Month: August 2026

Yes, Sambas and jeans are still a very viable outfit option in 2026. Just because these wear-with-everything trainers aren’t quite as ubiquitous as they were a couple of years ago doesn’t make them any less chic. In fact, I’d argue the opposite. Now that they’ve taken a slight step back from the spotlight, they feel all the more considered.

That said, keeping Sambas feeling current is all about how you style them. Whilst a pair of pooling wide-leg jeans with a Samba’s signature rounded toe peeking out transports me back to 2024, swapping in a slimmer stovepipe jean gives the classic trainer a much fresher feel.

Making the case for the combination this week, Nicole Kidman reached for a pair of slim-fitting stovepipe jeans, which she anchored with a classic white pair of Adidas Sambas. Elevating the ensemble with a lustrous white satin blouse layered beneath a tailored grey blazer, Nicole combined one of this season’s key denim silhouettes with a blouse trend that’s been everywhere throughout summer 2026, creating a modern outfit with a timeless energy.

Whilst sneakerinas and chunky black trainers have been trending this season, I’m still backing one of the sleekest trainers around. If you’re with me, keep scrolling to shop the Adidas Samba trainers below.

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Although there may still be a month of summer left, I’ve already made the mental switch to fall. That said, my plans for August will involve browsing through every new fall arrival and saving outfit inspiration in my camera roll. As a fashion lover, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The excitement surrounding fall style is hard to ignore, and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re also eager to pull out your lightweight coats and sweaters and embrace long skirts, jeans, and trousers. However, before diving fully into fall, we need to consider the transitional period and how to adapt our summer wardrobe to it.

Since I consider myself in the know, I can say with confidence that in the coming days, there are a few things you can expect to see: tunics layered over denim, shrugs paired with tank tops and trousers, and silk blouses styled with Bermuda shorts. Sarongs or pareo skirts will also be reimagined outside their beach context, styled with everyday items like button-down shirts and baby tees. For accessories, brooches will adorn simple tank tops, adding freshness, while colorful handbags and cluster earrings will bring personality to all types of outfits. Kitten-heel thong sandals will continue to dominate.

Because if I were you, I’d also want to know the specific items to shop for, I’ve put together a list of 45 cool, relevant, and timeless pieces. From The Row’s new Alma bag and COS’s rich satin ballet flats to Toteme’s latest trench coat and J.Crew’s updated Rollneck sweater, keep scrolling to discover the finds.

As a manicure-obsessed beauty editor, there’s nothing that excites me more than a fresh set. I spend hours scrolling on Pinterest and sifting through my favorite nail artists’ social media posts to see which image I should recreate next—whether a glitchy mismatched set or stunning single-polish paint job—but it recently dawned on me that most of my saved photos were shot across the pond.

If you looked through my phone, you’d see a camera roll peppered with snaps of Dua Lipa’s trend-setting manis, crafted by London-based celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey, or the detailed work of Milan-based nail artist Oksana Zavora, who creates intricate sets directly inspired by fashion trends and timely runways. Though I still find inspiration in trendy American celebs, my taste tends to favor those overseas—so I asked top European manicurists what their stylish clientele have been requesting these days.

“Nail trends constantly evolve, but at the moment, London nails tend to feel more understated, individual, and fashion-led, often with shorter, more natural shapes,” Humphrey tells Who What Wear. Fellow Brit (and celebrity manicurist) Imarni Ashman adds that European nail trends often center around “immaculate nail preparation,” texture, and high-quality finishes. However, both artists agree that the U.S. approaches manicures in a slightly more extreme fashion. “American trends often embrace longer lengths [and] bolder colours and designs—think Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner,” says Ashman. “Although this is not always gospel!” Humphrey adds.

6 Summer Nail Trends Dominating in Europe This Summer

Chiffon Shades

If there’s one trend that unites the American and European nail scene, it’s the milky manicure trend. “Sheer, glossy colours have been huge—from milky nudes to bright jelly shades,” says Hughes. From translucent polishes to barely there soap nails, this reigning trend embraces hues that are closer to gauzy layers of chiffon than pigmented polish. “Sheer nude nails that look healthy, glossy, and expensive are still one of the most requested looks,” Humphrey adds. “The clean girl aesthetic prevails!”

