Just Our Opinion, But These Are the 22 Most Important Summer Investment Pieces
There are lots of summer trends worth talking about, and we're covering them all. But which ones do our editors think are worth investing in? To find out, I posed the question to our Who What Wear team so that they could weigh in about the key summer items they love so much that they're willing to pay a bit more for them than just any passing trend. These are truly the new classics they imagine wearing now but also for many seasons to come.
Ahead, our fashion editors are sharing the cool trends they're eyeing and the exact pieces sitting in their shopping carts. From the cult sunglasses you'll be sure to spot on fashion insiders to the jewelry trend that's going viral to heels they're swapping in for house shoes, there are so many epic finds they just told me about. Here, see the cool investment summer trends our editors want you to know about.
Shop my picks:
Jacquemus always delivers when it comes to must-buy summer items. This season, I can't stop thinking about this tailored midriff-baring top.
Savette's beautiful bags were just launched earlier this year, but I can already tell that the brand will be a long-term fashion-insider favorite for investment buys.
I can't say enough good things about Isa Boulder's stunning swimsuits. This one-piece is something I'm recommending to all of my friends.
Recently, I've been thinking about investing in my first designer watch as I'm consciously buying less, but focusing on adding forever pieces into my wardrobe. Cartier has some of the most iconic timepieces, including this beautiful design from their Panthère collection that I can't stop thinking about.
Shop Indya's picks:
"I had my reservations about these when I first spotted them a few seasons ago, but I think they have real staying power as a pair I will want to wear again and again. Loewe's sunglasses are instantly recognizable."
"Printed shirts are really becoming a thing for me—it's really weird! I am still disappointed I didn't get ACNE's toile printed shirts from its S/S 19 collection, so I'm not making the same mistake twice."
"One of my main wardrobe heroes right now are statement tops. You can layer this over a tank or tube top and it looks so cool."
Shop Allyson's picks:
"I love that this raffia bag is so structured and polished. You can wear it with a swimsuit or get away with wearing it with something much fancier. Plus, as far as designer bags are concerned, the price is pretty reasonable."
"I think investing in a special dress that you'll wear multiple times throughout the summer is a worthy splurge. This Ulla Johnson one is pretty stunning."
"I like to invest in a new pair of sunglasses every summer and have been veering more toward timeless styles as opposed to trendy lately. These Garrett Leight x Clare V. sunglasses (which are a favorite of Jennifer Lawrence) look good on every person I've seen them on, so I think it would be safe to order without even trying them on."
Shop Yusra's picks:
"I'm not a huge heel person, but I do love a little added height, so a block or kitten heel is my go-to. In the summertime, sandals pretty much go with everything, so it's worth investing in a neutral pair that you'll wear often. I've recently bought a white pair, and this black one is on my list. I can see myself wearing it casually with jeans or dressed up with a going-out dress."
"Traveling will hopefully start to be more of a thing this summer, so a big tote bag to fit any necessities you're not packing in your carry-on or suitcase is something worth investing in."
Shop Anna's picks:
"Stunning doesn't even begin to describe this artsy crystal and enamel creation."
"I probably have an unhealthy obsession with this color at the moment, but this Ciao Lucia crop top is so charming and fun that I couldn't help but add it to my cart."
"This bag comes in a range of enticingly bright colors, but the crisp white is the one I'm crushing on the hardest. The cool slouchy shape feels so right for now and a fresher take on the '90s baguettes that are everywhere."
Shop Jasmine's picks:
"A pair of fun sandals is the quintessential summer investment piece. I personally have been eyeing these stunning BY FAR sandals in the season's best color: pink!"
"You really can't ever go wrong with investing in a white dress for summer—this stunning puff-sleeve dress is a great option, if you ask me."
"Investing in a fun bag for the summer is a must. I love this market tote from the Black-owned brand Petit Kouraj."
"There are certain pieces I know for a fact I'll wear all summer—this chain happens to be one of them."
Shop Erin's picks:
"I love investing in beautiful blouses that can instantly dress up a pair of jeans. Even if I'm wearing the same jeans every day, a pretty top will make my outfit feel special."
"I'm also eyeing structured bags in fun colors for summer. This serene pastel yellow feels perfect for warm-weather months but will definitely still work all year long."
"I'm also always on the lookout for quality jackets. This one by Ganni is such a cool yet wearable take on the classic denim jacket. What's not to love?"
Next, get a look at the going-out looks I'm planning to wear.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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