This summer, I want to redefine the notion of a summer basic, because basics do not have to be boring. Taking a look at what stylists and trendy tastemakers are wearing, I curated a list of pieces that are simple yet striking, ensuring that you’ll never reach for a simple white t-shirt or settle for an average pair of jeans again.

My findings? A simple browse through Zara, M&S and H&M will arm you with the best summer basics, without having to spend a fortune on elevated staples whilst still ensuring you look and feel incredibly stylish.

You see, when I'm in a rush, I’ll always reach for summer basics, making me somewhat of an expert in shopping this category. My formula is quick and simple: flip-flop kitten heels (or ballet flats), baggy pants and a tank top or button-down. Easy and effortless, especially when paired with sunglasses. You'll definitely look like you took longer than ten minutes to get ready for the day. So, when it came to updating these trusted favourites, these were the exact pieces I looked to refresh first.

Flip-flops are everywhere and in all shapes and sizes. I am personally ecstatic about this because they are low effort and a great way to show off a fresh pedicure. Go bold next time you're at the nail salon and slip on some fun flip-flops, whether they are platform, kitten-heeled, or flat; the possibilities are endless.

Barrel-leg jeans are another favourite of mine. They give that expensive, designer-looking structure without the crazy price point. I was suspicious when this trend first emerged a few years ago, but I have become quite smitten with them.

The best part about these pieces is their versatility. They can be mixed, matched, dressed up, or dressed down, depending on your plans. I want to feel excited to get dressed this summer, and I think this list will allow for that.

So, whether you’re ready to update your own wardrobe or are just curious about the high-street staples I stocked up on this season, scroll through for the best summer basics from Zara, H&M and M&S.

The Best High-Street Summer Basics from Zara, M&S and H&M

The Best High-Street Summer Basics from Zara

The Best High-Street Summer Basics H&M

The Best High-Street Summer Basics M&S

As soon as June rolls around, every year—like clockwork—I find myself making a beeline for M&S’s dress section. The retailer has become the destination for elegant, expensive-looking summer dresses, and every year there’s one style that rises above the rest. This season, the Satin Skater Dress has taken the crown.

With its chic square neckline, delicate pin-tuck detailing and glossy satin finish, it feels remarkably elevated. Available in chic white, blush pink and classic black, it’s exactly the sort of dress that looks just as good with simple sandals on holiday as it does dressed up for summer events.

Already gaining traction on TikTok and Instagram and in the wardrobes of the chicest women I know, this M&S dress is unlikely to stay in stock for long. Keep scrolling to shop it below.

Shop The M&S Viral Dress

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As a fashion editor, I'm constantly researching the new-season pieces worth investing in—from luxury handbags to key on-trend buys. But if there's one thing I refuse to overlook when building my own day to day wardrobe, it's great basics. In fact, I'd argue that the most expensive-looking outfits aren't built on statement designer pieces at all—they're built on good quality, hardworking foundations. And when it comes to those foundations, there's one high-street retailer I return to year after year: M&S.

My wardrobe is living proof. Every summer, I stock up on Marks & Spencer's brilliantly cut vest tops, easy linen separates, throw-on dresses and comfortable-but-chic sandals before building the rest of my outfits around them. The reason is simple: M&S basics consistently deliver where it matters most. The fabrics look and feel premium (there's loads of 100% cotton and 100% linen pieces), the fits are flattering and the designs are timeless enough to get years of wear out of them. Better still, the prices remain refreshingly affordable.

Style Notes: I just bought this perfect vest top, these super-comfortable jelly flip-flops and the linen trousers fashion people can't stop raving about—which fit like a glove, by the way. I'm wearing a size 10 short here.

There's no doubt these pieces make it infinitely easier to put together an expensive-looking outfit in the heat. So, after thoroughly browsing the latest collection, I've rounded up the very best M&S summer basics that deserve a place in your polished warm-weather wardrobe. You can thank me later.

Shop the Best M&S Basic Tops for Summer

Shop the Best M&S Basic Trousers For Summer

Shop the Best M&S Basic Dresses For Summer

Shop the Best Basic M&S Shoes For Summer

Shop the Best Basic M&S Accessories For Summer

After months of transitional weather and dreaming of days when lightweight linen 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. The pieces I currently own are undeniably classic: think 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 Spencer. If you're an avid Who What Wear UK reader, you'll know our editors have a serious soft spot for M&S. Cementing itself as a brand that provides excellent basics, traditional buys and fashion-forward designs, the brilliance lies in the retailer's ability to provide fantastic pieces at affordable prices.