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Summer Goth

After seeing It girls like Suki Waterhouse and Lipa rock black nails in the middle of summer (Summerween nails, some may call them), I knew we had a chic seasonal trend on our hands. Humphrey confirms my theory by calling out Essie’s Like it Loud as a great color for summer 2026—an inkblot shade that, ironically, goes great with a tan. Ashman agrees, adding that other gothic hues like black cherry are equally striking in the summertime. “A tan with a deep black-red looks very chic,” she notes. “I’ve created similar looks on Lily Collins and Lily Allen this summer.”

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Ethereal Dimension

American tastemakers may still be on the glazed-donut chrome manicure wave, but Europeans have graduated to sets that look a bit more dimensional. “Cat eye nails have become a staple,” Humphrey croons. These metallic polishes develop a sparkling finish when put in close contact with magnets, giving the color a spatial effect that looks deep and futuristic. To take things up a notch, try pairing a cat eye base with eye-catching pill box art like Ashman’s trendy set above.

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Kaleidoscope Claws

Whether buttery pastel hues, vibrant primary colors, or captivating animal prints, Humphrey is getting a lot of requests for mix-and-match designs in her chair. Whether it’s combining a cheetah-print French tip with 3D gemstones for Olivia Dean or an every-nail-is-different kaleidoscope of color, Humphrey agrees that “mismatched manicures” have been going steady this summer. It’s the indecisive beauty lover’s dream to not pick one, but them all.

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Juicy Jelly

“For the more maximalist clients, I’m getting requests for juicy jelly shades—particularly reds [and] pinks,” says Humphrey. These vibrant, semi-sheer hues were trending with a similar fervor last year thanks to a healthy heap of nostalgia—the sticky-sweet colors reminding us of popsicles melting under the blazing sun and sorbet-stained lips. For a “juicy glow,” Humphrey recommends Essie’s Cin Cin (a glassy cool-toned pink) or Highballer for a punchy raspberry sheen.

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Delicate Designs

Ashman says that meticulously curated designs—ones that toe the line between minimal and maximalist—are the sweet spot for a fashionable European this summer. The manicurist spotlights sets that utilize “negative space with immaculate prep” and simple designs, like this recent lace-inspired look she created on Iris Law. “I love creating designs with her,” Ashman quips. “They always look effortlessly cool.”

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If, like me, you like to keep an eye on celebrity style, then you may have noticed that there’s a new season bag cropping up on the arms of fashion’s best-dressed. That’s because Dior‘s Cigale tote is currently paving its way to becoming autumn’s It accessory. Debuting as part of Jonathan Anderson’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection for Dior, the Cigale brings together several of the biggest handbag trends of the moment. With its sleek east-west silhouette, minimalist single strap and open-top construction, it has the understated elegance fashion people are gravitating towards right now, whilst still feeling unmistakably Dior.

Looking to the maison’s 1952 Cigale haute couture gown, Anderson translated its sculptural bow motif into the bag’s softly folded leather construction, cultivating a modern and timeless design that’s finding favour amongst the industry’s best dressed.

Despite only making its runway debut a few months ago, the Cigale has already secured an impressive celebrity following. Jennifer Lawrence has carried it on multiple occasions, whilst Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Anne Hathaway, Ariana Grande and Greta Lee have all been spotted styling the new tote.

Available in a spectrum of rich neutrals and vibrant shades, Jennifer Lawrence has gravitated towards the soft blush pink version on a number of occasions, whilst Sabrina Carpenter has embraced this butter-yellow wash, and Greta Lee has been carrying the striking deep red iteration.

With its growing celebrity fan base, recognisable shape and strong heritage story, the Cigale has all the ingredients of a modern It bag. In fact, I’d be surprised if it wasn’t one of the most-photographed accessories of during Paris Fashion Week this September, before slotting into more rotations come autumn.

Whilst the Cigale isn’t currently available to purchase online—appointments with a Dior Client Advisor can be arranged through the brand to enquire about availability. Until then, Dior’s collection is filled with equally elegant bags. Scroll on to discover the Dior bags I’m coveting now.

