My Goal is to Look Expensive This Summer—7 M&S Trends I'll be Shopping to Achieve a Polished Capsule
From linen to lace, and a healthy dose of noughties nostalgia, these are the best summer fashion trends in M&S right now.
After months of transitional weather and dreaming of the days when the lightweight linens and whisper-soft blouses would be back in our wardrobes, the end of May has officially kicked off summer 2026. Although I felt mentally prepared for the sunny season, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing from my wardrobe prep. The pieces that I currently own are undeniably classic—think timeless shirred dresses and minimalist sandals. But, after a few 30-degree days, it's clear that the summer trends shaping fashion right now are leaning into sun soaked maximalism. From vibrant Y2K-inspired pieces to personality-driven layering, the mood is firmly 'more-is-more', and as it stands my simple staples are missing the trend-led energy needed to make them feel current.
In a bid to save my pennies for the fast approaching holidays in my calendar, I turned to the only place I look when needing an expensive-looking high-street hit: Marks and Spencers. If you're an avid Who What Wear UK reader, then you'll know our editors have a serious soft spot for . Cementing itself as a brand that provides both traditional buys and fashion-forward designs, the brilliance lies within its ability to provide fantastic styles at an affordable price.
This summer, the trends they’re backing couldn’t feel more '2026'. Be it the noughties staples we’d long shelved (the tassel scarf is a personal standout), to the luxurious lace trims the fashion crowd can’t stop wearing right now. Any one of these pieces will shift your staples into a warm weather mood. Of course, there’s also a handful of satins and linens too, just in case you need to replenish for the new season. Ready to shop? Scroll down to see the seven trends I’ve handpicked below.
Shop the Best Summer Trends at M&S Right Now:
1. Your Noughties Muse
Style Notes: This season, a ‘00s undercurrent is running through Marks & Spencer’s ample offering. But should you be worried, the vibe is less Paris Hilton, and more Sienna Miller or Kate Moss. Think micro shorts styled with relaxed waistcoats and tank tops, or loose satin skater dresses finished with fluttery lace trims and stompy boots, you won’t have to look hard to find a current update on these once considered “dated” pieces.
Shop the '00s Trend:
This dress has gone straight into my basket.
Can you ever go wrong with a boho blouse?
Style open with linen shorts and biker boots for a '00s feel.
This is exactly how I plan on dressing this summer.
This dress also comes in a vivid mango and sugar pink.
Style layered over shorts, maxi dresser or denim mini skirts this summer.
Kate Moss eat your heart out.
2. Did Someone say High Summer?
Style Notes: Summer 2026 is shaping up to be the most maximalist in years, and this mood is echoed in the trends M&S is backing too. With its shelves filled with vivid shades and kitsch prints, the brand is banking big on high summer's ‘fresh off the Amalfi coast’ energy this season, so expect vibrant colours and European summer energy.
Shop High Summer:
Pair with a cotton poplin maxi skirt and strappy sandals.
The perfect kaftan to be strolling the beaches of Mykonos.
Who would have thought deep blue and lime would pair so well together.
One way to make a statemeant.
The only way to wear florals this summer.
Peplum tops are back in a big way this season.
Style tied in your hair with a matching shade swimsuit.
3. Luxurious Lace
Style Notes: Originally an evolution of the French ‘underwear-as-outerwear’ style, lace trims have quickly become summer’s most coveted design detail. Showing up on dainty blouses, floaty dresses, dreamy skirts, and even shorts, it's a motif M&S is backing for yet another summer.
Boho at it best.
This dress does all the heavy lifting for you style wise.
The structured shape makes this top look triple the price.
Find me a better date night look.
Style with blouses or loose t-shirts this summer.
Pale blue has quickly become of of this season's biggest trends.
Simple, yet oh so stylish.
4. Blown Away
Style Notes: Although divisive among the fashion set, Marks and Spencer's is proving that bubble and balloon shapes are not only ‘in’, but can be incredibly stylish too. With an exaggerated shape and voluminous silhouette, bubble hems used solely felt at home amongst the maximalists, but after a pared-back update in 2026, they can make for a very chic look.
Shop the Balloon and Bubble Trend:
I'd style with an apron top and gold detail sandals.
Throw on and go.
This season's go-to LBD.
Iconic.
I've you're looking for something slightly more refined this top is a must see.
This dress has been all over my social media feed as of late.
Khaki has quickly become a fashion person's favourite.
6. Pretty in Pleats
Style Notes: After years of simple lines, all things pleated, draped and textured are back in fashion once more. The simple addition of a pintuck or shirred waistband creates volume and movement without constricting the natural contours of the body. From dresses to shorts and even t-shirts, these techniques are all over Marks & Spencer’s New-in section for summer 2026.
Shop Pleats and Drapes:
I can't believe this dress is only £50.
This short style ranges from sizes 6-24.
A bestseller.
This is your reminder to dust off your palazzo trousers ahead of summer.
A statement if I've ever seen one.
All I need now is a Hugo spritz and beach vacay.
M&S make some of the best summer dresses I've ever owned.
7. Lightweight Linen
Style Notes: Linen in summer goes together like florals in spring; it's impossible to have one without the other. Balancing the timeless with the new, this timeless fabric is all over Marks and Spencer’s summer offering. Think trousers, dresses and even the chicest top I’ve cast my eye on for some time, this year the brand knows how to keep you cool in style.
Shop Linen:
A Who What Wear UK editors favourite.
Butter yellow is going nowhere fast.
These shorts also come in white, dark khaki, oatmeal and navy.
These trousers are perfect for the petite women amongst us.
The structure! the fabric! I just know this top will set out fast.
Bury me in this blouse.
