POPSUGAR UK

34 Summer Must Haves Our Editors Can't Live Without

13/07/2023 - 04:10 PM

Summer is a time to capitalize on all the latest celebrity style trends that appeal to you — from the visible bra [1] to the naked dress [2] — but it's also a feel-good period, when expressing yourself is key. This season, we're doing exactly that by shopping for pieces that make a statement in an impactful way, whether it's just by fitting into the quiet luxury category [3] or due to a vibrant print or cutout (see: the Matte Collection Heros monokini and Farm Rio one-shoulder dress in the gallery ahead). We've polled POPSUGAR's editors and contributors to find out which must haves they're either eyeing or have already purchased — and the list simply will not disappoint.

While I'm focussed on gathering wardrobe essentials [4] for my upcoming trip to Croatia, such as everyday jewellery, on-the-go, hands-free bags, and breezy, romantic dresses to keep on repeat, Senior Content Director of Fashion Jessica Andrews is honing in on embellished shoes for summer weddings [5] and the perfect crochet skirt set. Meanwhile, Breaking News Editor Yerin Kim is balancing florals with structured staples; Assistant Commerce Editor Kyley Warren is buying versatile, tailored slacks she found on TikTok; Contributor Naomi Parris has avant-garde designs on her mind, from Loewe's inflated sunglasses to Hanifa's shapely mules; and Special Projects Director Lena Felton is surprising herself with an affinity for the colour pink by way of the perfect flouncy minidress.

As you scroll, read exactly why we're excited about these summer must haves, and shop the looks that speak to you most.

Jessica Andrews, Senior Content Director of Fashion

"My summer style is all about vibrant, bold colour — I love the quiet luxury trend [7] but it's simply not the look for me. I'm so enamoured with this season's bold colour trends [8], from yellow to purple. And though Barbiecore [9] is at its peak right now, I'm not averse to the occasional dress or a few choice accessories in the pink hue. As for summer accessories, I'm all about investment bags [10] from luxury brands, comfortable heels [11] that I don't mind wearing for hours, and a fun pair of statement sunglasses [12]."

Barbiecore-Pink Dress

Cleobella Lalita Minidress [13] ($238)

Barbiecore [14] is in full swing, and this minidress is one of my favourite summer finds in the colour. From the bubble hem to the dramatic shoulders, every detail feels ethereal and romantic. Even the cutouts get a touch of whimsy thanks to delicate bow detail. Plus, I love that this design is ethically handmade in India." — JA

Crossbody Bag

Coach X Observed By Us Heart Crossbody [15] ($350)

"Coach is one of my favourite brands for investment bags and this darling collection — Coach x Observed By Us — is at the top of my shopping wishlist. It's a collab between Kristen Dunst and Los Angeles-based illustrator and designer Jessica Herschko, and the dreamy artwork makes each piece come alive. I want to wear the heart crossbody bag every day, but the full line includes shoes, jewellery, dresses, denim, and more." — JA

2000s Sunglasses

Miu Miu Sunglasses [16] ($530)

"White sunglasses are a huge trend [17] this summer, and I adore this pair from Miu Miu. The logo and the thick frames remind me of 2000s-style shades. This would work perfectly with an all-white look or a printed dress." — JA

Carry-On Suitcase

Herschel Heritage Hardshell Large Carry On Luggage [18] ($250)

"As much as I love to travel, it's worth it to invest in a piece of good carry-on luggage. Constructed from 70% recycled polycarbonate, this style boasts a hard shell, TSA locks, serviceable wheels, and a flat laptop working space. What's more, this style is impact-resistant so it's durable enough for flights and road trips." — JA

Crochet Skirt Set

Saylor Elie Set [19] ($275)

"I love this breezy Free People crochet set and pack it on almost every holiday. The purple colour just pops against my complexion and the fringe detail is so playful and fun. Not only do I mix and match the set with abandon, I add on a pair of stiletto sandals for dinner or throw on flats for a day of sightseeing." — JA

Embellished Pumps

Kurt Geiger London Duke Shoes [20] ($165)

"For all the fancy summer weddings on my calendar, I love to slip on these stunning pumps from Kurt Geiger. The houndstooth fabric and mule silhouette feels timeless, and the jeweled strap adds plenty of sparkle and personality." — JA

Sarah Wasilak, Senior Fashion Editor

"This summer, I'm attempting to achieve quiet luxury [21] with a twist. Whether that means adding an unexpected pop of colour to a sophisticated set or rocking some quirky jewellery or flashy heels, I can never leave my outfit 100-percent refined. But at the same time, I love the look of logo-less fashion, and the fluidity of well-made co-ords. To move myself from a kitschy, Y2K aesthetic to one that's more streamlined, my trick is to add a pair of dark sunglasses and black minimalist heels when in doubt."