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It’s true—for years, flip-flops have been synonymous with easy summer dressing. They’re the shoes we instinctively reach for when the temperatures rise, and whether we’re heading to the beach, running weekend errands or packing for a holiday abroad, they’re the throw-on-and-go wonder that we’ve come to rely on. But this season, fashion’s most stylish dressers are proving there’s a whole host of chic alternatives that deserve a place in your warm-weather wardrobe too. Offering the same effortless appeal, but with a noticeably more elevated finish, this summer’s biggest anti-flip-flop trends strike the perfect balance between comfort, versatility and polish.

From nostalgic colour trends and elegant flats, to timeless woven sandals and refined loafers, the shoes dominating both the streets and the runways feel considered yet incredibly easy to wear. They pair just as effortlessly with linen trousers as they do floaty dresses, Bermuda shorts and tailored separates, making them the kind of hardworking investments you’ll reach for time and time again. And, better still, these styles transition seamlessly from casual daytime to your evening plans too, proving that practical footwear doesn’t have to compromise on style.

So, f you’re looking to refresh your summer wardrobe or simply want an alternative to the ubiquitous flip-flop, you’ve come to the right place dear reader. Keep scrolling to see the key summer shoe trends fashion editors, influencers and industry insiders are embracing this season—styles that feel modern, timeless and destined to become the hardest-working pairs in your collection (and not a flip flop in sight).

1. Cage Shoes

Style Notes: One of my favourite things about flip-flops is how breathable they are. On the hottest days you won’t want to commit to full coverage, leather shoe, and for that reason, caged sandals should be high on your agenda. Just as easy to slip on and go, but with a little more directional detailing, from jellies to leather, cages sandals are proving popular during heatwaves when you need a shoe smarter than a flip-flop .

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2. Gold Sandals

Style Notes: Eat your heart out, Carrie Bradshaw—statement gold sandals have skyrocketed almost overnight, an expected colour choice for sunny summers. It makes perfect sense though, once the sun catches this metallic, it really comes alive, so whether you’re wearing an equally dressy slip, or styling up a white tee and jeans, these shoes are the focal point that are sure to earn you compliments.

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3. Boat Shoes

Style Notes: We can’t discuss summer shoes without preparing for every eventuality (this is British weather after all), and once the hot spells have subsided you’re going to need something a little more substantial—enter the boat shoe. These may be considered divisive, but the truth is, they aren’t too far removed from the classic penny loafer, just with some extra detailing. All of my favourite pairs right now are in buttery soft suede that pairs well with white dresses and voluminous trousers, but did I mention how good bold pops of colour look too?

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4. Rope Sandals

Style Notes: Windbreakers, Bermuda shorts, bucket hats and visor sunnies, fashion is experimenting with another Gorpcore summer, and if it looks like it could have stepped straight off a hike and onto a runway, it’s going to score major points. Inspired by trekky-chic (can we call it that?), rope sandals have the same trail-following energy as the laces of a hiking boot, albeit with more elevated execution. Take notes from Alexis [pictured above] and keep your look simple, allowing the sandals to take centre stage.

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5. Ladylike Shoes

Style Notes: As much as minimalist flip-flops feel like they go with everything, they aren’t quite right for every dress code. Sometimes when you need a little extra polish, only the smartest shoes will do, and this summer instead of severe courts and angular heels, you can trust ballet flats, slingbacks, and to get the job done. Take it from the best dressed French girls who are rarely seen in flop-flops away from the beach.

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6. Wedges

Style Notes: We’ve had a lot of trends (both bad and good) make a reappearance off of the back of the Y2K revival, and one of the most recent is wedges. Peep toes, flatforms, boho wood—the elevated sole is highly favoured again (pun intended), and they make for more comfortable and longer wear than most skinny heels. Exactly what you need on a hot summers day.

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Welcome to 10 Things to Buy, a monthly shopping list that helps you shop smarter by focusing on the 10 key items to add to your cart that month if your wardrobe is in need of a boost. As a Who What Wear editor for the past 12 years, I’ve spent many hours advising people on what to shop for during any given season, so you’re in good hands. Whether you’re shopping for cold weather, warm weather, a vacation, or a wedding, I’m here to offer up the most seasonally appropriate suggestions. Be sure to return at the start of each month for more.

