Get ready for Spring / Summer 2026 fashion
What’s on trend and what should you be looking for?
Trend Headlines
In readiness for the forthcoming spring and summer months, this blog is my seasonal update on the latest fashion trends you can expect to see emerging here in the U.K..
For 2026, the overall feel of fashion is a blend of standout, mood-boosting styles with a focus for durable quality.
Think vibrant colours and bold patterns alongside redefined minimalism.
Voluminous silhouettes and staples with expressive details.
There’s even an elevated take on the classic sportswear look for a ‘going out’ vibe beyond the sports hall.
Read on for an overview by garment type, including tips relating to body shapes and height. Plus a summary on patterns, fabrics and accessories that you will find trending, so you can plan ahead.
Just remember my golden rule, which is to only invest in styles which complement your unique body shape and scale.
If you’ve already signed up to My Secret Stylist, you’ll have access to styles that you know will always by a hit (and not a miss) for you.
Best wishes for the season ahead.
“Patterns this season have a more romantic nature including florals, checks, polka dots and animal prints. For best effect, match your height with the appropriate pattern size.”
Tops
Peplum tops return with a modern, structured twist. These especially complement a column, lean column and inverted triangle shape.
New cropped options from bandeau‑style tops to minimal crop Ts. Great for showing off your waist if your proportions are balanced or you have a long torso.
Now, when I say waist, it doesn’t mean it needs to be bare. A fitted vest with colour contrast can really draw the eye.
Sleeves continue to be a focal point with plenty of puff, bishop and voluminous shaping, adding drama and interest to otherwise simple tops.
Puff sleeves are great for pear shaped ladies and bishop sleeves create volume at the hip line, which is ideal for lean column and inverted triangle body shapes.
Shirts & Blouses
This season will delight the Romantic style personality type. With plenty of lace trims, voluminous sleeves with historical and feminine details.
Remember, your top half garments should be in colour tones which best complement your skin tone. As these bring out your natural healthy glow – even at your palest.
The classic white shirt for this season is somewhat oversized and complemented with crisp cuts. So these are ideal as a stand‑alone shirt or unbuttoned and layered over a fitted top.
Multi-coloured, checked blouses continue to trend alongside bold patterns, often paired with statement details like puffed sleeves or embroidered collars.
Classic polka‑dot blouses are back with both small and large prints. These make for easy outfitting with tailored trousers for work or a midi skirt for a weekend look.
Cardigans
Vintage inspired crochet cardigans are the season’s trend (especially open‑front or granny‑square motifs). These are a great layer over simple basic tops. Ideal for an hourglass, pear and lean column shape.
You’ll also see cropped cardigans which hover around the natural waist. These balance your proportions when wearing high‑waisted trousers or skirts. Ideal for those with balanced proportions or a long torso.
You’ll still find traditional cardigans but with statement buttons, collared necklines or textured trims. These details elevate a wardrobe staple into a fashion‑forward piece.
Waist defining and belted styles are great for an hourglass, pear, column, lean column and inverted triangle shape.
Jumpers
Great news for Petite ladies as knitwear in finer knit is one of the seasonal trends.
At the other extreme, jumpers with dramatic sleeves — including balloon, bell and exaggerated silhouettes will also dominate high street fixtures.
Dramatic sleeves and detailed designs will delight both Creative and Dramatic style personalities.
Speaking of which, if you don’t know your own style personality, find out via my blog link at the end of this article.
Blazers
This season, you’ll find blazers are less about rigid structure with more loose and relaxed fits using softer fabrics.
Boxy silhouettes with broader shoulders remain. Combined with the relaxed fit, these offer a cool but classic look ideal for both smart and off duty occasions.
On the flip side of these oversized garments, look out for cropped blazers that hit just around the waist.
These give tailored pieces a fresh, contemporary silhouette that pairs beautifully with high‑waisted jeans, trousers, skirts.
Jackets
Mix utility and leather options with vibrant colours and thoughtful detailing are all trending — ideal for both spring and summer layering across work, rest and play capsules.
Denim jackets remain a wardrobe staple but expect to see styles that are slightly oversized with less traditional cuffs and collars.
Leather is a typically colder season material but this year it’s getting a spring / summer refresh. Expect sleek, fine-grained leather jackets and bombers in rich, standout colours.
Decorative elements like fringe and expressive detailing and more exaggerated shoulder lines — all add interest to your layering options for the season ahead.
Coats
As temperatures go up, you don’t want to cook in your winter coat.
Spring is the time to wear the classic trench coat. It’s a must for any wardrobe. Expect to see modern cuts, richer textures and expressive finishes.
Similar to jackets, the season ahead is taking an outerwear wardrobe staple and creating a statement piece in its own right.
Perfect for spring and summer layering and making a dramatic entrance and stylish first impression.
