I've Been a Stylist for 20 Years—These Are the Key Buys on My Summer Wish List


You've probably heard of celebrity stylist Angie Smith from her work with household names like Holly Willoughby, Eva Mendes, Davina McCall and Rochelle Humes. Smith has a gift for making her clients look effortlessly chic, usually on an affordable budget. She's an advocate for shopping the high street, often mixing high and low pieces in her styling; and her own wardrobe and talent for uncovering the most expensive-looking finds is unrivalled. So I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear she's now aBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK columnist, here to share her expert shopping picks for the season along with some styling wisdom. Keep scrolling to see her key buys for 2025.
Angie wears a dress from Hush.
I’ve been a stylist and brand consultant for over 20 years now, and I'm a strong believer in buying less and wearing those pieces more. I've learnt from my experience re-working clients' wardrobes that after editing them down to a smaller capsule, it becomes a lot easier to pull outfits together because you can actually see what's in there.
When shopping for new pieces, it’s important to be practical and think of all the outfits you could wear them with from your existing wardrobe. But most importantly, you have to really love those new items to justify adding them to your rotation. When you wear them, they have to make you feel good—really good. They have to feel comfortable on your body; I’m a strong believer in buying the size that feels and looks the best on you, and in some shops that might be a 12, in others an 18—it really doesn't matter. The buys I include in my monthly edits can be easily styled in multiple ways and will still be relevant years from now. We're talking true wardrobe classics, and I’m showing you where to find them.
Angie wears a blouse and shorts from A.L.C.
June's arrival is imminent, and I couldn't be more excited. Finally, summer has settled into a smooth rhythm with high temperatures feeling like a daily occurrence despite the occasional rain. My wardrobe is already working hard to keep up with the shift between blazing sunshine and grey days, and once again I'm here to bring you some shopping insights to ensure your wardrobe is prepared for all that the temperamental British weather can offer.
Keep scrolling to explore my summer 2025 edit.
SHOP ANGIE SMITH'S 2025 EDIT:
1. The White Summer Dress
2. The Polka Dot Top
Dries Van Noten is a brand I regularly drool over and this top is a nice entry point if you're looking to add some luxury to your wardrobe this summer. Polka dots are trending, and this is primed to be paired with jeans and flip flops for a warm evening out.
3. The Relaxed Trousers
4. The Suede Boots
5. The Black Dress
6. The Pretty Shirt
Shirts play a big part in my wardrobe, especially in the summer months. This one feels a bit different to my others and can work as a cover-up, look great with jeans and sandals, and rise to dressier occasions like dinners out. I'd even wear this open as a light jacket.
7. The Easy Jersey
8. The Raffia Tote
9. The Broderie Dress
10. Beach Tote
11. The Intention Necklace
I may be biased, but not only is this my second collaboration with jeweller Kirstie Le Marque, this beautiful necklace serves a purpose too. I wanted to create something that was more than jewellery. The intention setter necklace is a locket created with ethically sourced diamonds and gold. It contains a delicate paper scroll that can hold a written intention. Depending on how you want to use it you can change it daily. This launches on Sunday the 1st of June.
SHOP MORE OF ANGIE SMITH'S SHOPPING PICKS:
Floaty, chic and just the right amount of slouch—these trousers feel like the quiet luxury version of loungewear. Pair with a simple tee and strappy sandals or wear with the matching vest for an elevated yet relaxed look.
The beautiful colour is what drew me in first and I love how it looks with black. Pair with tailored trousers or shorts for the office, tuck into your favourite jeans or wear open over a bikini this summer. Naturally, this went straight in my basket, along with the matching trousers.
These are my second pair of sandals from this designer. If the first pair are anything to go by, I’ll soon find them glued to my feet. These are definitely what I would categorise as a ‘posh’ sandal, reserved for going out and holidays. I love how they make my go-to nice top and jeans look feel a bit more special.
Buttery soft, yucky green ballet pumps are suddenly making every single piece of denim I own feel cooler. The colour is oddly perfect—somewhere between a fashion risk and an instant classic and the shape is just structured enough to feel intentional rather than dainty. A subtle way to inject some personality into an otherwise simple outfit.
Designer denim fans, listen up. Before you make another purchase, you need to check out this jacket from Nobody’s Child. Even I was floored by how good it looks and feels in the flesh—the perfect balance of boxy and structured, like the kind of thing you’d find vintage shopping but without the hours of searching.
I love a shirt, but I didn’t have anything that felt quite like this. Statement but timeless, structured but relaxed, like a vintage piece you’d steal from your effortlessly cool older sister. Since it arrived, I’ve barely taken it off, and it’s giving all my go-to basics a whole new lease of life.
I am, and always will be, a denim girl through and through. My ideal pairs? Vintage-feeling, no stretch, soft cotton with an androgynous edge—jeans that feel like they’ve been worn and loved for years. If you don’t fancy spending hours trawling vintage stores, this pair might just scratch that itch.
No one does a co-ord quite like Free People. I’ve tried my fair share, especially for travelling, but this one stands out as something I’d also wear for a relaxed dinner. The neckline makes it feel a little more elevated, and it works just as well tucked in as it does left untucked. It's one of those surprisingly versatile pieces that ends up being a total wardrobe workhorse.
