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 cable knit jumper from Navy Grey.
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 white dress by Free People.
It’s August, the peak of sun-drenched days, warm evenings, and that sweet spot in the season where you finally figure out what you actually like wearing. At this point in the summer, I find I naturally settle into a kind of rhythm when it comes to getting dressed. My go-to formulas are tried and true, and rather than reinventing the wheel each day, I gravitate towards familiar silhouettes, just switching out the individual pieces depending on the mood, occasion, or how much time I have to get ready.
There’s a kind of quiet joy in realising that your summer uniform already exists, you just have to edit and build on it. For me, it’s about finding that perfect balance between ease and effort. And while I love discovering new brands and the occasional trend-driven piece, I always come back to the classics. Pieces that are simple, versatile, and feel like me.
The key to my summer wardrobe is always simplicity. I’ve never been one for overly complicated outfits or loud pieces. It’s about good foundations, clean lines, and a sense of ease. By sticking to silhouettes I know and love, getting dressed becomes less of a task and more of a ritual, just a few small swaps here and there to make it feel fresh.
If you’re in the midst of a wardrobe wobble, try this: take stock of what you actually wear on repeat, jot down those outfit combinations, and build around them. Chances are, you already have your summer uniform, you just needed to see it clearly.
Keep scrolling to explore my summer 2025 edit.
SHOP ANGIE SMITH'S 2025 EDIT:
1. The Easy Knit
Cotton cable knit sweaters remind me of spending late summer evenings in Cornwall after a day by the sea, and this is one of my favourites. The fabric has a decent weight to it, and I like to size up for that designer look.
2. The Staple Shorts
Off-white boxer shorts with the above jumper are one of my go-to looks for a casual evening after a day in the sun.
3. The Throw-On Dress
An off-white cotton dress is a very useful piece to have on hand. Throw on over swimwear, add a chunky cardigan for travelling in or a cable knit cotton jumper for evening.
4. The Slouchy Bag
Looking for a slouchy, black bag? This would be my recommendation. I love the effortless shape, as well as how versatile it is for day or evening.
5. The Standout Dress
I’m really feeling the colour marigold at the moment and keep seeing little pops of it here and there. This incredibly easy dress by one of my favourite brands comes with a sash that can be worn with the dress to pull in the waist it and would also look great with denim. The sash also works as a headscarf and I'd play with styling this dress over trousers, too.
6. The Satin Shorts
This summer, satin shorts have emerged as one of my hero buys of the season.
7. The Light Jacket
A beautiful light weight suede jacket option to wear on colder evenings and to take you through to Autumn. It's also available in black, which I predict a sell out.
8. The Pretty Slip
For this dress, I like to size up for an effortless, languid look. It also comes in a whole host of other colours if you're not in your cream era yet.
9. The Elegant Blouse
There is something so romantic about this style of top tucked into high waisted denim shorts or jeans with ballet flats or a simple flip-flop. I also think Dirty Dancing may have something to do with the nostalgia it evokes for me.
10. The Trending Bandana
Bandanas are everywhere this season, and Toast has a seriously sleek collection.
11. The Elevated Shirt
With a classic look and array of sweet, finer details, this is a piece that will easily elevated the rest of your look.
12. The Playful Flats
I love these ballet flats, and can assure you that they are the first shoes with an ankle strap that I've found comfortable, don't slip or dig in. They add so much personality to a simple look and are the perfectly in-between of sleek and chunky.
SHOP MORE OF ANGIE SMITH'S SHOPPING PICKS:
This knitted skirt by Matteau is a versatile piece to invest in. Style with a shirt or blazer for the office, a bikini top for the beach, or a paired-back shirt for an evening look. There's also a matching top which is calling my name.
We all need one, the 'nice top' that still feels like you. For summer 2025, mine is this black cotton tank with just the right amount of lace and feminine shape that works for everything.
Effortless and easy, this linen shift can be worn open as a light jacket or done up for an elegant top. Note the finer details that will look so good contrasted with the natural crinkles of linen.
Not only are these sandals incredibly comfortable, they're also one of the key styles for summer 2025.
Statement shell jewellery is a great way to bring a fun edge to your classic pieces. If you want to save yourself the time combing a beach and creating your own, Milne Watson has you covered.
I'm a big fan of crochet, and this dress does it all. On a recent trip, I wore this style to breakfast, as a beach cover-up and then for dinner by switching up the accessories.
Daily ritual, wearable reminder—because what you wear should feel personal too.
This was one of my most worn pieces on a recent trip. Just throw-on, add sandals and grab a bag.
I always carry a mini bag with me when I travel. They're so handy and all I need when heading out for dinner, too.
I haven't taken this top off since it first arrived. It's perfect if you have a bust and want support, but it also feels incredibly light. I've also been wearing it as a bra; it's just that good.
I love an oversized long-sleeved Tee for those cooler moments. Personally, I'd style these with the white shorts above, or simply throw over swimwear after a day at the beach.
This may be the perfect tote for travelling as it also doubles up as a beach bag when you arrive. I love that it has three big pockets at the front so you can keep your most-reached-for items close to hand.
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.
Consider these festival-ready boots, or just a cute option for any time of year. I love the boho feel of this pair.
This dress excels in its shape. Wear it casually or dress it up, and the silk makes it easy to pack for a long weekend away. With a simple shade, there are so many ways to style this for different occasions.
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.
A little romantic top that will feel incredibly effortless. Just add jeans.
Patchwork perfection. A hero of a jacket with a nod to the 70s, this is just so good.
Wear it together now, break it up later—this kind of print never gets old.
Bold but easy. Style with a simple off-white tee or over-sized shirt.
I never thought I'd find a denim style that could compete with my beloved Ayla's but this pair has done it. To everyone looking for a straight leg jean in a great wash, the search is over.
I've been wearing this on repeat recently, it's just such a good basic.
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.
If you are looking to dip your little toe into one of summer’s biggest trends, then you can't go wrong by investing in this beautiful shirt. The quality is great, and the details feel so designer.
This is giving me Dôen meets Khaite vibes and I’m predicting it will sell out quickly, so move fast if you're interested! Style with black trousers for the office or jeans for a casual dinner.
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.
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.
Horseshoe style jeans are sticking around and this pair by Mother is high on my wish list. The wash is that perfect blue, and if you need any more convincing check out the reel they posted on them that influenced me.
The wide-leg shape and true blue shade are perfection.
This shirt is a classic, and my go to for clear reasons.
When it comes to dungarees I like min white and a bit oversized. Personally, I don't think you can better this cut and they come in so many colours.
These are my most worn pair of jeans over the last two year. The cut is just so flattering!
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.
This green is just so good, and the perfect way to add a little colour into your winter wardrobe. It works equally well for day or night.
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.
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.
And let's not forget about New Years Eve. The neckline and slight flare to the train are just so '90s.
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.
A touch of warmth, flair and movement all in one, I can imagine styling this with the silk skirt above, especially as a chic eveningwear option.
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.
I’m a sucker for anything resembling a lumberjack shirt, and this colour would be the perfect way to inject some personality into your winter wardrobe. I always size up for a relaxed fit. This will quickly become your new favourite weekend jacket.
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.
The right shade of stonewashed denim contrasts dark or bright shades (see the red jumper below) in such a chic way.
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.
A wardrobe classic that has found fresh life this season. This trending piece isn’t going anywhere fast.
Autumn brings so many fun textures to the fore, from leather to alpaca knits. Add contrast with these sleek corduroy trousers.
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.
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