20 Summer Investment Pieces Fashion Insiders Are Already Buying
If I ask anyone at the Who What Wear office or fashion insiders I see out at events what they’re planning on buying right now, the only thing they care about is stocking up on pieces for summer. Yep, we’re all ready for vacations somewhere far away and the outfits we’ll be wearing on them. With this in mind, I was curious about what exactly the fashion set is already buying for the summer months ahead. So I asked some of the women who always guide my style choices to share the investment pieces that are already landing in their shopping carts.
Ahead, you'll find the key summer fashion pieces they’re buying. From the Jacquemus heels everyone will own to the statement top you’ll want to order immediately to the It bags that will be everywhere, these are the summer items to know about. Go on to see picks from six people in the fashion world, beginning with my own must-haves.
Kristen Nichols, Managing Editor, Who What Wear
From the structural puff sleeves to the corseted bodice, I love everything about this Brock top.
Please consider this your formal invitation to put away your go-to black bags in favor of soft spring-friendly shades.
These Chanel logo mules have been on my summer shopping list since the moment I spotted them on the runway.
Kerry Pieri, Fashion Director, HarpersBazaar.com
"Every summer requires a great white dress. This drop-waist, strapless one is perfect."
"I love a pretty strappy sandal, but those one-inch kitten heels everyone is loving don't work in my world. These definitely do."
"I'm loving everything Paco Rabanne for spring/summer. I just ordered this sarong skirt, which is that unicorn piece that will work with a white tee at the office and over a maillot for beach weekend dinners."
Olivia Lopez, Lust for Life
"The ultimate LWD for summer: already picturing a sunny coastal town for the backdrop for this beautiful piece."
"I tried these during market over PFW and loved how much they elevated the earlobe."
Lisa Aiken, Fashion Director, Moda Operandi
"I've been reaching for modern interpretations of the classic tea dress. For the office or for the weekend, it's very multipurpose in my wardrobe. They have a vintage charm yet have been refreshed to feel new."
"For my warm-weather wardrobe, a strappy sandal is a reliable go-to shoe. Pairs with a mid-heel and 'nearly naked' strap are strong options to toughen up a floral dress or style a slip."
Anna Vitiello, Co-Founder, &Finally
"A pair of hybrid sandal-pumps (pandals? samps?) because the super-strappy-sandal trend of last season doesn't sit well with my wriggly toes, and a pointed toe is my one true love, so they're the perfect in-between. Plus, do I really need an excuse to be in love with these?!"
"Vague though it may sound, statement tops are my go-to this summer. I've always loved anything poufy with a big shoulder, sleeve, or otherwise, and there are many incredible pieces—particularly by independent designers, often made to order—that are out there this season. They're the perfect investment for spring/summer, in particular, as they can make an outfit out of anything (literally): jeans, tailored trousers, shorts, and even leggings look dressed up paired with a great top."
"Clean but chunky gold jewelry pieces that are easy to combine for impact or stand alone as a great accessory. Summer is a slightly awkward time for jewelry. Stack it up too much and it can be uncomfortable, so I love pieces that hold their own without having to pile it on too much."
Oumayma Elboumeshouli, Influencer
"I actually spoil myself every summer (because it's my birthday) with beautiful designer items. I bought sandals last year and decided to buy sandals this year again because I fell in love with the Prada. You can combine them to be sporty but also very chic under a wrap skirt or dress."
"I love a good basket bag. I always take many things with me in the summer. Just think about it: suncream, water, sunglasses, and more. I like that everything fits perfectly in my bag. It is also a nice bag to take to the beach, unlike other tote bags where the sand is hard to get out."
"I love Marysia's swimsuits. Just add a wrap skirt around you and then you are beach-ready."
Vivian Hoorn, Photographer
"If you style it with jeans or a dress, it gives a certain coolness to your outfit. Sophisticated-chic."
"Big, colorful sneakers 'cause this summer you can wear your sneakers with every outfit. Love to wear them with a long, summery dress. No heels anymore cause walking is the new cycling."
"Retro sunglasses. Protecting the face and eyes but not blocking the eye contact."
Up next? The 17 pieces I'm wearing on repeat.
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 and runway content as well as 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, Tiffany & Co., and MyTheresa, 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 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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