Belted Dress

Zimmermann Vacay Strapless Midi Dress [22] ($1,150)

"I'm not sure if you heard, but belting long maxi dresses is a style move that is most definitely summer 2023-approved. While the look hails from the early aughts, the modern aesthetic refreshes the quiet luxury trend [23], rather than a more relaxed, bohemian feel. I'm obsessed with this Zimmermann pairing, and I love a strapless tube silhouette, making this an easy sell." — SW

Colorblock Sunglasses

Warby Parker Melina Striped Sepia Sunglasses [24] ($195)

"Warby Parker's latest drop of colorblock shades put the brand's signature craftsmanship on full display. Available in sunglasses or prescription lenses, the frames are unique and inspired by travels to Italy. I love how this colorway in particular looks up against my blonde hair, which is super light right now for the summer." — SW

Bright Summer Heels

Flor De Maria Lauren Crystal Embellished Neon Stiletto Sandals [25] ($425)

"In the summer, I love to add a pop of colour to my otherwise neutral outfits — just for fun. This 4-inch stiletto is certainly eye-catching enough, and it's a handmade shoe, which makes the crystals strung across the straps feel delicate and special." — SW

Travel Fanny Pack

Glad & Young Studio Big Sister Fanny Pack [26] ($145)

"I have a big summer trip to Croatia planned this August, and I've been on the hunt for an easy, hands-free bag that I can swing over my shoulder without worry as I explore. I especially love that the natural shade of this grain leather purse won't take away from my outfit. In fact, it'll go with anything and everything I'm planning on packing for the adventure." — SW

Cuff Bracelet

Komusō Cuff Shift [27] ($135)

"While this cuff may look like a standard gold bracelet at first glance, it's more than meets the eye. Komusō is a brand that's launched wearable breathing tools to lower stress. And, as someone who suffers from severe anxiety, I am constantly searching for easy-to-access coping mechanisms. The cuff will pile on seamlessly with my other bracelets, although it looks sophisticated when worn alone, too. You can quickly detach the shift pendant from the structure and exhale into the bar to reset at a moment's notice. To me, it feels like a wearable security blanket." — SW

Printed One-Piece Swimsuit

Oceanus Marina Swimsuit [28] ($374)

"Oceanus is one of my favourite swim labels for retro pieces that pack a punch without any additional accessories, thanks to their statement-making finishes. This suit instantly conjures images of the 'Free Willy' movie poster — and that was one of my favourite films growing up. In the name of nostalgia (and loving anything beaded and Barbiecore-pink [29]), this will be my no-brainer investment one-piece for the season." — SW

Letter Earrings

Samii Ryan Letter S Studded Earrings [30] ($28)

"It's no surprise that quirky and creative brand Samii Ryan is selling a pair of 'S' earrings that just so happen to reflect my initial, but these are a must have for me for a couple more reasons. Firstly, I love gold jewellery, so they mix right in with the rest of my pieces. But I also used to draw this thick, block-letter 'S' all over my folders and binders in elementary school, so these earrings sort of give me a nostalgic trip down memory lane." — SW

Ribbed Skirt Set

Henne Romee Knit Tunic [31] ($116) and Henne Romee Knit Skirt [32] ($123)

"When I said I was going for quiet luxury with a twist, I wasn't kidding. The cutouts on this ribbed two-piece set reflect the unexpected touch I'm looking for. Meanwhile, the cloud-blue shade of the lightweight pieces looks beautiful, effortless, and luxurious all at once. I'm also obsessed with the outfit in tan, meaning I may have to purchase two different iterations. Luckily, Henne has a friendly price point to appreciate." — SW

Woven Bangles

My Beachy Side Camelia Bracelets [33] ($12, originally $20)

"My Beachy Side is such a fun brand that never fails to help customers complete their look down to the last thought. The perfect example comes by way of these bangles, which match with all the crochet bikinis, earrings, and cover-ups on the site. They allow the wearer to completely immerse herself in summer-friendly fabrics from head to toe, and I'm all about that vibe." — SW

Yerin Kim, Breaking News Editor

"Summer fashion is challenging for me because I'm never not hot, so I tend to lean towards bright colours, splashier prints, and cool accessories that make up for the lack of styling and texture in my outfits. My shopping list is full of easy, interesting pieces I can just throw on to make a fun outfit, like a vibrant linen cutout dress or a uniquely structured bag. (For the record, pink was my colour before the Barbiecore craze [34], so I'm also happy to lean into that even further.)"

