I’m A Fashion Editor & These Are My Top Spring Summer 2026 Fashion Trends

The Handbook’s Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor, Astrid Carter, shares the Spring Summer 2026 trends she’s loving, from big ’80s energy to the perennial arrival of pretty pastels (groundbreaking, we know!), the fine detail she thinks makes polka dots really work, and the staples that will service your wardrobe way beyond the season.

As a caveat – and despite being a fashion editor – I really don’t love recommending trends for the sake of it. My golden rule? Buy what you need and absolutely LOVE, not just what the algorithm tells you to. At the same time, there is a certain magic in finding inspiration from those whose style aligns with your own. As a self-confessed fashion girlie, I love getting lost in the beautiful creations of my favourite artists, brands, and tastemakers, and finding small ways to translate them into my own aesthetic. 

So, here, I’ve picked the fashion moments of the season that I’m particularly drawn to. Ones that I feel will stick around long after fashion picks its next poison, ones that feel genuinely wearable, and some that you likely already have knocking about your wardrobe in some iteration or another.

Big ’80s energy

From the leather power shoulders at Saint Laurent to the ruffles and draping at Chloé, the ’80s have made a return to the runways this season. However, this time around, the look feels softer and far more wearable. A strong shoulder has transitioned from being an era-defining piece into a modern classic – and I find the shape just so incredibly flattering.

I love this Zara dress for an affordable approach – the colour, the asymmetrical buttons, the shoulders, the high-neck. Perfection.

Mini polka dots

Polka dots can be a bit marmite. I get it, it’s easy to veer into twee territory. The secret? Go for a tiny pin-sized print, a speck of a dot. I also love the print in a black-on-white formation, in sheer, pretty fabrics. Fine details like a necktie, a ruffle on a sleeve or a frilled neckline, also make the print feel more elevated and expensive.

Zebra print accessories

Zebra was seen in the collections of The Attico, Khaite and Alaïa, and naturally, it’s trickled down to all the high street stores. I love it, relaxed on a pair of faded jeans or dressed up in accessories – a leather mini with zebra heels will always feel both cool and classic.

Zebra is like the cool big sister of leopard print, espscailly in a shoe. It just feels more modern, cooler and classy.

Accessories with personality

We’ve seen so many accessory trends that lean into pure personality this season – from the nostalgic return of the brooch to the chunky heart necklace (undoubtedly fueled by Margot Robbie’s Wuthering Heights press tour) and those fun, if deeply impractical, fluffy shoes. I’ve always been a fan of an accessory that sparks a conversation, and this season certainly delivers.

Currently, I’m loving the shift toward obnoxiously large sunglasses, as seen on the runways of Alaïa, Saint Laurent, and Chloé. While the viral Jacques Marie Mage pair (£700+) are dreamy, Le Specs has a fantastic alternative for a much more palatable £70.

Jewellery-wise, I’ve always been a fan of a big chunky ring stack, and Parisian brand Agatha is my new obsession. From their modern dome rings to cool resin bangles and chain detail necklaces, they offer everyday pieces that still feel like a treat you can buy yourself.

Finally, another Parisian find to put on your radar: Nomasei. Founded by Chloé alumni Marine Braquet and Paule Tenaillon, the brand creates what might be the most perfect loafers I’ve ever seen. Each pair is handcrafted by the founders and their team of artisans, and their Nono Tricolour Moccasins are a true wardrobe hero – they go with absolutely everything while still packing a punch of personality, thanks to the brand’s signature hand motif.

The sheer trend

Not to be dramatic or anything, but I think I’ve found the world’s most perfect dress. From Copenhagen-based label, Caro Editions, it’s a sheer dream of pleats, polka dots, and eggshell blue ribbons.

This dress feels like a modern heirloom.

The shape is utterly timeless, but it also plays perfectly into SS26’s sheer trend. It feels like a modern heirloom.

A return to blush pink

Powder pink was everywhere last spring and summer, so it is refreshing to see it return. It is also such a versatile, joyful colour to wear – perfect for softening the lines of sharp tailoring or leaning into the effortless vibe of simple summer linens. My top pick? Calamint’s made-to-order slow fashion sailor dresses. Check out their Instagram to find out about the waiting list – I promise they are worth the wait. Or Zara’s wide-leg pleated trousers – the perfect addition to any spring work wardrobe.

Cool monochrome

On the flip side, if your style leans toward a more minimalist persuasion. –or if you’ve been heavily influenced by the timeless wardrobe of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy – black and white monochromatic looks are a major look for SS26. Inspired by the collections of Saint Laurent, Chanel and Khaite, I’m currently very into these picks below…

A timeless chinoiserie-buttoned jacket (so good with light wash denim), Cos’s ruffle-neck blouse (although best saved for little-to-no-makeup days with that ruff), and Doen’s shirred dress to wear now over jeans, but it will really come into its own in the warmer months.

The puff-sleeve jacket

Boxy jackets take on a softer edge in pastel hues and with puffed sleeves. Chloé’s blush piece is leading the trend, but I have my eye on Mint Velvet’s butter yellow leather piece.

Great basics

And finally, a wardrobe isn’t truly a wardrobe without some great foundation pieces – even if you are dipping your toe into the more adventurous SS26 trends. The high street has some fantastic staples right now, from Massimo Dutti’s striped knitwear (I’m a total sucker for any kind of interesting neck detail) to COS’s straight-leg jeans. Honestly, I will die on the hill that COS produces some of the best high-street denim around.

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