This summer, the trends M&S is backing couldn’t feel more "now". Be it the noughties throwbacks we'd long shelved (the tassel scarf is a personal standout), or the delicate lace-trimmed pieces 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 editor-approved satin and linen buys too. Ready to shop? Scroll down to see the seven trends I’ve handpicked that M&S is doing so well for summer 2026..

Shop the Best Summer Trends at M&S Right Now

1. Noughties Muse

Style Notes: This season, a noughties undercurrent is running through Marks and Spencer’s ample offering. Should this concern you, don't worry; 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 worn with stompy boots. You won’t have to look hard to find a trending update on these once considered "dated" pieces.

Shop the Trend:

2. 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. With so many vivid shades and kitsch prints on offer, the brand is banking big on high summer's "fresh off the Amalfi Coast" energy.

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3. Luxurious Lace

Style Notes: Originally an evolution of the French underwear-as-outerwear trend, 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 trend M&S is backing for yet another summer.

4. Blown Away

Style Notes: Although divisive to some, M&S is proving that bubble and balloon shapes are not only "in" but that they don't have to be OTT. 2026's exaggerated shapes and voluminous silhouettes have had a pared-back update, and they can make for a very chic look.

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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 pintucks or a shirred waistband creates volume and movement without constricting the natural contours of the body, and from dresses to shorts and T-shirts, these techniques are all over M&S's new-in section for summer 2026.

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7. Lightweight Linen

Style Notes: Linen in summer is like florals in spring: it's impossible to have one without the other. There are trousers, dresses and the chicest top I’ve seen in some time, proving that M&S knows how to keep us cool in style.

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A sudden influx of sky-high temperatures has launched our wardrobes straight into summer, and now that the warm weather has arrived, finding chic summer staples has swiftly become the only thing I can think about. For most of the year, you'll likely find me in a pair of jeans and soft knit, but as soon as the temperatures reach the high 20's and beyond, the switch is instant as I swap in breezy linen trousers to take on the summer days. In preparation for the new season, my classic wide-leg styles are neatly arranged, but alongside, I've been searching for something a little more fashion-forward to join my collection. Luckily, the most stylish people I know are already wearing the fresh linen trousers that are about to take my summer wardrobe to all new heights. Even more lucky, they're an affordable style from Marks & Spencer.

The Pure Linen Balloon Trousers from M&S are about to become my most-worn trousers this summer. Of course, they offer all the ease and breeze of the classics with an airy 100% pure linen composition and wide-leg silhouette. To set this pair apart, the hems of the trousers feature sweet bow ties, which can be adjusted to redefine the silhouette with a ballooning effect, one which is striking yet not too far a cry from our beloved loose styles. As Marks & Spencer does, it's considered the relaxed nature of the leg shape and balloon effect, and balanced that with soft pleats to sculpt the shape and bring an expensive-looking feel to these £46 trousers. Currently, the style comes in both black and white colourways, as well as four leg lengths to ensure the right fit for every shopper.

It's not just the standout look that has drawn me to Marks & Spencer's trousers, but also how easily they'll fit into my summer capsule wardrobe. Already, stylish people have shown that these staple linens can be mixed and matched with the rest of our summer wardrobes, whether paired with pretty summer blouses, pared-back tank tops or loose linen shirts. Bringing together style, versatility and a breezy linen accent, I'm sure that these trousers won't stay in stock for long.

Shop the Marks & Spencer Pure Linen Balloon Trousers

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As a born and raised Londoner, I’m not ashamed to admit that I look to the French fashion girls for outfit inspiration more often than not. Whether they’re chilling out down in the south of France or rushing around the busy city of Paris with a coffee in hand, they just have a way of making everything look expensive. So on my most recent trip to the city, I made sure to pay extra attention to the fashion staples that the most polished Parisians were wearing.

And naturally, the second I was back here in the UK, I decided to turn to the high street to search for the French-coded buys I’ll be adding to my capsule wardrobe this summer. Almost immediately, my basket was filled with a myriad of French-it-girl-inspired items that are stylish, easy to style and, most importantly, look way more expensive than their high street price tags. My personal advice on mastering the art of Gallic dressing? Focus on elevated silhouettes in versatile hues that manage to seamlessly balance both on-trend appeal and a timeless aesthetic. But if you’re looking for a quick way to dress like an elegant French girl this summer, then luckily for you, I’ve rounded up 27 of the chicest French-girl-approved high-street shopping picks to add to your basket this summer.

Happy shopping!