Wardrobe staples mean something different to everyone, but for me, when it comes to skirts, a bias-cut silk or satin number will always get my attention. This one has just landed in my wardrobe, and I can already tell it’s going to be one of those ‘goes with everything’ pieces. Dress it up with a blazer and a low heel, or wear relaxed with an easy tee and trainers. If you need convincing, check out my latest Substack post, where I show you how I’d wear it eight different ways.
Kicking things off with a new edition to my wardrobe. I can’t tell you how good this jacket is. The pockets! The contrast! The perfect blue! I’ve always been a fan of Mother Denim and they’ve knocked it out of the park with this piece. I wear a size 10-12 on top but went for a large so it feels oversized in a non-boxy way.
I've tried on quite a few pairs of longer-length shorts, but these are the best I've found so far. The cut is relaxed yet polished thanks to the darker wash and neat hem. I bought a 12 and they fall on my hip so I’d say go for your true size in jeans, often I say to size up in denim shorts but not these.
I feel like slim, straight-leg jeans bought in a size up will always be the most flattering and versatile shape. This pair by Arket comes in a sleek washed black making them easy to dress up or down. I hadn't worn black jeans in a while, but now love how they look with checkerboard vans and a vintage grey sweater.
A recent addition, and one that I can already see myself wearing a lot, it this cosy and cool cardigan. There's a very Isabel Marant feel to it, like something you'd find in a great vintage shop. Already I'm imagining styling it with white denim and black boots or clogs. It's definitely thick enough to wear as a jacket on milder days, or add in as a layering piece on chilly winter days.
If you are looking for a jumper that you’ll want to keep getting out year after year then British brand Navy Grey is the answer. I have a few of their pieces and they're so well made and timeless in design. This one is a perfect cream and works equally well with a silk skirt or satin trousers for evening as it does with denim for day.
White jeans are one of my favourites for the colder months as a good way to stay warm without your outfit feeling too heavy. They work well with tonal shades or cream off-white or light grey, or provide striking contrast to darker tones of black, red, navy and green.
If you are going to treat yourself to something that will make you feel instantly a bit more pulled together this January, make it an understated leather tote bag. Liffner'sattention to detail is on par with designers like The Row or Khaite but at a more affordable price point.
I've noticed a lot of slinky trousers styles around at the moment in silks and velvets, ready to elevate our simple pieces for the coming season. Add a cashmere jumper in for a smart-casual mix for dinner at a friend's house or a low-key New Year's Eve house party.
I've never been much of a smart shirt wearer in the past but I'm completely obsessed with this style. It's surprisingly soft and easy to wear, and the cuffs to most of the talking to instantly elevate the rest of the look. I'd style just like this for evening with black trousers.
For those who have a lot of nice tops in their wardrobes, or have a hard time finding dresses they like, I highly recommend adding a long silk maxi to your collection. The styling options are endless for both day and night, and if you pair with a matching black top you're able to emulate the look of a dress with this piece.
I can confidently confirm that With Nother Underneaths’s black tailored trousers are actual perfection. My styling tip would be to size up if you want to wear them a bit slouchy like the image above and if you're tall, don't worry there is a generous hem. You can also get 20% off with code ANGIE20.
St Agni’s map skirt is a recent addition to my wardrobe but I've already found that my favourite way of wearing it is with trousers and a shirt, or a sheer long-sleeved top and a nice bra. It's ideal for dressier occasions when you want something a little different with a laid-back yet chic feel.
A Fair Isle jumper in this season’s hottest shade—what's not to love? Run, don’t walk, and size up.
Not only will these work for so many occasions, but they're also so comfortable. The wool adds a little extra warmth and they can be easily styled for day or night. For evening, add a nice top or simple black roll neck and either boots or heels. At the weekend, simply tuck in your favourite jumper for a relaxed yet put-together feel.
The good ones go quickly when it comes to suede jackets, so I predict this will move fast. It's definitely an investment piece, but I think it's worthwhile for how often you'll want to wear it.
I do not know where I would be without a few of these in my wardrobe. Gone are the days when a cosy co-ord was saved for long, chilly flights or easy days at home. Right now, I'm wearing mine with a white tee and leather jacket.
There's nothing nicer than wearing a super-soft coat over a simple T-shirt and jeans. Simply tie a cardigan around your waist in case the chill factor increases.
A cotton crew-neck T-shirt that is ever so slightly sheer always looks great popping out from under a crew-neck knit or a V-neck sweater.
You wouldn't believe how many DMs I get about investing in a black wool coat. Jigsaw's City Coat now comes in black, and it's quite possibly the best on the high street when it comes to winter coats.
The right shade of stonewashed denim contrasts dark or bright shades (see the red jumper below) in such a chic way.
Whether worn as the main event or used as a styling accessory (tied around your shoulders or waist), a pop of red can make your look feel instantly more considered.
Consider this the perfect cream silk midi skirt. It's a great piece to add contrast and lightness to the heavier fabrics around at this time of year. I’m wearing mine with loafers and an oversized jumper.
Just like the right bag, sunglasses have the ability to put a fresh spin on even the simplest looks.
You can't go wrong with a linen set. Try this oversized boyfriend button-down and add some boxer shorts for ease. Remember, don't worry about the creases—this is lazy dressing, after all.

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 top-selling column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020, 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 interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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