"I'm a woman designing for women," Amanda Wakeley's exclusive collection at John Lewis is a lesson in modern summer dressing
The versatile capsule collection that will solve your summer wardrobe woes
Amanda Wakeley OBE has returned to the fashion fore with a capsule collection available exclusively through John Lewis. Staying true to Amanda's design DNA, this is a tight offering of elegant, fluid tailoring, wearable prints and impeccable quality, that despite bringing down her price point to the high-end of the high street, has not compromised on quality.
The seams are beautiful, and the fabrics are fully crafted in silk. This is a collection that focuses on wearability, but doesn't sacrifice style in the process. "We need to retain (the quality)", Amanda tells me, "I wouldn't do it unless I could retain all this lovely detail. It's what people know me for."
Amanda Wakeley returns exclusively at John Lewis
Speaking of the collection, Wakeley says that she wanted to give people "a bit of a refresher on my iconic pieces," and that, in essence, sums up the designer's foray back into the fashion limelight. A collection that stays true to the aesthetic that made her so recognisable, but at a more affordable price point, it's a win-win, really.
Standout styles from the collection include Amanda's iconic bias satin and lace dress, satin suits, and kimonos with gorgeous 'Judo' belts with thick fringing, all luxurious designs that can be styled up or down, worn for elevated weekends, or for summer weddings. Versatility is at the heart of every piece. There is also the revival of Amanda's "iconic air shirt, which you can wear in all sorts of different ways."
And perhaps my personal favourite of all, a striking paisley print that was created for Amanda's last collection that never made it to production, and her face lights up as she talks about it. "I love this print, so you're seeing it all over again, which was a lovely starting point for me".
The kimono jacket is a timeless icon for a reason. Elegantly, elevated as part of a two piece, particularly with that rich, fringed belt, this beautiful, silk printed piece could easily go over a little black dress for a fresh new look, styled with simple, tailored trousers, or be used to pep up your favourite pair of jeans. The breathable fabric makes it ideal for warmer weather, while the silk fabric gives it enough weight to drape beautifully.
A striking paisley print is always a great choice for the spring/summer season, delivering on those bohemian vibes. That collection would have set you back several hundred, to thousands of pounds, but now you can snap this up for under £200. And just like everything else, it's all in the detail. "It's just got a feel good factor, it's a joyful summer print. In the shirt there is a lovely sort of slight split back, so it's just lovely, sexy elements without it being overt."
With coordinating trousers, you can easily style this as an all over print, as a great alternative to the best wedding guest dresses. However, this striking spring outfit idea will also work in a more casual setting, styled with a white t-shirt, a classic shirt, and a blazer, or even with a cosy cashmere knit for a luxurious fabric pairing that will work for any moment,
And that is what's so lovely about Amanda's new found home exclusively at John Lewis, there is a healthy dose of nostalgia, but with very much forward thinking to how women dress now. This isn't a collaboration, it's still Amanda Wakeley, but more accessible.
"What we've done is used this as an opportunity to slightly reposition the brand in terms of price points, so it's premium luxury, instead of luxury luxury, it just felt more democratic... So a satin jacket is £350 for example and the trousers are £195, and I mean, they're just delicious" explains Amanda as she runs her hands over an exceptional pair of elegant trousers, that quite frankly measure up price wise to the likes of Reiss and ME+EM, but with fashion icon Wakeley behind the design wheel.
Green is one of the biggest fashion colour trends of 2026, and this spring-ready olive is a literal shining example of why this colour keeps coming back around. Bright and zingy, the warm weather gives us the perfect excuse to embrace dopamine dressing. Crafted from a "silk and viscose blend, and actually it's a tiny bit more robust than pure silk." It's all this thoughtfulness and quality that marks this collection out. The luxe detailing, the exceptional fringing (it really is lovely) and of course, the belt can also be worn as a skinny scarf for a nostalgic, 70s-inspired look.
Thanks to a love of wide-leg jeans, wide-leg trousers are at peak popularity and a luxe silky pair, such as these, with the front pleat detail, aren't just flattering, they add a little drama to your outfit too. If you want to highlight your waist, try teaming this pair with a shorter, tailored jacket, if not wearing as a co-ord, such as a black boucle design for a truly elevated look. You might think that a bold pair of trousers aren't versatile, but they're surprisingly wearable, and very elegant.
Another Amanda Wakeley staple that fashion fans should consider is the air shirt for its wearability. "I designed that for my 25th anniversary collection in 2016, and I have worn it consistently ever since," she explains. The air shirt is one of those pieces that prove good design and capsule wardrobe heroes can last. And how does the designer herself wear it in 2026?
"I love it over jeans, I mean I've got them in all colours of the rainbow, and I still wear them all the time, either just wrapped and loose, or wrapped and wrapped and then you get that lovely little sort of drape over your tummy, which I love. Or, this is a new one for me. I popped it on, over a silk slip dress the other day, and it felt so cool and chic and modern with flat sandals, and for my age, felt really chic, rather than just a strappy dress with a heel, which I'm not going to wear, but I am going to wear it like this. And then honestly? It's going to get flung over a swimsuit, bikini, lovely, floaty, feels a bit cooler. There are lots of ways to wear it.
Amanda really wanted to give shoppers the chance to own true classic Wakeley pieces, without the previous price tag and this pure silk, semi-sheer shirt is just another example of iconic design that proves why the designer has garnered such a stellar reputation for beautiful, wearable design. It's the investment buy that you'll max out on cost-per-wear.