Flat Thong Sandals

Maile Harper in Pink Cherry [35] ($295)

"I'm always on the hunt for a fun shoe for summer, and I've been eyeing these slides from Maile, a new AAPI-owned shoe brand. I love that this trendy style is an elevated, cuter version of your classic, comfy flip-flops." — YK

One-Shoulder Linen Dress

Farm Rio Cutout Flowers Bias Cut One-Shoulder Linen Blend Maxi Dress [36] ($230)

"I'm admittedly a lazier dresser in warmer temperatures, so I'm always on the lookout for easy dresses and sets that require minimal styling. Farm Rio's vibrant prints and bright colours check all those boxes — especially this adorable linen number." — YK

Floral Triangle Bikini

Blackbough Swim Quinn Triangle Top in Arcade Floor Waffle Knit [37] ($60) and Blackbough Swim Quinn Bottoms in Arcade Floor Waffle Knit [38] ($55)

"Blackbough Swim has some of the cutest, most flattering swimwear [39] on the market, and the brand's latest collaboration, which celebrates the upcoming season of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty,' has several styles worth snagging. This nostalgic set is definitely on my wish list." — YK

Angular Bag

Aupen Purpose Bag [40] ($140)

"You've probably seen celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber rocking cool, asymmetrical bags by this new vegan-leather brand. I love this sleek, angular design in particular — not to mention, the noir and snow shades feel very quiet luxury [41] too." — YK

Lena Felton, Special Projects Director

"This is my first summer in San Francisco after moving from the East Coast, so I'm very much figuring out what my foggy, chilly summer vibe is now. I'm leaning into my usual year-round uniform: unique jeans and pants, chunky sneakers, and lightweight jackets. And as someone who generally sticks to neutrals, I'm trying to introduce more fun pops of colour, whether in a neon Telfar handbag [42] or a colourful nail [43]."

Two-Tone Jeans

Driftwood Cece Wide Leg Two Tone Jeans [44] ($128)

"Denim works all year long in San Francisco, so I am forever on the lookout for cool new jeans [45]. I love these ones: they're comfy, high-waisted, and actually fit a short person like me (I'm 5'2" on a good day, for reference). What's more, they're super unique thanks to the two-tone and split-hem design — details that have garnered many compliments." — LF

Flouncy Minidress

Sabo Nyrobi Dress [46] ($90)

"I recently had to buy a pink dress for a bachelorette party, and when I tell you that I am not a pink dress kind of person, believe me. But I really like the Australian-based brand Sabo for their breezy, understated summer dresses [47], and this one didn't disappoint. It's got cute detailing and isn't too pink." — LF

Oval Sunglasses

Madewell Russell Oval Sunglasses [48] ($70)

"I was sceptical of the oval sunglasses trend [49], as I've long stuck to rounder frames. But I recently dipped my toes into new waters with this tortoise shell pair, and I'm now convinced they're actually more flattering on a rounder face like mine. I'm already back in the market for another oval option to add to my rotation!" — LF

Biker Shorts

Re Ona Signature Biker Shorts [50] ($84)

"For years now, my go-to summer uniform has consisted of biker shorts, a crop top, and a dressier, lightweight overshirt. I love this pair from Re Ona, a Black women-owned brand [51]. I have the shorts in black, and they're super comfortable and have a good thickness to them; this beige pair is even better for warmer months." — LF

Kyley Warren, Assistant Editor, Commerce

"While summer is typically one of my least favourite seasons with regard to fashion, this year I've found myself so inspired to experiment and step outside of my style comfort zone — which for me, mostly just entails infusing a bit more colour into my otherwise neutral wardrobe. Barbiecore fashion [52] is proving to be this season's trend of choice — but alas, I'm still fully immersed in the quiet luxury aesthetic [53], which prioritises tailored silhouettes, muted colour palettes, and versatile pieces that are designed to live in your wardrobe for the long term. Fitted trousers have quietly (pun intended) become my go-to, especially when worn with cool everyday sneakers, delicate gold jewellery pieces, and the occasional patterned bag. I may not be spending my summer vacationing across Europe, but I figure at least my outfits will make me look like I am (dress for the life you want, right?)."