27 French-Girl-Approved High-Street Shopping Picks

The start of a new season, which in this case is the languid ascent into a balmy summer from a crisp spring, always comes with a few chores; resetting your closet by packing away any pesky winter coats that are still hung up, creating a personal syllabus filled with juicy beach reads and booking a pedicure appointment for all the summer shoes you plan on wearing over the next few months.

On the latter, beloved British high street titan, M&S, has always delivered an exceptional array of affordable but expensive-looking summer shoe styles to slip into. This season is no different, except for the fact that the brand is going even harder on its summer 2026 collection, meaning that the footwear options on offer are more fashion-forward and accessibly priced than ever.

Indeed, it might only be May, but M&S has quite literally covered all grounds in this department, ensuring that there’s a shape for every taste and occasion. Be it the Chloé-inspired, tie-up beaded ankle flats that pair perfectly with wafty puff-sleeve dresses for those park picnics on the horizon, or the slimline minimal trainers you’ll style with Zoë Kravitz, and Harry Styles-endorsed hot pants for your Saturday morning coffee runs through the city, M&S truly will have you putting the best foot forward this season.

From sumptuous strappy sandals rendered in buttery suede to minimal flip-flops designed to complement anything they’re paired with, uncover the 6 major summer shoe trends that M&S is backing this season.

6 Summer Shoe Trends to Shop at M&S in 2026:

1. Sleek Flip-Flops

Style Notes: Without a doubt, flip-flops have become the sandal du jour. With a sleek shape and an innate ability to style, this silhouette pairs perfectly with wide-leg trousers, stovepipe jeans and linen trousers alike.

Shop the Trend:

2. Braided Flats

Style Notes: Be it ballet flats, slippers or sandals, braided accents have become a prevailing motif of late. Inspired by the signature weave of designer brands like Bottega Veneta, this design element feels quitely luxurious and rooted in premium craftsmanship.

Shop the Trend:

3. Sumptuous Suede

Style Notes: Though suede is typically associated with cooler months, M&S are subverting these tropes by rendering the soft-as-butter material in more balmy formats. From ballet flats to strappy sandals and even a surprising indie sleaze-era style, this style is textural, sleek and sophisticated.

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4. Retro Runners

Style Notes: Slimline, minimal and low-profile, retro trainers are arguably the defining trainer trend of the decade. With endorsements from prolific of the celebrity style set like Jennifer Lawrence, Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner, this is a trainer that is as elegant as it is effortless.

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5. Slinky Heels

Style Notes: Warm weather wardrobes aren't complete without a slinky heel. They can dress up any simplistic silhouette with a carefree-ease and suit any night out with an cool polish.

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6. Jelly Sandals

Style Notes: Though this style waxes and wanes in popularity, it's safe to say that jelly sandals have certainly crossed over from a fleeting trend to a timeless silhouette for many a refined dresser. From flip-flops to mules, bring a playful touch to your look with this anything-but-wobbly trend.

Shop the Trend:

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The weather has finally started to warm up here in the UK, and this can only mean one thing: blouse season is officially here! Of course, you’ll still find me in my trusty tank tops and t-shirts a lot of the time, but on those days when I need something just a little bit more elevated to dress up my jeans, skirts and linen trousers, a blouse will be my go-to.

Elegant enough to make my outfits feel instantly more polished, but pared-back enough that they never feel too out of my minimalist comfort zone, I always turn to blouses as an easy yet stylish throw-on option on those days when I want to look put together with little effort required. And ahead of the new season, I decided to go on the hunt for some fresh styles to add to my capsule wardrobe.

My first port of call? Zara, H&M and M&S, of course. Perfectly balancing on-trend appeal with an equally classic aesthetic, I consistently come back to these three high-street heroes for expensive-looking pieces that will stand the test of time. And in true Zara, H&M and M&S fashion, each brand currently has a selection of blouses that can easily pass as designer finds, all without having to actually break the bank.

And luckily for you, I’ve rounded them up below. From pretty polka-dots to timeless broderie Anglaise, keep scrolling to see my edit of the best Zara, H&M and M&S blouses to shop this season.

Shop the 9 Chicest Zara, H&M and M&S Blouses for Spring 2026

Shop More Zara, H&M and M&S Blouses I Love

As a 5’2” shopping editor, I’m well aware of the trials and tribulations of finding well-fitting pieces. For years, I envied my friends who could instantly wear their new purchases, whilst mine demanded a delay of tailoring before finally joining my wardrobe. Thankfully, the past few years have seen a rise in petite-friendly fashion, and as someone who tries on the latest pieces for work, I know all the best spots.