Versatile dressing for modern women
Fashion shouldn't feel complicated, and the Amanda Wakeley collection wants to remove those sartorial meltdowns, by making things as versatile as she can.
"I want to do the thinking for my customer to a degree. I'm delighted if they style it in all sorts of different ways, but I want them to know that by buying these two pieces (a jacket and trouser with a belt), that (the fringed belt) becomes a gorgeous 70s style sash around the neck... You're not there yet, but trust me on those days, you'll just want (that coverage), and then the eye goes down (following the line of the sash scarf). It's just kind. I'd like to think of it as thoughtful dressing, you know, I've done the thinking. I'm a woman designing for women, I feel passionate about making us girls feel the best version of ourselves, its as simple as that."
And it's pretty hard to argue with that concept.
Amanda was wearing this combination at the press viewing, and let me tell you, she looked sensational. There has been no compromise on detail and cut, and the finishing touches here are really what elevate it. From the sash belt, which can also be worn as a scarf, to the beautiful fringe detailing. "I love the kimono - fantastic over jeans. I mean, the thing about this collection is I wanted it be uber versatile. This is great as separates as well as a co-ord. Versatility was always super important to me. And it is as a woman it's super important to me. I want my life simplified."
These beautiful printed trousers are easy to dress up or down. Pair with the matching jacket, wear with a tee or a shirt, or even over a one-piece swimsuit. A silky pair of trousers with a gorgeous fluid fit, the bold print means you can team them with a much simpler top half for a more laidback look, or add a frothy blouse for something more party-ready. And the figure-lengthening side stripe is another detail that subtly enhances this design.
You might think that side stripe trousers are a 2026 trend, and they are, but Amanda has been on this sleek, sporty and figure-lengthening style hack for years, and it's in this collection too.
"That's been part of my design vocabulary forever. In fact, I've written a book, which comes out in June, and in it I talk about the first time I did a side stripe. I was a teenager and I had made this very special outfit... I had made this co-ord for a party...
"And then I tried to put the pants on and I couldn't... and I just inserted a side stripe the whole way down. And the side stripe was born and has been with me ever since. And I looked in the mirror and I thought oh my god, I've just elevated these, they're sporty and I love sport."
On occasion dressing
Getting dressed should feel easy and pleasurable and this beautiful kimono dress with a figure flattering cut and tie waist belt will become that elevated style that you reach for again and again when you need to feel your most confident self. Dress it up, dress it down, the beautiful floral print and timeless palette make this a true jewel of the collection.
Possibly too white to wear to someone else's wedding, this elegant silk maxi dress is trimmed with black lace detail that not only looks beautiful, but it is cleverly positioned to draw the eye down the silhouette. The angled lace will lengthen legs, while the lace around the neck helps to frame the bust, as the dress gently skims over curves.
If you're after the best summer wedding guest dresses, or the chicest of tailored alternatives, this is a collection that does both, but not perhaps in the traditional, sense.
"Obviously this is occasion season, but I'm not putting us in floral, frilly frocks, that's not what I do. It's not what my customer comes to me for. But she does want that iconic Wakeley, easy dress, and this is just genius, because you can cinch it in and whatever size, it just works."
It's easy wear, everywhere, put it on and feel like you're ready to go, no fuss.
Best of the rest
A sleeveless jacket secured with another excellent silk, fringed belts for added drama, wear now, sleeveless, or carry through to party season, slipping this waistcoat over a very find black knit or rollneck. An elegant, relaxed take on tailoring, Amanda Wakeley is also known for bridal and this two piece would also make a great outfit for a bride, for either the big day, or a post or pre party.
A modern take on a tux, if you're looking for a polished but feminine tailored co-ord, I'm not sure you could get much better than this silky number. The white trousers have a leg lengthening side stripe, while the sleeveless jacket is secured with another of those excellent silk, fringed belts for added drama. The white trousers can be worn in so many other looks; they're a great investment.
What's next
Despite closing her label in 2021, Amanda Wakeley has done anything but sit back and relax. Launching her own podcast, in which she steps out from behind the catwalk curtain, so to speak, and undertakes the role of interviewer, as she grills guests on their 'Style DNA', the designer also has a book set for release in June of this year.
But far from a memoir, Amanda, who must have some fantastic anecdotes to share, has busied herself with the art of style psychology. The new release, which will also be named Style DNA, is all about "how to dress with confidence... How do you work out your style DNA? There are no rules, because I hate rules. You've got to do the work. I'll show you how, but you need to work out who you are for yourself. Not for your boyfriend, husband, partner, the rest of the world, for trends, or any of those other things. This is for you."
And having spent a little bit of time with Amanda by this point, it's very clear that as much as she has a true love of design, she also loves helping women feel their best and the past five years have also been a journey of evolvement for her as much as the brand, learning new skills in social media, podcasting and honing in on her own style too.
"I think I've evolved. Listen, I'm not putting my arms on show, unless its 100 degrees outside and I know a lot of women younger and older than me who don't want their arms on show, so okay, how am I going to do that and still feel cool (as in not hot). But also cool, as in you know, cool, because that's how I want to feel. I love my grandmothers but I don't want to dress like them, and I don't want to feel like them, even though I'm old enough to be one, you know. I just want to hopefully inspire, but inspire without preaching."
