Praise the weather gods, because we're in that glorious, optimistic window where we can finally start thinking about our spring wardrobe. I've already made a few purchases - I've been shopping for lighter fabrics and brighter hues and a few florals (but of course!).
This season, the must-know trends are all about prints, effortless volume, tactile textures, and a shift away from the rigid structures of winter.
Here are the key 2026 trends I’m adding to my basket to bridge the gap between now and summer.
1. A draped cape top
Sometimes it's really quite simple - a nice white top that's interesting to look at, and will keep you cool at the same time. A top with a point of interest will instantly elevate your jeans. Just add a pair of statement earrings and pointy slingback shoes and you're good to go.
The Buy: Zara has just dropped this new-in buy, and it's super affordable.
2. The barrel-leg jean
If you haven't traded your skinnies for volume yet, this is the season. The balloon (or barrel) leg is the hero silhouette of 2026. It gives you a curved, architectural leg that tapers at the ankle. After months of wearing black denim, I'm excited for light blue denim hues and even the soft white that's new for spring.
The Buy: M&S has a stellar pair of barrel-leg jeans and I own in three colours - when you find the dream pair of jeans, it makes sense to buy them in every colour. Or is that just me?
3. Suede is the new season hero
Suede is officially shaking off its "autumn-only" reputation. For spring 2026, it's everywhere - and the lighter hues bring an old money vibe.
The Buy: I'm besotted with this pink suede jacket from Mint Velvet. I'm thinking I'll be wearing this with a pair of ecru jeans.
4. A poplin shirt
It is the ultimate transition piece for a day like today - crisp enough to feel polished, but light enough to breathe as the temperature climbs.
The Buy: H&M is great for affordable poplin shirts and this blue striped one is made from 100% cotton and designed for an oversized fit. Layer it over a white tee for a point of interest.
5. Florals for Spring? Groundbreaking
I know it's fairly predictable but florals come back time and time again, but this time I'm going all out. I want to look like I'm ready for the Chelsea Flower Show.
The Buy: Boden’s floral V-neck dress features the statement print of the season. If this image isn’t enough to sway you on its own, I don't know what will...
6. Sneakerina shoes
Sneakerinas - the slim, ballet-inspired trainers that look, dare I say it, elegant? I was unsure of this trend at first but then I tried on the Adidas pair over the weekend, and wow, I'm sold. Will this shoe be a forever trend? I doubt it. But definitely worth a try if you're intrigued.
The Buy: I'm seriously into the adidas Originals Samba Mary Jane in white and silver metallic.
7. The lightweight bomber jacket
They don't call it 'fool's spring' for a reason - you might think it looks warm enough to go out without a jacket, but you'd be wrong. It's still a bit chilly, even if the sun has come out to play.
The Buy: This spring I'll be looking to shop this chic denim bomber jacket from Olivia Attwood's edit for River Island.
8. Pearls but make them quirky
Do pearls ever go out of style? For spring, they're more about irregular shapes and mixed metals. I'll be wearing with everything from relaxed tailoring to floaty dresses when the weather gets warmer.
The Buy: Pandora's new-in section features these gorgeous quirky shaped earrings, available in both gold and silver. Each earring features four treated freshwater cultured pearls, set along a slightly twisted, organic-looking oval.
Pandora Organically Shaped Circle & Treated Freshwater Cultured Pearls Stud Earrings
© Pandora9. The spring-ready bag
A colour-pop bag is the easiest way to spring-ify an outfit you've been wearing all winter. Throw it over your grey wool coat today, and it instantly signals that you’ve noticed the weather has turned.
The Buy: I own this Longchamp bag in not one, not two but three different colourways. It's such a fail-safe bag and fits all the essentials. I love this new colour for spring - it's not the sugary, ice cream parlour mint of a few years ago, the 2026 version is a sophisticated take and it almost acts like a neutral. It’s the perfect antidote to a winter spent in black and navy.
10. Bold Prints
It's go big or go home this season. We’re moving away from the muted shades of previous seasons and toward something far more impactful. We want drama and lots of it.
The Buy: This dress is part of Rixo's 'We Are One' collection, and I'm seriously swooning. It's a collection that celebrates bold print and vibrant colour and I'm all for it.
11. Polka dots
The "spot" is back, but it has shed its sugary-sweet reputation in favour of something much edgier and more sophisticated. From Dries Van Noten to Zara's latest drop, the dots we’re seeing are either oversized and architectural or delicate and sheer, giving the print a modern, "cool-girl" energy that feels incredibly fresh for right now.
The Buy: Nobody's Child has nailed it with this one. I've also compiled a round-up of the best polka dot fashion buys if you're looking for more options.
Nobody's Child White Polka Dot Satin Mila Midi Skirt
© Nobody's Child12. A summer-ready dress
Summer is on the horizon, and now is the perfect time to shop for a vacay-ready wardrobe. Whether you're off to the coast or to a vibrant city, you'll need a summer dress that will spark joy.
The Buy: This beautiful striped dress from Aspiga will be your go-to from during the warmer months. Due to its clean silhouette, it can be styled with both flat sandals, heels, wedges or even your trainers, making it your new must-have.
13. A Pretty Blouse
Sunshine calls for a pretty boho-esque blouse to wear with your jeans.
The Buy: I've recently discovered the brand Pink City Prints, and it's giving me all the spring / summer vibes. This Ava blouse is embroidered by hand with delicate, vintage-inspired bouquets at the collar and cuffs. I adore the red scallops on the sleeve.
14. The must-have skirt
Are we in bare legs weather yet? I'm not quite sure, but when we get to that point you will need a gorgeous full skirt to wear. It can be styled with a fitted tank top as shown for a modern contrast, or pair with a crisp button-down shirt and flat Mary Jane shoes for a sophisticated workwear ensemble.
The Buy: I've fallen for this prom skirt from Karen Millen - and it's also available in pink.
You can find me on Instagram @leannebayley where I share some of my fave spring looks. What will you be adding to your spring wardrobe this year?
