I've been keeping my eye out for the spring/summer fashion trends 2026 hitting the high street, and I've noticed that some of our core basics are getting levelled up ahead of the season. The latest design feature I've spotted is a cinched-in waist on classic shirts, and it’s giving the humble button-down a chic new look for spring that is seriously flattering.
Shirts with a pintuck, dart or gathered detail at the middle create a subtle peplum shape that sits neatly at the waist and flares out slightly, making it ideal for creating an hourglass silhouette. The nip-in, then flare out accentuates natural curves, or can help to create them on straighter frames, and the little peplum it creates helps to skim middles too.
