
If you are going to treat yourself to something that will make you feel instantly a bit more pulled together this January, make it an understated leather tote bag. Liffner'sattention to detail is on par with designers like The Row or Khaite but at a more affordable price point.
I tend to lean on denim shirts during the week when running errands thanks to how versatile and effortless they are. I wear mine over a white tee and jeans or boxer style shorts in summer.
This was my transitional hero of the year. Honestly, I’m not sure how my wardrobe existed before.
Trackpants will always have a place in my wardrobe and this red pair by The Upside is where my obsession began. So comfy and fun.
I'll always be a die-hard flip-flop wearer, but I needed something smarter in my wardrobe and that's where these sandals come in. They make elevating a look to go out-out feel that much easier.
I’ve always love a good logo tee and the navy and the yellow works so well together. Pair with indigo or white denim.
Trust me, this is one of the best strapless tops I've come across. In terns of styling, I like how you can adjust it yourself with the tie-back detail, and the longer length feels like an elegant touch.
I've noticed a lot of slinky trousers styles around at the moment in silks and velvets, ready to elevate our simple pieces for the coming season. Add a cashmere jumper in for a smart-casual mix for dinner at a friend's house or a low-key New Year's Eve house party.
I've never been much of a smart shirt wearer in the past but I'm completely obsessed with this style. It's surprisingly soft and easy to wear, and the cuffs to most of the talking to instantly elevate the rest of the look. I'd style just like this for evening with black trousers.
For those who have a lot of nice tops in their wardrobes, or have a hard time finding dresses they like, I highly recommend adding a long silk maxi to your collection. The styling options are endless for both day and night, and if you pair with a matching black top you're able to emulate the look of a dress with this piece.
No matter your look, this striking COS bag is sure to make it that much more interesting.
I always find it amazing how something simple like a jumper with a great neckline can be so impactful. Add in a pair of jeans and an elegant shoe and you've got yourself a considered evening look with a cosy touch.
I've always found a sequin or embellished mini skirt is a versatile piece to hand on hand. I'd pair it with an oversized blazer, turtleneck or crewneck jumper and a big coat to bring a paired-back contrast to the dazzling skirt.
And let's not forget about New Years Eve. The neckline and slight flare to the train are just so '90s.
Subtle sparkle is the perfect addition to your wardrobe to cover you when you want to feel comfortable and look cool. Pairing with dark indigo jeans, cords or slouchy velvet trousers is my go-to for dressing for a casual party.
I can confidently confirm that With Nother Underneaths’s black tailored trousers are actual perfection. My styling tip would be to size up if you want to wear them a bit slouchy like the image above and if you're tall, don't worry there is a generous hem. You can also get 20% off with code ANGIE20.
A touch of warmth, flair and movement all in one, I can imagine styling this with the silk skirt above, especially as a chic eveningwear option.
Another strong New Year's Eve contender is this dress by Staud. The tone of the sequins is so beautiful it needs little styling, I'd simply add an oversized blazer over my shoulders to toughen this up a touch.
St Agni’s map skirt is a recent addition to my wardrobe but I've already found that my favourite way of wearing it is with trousers and a shirt, or a sheer long-sleeved top and a nice bra. It's ideal for dressier occasions when you want something a little different with a laid-back yet chic feel.
With the sudden flurry of snow, many of us will be looking to cosier outer layers. As a stylist, I've always kept a warm coat in my kit on set and this is the best quilted jacket I've come across.
A Fair Isle jumper in this season’s hottest shade—what's not to love? Run, don’t walk, and size up.
Not only will these work for so many occasions, but they're also so comfortable. The wool adds a little extra warmth and they can be easily styled for day or night. For evening, add a nice top or simple black roll neck and either boots or heels. At the weekend, simply tuck in your favourite jumper for a relaxed yet put-together feel.
The good ones go quickly when it comes to suede jackets, so I predict this will move fast. It's definitely an investment piece, but I think it's worthwhile for how often you'll want to wear it.
I do not know where I would be without a few of these in my wardrobe. Gone are the days when a cosy co-ord was saved for long, chilly flights or easy days at home. Right now, I'm wearing mine with a white tee and leather jacket.
Of course, you can wear the pieces separately, but I love the ease of the duo, and a leather jacket adds a nice contrast which toughens up the overall look.
There's nothing nicer than wearing a super-soft coat over a simple T-shirt and jeans. Simply tie a cardigan around your waist in case the chill factor increases.
The soft toe shape and easy height of this pair immediately caught my eye.
I’m a sucker for anything resembling a lumberjack shirt, and this colour would be the perfect way to inject some personality into your winter wardrobe. I always size up for a relaxed fit. This will quickly become your new favourite weekend jacket.
A cotton crew-neck T-shirt that is ever so slightly sheer always looks great popping out from under a crew-neck knit or a V-neck sweater.
A light wool top will be so useful as temperatures continue to drop.
If you have a sunshine getaway planned to tide you over during the chillier months, then resortwear brand Ilio Nema is well worth a look. I recently packed two of its dresses for a trip and wore both of them twice.
You wouldn't believe how many DMs I get about investing in a black wool coat. Jigsaw's City Coat now comes in black, and it's quite possibly the best on the high street when it comes to winter coats.
The right shade of stonewashed denim contrasts dark or bright shades (see the red jumper below) in such a chic way.
Whether worn as the main event or used as a styling accessory (tied around your shoulders or waist), a pop of red can make your look feel instantly more considered.
Consider this the perfect cream silk midi skirt. It's a great piece to add contrast and lightness to the heavier fabrics around at this time of year. I’m wearing mine with loafers and an oversized jumper.
A wardrobe classic that has found fresh life this season. This trending piece isn’t going anywhere fast.
Autumn brings so many fun textures to the fore, from leather to alpaca knits. Add contrast with these sleek corduroy trousers.
Just like the right bag, sunglasses have the ability to put a fresh spin on even the simplest looks.
Let me introduce you to Ayla, the ideal cropped baggy jeans style in a relaxed vintage wash.
You can't go wrong with a linen set. Try this oversized boyfriend button-down and add some boxer shorts for ease. Remember, don't worry about the creases—this is lazy dressing, after all.
Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her top-selling column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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