What a Fashion Editor Wears in the Summer | Who What Wear
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I've worked in the fashion industry for a decade now, and along the way I’ve picked up a few tips for creating to say the least. Like most of us, in my twenties I experimented with my style— playing with trends and trying on different personas. Some I still love today, and some I’d like to stay firmly in the 2010s, thank you very much. By the time I reached thirty a couple of years ago, though, I’d pretty much settled down to a rotation of capsule pieces I wear on repeat. Or at least, some go-to I know will make me feel good, whatever the occasion.
In autumn and winter I always tend to lean on chic layering, based around a mix of neutrals that all go together— usually involving some form of relaxed tailoring (I’m a ). Spring and summer are a little different though, as you have to really rely on hero pieces alone, like a or a , and then build an outfit around them with accessories that still looks polished. That’s where it becomes all about the combos, balancing proportions out and adding timeless accessories that will always elevate your look.
So, in case you’ve been struggling with inspiration for what to wear throughout S/S 23, I thought I’d share with you my seven go-to outfit formulas for warmer weather days, that I bring out every year and wear on repeat. I’ve added any styling tips I could think of, as well as shopped out my looks in case you see anything your summer capsule wardrobe is missing. Happy scrolling!
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1. Button-Down Shirt + Tank + Denim Shorts
I've always been a big denim shorts fan, but it's true that they do have the potential to feel quite young. I love these slightly longer Parker shorts from Agolde as a more grown-up option, as they make it certain you won't be flashing anyone. I find that if I balance the casual shorts with a smarter button down it gets the balance just right and keeps the whole look feeling put-together.
SHOP MY LOOK:
With Nothing Underneath The Boyfriend: Tencel, Maple Red Stripe £110
Agolde Parker Long Shorts £128
H&M Ribbed Vest Top £7
Birkenstock Boston Suede Clogs £125
Loewe Shell Small Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote £450
2. Long White Dress + Leather Slides + Tan Bag
A white dress should be a summer staple in every woman's wardrobe. Whether you prefer mini or midi, frothy and lacy or pared-back and minimalist, nothing beats it against sun-kissed skin. I usually pair mine with tan accessories as I think it adds a relaxed but polished finish, but black works just as well.
SHOP MY LOOK:
Isabel Marant Étoile Latifa Crochet-Trimmed Cotton-Blend Voile Maxi Dress £555
Boden Mutli Strap Sliders £70
Dragon Diffusion Grace Small Woven-Leather Basket Bag £270
3. Wide Leg Trousers + Tank Top + Flats or Heels
As you can see I've been wearing this simple combo in quite a few different variations this summer— but that's because it's a fool-proof outfit I always feel good in. The tank top keeps you cool in the heat, and I've swapped my trusty jeans for lightweight wide-leg trousers. These balance out the proportions while adding a more grown-up vibe to the look. Flats make the whole outfit more relaxed while heels are the perfect addition for the office or date night.
SHOP MY LOOK:
Totême Organic Cotton-Jersey Tank £85
COS High-Waisted Wide-Leg Trousers £79
Arket Leather Strap Sandals £129
Totême Espera Ribbed Organic Cotton-Blend Jersey Tank £75
The Reformation Vesta Pant Es £200
Jimmy Choo Zania 65 Leather Mules £525
4. Bright Midi Dress + Sandals + Basket Bag
Although in I usually stick to a palette of neutrals, I really enjoy adding a splash of juicy colour to my summer outfits. Loud prints are probably a step too far for me, but a block colour like this makes enough of a statement— and it's more timeless than a print. My advice? Opt for colours that suit you, and that you really love wearing, rather than just the ones on trend right now. I bought these sunshine dresses two years apart and still love them both equally.
SHOP MY LOOK:
Ghost Palm Satin Slip Midi Dress £129
Loewe Anagram Small Leather-Trimmed Woven Basket Bag £495
& Other Stories Woven Leather Sandals £85
5. Bright Blazer + Jeans + Chunky Sandals
Can you tell I have a thing for wearing yellow in summer? But this outfit works with literally any bright blazer you fall for. I do love a linen version, though, as it keeps it feeling relaxed and warm-weather appropriate Then I'll just add classic jeans (loose and lighter for weekends and smarter for meetings) and a crisp white tank.
SHOP MY LOOK:
COS Relaxed-Fit Linen Blend Blazer £150
Arket Shore Low Relaxed Jeans £79
Birkenstock Arizona Suede Sandals £90
6. Strappy Top + Midi Skirt + Flip Flops
A black strappy swimsuit can double up as a top whether you're on holiday or in the city. Just throw over a floaty skirt to balance out the slim top and you're set for heatwaves and beach days alike. Simple black leather go perfectly and never date.
Matteau The Square Swimsuit £235
Rixo Kelly Printed Voile Midi Skirt £185£11
Tkees Liners Matte-Leather Flip Flops £40
7. Mini Slip Dress + Gold Jewellery + Trainers
In theory, when I entered my thirties I became more averse to showing a lot of skin in summer. But on those hotter-than-hot days we're experiencing more frequently now, I still embrace a barely-there mini. Opt for silkier slip styles rather than frothy puff-sleeves for a more grown-up vibe— Realisation Par and Reformation do the best ones in my opinion— and then elevate with glossy gold jewellery. You can always throw a linen shirt over as a cover-up, too.
SHOP MY LOOK:
The Reformation Calix Dress £168
Missoma Savi Asymmetric Square Snake Chain Necklace £135
Adidas Originals Samba Og Leather and Suede Sneakers £90
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Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her column, . Working for Who What Wear UK since 2026, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily landed at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she has styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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