I'm the first to admit that the latest trends can seem exciting. We're trained in the fashion industry, after all, to sit up and take notice at least twice a year when designers' new looks are sent down the runways, primed and ready to be labelled the next cult buys, and then worn by the elite style set on the street. However, after a decade of working in fashion, I can confirm that even when the most inventive trends offer that heart fluttering excitement (and hopeful bank balance check), it's rarely these items that any of us wear day to day.
In reality, myself and my fellow Who What Wear UK editors—along with the majority of fashion influencers, stylists and industry insiders I follow on social media—all rely much more heavily on what you could easily call "boring" basics. No matter if you're a minimalist or a maximalist, truly great wardrobe staples, from the humble tank top to the perfect white button-down, are the pieces we all actually end up wearing on repeat.
So, as summer 2024 gets well under way, I've done a deep dive into the warm-weather wardrobe essentials that fashion people are truly loving right now. I've scrolled and scrolled and come up with 16 easy basics that are cropping up repeatedly across the coolest Instagram profiles. The best part? You can find good quality versions of most of these staples on the high street, and even the premium designer versions won't be breaking any four-figure brackets.
Keep reading, then for my list of the 16 "boring" staples fashion people are genuinely backing for summer 2024 and, no doubt, beyond.
1. White Dress
Style Notes: Arguably the most classic summer staple to have in your wardrobe, the versatile white dress is an item you can pull out for almost any occasion.
Shop the Look:
Reformation makes the prettiest summer dresses.
So easy to dress up or down.
2. Spaghetti-Strap Top
Style Notes: Pairing well with jeans, linen trousers, skirts and shorts, a spaghetti-strap top is a staple you'll keep in your wardrobe for years.
Shop the Look:
This comes in so many different colours.
You can't go wrong with a classic white cami.
3. Linen Shirt
Style Notes: A linen shirt is a summer classic that can be worn with virtually everything in your wardrobe. Try throwing them over a tank top or your favourite mini dress for an elevated look this summer.
Shop the Look:
Wear this with the matching shorts.
H&M creates high-quality linen at such an affordable price.
4. Baby Tee
Style Notes: A plain baby tee is a versatile staple that will wear well with skirts, jeans and shorts all summer.
Shop the Look:
I own this tee and it's so comfy.
Uniqlo is so good for basics.
5. Baseball Cap
Style Notes: A cap will help to keep the sun out of your face as well as elevate you summer looks. Opt for minimal logos and plain colours that will wear well with everything in your wardrobe.
Shop the Look:
Wear this with your linen shirt and shorts combos.
So sleek.
6. Flip-Flops
Style Notes: If you think flip-flops are only for the beach, think again. There are loads of elevated luxury and high-street options that can be worn with all of your summer wardrobe.
Shop the Look:
Perfect for minimalists.
I love the contrasting colours on this pair.
7. Denim Shorts
Style Notes: When it gets too hot for jeans, I immediately swap them out for my denim shorts, which are just as easy to style and always look so classic.
Shop the Look:
Agolde has some of the best denim on the market.
Don't these look so expensive?
8. Birkenstocks
Style Notes: Birkenstocks have become a staple in my wardrobe. They're so easy to throw on in the mornings and are also so comfortable on those days when I'm walking long distances.
Shop the Look:
Wear with jeans. skirts and dresses alike.
M&S has some of the comfiest shoes on the high-street.
9. Jersey Skirt
Style Notes: Jersey skirts are a great alternative to dresses, especially on those really hot days when you're looking for something lightweight and easy to throw on.
Shop the Look:
I love the slightly flared hem on this skirt.
Wear this with cream, brown or khaki.
10. Basket Bag
Style Notes: I wasn't completely on board with basket bags at first, but I was soon convinced. It's just so easy to throw in everything and go.
Shop the Look:
The bag that all our editors love.
This comes in so many colourways.
11. Shirt Dress
Style Notes: A shirt dress is one of those items that will immediately make you're outfit look put-together. In summer, I turn to lighter materials to keep me cool.
Shop the Look:
Wear with kitten heels and simple clutch.
I'm obsessed with this entire look.
12. Black Bikini
Style Notes: If you want to elegant by the beach or pool, you genuinely can't go wrong with a classic black bikini. Opt for textured materials for a more flattering fit.
Shop the Look:
So many celebs swear by this brand.
How cute is the front-tie detailing?
13. Ribbed Tank Top
Style Notes: You might think it boring, but a ribbed tank will act as the basis for so many of your summer outfits.
Shop the Look:
H&M does great affordable basics.
The designer tank that's on every fashion person's radar.
14. Linen Shorts
Style Notes: When the weather gets really warm, I turn to my linen shorts to keep me cool. I often opt for more tailored styles to smarten up my outfits.
Shop the Look:
Wear these with the matching blazer.
A black pair to go with everything.
15. Bodycon Dress
Style Notes: A bodycon dress is an easy yet elegant staple for when you don't know what to wear. Dress it up with statement jewellery and slingback heels.
Shop the Look:
Skims is known for its body-sculpting staples.
This mocha shade is just as versatile as black.
16. Linen Trousers
Style Notes: Linen trousers are a summer staple that will go with everything, especially if you opt for a neutral colour like white.
Shop the Look:
I swear by Arket linen.
Reformation has some great linen options this summer.
-
Red! Leather! Sheer! Here Are the 8 Chic Shirt Styles Set to Dominate Spring 2025 DressingThese styles stay on 'top'.
-
The Timeless Shirts Londoners Are Willing to Line Up and Down the Street ForThe perfect button-down shirt does exist.
-
Our Editors Don’t Lie: These Are the Best Button-Down Shirts in Our WardrobesStarting from £20.
-
5 Elegant Top Trends Fashion People Are Wearing With Skirts, Shorts and Trousers This SummerAnd they're all modern classics.
-
Katie Holmes Wore the Simple Trouser and Shirt Combo Every Fashion Editor Relies OnA masterclass in looking chic and unbothered.
-
Suddenly, This Elegant Shoe Trend Is Everywhere—and Replacing My FlatsBonus: It looks great with jeans.
-
Instagram's Best Dressed Have Spoken—These Timeless Buys Top Their Autumn Wish ListsIt's about to be a stylish season.
-
Jennifer Lawrence Just Wore the Elevated Jacket We'll All Buy in 2024She's ahead of the game.