Currently, I’m in the midst of building a chic petite-friendly summer wardrobe, and three high street brands are ensuring I can wear my summer looks as soon as the sunshine arrives. Marks & Spencer, Abercrombie & Fitch and Reformation are ready for the challenge. All three brands have a distinct sense of style, but share in their focus on quality pieces, expensive-looking designs and balancing the latest trends with timeless details that ensure every piece earns its keep in our wardrobes. Putting together our summer wardrobes takes time, a considered eye and understanding of the kinds of pieces that are truly worthwhile. Add to that a demand for correct lengths, fits and sizes that petite shoppers prefer, and you could spend hours searching for a single item. Thankfully, these trusted brands make chic petite shopping that much easier.

By now, many of us have secured a selection of reliable summer buys, from pretty blouses to light cardigans to easy linen jackets. But for my fellow petite shoppers, you may be missing out on a few summer staples simply because you need some hemline guidance. Below, I’ve curated a refined edit of those tricking pieces: think tailored trousers, flowing skirts and easy dresses that feature both serious elegance and perfect petite proportions. Alongside, you’ll find a range of pieces that I’ve tried on recently, as well as a selection of my personal favourites (notably an M&S pleated skirt, Reformation straight-leg jeans and an Abercrombie dress, which all feature in my wardrobe already). Whether the following spring days are filled with bright sunshine or call for a trusted trench coat, this petite-friendly summer capsule wardrobe can be worn instantly.

Shop the Best Petite Spring Buys From Marks & Spencer, Abercrombie & Fitch and Reformation

My mum and I share many things—amongst them a fondness for a luxury perfume, a fancy glass of wine, and, of course, a good romcom. But our shared love of fashion is definitely one of the things that connects us the most. And I’m not afraid she influences my style more than anyone else. She’s honestly one of the chicest women I know, so naturally, I always look to her for advice on what to buy. And this becomes even more true when shopping on the high street, when the task of finding quality pieces that actually look expensive is even more difficult.

So, with the upcoming summer season at the forefront of my mind, I, of course, asked her to go shopping with me to invest in some new designer-looking pieces. And on our search, it was Zara, COS and M&S that really stood out amongst the high-street crowd. Perfectly balancing on-trend appeal with an equally timeless aesthetic, my mum and I consistently come back to these three high-street heroes for expensive-looking pieces that will stand the test of time in our wardrobes. And luckily for you, I’ve rounded them up below.

From pretty blouses that are sure to dress up jeans and linen trousers to elegant throw-on dresses that can be taken from day to night with ease, keep scrolling to see the 15 pieces from Zara, COS and M&S that my 59-year-old mum and I both love.

15 Zara, COS and M&S Pieces My 59-Year-Old Mum and I Love

Shop More Zara, COS and M&S Pieces My 59-Year-Old Mum and I Love

There are, admittedly, a few downsides to being petite, reaching anything on the top shelf and constantly cuffing denim among them. But, being a petite shopping editor means there are perks too. The main ones? Getting to test every new collection to see whether it actually works for shorter frames.

When it comes to Marks & Spencer dresses, though, I didn’t need much convincing. The proof has been there for a while. Between the fact that every dress is available in petite, regular and tall, and the steady stream of chic styles that feel genuinely wearable, it’s a brand that consistently gets it right. Add in the fact that petite influencers such as Monikh Dale have been backing M&S dresses for years, and the case is pretty clear. You no longer need to second guess whether a hem will drag or a silhouette will drown you—just pieces that feel proportioned as they should. Now, there's one dress In particular that's trending on the internet—and for good reason: the M&S Polka-Dot Dress. With a sweet midi design imbued with a vintage vibe and puff sleeves, this is the perfect spring dress.

But that's not all. This season, the offering feels particularly strong. Linen dresses with subtle ruching, soft gingham styles and delicate polka dots all feature heavily, easy, throw-on pieces that still feel polished. The new-in section is full of the kind of dresses that work just as well now, layered with a knit or jacket, as they will in the height of summer with sandals and a woven bag.

Scroll on to shop the best M&S dresses for petites.

Shop The Best M&S Petite Dresses

It should go without saying, but as spring unfurls its verdant features, it brings a promise of lighter days ahead. This should be no surprise for the season synonymous with renewal. Still, if there’s one thing to look forward to doing on the brighter horizons that await us, it’s slipping into a new outfit.

For what else would fit the time of year that sees us all flock to London’s parklands for evenings spent on the green, rooftop bars for sun-drenched cocktail hours and the countless wine bars that line the city’s coolest suburbs than an ensemble that reflects back what nature is providing? No one does this better than M&S. A high-street titan, the store delivers what can only be described as small luxuries, the bottle of rosé you might grab for after-work drinks or affordable sandals that can totally transform a tried-and-tested outfit.

