Whilst we technically might still be in spring, summer 2026 feels as though it has officially started. We're experiencing the first heat wave of the year (fingers crossed it's not the last...) and as such our high summer wardrobes are out on full display. Short-shorts, open-toe sandals and airy cotton dresses are on heavy rotation. Whilst I love all seasons, and enjoy the fact that autumn and winter allow for more layers (and therefore more clothes), there's no denying that summer is by far the most fun when it comes to dressing.
It's no secret that this year we've experienced a bit of a shift in fashion. A new era of luxury designers for the spring/summer 2026 collections showcased last September during fashion month have incurred a new way of thinking, and as a result, we're living through a joyous, colour-drenched maximalist summer.
It's not that summer doesn't always feel a bit bolder and colour-heavy, but a slow step away from quiet luxury has encouraged us to have a little more fun with our warm weather sense of dress. It's not just colour that feels easier than ever to wear, there are new aesthetics, accessories and microtrends that have bags of personality, too. So, if you're looking to update your seasonal wardrobe, these are the 8 pieces I'd recommend starting with.
8 Items For Your Summer Starter Pack
1. A White Cotton Dress
Style Notes: Nothing says summer like an airy white dress. Silk, mini and with lace trims, maxi and cotton, maybe with a few broderie anglaise details, whatever your style, every wardrobe needs at least one.
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We love a drop-waist!
This low V-neck is so chic.
Nobody does summer staples quite like Dôen.
2. Gigantic Round Sunglasses
Style Notes: Last year might have been all about the Miu Miu iddy-biddy reader-style shades, but this year is all about the obnoxiously large, round sunglasses. Think Mia Farrow, Twiggy and Edie Sedgewick '60s and '70s style. Whilst the elite influencers are wearing the pictured Celine's, I've seen some great versions at Jimmy Fairly, Prada and Chloe, too.
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Very '60s.
These are the ones Christy Tyler is wearing here.
I love the light lens here.
3. Board Shorts
Style Notes: You might not want to believe it, but the next comeback from the Y2K era is board shorts. Think peak Blue Crush era, so surfer girl-coded, they're the type of shorts that goes hand in hand with shell necklaces, Havaianas and a long-haired, sea salt sprayed boyfriend that describes big waves as "gnarly."
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These are a good length on the leg.
I love this bold blue hue.
The tropical flower is essential to this trend.
4. The Pouch Bag
Style Notes: Mark my words, at every wedding you attend this summer, the best dressed guest will be carrying a pouch bag as a clutch. I've seen many iterations, silk with beads adorned beneath, drawstring at the top or even just with simple 'fold-over' straps at the top, some are even embroidered with sequin embellishments or fringe. Either way this is one accessory that screams "chic, chic, chic."
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The mother of pearl shell is my favourite summer 2026 microtrend.
This sea foam colour!
So cute!
5. The Broderie Boho Blouse
Style Notes: The little sister to the little white dress, is the broderie boho blouse. Lightweight, a little frilly or embroidered and oh-so pretty, it's a staple that looks just as good with jeans as it does shorts or a slip dress.
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Such a good price, this looks much more expensive than it is.
Balzac do the cutest French girl-coded separates.
I love the embroidery on this.
6. Feel-Good Gym Kit
Style Notes: A non-negotiable for me in summer is quality work-out wear that I feel confident in, but is also performance-focused. I wouldn't describe myself as a 'fitness freak', and yet my fitness gear is the first thing I pack when I go on holiday. Whilst there are a few leading brands out there, my all-time favourite has to be Lululemon. From its Align Foldover joggers which are perfect for the airport, to its capri leggings (which I wear well outside of the gym), it never misses!
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My favourite capri leggings.
The maximalist summer trend needn't end your fitness wear.
So comfy, I would wear these to fly in.
7. The Anti-Jeans Trousers
Style Notes: Every summer wardrobe requires an alternative to jeans. No matter how dependent on your denim you are, you'd be surprised as to how many trouser trends there are that will keep you cooler than your Levi 501s. From capri leggings to cargo pants, balloon trousers to pants in cobalt blue and butter yellow, this summer don't sweat staying loyal to your jeans.
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Bloomer trousers are one of my favourite summer 2026 trends.
I'm obsessed with these trousers and this colour!
The Leset cotton coloured trousers live in my mind rent free. I'm obsessed with the cobalt blue and red pair too.
Balloon trousers and bubble hemlines are the way to go this summer!
8. Colourful Sandals
Style Notes: I know most years we fall back on our black and tan leather sandals, this year there's been a real shift towards colour and non-leather materials like PVC plastic. Jelly shoes, flip flops, plastic clogs and fabric wedges—there are a variety of sandal trends bubbling up right now, and none of them are boring.
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Anonymous Copenhagen do the best sandals.
I'm obsessed with this colour.
Ancient Greek Sandals have so many great colourways in their different styles.