Don’t forget, trenches are also great for the start of autumn, so you’ll wear them often. Which makes them investment pieces in your wardrobe. So make sure the style and length is perfect for your shape.
Dresses
Look out for flowing maxi and midi dresses with plenty of movement in the skirt.
Puff sleeves, tiered skirts and voluminous styles in breezy fabrics that will feel light and romantic on warmer days.
Grecian (i.e. draping and pleating), balloon, bubble and baby doll are all on trend.
However, if you are Petite in height, be careful and stick to more sleeky styles as excessive volume will swamp you.
Speaking of height, Maxi dresses are great for all heights (Petite, Average and Tall).
Jeans
Straight-leg is this season’s HERO silhouette.
Jeans that are straight from hip to ankle continue to anchor any denim capsule wardrobe.
These styles pair effortlessly with a shirt or blouse, blazers and jackets or simply a crisp tee.
Straight leg is ideal for every body shape so I’m especially pleased to see this remains on trend for the season.
Trousers
Expect to see more of the classic wide-leg and elegant palazzo styles which are great for comfort and movement. These particularly suit those who are Average to Tall in height.
Barrel leg styles continue from the winter. These are great for an apple or inverted triangle shape.
Expect to see more Capri and cropped trousers for those warm summer days.
If you’re Petite, be careful as these styles can make you look even smaller.
To counter, always wear an open shoe with points and no ankle straps. Ideally in the same colour as the trousers, as this elongates your look.
Skirts
Similar to dresses, expect to see flowing volume and bubble hemlines. Great for Average and Tall women and ideal for the inverted triangle, lean column and apple body shapes.
Asymmetrical and waterfall skirts will be on trend with detailed hemlines that draw attention to your legs. These styles are particularly good for an inverted triangle shape.
Drop-waist, relaxed options are also trending. Perfect for the short torso proportioned lady.
Patterns
Look out for florals & bold prints with plenty of patterns to delight a Romantic style personality.
My best tip is to always choose a pattern size that complements your height. So small patterns if you are Petite and large if you are Tall.
For example, for Petite that’s one inch and below, for Average height, that’s 1 to 2.5 inches and for the Tall lady choose patterns that are sized 2.5 inches and above.
The benefit is you create balance. It’s subtle but you’ll really notice it in photos and be glad you did.
Expect to see animal prints, checks, stripes and polka dots.
Follow my rules on choosing patterns which best complement your body shape. Details of which you can find here:
Best Patterns for Your Body Shape blog
Fabrics
Voile, chiffon, organza and linen will dominate warm weather clothing this summer.
Organic cotton, recycled blends and next‑generation cellulosics shape the season’s eco narrative.
Lyocell and soft jerseys support relaxed silhouettes.
Jacquard, lace and crochet elevate material storytelling.
Lightweight technical weaves offer utility without the bulk.
Lightness, sustainability, tactile richness and functional comfort — tailored for warm weather yet refined enough for contemporary wardrobes that value both style and substance.
Accessories
Expect to see suedette & boho textures in rich earthy tones.
Charm bags with playful detailing create fun and interest.
Sunglasses with oversized frames and futuristic (like mask style lenses) and rhinestone‑studded glasses will be trending.
Look out for statement heels. Pumps, mules or embellished heels will draw the eyes to your feet, and will delight those with Creative or Dramatic style personalities.
Whimsical hats & headwear that create a bit of theatre and demand attention.
Plus vintage‑inspired brooches adding flair to lapels, bags and hats.
Wrist detail is back on trend with bracelet stacking of mixed metals, textures and beads.
Colour trends?
I have a blog for this too.
See which colour tones will dominate this next season and if you’ve had your colours analysed, you can also see which tones are best for you, with my seasonal palettes guide.
Fashion’s Colour Trends for Spring / Summer 2026
And don’t worry. If all of this is a bit overwhelming I offer consultations in person and online to help.
What I do is designed to give you more time to do the things you love. While always looking and feeling great in what you wear.
Check out My Services page for more information and My Blogs pages for more free content and tips.
Your Style Personality
If you’re new to my blogs, you might be intrigued by my mention of style personalities?
There are six and most of us are normally a mix of two (with one that dominates).
Here’s my blog that explains:
What’s your Style Personality? blog
Now, if you like the idea of being able to shop by your style personality…
I recommend you become a member and sign up to My Secret Stylist, my new clothes shopping app and as I call it, ‘the UK’s best kept clothes shopping secret‘.
It’s the only website where you can filter by your style personality. Across all the popular UK brands. All in one place.
Where every style is scored and ranked in order of how best it complements your own unique shape.
It’s like having a stylist on hand 24/7 and makes clothes shopping much easier and less time consuming.
A clothes shopping website that’s literally all about you!
For details, here’s the link:
The annual membership is fantastic value – equivalent to less than a cost of coffee each month.