This season, in particular, the brand’s pieces are underscored with a sense of freshness. Linens are balmy in hue and completely crisp, inviting you to kick off your Saturday mornings in high spirits or lifting your mood when leaving work early on a Friday afternoon. In the same vein, the colour palette is especially vibrant and permeated with a high-octane energy that will inspire you to share your look with those around you, be it on a weekend trip to an art gallery or on a mini city break during the next long weekend.

In short, these are pieces that encourage you to shed the last remnants of winter’s hibernation and get out into the world. They’ll enthral you with their effortlessness, enclose you with their elegance and leave you feeling like your best self again. At least, that’s how I felt after reviewing some of their best-selling pieces myself. From picturesque dresses to billowing blouses you’ll want to wear through to the end of the halcyon summer that’s in store, scroll below for the pieces that earned this fashion editor’s approval.

The Best Pieces From the M&S Spring 2026 Collection, As Tested by an Editor

1. Puff Sleeve Dress + Rope Sandals

Style Notes: British springtime is unanimously dress season. After months of piling on layers of knitwear, heavy coats and chunky boots, the warming weather is the opportunity to shed yourself of this cumbersome styling task and wear the most streamlined, simplistic silhouettes possible.

With a one-and-done appeal, this category will have you looking incredibly considered and put-together with minimal effort. This dress, in particular, delivers all those qualities in more. With puff sleeves reminiscent of the styles offered by prestige fashion brands like Aje, Zimmermann and Dôen, the billowing shape really does a lot of heavy lifting in making you seem like you spent a lot of time getting ready in the morning.

Featuring panels that run through the length of your torso, the cut itself is quite pretty in the way it skims the body, before protruding out again into a lovely drop-waist skirt, which is a hallmark feature of Matthieu Blazy’s latest autumn/winter 2026 Chanel collection. The contrast navy blue stitching also adds an element of dimension to an otherwise minimal silhouette, which is another feature that caught my eye when scrolling through the M&S website.

To tie into this textured stitching, I styled the dress with M&S’s paracord sandals. An extension of the rope accessory trend that first appeared on Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2024 show, the slightly nautical and technical accent felt entirely appropriate for the blissful occasions I’ll be wearing this exact outfit to.

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2. Broderie Anglaise Blouse + White Jeans + Lace-Up Ballet Flats

Style Notes: For those moments when casual afternoons stretch into long evenings surrounded by your nearest and dearest, reach for this exact outfit. The broderie anglaise blouse brings a bohemian slant that will inherently make anything you pair it with seem more graceful and insouciant.

The decorative style is best complemented by something understated yet structural as a way to offset the delicacy and softness of the slightly oversized shape, hence why I reached for a pair of white jeans. Not only is the shade the most relevant to wear during the period, but the raw hem edge brings a sort of coolness synonymous with beachside living and coastal escapes. Of course, bringing this effect to the landlocked London is always desirable.

However, to inject the innate edginess and rebellion intrinsic to the city, I balanced out these romantic styles with an architectural footwear choice. A lace-up flat with hook lace fastening, the studs, ruching and sharp chiselled shape cancel out the ethereal and light effect of the top and bottom, tying it all together for an outfit that would suit an East London pub and West London gallery alike.

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3. Car Coat + White Shirt + Cigarette Jeans + Court Shoes

Style Notes: Don’t overlook M&S for office essentials, either. Outfitting you for any occasion, I find M&S a haven for those bare necessities that can sometimes scream unsexy, though they are certainly a necessary addition to any well-edited wardrobe. Of course, with the right attitude and paired in a specific way, these pieces can be transformed into something discernibly chic. Enter: this car coat, pair of cigarette jeans and sleek court heels.

This is the exact look that I’ll wear into the office and earn the envy of my fellow commuters simply for how thoughtful and polished I look. Fusing the credo of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's off-duty style and Charlotte York’s “gallerina” uniform from the early seasons of Sex And The City, this ensemble resonates with soft ease and sharp tailoring. The cornerstone of this look comes down to two crucial principles: opting for a lightweight coat and leaning into soft layering will always be a smart choice.

Of course, given this is the birthplace of brands like Burberry, With Nothing Underneath and Rise & Fall—all of which specialise in this—it should come as no surprise that this philosophy is adopted by modern professionals. Plus, with a slight kitten heel and refined exterior, this is the kind of outfit you can return home after a long day out and about feeling—and looking—as good as you left the house in.

