The sun is starting to creep in, the days are brighter, and most importantly, the new spring 2026 styles are quickly filling up the digital high street. And after what has felt like the longest winter, I'm ready to shop.
I've been talking about the spring/summer fashion trends 2026 for months now, and I can't wait to get stuck in. Having recovered from January, I've been looking at my wardrobe, working out what stays and what goes, and where the gaps need filling.
A digital window shopper, I am constantly adding things to my basket, and as February pay drops into my account, I'm ready to snap up the best bits for the start of the season before they sell out. This is everything I've got saved right now (and don't worry, I know I can't have it all).
My payday picks? I'm sharing everything in my baskets right now
I saw a woman wearing this on the tube the other day and immediately sensed it was from M&S. This British clothing brand is just so good at translating the trends and making them seriously accessible and the bomber jacket is one of 2026's biggest jacket styles.
I had a sneak peek of the spring/summer 2026 John Lewis collection, so I already have a pretty good idea of what I'll be buying, and I love this pleated skirt. A little bit utilitarian, but with hugely timeless qualities, I'd team it with the M&S bomber and a tucked in shirt or knit.
I think this dress is going to sell out exceptionally fast. A contemporary take on the shirt dress, it's ideal for those looking to create hourglass curves. The waist shaping and buckle details will help to cinch you in, and despite being a maximalist, I love the elegant colour palette.
Boden is one of my staples, and I cherry-pick a few pieces each season. This contemporary take on polka dots is filling my heart with joy. I'd actually give it a more casual spin than intended, wearing it with a light denim shirt and a pair of cowboy boots.
I love a big catch-all tote and I think that Zara do some of the best high street styles. They often have a very designer look and feel (like this tan one) but come in at a much more manageable price. I'll use this one for all my work items, to keep everything stylish.
I actually have surprisingly few black clothes for someone that works in fashion, but this beautifully tailored dress with full A-line skirt immediately stopped me in my tracks, it's just one of those pieces that will always make you feel put together.
The spring/summer shoe trends 2026 are all about hybrid shoes, the sneakerina is a combination of a ballet pump and sneaker, and one of the most comfortable shoes I own (I have them in white). And while I largely wear a rotation of the best white trainers, a black pair of pumps will help to add polish to numerous outfits.
Don't underestimate the power of a cotton shirt. Breathable, instantly stylish in a laidback, capsule wardrobe kind of way, I love the androgynous look to this striped number. I'd actually wear it with the tulle Boden skirt.
This is the year I will be a scarf person, I can just feel it. And there is nothing as simple or as chic as styling a silk scarf in the neckline of a shirt or as a way of pepping up a simple t-shirt and I love the palm tree print on this one.
I rarely find a Boden dress I don't like, but its printed cotton midi shirt dresses are a particular weakness. They last exceptionally well, always make me look and feel put together and the prints are fun and well placed.
I really want to spend more time on the finishing touches to my outfits this year, as after 20 years of styling, I know that this is how to make outfits look expensive, without breaking the bank and great belts are on my 2026 hitlist.
I'm enjoying these postcard style print t-shirts. It was a trend we saw pretty strongly last summer and I'm happy to welcome it back again. Wear with jeans, tucked into skirts or under blazers for a playful finish to your look.
Shirt dresses are a spring capsule wardrobe staple and I'd wear this design with tights and a pair of tan suede knee high boots. Adding a roll neck underneath offers versatility for cooler weather and is a great way of adding more colour to the look.
I always think that Mango jewellery looks really expensive, and this season it has not disappointed me. There is an excellent selection of bold statement earrings, and I adore the tan and chocolate colour palette of this beaded design.
Generally speaking I prefer my denim in dress or skirt formats and this fit and flare, asymmetric design caught my eye at the press preview months ago and I still have a lot of love for it. Diagonal hemline adds a designer feel.
It's not quite sandal season yet, but I don't envision these leather M&S leopard print shoes being around for long and I do want them for when the sun is back permanently.
My favourite parka has probably had its last wear and I'm looking for a chic replacement and this lightweight, rust coloured design is offers a design look and feel.
The sun came out this week for the first time in forever and if your sunglasses need a little bit of an update, this fun tortoiseshell pair from Oliver Bonas offer a fun take on aviators.
I'm not actually much of jeans wearer at all, but Yasmin and Amber Le Bon have just launched an edit with George at Asda and I'm seriously impressed. Yasmin waxed lyrical about this ankle skimming pair, so much so I want to try them, and at £18, it's a steal.
In my opinion Hobbs make some of the best trench coats and this khaki one is a timeless colourway. I'm still wearing Hobbs trenches that are at least 10 years old.
These bold pyjamas feel like the ideal way to welcome in warmer climes, longer evenings and more glimpses of the sun.
And there you have it, that's every piece of high street loveliness currently on my shopping list. It's extensive, even more so, but it's the start of the season, and I don't like to miss out.
But how does one edit down when there is so much choice? I often start with the standout pieces, the items I suspect will sell out quickly - such as the Boden tulle skirt, or the M&S bomber. These statement looks are the ones I find fly off the shelves first, whereas the more classic pieces I can hold off on until next payday.
But that doesn't mean the staples are less important; to the contrary, they are the building blocks to a capsule wardrobe, but the head turners are great for refreshing and adding a contemporary spin. Alternatively, if you want to start small, accessories are great for reframing past-season favourites to give them an up-to-date finish.
