July 18, 2023

The 6 Best Things on Our Summer Wishlist

It’s come to that time of year when I start to get really excited about my summer wardrobe. Summer fashion is so much more exciting than the constant layering that is necessary to get through the winter months. I find myself styling pieces in much more interesting ways, playing with texture, proportions and colour way more. Generally, I get more joy from my outfits. So, I have spent a lot of time thinking about pieces I would like to style this summer. As a result of this thought process, I have ended up with quite a long Wishlist. These are pieces that I’d love to work with this summer. So, I thought I’d share some of them with you. Without further ado, here is what I have my eye on this summer.

Adidas Sambas

I am going to get the most obvious option out of the way first. I have been desperate for a pair of Adidas Sambas since their collaboration with Wales Bonner last summer. I am a huge fan of Wales Bonner. So, when I say that these are my perfect trainers, I am not exaggerating. The slim shape, simple design and pop of colour honestly make them a dream shoe for me. But my favourite thing about them has to be the way that they play with texture. I love both the red and cream colourways. But I have managed to quench my thirst for a pair of red trainers by investing in some Adidas Gazelles. The cream and green Adidas Sambas, however, have not been able to leave my mind.

It comes as no shock to say that the Wales Bonner Adidas Sambas are impossible to track down. So, I decided that I would be happy to settle for a regular pair. Little did I know that these would soon become the most coveted shoes of the year. And, alas, I have still not managed to secure a pair. I am, therefore, making it my mission to find some for the summer.

I love styling trainers all year round, but particularly in the summer. Using them to add a sportier or casual element to my outfits, which are often dresses, is my favourite thing. I also think styling socks with trainers can be a really good way to play with the proportions of outfits. This is especially true in the summer when you might be wearing shorts and miniskirts. 

Onitsuka Tigers

The beginning of this article was a ramble about how desperate I am for Adidas Sambas. However, I am also very keen to get a pair of Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s. These trainers have a similar shape to Sambas. But, depending on the colourway you’re after could be a pretty good alternative. If you like the look of Sambas but don’t want to have the same shoes as everyone else right now, then give Onitsuka Tiger a go. The only thing stopping me from putting an end to my search for Sambas and getting the Mexico 66s instead is that I prefer the more colourful options for the Onitsuka Tigers. So, this wouldn’t really solve the issue of wanting the Adidas Sambas as a classic white trainer. That being said, I do also love the Royal Blue Sambas, but again I cannot find them anywhere. 

Ultimately, if by the end of the summer, I do not own one of these shoes, I will have either exercised great self-restraint that I didn’t know I had or have completely failed my quest. Wish me luck.

Lexxola Jordy Sunglasses

All I can think about at the moment is buying sunglasses. I keep seeing pair after pair that I desperately want to invest in. One pair, however, has kept my attention for a very long time, and that is the Lexxola Jordy. These sunglasses have been very popular, with the yellow lens variant being seen on every fashion girl you could imagine. But this is not the colourway that has been keeping me up at night. It is the tortoiseshell Jordys that I cannot get off my mind. 

There is something about the light lenses that makes these feel so unique to me. I love square or rectangular frames. They are by far my favourite shape of sunglasses, so I feel that these could be the most versatile accessory for me to style. 

A Crochet Dress

This is more of a general item that I am hoping to add to my wardrobe this year rather than a specific piece. A while ago, I saw a TikTok of the perfect crochet maxi dress. Unfortunately, it was from last year, and although I scoured Vinted and Depop, I couldn’t find it anywhere. So, I am now hoping to fill this void with an equally beautiful crochet maxi dress. 

While the dress that I initially fell in love with was a cream long-sleeved number, I recently saw this black dress in Zara and think it could potentially be the crochet dress. 

Ganni’s Cotton Poplin Blouse

Honestly, I think this one is more of a need than a want. I am such a big fan of Ganni, and I think this blouse would be an amazing investment piece. It has so much potential for styling. The voluptuous sleeves are great for layering, and the bows at the front would add a feminine touch to a more masculine outfit. 

Wide Leg Satin Trousers

I think, alongside the crochet dress, this may be the most realistic piece on this list. I think that cream satin trousers are a great alternative to my beloved satin maxi skirts. They perfectly blend casual and formal in such an effortless way. My aim in the summer is always to look put together but effortlessly. And I think that this is the philosophy at the core of satin trousers. 

I first fell in love with these trousers because of Matilda Djerf. Like everyone else, I am obsessed with her effortless cool-girl style, especially in the summer. I could honestly compile an entire Wishlist from Djerf Avenue alone. Last summer Djerf Avenue released their Dream Pants in a cream silky fabric, and they are simply beautiful.

Alternatively, I have also had my eye on a drawstring pair from & Other Stories that I think look even more casual and so would lend themselves very well to my personal style. 

Amelia Gregory is Junior Fashion Lead for SSEDITORIAL. She writes on everything from sustainability to runway. She is our lead contributor for red carpet reviews, so keep an eye out for her latest 'Best Dressed' list. Find her on Instagram: @milly_gregory