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Working in a team of experienced fashion editors, it's safe to say that every single day in the office is a school day. Everyone brings their expertise to the table, their "specialist" area, if you will—mine? All things jeans.

I don’t say this lightly: in my years as a shopping editor, Marks & Spencer jeans are consistently some of the best on the high street. The fit is reliable, the quality holds up, and the brand has a knack for landing on the right silhouettes at exactly the right moment. It’s the kind of denim you come back to.

Lately, there’s one style I can’t seem to escape—the barrel-leg. I’ve seen it everywhere, from my Instagram feed to the office, and M&S’s version feels particularly well judged. The silhouette itself sits in that sweet spot between relaxed and refined. There’s volume through the leg, but it’s controlled; directional, but still easy to wear. It’s the kind of shape that subtly shifts an outfit, making even the simplest combinations—white shirt, blazer, knit—feel more considered.

If you’re thinking about updating your denim this season, this is the pair I’d start with.

Shop M&S Barrel-Leg Jeans

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We’re finally getting some sun here in the UK, and with even warmer days to come, I’m on the hunt for the blouse styles that will see me through the current spring and upcoming summer season. Of course, there’s a time and place for my classic white tees, and I’m always partial to a tank top here and there, but when it comes to those slightly more formal occasions, a blouse will always be my first port of call. It’s an elegant top style that will easily dress up my jeans, skirts and linen trousers, and more importantly, makes my warm-weather outfits look expensive at any price point. And when I want a high-end-looking blouse that doesn’t break the bank, there’s no better place to look than Marks & Spencer.

M&S is always my go-to destination for finding the most expensive-looking take on high-end trends. And of course, this extends to its current blouse selection. The spring/summer 2026 runways showcased a number of pretty blouses that I was desperate to add to my wardrobe, from trending polka dots to pretty embroidered styles, and luckily for me, the high-street hero has proven its expertise in design by offering a range of designer-passing blouses to suit every personal taste this spring.

So if you, too, are in need of some dressier top styles to dress up your jeans, skirts and trousers this season, keep scrolling to discover the elegant blouse styles that M&S has on offer this season.

Shop the Best M&S Blouses

Shop More M&S Pieces I Love

I think we can all agree that a great outfit really starts with getting the basics right and that usually means having underwear that fits properly and feels good. When those foundations are sorted, everything else tends to fall into place more easily, and you’re far more likely to feel comfortable and supported throughout the day. Gone are the days of ill-fitting bras or anything less than comfortable pants. In 2026, I’m all about finding underwear that ticks every single one of my boxes and I refuse to settle for less.

Fortunately, there are plenty of places, both online and on the high street, where you can find underwear that looks good and fits well without being overly expensive. Marks & Spencer is one that’s often relied on for exactly that. It’s long been known for its mix of wardrobe staples, accessible trends and everyday essentials (do Percy Pigs count as essentials? I think so), and its underwear offering is no exception.

If you’re like me, though, and haven’t updated your lingerie drawer in years, the prospect of underwear shopping can feel a little overwhelming. So this week, when I was tasked by my Who What Wear colleagues to round up the best M&S underwear available to buy now, I thought—perfect timing. From lingerie and shapewear to simple, everyday pieces—including the new BODY line, which launched earlier this week—there’s a lot to choose from.

To make things easier, I’ve pulled together a selection of the best options to consider right now, pieces that are practical, comfortable and worth having on rotation.

Shop the Best M&S Underwear:

Shop the Best M&S Shapewear:

Shop the Best M&S Bras:

Shop the Best M&S Pants

Shop the Best M&S Lingerie

Those who know me know that I do not buy something without my mum's approval. After more than three decades as a fashion buyer, she’s an expert at knowing what’s truly worth investing in and what isn’t. She’s ruthless in the best way: always open to experimenting with new cuts, colours and styles, but never one to buy something on a whim. Above all, she avoids wearing whatever happens to be trending at the moment...

What’s interesting is that, despite a 30-year age gap, our tastes overlap more than they differ. Trends might come and go, but we both gravitate towards pieces that feel lasting—clean lines, great fabrics and silhouettes that don’t date. This week, instead of our usual back-and-forth over one brand, we compared notes across three of our most reliable high-street go-tos: COS, Zara and M&S. The brief was simple: we were after spring pieces that feel anti-trend but still fresh. Think TKTK tktkktktkt

The result? Fifteen anti-trend buys we both instantly agreed on. See our favourite anti-trend Zara, COS and M&S buys for spring 2026 below.

My mum and I regularly share the contents of our wardrobes with one another, despite a more than 30-year age gap.