Tailored Pants

Abercrombie & Fitch Tailored Wide Leg Pants [54] ($72, originally $90)

"When you're 5'10" with a small waist, pretty rounded hips, and little to no booty (it's a work in progress), shopping for pants can be quite a chore. But — like so many of my fashion investments of late — I was influenced by TikTok [55] to try out these tailored pants from Abercrombie & Fitch, which are designed with a universally flattering fit in mind. True to the hype, these wide-leg trousers have quickly become the most worn item in my closet. They hug the body in all the right ways, feature practical side pockets, and come in an ivory-like colouring that feels so fresh for summer. I love teaming them with cropped tanks, like this striped H&M style [56], along with a sandy brown belt and woven sandals to match." — KW

Huggie Hoop Earrings

Kaukab Jewellery Charm Huggie Hoop Earring [57] ($32)

"A few years ago I was introduced to Kaukab Jewellery (and its lovely founder) at a farmer's market in Newport Beach, and I've been obsessed with the shop's delicate jewellery pieces ever since. I'm a sucker for classic gold accessories and I love that these earrings encompass the traditional huggie silhouette with an elevated twist — courtesy of the zircon charm, of course. The clear colour is my go-to for a more sophisticated ear design, but the watermelon and peach shades are also so fun for summer." — KW

Classic Sneakers

New Balance 574 Core Sneakers [58] ($90)

"In other summer news: I've become a New Balance girlie [59]. After years of adamantly avoiding the 'dad sneaker,' a slew of Hailey Bieber street style pictures finally convinced me to give the chunky silhouette a try, and the rest is history. This pair has become a particular favourite of mine because of its muted and neutral colour palette, which makes it easy to style with just about anything in my closet." — KW

Slip Dress

Jason Wu Collective Jacquard Slip Dress [60] ($320)

"From weddings to holidays and work events galore, the summer season always requires me to step up my fashion game just a notch. Rather than endlessly investing in random dresses, I love turning to Rent the Runway to help me expand on my summer wardrobe without having to commit to any particular styles. This burnt orange slip dress from Jason Wu has been high on my fashion wish list for a while, and it's proven to be a versatile staple in my closet this season. The silky material feels so cool on the skin, and the jacquard design completes the piece with a really unique texture. Pair it with a bright red Dior lip, and you'll be good to go all night." — KW

Mini Basket Bag

Ted Baker London Jaysisa Printed Mini Basket Bag [61] ($116, originally $195)

"To me, this Ted Baker London bag is the ultimate summer accessory. It's wrapped in a bubbly floral print that's so on-trend for summer [62] without feeling too overbearing. While it looks incredibly luxurious, the handbag's woven picnic basket-inspired design feels warm and relaxed, like you could wear it to a brunch date in the morning and still take it along on a cocktail outing come evening, too." — KW

Naomi Parris, Fashion Contributor

"My style for summer is pretty similar to my approach for any other season. I love colourful pieces and unconventional silhouettes that really push boundaries, while remaining classic. While my style isn't trend driven, I've been loving the resurgence of archival fashion, especially since it brings back so many iconic styles that clearly stand the test of time. And, since nights out in the summer are like no other, I love to step out in a powerful, figure-flattering dress like this gorgeous one from Jean Paul Gaultier."

Beach Dress

Kasia Kulenty Simone Dress [63] ($675, originally $695)

"Whoever said beachwear had to be boring? If you're a statement-making fashion girl like me, then you'll love this dress that makes a great cover-up over a chic bikini. Whether it's a much-needed holiday in Tulum or a quick getaway to Miami [64], you're sure to wear this piece on repeat. Also, I love that it's sustainably made by skilled artisans in Mexico." — NP

Statement Sunglasses

Loewe 55MM Inflated Cat-Eye Sunglasses [65] ($360)

"Ever since these Loewe sunnies dropped, I've had my eye on them, but they've always been sold out. Fortunately, I found them at Saks and can't wait to style them this season. After all, no summer outfit is truly complete without a fun pair of shades." — NP

Metallic Mules

Hanifa Zoe Mules [66] ($331, originally $389)

"It's been really exciting to see Hanifa venture into footwear. These mules are so simple in silhouette, yet so powerful and ideal for just about any occasion. I especially love this metallic fuchsia colorway, which is Fumi The Label Naomi Dress [67] ($215)

"This summer knit dress not only captured my attention because it holds my name, but also because of its figure-flattering fit. Its asymmetrical buttons allow you to style it in so many ways, from rocking it on its own with a gold pair of heels or styling it over denim shorts. If you're a Naomi, you HAVE to get this dress." — NP

Sun Hat

NuKloset Straw Hat [68] ($208)

"This straw hat is so dramatic, yet it screams luxury — from its oversize shape to the velvet-y feathers that adorn the brim. Style it with your favourite bikini or summer dress [69], and you're good to go." — NP

Cutout Swimsuit

Matte Collection Heros Monokini in Multi [70] ($28)

"I love bold prints, especially for the warmer seasons, and this monokini is no exception. Its high-cut leg detailing [71] and cutouts create a tastefully sultry silhouette that'll have you feeling confident and stylish." — NP


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