Bought by You: The Top 10 Most Purchased Fashion Items of May
If you're reading this, you probably appreciate how much Who What Wear's fashion editors love to shop. And they're really, really good at it. Between trend forecasting and new arrivals, if it's worth adding to your wardrobe, we've probably written about it. Whether you're interested in investing in the season's biggest trends or need simple outfit ideas, Who What Wear has you covered.
Now, as May nears its end, it's time to turn the spotlight back on our favourite shoppers—you! Below, you will find the most popular fashion pieces that our readers (and, let's be honest, staffers) actually purchased over the past month along with a few notes about why we also love each item. Think of it as a bunch of Who What Wear recommendations, seconded by hundreds—sometimes even thousands—of our readers, updated monthly to reflect the proven most popular buys of the moment. We're highlighting every piece that's been backed by you and is genuinely worth adding to your shopping cart. Intrigued? We hope so. Keep scrolling to see the most popular fashion items our readers purchased this month.
1. COS ASYMMETRIC GATHERED DRESS
There's really no wonder this easy COS dress has been the number one best seller in May, especially since it sold out so quickly in its former iteration last year as well. It's extremely flattering and loved by influencers and editors alike, and it's the perfect dress to wear to work on summer days.
I love the blue, but the pink would be amazing as a wedding guest dress too.
2. H&M OVERSIZED LINEN SHIRT
A crisp white linen shirt is the key to looking rich in summer, so when there's one available on the high street for under £25, it's a no-brainer—clearly.
3. THE ROW FISHERMAN SANDALS
The Row has updated its famous fisherman sandals for 2023 in this slightly less chunky iteration, and we're all in love. They may be a serious investment, but The Row's quality and timelessness cannot be understated. You'll be able to wear these for a very long time.
4. H&M RIBBED VEST TOP
After I waxed lyrical this month about how perfect this £7 (yes, £7!!!) tank top is, I'm glad to know you've followed my advice in droves to make this one of our top-selling products in May. Trust me—you won't regret it.
5. COS PEAK-LAPEL BLAZER
So many chic people wore this blazer at COS's recent Atelier fashion show in Paris earlier in the month, proving that you don't have to spend thousands to look impeccable on the front row. When it landed online, Who What Wear readers helped it sell it out almost instantaneously. It's just been restocked, though, so you're in luck if you missed out the first time around.
6. ARKET LINEN DRAWSTRING TROUSERS
Sometimes, the best trousers are the simplest ones. Influencers have been loving these particular linen trousers for a few years, and Arket thankfully keeps bringing them back each summer season. I have them in two colours, so I've certainly been contributing to the high sale numbers. What can I say? I practice what I preach.
@Deborabrosa has these, so I copy her styling ideas often.
7. CITIZENS OF HUMANITY AYLA JEANS
If you haven't seen these perfect baggy jeans all over your IG feed recently, you've been following the wrong people. Hoards of best dressed influencers have been raving about them, so much so that Who What Wear UK shopping editor Remy Farrell recently reported on them. I haven't personally tried the jeans yet, but their many fans can't all be wrong now, can they? Unsurprisingly, I've been convinced, and these jeans are waiting patiently for payday in my Net-a-Porter basket as we speak.
8. LOEWE BASKET BAG
We're no strangers to the undeniable pull of a Loewe basket. Most of the Who What Wear team own one in some form or another. They're eternally chic and instantly elevate what could otherwise be a plain summer outfit. I'm preaching to the choir, though, because Loewe's baskets have been flying out since the sun first appeared at the beginning of May. This Iraca Palm version is proving to be the most popular style right now, but the brand-new font tote and classic raffia basket are close behind it.
9. ADIDAS SAMBAS
Yes, it's still near impossible to get hold of the white Adidas Sambas if you're under a size 6.5. That's not stopping Who What Wear readers, though, and the black version (in stock at ASOS now) and new pink styles are proving incredibly popular.
They're not Sambas exactly, but these Bermudas do the same job and, if anything, are even cooler for being a little different.
10. COS CROSSBODY BAG
We've lost count of how many times COS's leather crossbody bag has sold out and been restocked again. And while it's selling out slightly less frequently these days, it's still extremely in demand, especially with Who What Wear readers who bought literally hundreds of this bag in May.
Shop More May Best Sellers
This dress is so pretty for spring and summer. If you're not a fan of florals, it comes in black too.
If you need inspo for how to style this dress, you'll find it here.
Of course, this iconic tank is selling like hotcakes. Look out for regular restocks.
Celebrity stylist and über-chic Instagrammer Angie Smith recommended this as the most flattering swimsuit she's ever tried in her expert's picks earlier this month.
This bag is TikTok famous.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated. Next: Wow—These 27 Under-$100 Items From the Nordstrom Sale Are All on Our Wish Lists
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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