Shop Our Favourite Anti-Trend Pieces From M&S, Zara and COS:

The Best Anti-Trend Pieces From Zara:

The Best Anti-Trend Pieces From COS:

The Best Anti-Trend Pieces From M&S:

If you’d told me ten years ago that I’d be checking M&S’s new-in section on a weekly basis, I wouldn’t have believed you. The brand’s reinvention is hardly new at this point, but what is surprising is just how consistently good it continues to be.

Every time I scroll through the latest arrivals, there’s something worth noting; from the now-viral spring jackets to petite-friendly staples that genuinely deliver on fit, it's become one of those rare high-street destinations where you can reliably find pieces that feel both current and timeless.

What M&S does particularly well is take everyday basics and elevate them in subtle, thoughtful ways. The jackets are a perfect example: clean silhouettes, softly structured shapes and small design details, a funnel neck here, a refined print there that make them feel far more polished than your average throw-on layer. The same applies to blouses and dresses, where understated touches like embroidery or gentle ruching give otherwise simple pieces a more elevated finish.

Jeans, too, are a consistent strength. From classic straight-leg and wide-leg styles in soft spring shades to more directional barrel cuts, the offering is both comprehensive and easy to wear. And then there’s the footwear. Loafers, ballet flats, sandals, all familiar silhouettes, but with just enough refinement to make them feel considered rather than basic. It’s this ability to subtly elevate the everyday that sets M&S apart right now.

Below, I’ve pulled together the chicest M&S spring pieces worth adding to your wardrobe.

Shop The Best M&S Spring Staples

I've always been a fan of Marks and Spencer. From first bras to maternity bras, trench coats to T-shirts—the high street hero has long been my reliable go to for wardrobe staples that stand the test of time. As a fashion editor who attends luxury fashion shows, tries on designer clothes and endlessly scrolls through new-in sections, the fact that I return time and time again truly says something. And the collections just keep getting stronger.

The new spring 2026 pieces have impressed not just me, but so many of my fashion-obsessed colleagues and friends in the industry as well, with expensive-looking designs that perfectly balance wearability and style. The jackets are particularly good (outerwear has always been M&S's strong suit), and so if, like me, you're on the hunt for a great spring layer, you'll want to keep scrolling. Below, I've rounded up the best M&S spring jackets all neatly categorised into the six key trends of the season: Funnel-neck jackets, trench jackets, bomber jackets, updated blazers, leather jackets and, of course, denim styles.

Honestly, with chic but affordable jackets this good I don't know why you'd need to look anywhere else. Happy shopping!

Funnel Neck Jackets

Trench Jackets

Bomber Jackets

Blazers

Leather Jackets

Denim Jackets

I know my fellow fashionable Anglophiles are rejoicing at the news that Marks and Spencer is now available to shop at Nordstrom. The beloved British brand is well-known for its affordable, chic offerings, and now it's incredibly easy to shop alongside other Nordy favorites. Naturally, I spared no time shopping the curated pieces from the spring 2026 collection and made sure to round them up for you below.

Ahead, you can discover and shop an array of standout M&S picks that are giving expensive-looking British vibes. Think elevated outerwear, polished skirts, cozy knits, cool denim, and more. I'm especially chuffed with the jackets (ha, see what I did there?). Keep scrolling to shop your favorites from the collection. I have a sneaking suspicion that it will sell out quickly.

Shop Chic Marks and Spencer Finds at Nordstrom

In my 10+ years working in fashion, I’ve learnt that the most in-the-know dressers aren’t loyal to designer labels—they’re loyal to great pieces. And right now, those pieces just so happen to be coming thick and fast from M&S. What was once just a go-to for reliable basics has firmly cemented itself as a fashion editor favourite, with its latest spring drop causing genuine buzz across the industry over the last couple of weeks.

I’m spotting M&S pieces everywhere lately—on editors at press days, on influencers whose wardrobes I trust implicitly, and even on colleagues who rarely stray from luxury buys. The common thread? Impeccably cut tailoring, cool spring staples, elevated outerwear and accessories that look far more premium than their price points suggest.

So, if you're looking to add some chic but affordable pieces into your wardrobe this April—to freshen it up without blowing the budget—you're going to want to keep scrolling. I’ve done what I do best and sifted through M&S's new-in section to pinpoint the styles that feel especially elevated right now. From polished jackets to timeless capsule staples, these are the six categories—and key pieces within them—that I genuinely believe will be flying out of stock this month.