If you’re like me and have been literally counting the days until fall (sorry, it’s too hot and there are so many bugs), our moment has finally arrived. Well, not technically—we still have many weeks of summer left, but we’re inching closer and closer to changing leaves and sweaters. We may not be able to wear all of the fall things yet, but we can at least start shopping for them. You’ll also thank yourself later when the best finds are sold out.

As per usual, I put together a highly curated list of the ten best things to shop for this month. Keep scrolling to get the details on the smartest (and coolest) pieces to order during August, and shop my carefully chosen suggestions.

Toggle-Closure Jacket

While toggle-closure jackets were quickly rising in popularity in the spring, summer forced a hiatus. But as predicted, toggle-closure styles are making a swift return for fall. As of late, I’ve come across satin frog-closure styles, wool felt ones with minimal toggles, ones with military-style toggle closures, and the list goes on. Now is the time to secure yours, as sell-outs are already happening.

Satin Ballet Flats

Making the jump from summer to fall is easy when you have the right shoes, and one trend, in particular, is perfect for that transition: satin ballet flats. Yes, the trend Miu Miu started years ago is having a resurgance, but the fall 2026 version is more minimalist, in keeping with the overarching ballet flats trend as of late.

Something Royal Purple

The runways are It girls have alerted us that royal purple is the color trend to add to your wardrobe as we enter fall. The best part is that you can start wearing it now.

Transitional Sweater

Sweaters made of cotton and linen are perfect for the late-summer-early-fall days to come. Cardigans, rollnecks, and boatnecks are the chicest styles to shop for right now.

Fancy Cargo Pants

Cargo pants and silky pants are two of 2026’s biggest trends, and brands are wisely combining the two. Pair them with a tee or lightweight sweater for an effortless outfit that stands out.

Long-Sleeve Tee

Sure, it’s a basic, but long-sleeve tees are also very trendy right now. There’s not better time to stock up than August.

Dark-Wash Low-Rise Jeans

If you missed out on the Gap x Hailey Bieber low-rise jeans, not to worry, as I found a handful of similar styles that are also excellent. What’s great about this denim trend is that it an easily be dressed up or down.

Silky Mini Tote

If you’ve been lusting over The Row’s Cecily bag, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a new tassel version for fall. A Valesque bag is a great alt (and equally sought-after).

Layering Tank

During the weird-weather times to come, you’ll be glad you planned ahead with some layering tanks to wear under your jackets and sweaters. These options from Banana Republic, Flore Flore, and Reformation look equally chic on their own.

Dark Beige Trousers

Dark beige is *the* pant color trend to buy for fall 2026. It looks elegant and goes with everything. What more could you ask for?

It’s around that time in summer when my outfit creativity is dwindling (another day, another track shorts and tee combo) and my wardrobe is craving something fresh and new to give my looks a mid-summer boost. As fashion editors, there’s no doubt our sights are already set on fall, but the reality is it’s still 90 degrees out and we have a lot more warm sunny days ahead to embrace.

To get inspired, I made a beeline to the new arrivals sections at some of my favorite retailers—J.Crew, Zara, and Nordstrom—to see what exciting newness they have to offer as we enter into the pre-fall season. Right now, I’m particularly focused on pieces that will see me through the summer months in style, yet have longevity into fall. I scoured the newest arrivals from top to bottom, and below I’m bringing you an edit of my absolute favorite styles that feel current, cool and on-trend. If you’re looking to give your wardrobe a mid-summer boost then keep scrolling.

J.Crew

Zara

Nordstrom

If there’s one piece of clothing that everyone needs in their wardrobe, it’s an anti-trend item. I’m talking about a reliable essential piece perfect for the awkward transitional weather coming up in the next few weeks. It’s an easy, elegant layering item fitting for the unpredictable climate fall can have. What am I talking about? A trusty cardigan. Every fashion person with taste knows a cardigan is the MVP item to have in your wardrobe.

Experiencing all four seasons, as someone from the South, getting dressed for the shifting weather still gets tricky, but a cardigan is one of those no-brainer items when building an outfit. I’m sad the summer is coming to an end, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited for the lightly layered outfits of fall. Think cardigans layered under a trench coat, tied around the shoulders or waist, paired with a skirt and boots; the outfit options are plentiful and chic. Keep scrolling to secure the best cardigan for all your fall wardrobe needs before the season rolls in full force.

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