1. The Jackets

2. The Tailoring

3. The Bags

4. The Shoes

5. The Elevated Basics

6. The Dresses and Skirts

As we slowly shift from winter to spring, the easiest way to update your wardrobe is with a transitional trend update. The muted tones and plush knits that served us so well through grey, dreary days are now starting to feel out of step, and it's time to lean into the optimism of the new season. And when that season is all about vibrant blooms, longer days and the promise of a holiday (or two), we're even more excited to switch things up.

These days, it's easier than ever to breathe new life into your capsule wardrobe without a complete overhaul. And after an evening browsing Marks and Spencer, I can report that the expensive-looking high-street favourite is backing five major spring trends for 2026, and they all offer the kind of easy refresh we're looking for right now.

With fashion's bohemian revival still going strong (and arguably, amping up for spring), the transitional pieces popping up in M&S's new-in section echo the same retro references we'd already spotted on the runways. From billowing blouses to pretty pastels, just one or two of these pieces will take your wardrobe into the new season with ease.

There are also plenty of other trends well worth your attention. Pleats? Brights? A fresh trouser silhouette? You're spoilt for choice. So whether you fancy a new pair of sandals to get you ready for warmer weather, or if you're curious about the print we're convinced will be everywhere by summer, M&S has you covered. Scroll to discover the five trends that I'm confident you're going to love. Happy shopping!

1. The '70s Called

Style Notes: Since Chemena Kamali's appointment at Chloé, floaty boho silhouettes have been gaining in popularity, and in 2026, M&S is all in on romance and ruffles. With its digital shelves full of sheer layers, a soft colour palette and that trademark free-spirited energy, the brand is banking big on boho to see us into spring.

Shop Boho:

2. Pick a Pleat

Style Notes: No longer reserved for stuffy school uniforms, pleated pieces are suddenly all over M&S’s spring trends checklist for 2026. By creating structure through sharp pleats, these sophisticated styles become talking points, and boy, do they have a lot to say. From voluminous blouses to an easy dress in an on-trend khaki shade (more on that later), there are plenty of pleated pieces to choose from in the brand's latest drop.

Shop Pleats:

3. Go for Green

Style Notes: We’ve seen icy blue, we’ve seen purple, but at M&S, spring greens are taking the spotlight. Versatile, refined and yet often overlooked, you'll find khaki, olive and moss cropping up across everything from utility-style maxis to soft suede sandals. And what's best, it couldn’t be more wearable. A piece in any shade of green paired with a white tee and denim bomber, or black maxi and trench coat, adds balance without stealing the spotlight.

Shop Green:

4. Structured Shoulders

Style Notes: With the runways championing structured shoulders, M&S's spring trends have followed suit. Blending the formality of power dressing with casual, cool-girl energy, these are pieces that quietly exude power. Consider this new silhouette a staple in the brand's latest collection.

Shop Structured Shoulders:

5. Checks and Balances

Style Notes: From zebra to deer, we’ve seen every type of animal print spike in popularity over the past few seasons, but M&S has its sights set on something a little different: gingham and check. Bold, playful and fun, these cute little squares are ready to add visual interest to trusty denim or a slinky midi skirt without needing much heavy-lifting through styling.

Shop Gingham:

As a 5’2” fashion editor, I’ve spent years refining what actually works for a petite wardrobe—and, perhaps more importantly, what really doesn’t. From proportions that overwhelm to hemlines that just feel slightly “off”, building a capsule of staples that look polished (and not like they're wearing me) has always required a more considered approach. Over time, I’ve learnt that the key isn’t having more options—it’s having the right ones.

When a new season rolls around, there’s always one high-street destination I instinctively return to for those reliable, well-cut essentials that form the backbone of my wardrobe: Marks & Spencer. It’s where I know I’ll find elevated basics that don’t require expensive alterations, trend-led pieces that still feel timeless, and, crucially, petite-friendly silhouettes that actually work for my proportions. Jeans and trousers come in 'short' and even 'extra short' length options, and dresses and skirts have specific 'petite' sizing options as well.

For spring 2026, I’ve been looking to M&S to build out a capsule that feels equal parts effortless and pulled-together. Think lightweight jackets, throw-on dresses that can be worn from work to weekend, versatile trousers and those hard-working basics (like perfect t-shirts and classic denim) that can be mixed, matched and worn on repeat. These are the pieces M&S excels at, the kind of clothes that make getting dressed feel simple, not stressful.

Ahead, I’ve curated the exact M&S items I’d recommend investing in if you're looking to build a spring capsule edit—each one earning its place in a thoughtful, petite-friendly wardrobe designed to carry you through this season and beyond.

1. Jeans

2. Dresses

3. Jackets

4. Trousers

5. Tops

6. Skirts