Spring edit: the best things I’ve spotted so far
Smart/casual outfit ideas
When Spring finally rolls around I can feel my mood lifting. The gruelling months of Winter are happily behind us and it’s time to sort out the Spring fits. Most wardrobes need a strong mix of smart separates to hit that smart/casual sweet spot. I’m a jeans girl so I always make sure I have a great pair because I wear them practically all the time. A few pretty blouses and T-shirts are also wardrobe staples and I like to update mine as a new season rolls around. For super glam blouses look at Queens of Archive but also New Day Originals have done a few gorgeous blouses this season - they usually stick to dresses but have branched out.
Low Down
In reality, most of need a smart casual wardrobe these days. A mix of strong separates that are easy to pair together to look smart at work but not too formal. Keeping it simple is always best - a great pair of summer trousers in a modern wide cut worn with a tee, a shirt and an interesting pair of shoes is a perfect outfit.
Paying attention to which cuts are up-to-date is important. For Spring 2026, Culottes and tailored Bermuda shorts are key, also wide-leg and barrel-shaped jeans and trousers as well as balloon trousers with a cuffed hem, often in a sheer fabric. The latter is not for the faint-hearted and I would say it is a fashionista’s/cool girl choice.
Also of note, circle skirts, maxi or midi are popular this season and I’m happy to report that slip skirts are definitely still a thing (right up my street!) If you have any dresses or skirts that are a higher midi length - that might now look a bit dated. I just did a wardrobe edit for a client I last say 3 ½years ago and we got rid of lots of the dresses from back then as they looked too dated and just a bit wrong. The cut and length of things always change with time and it’s good to look and feel current.
Put-together
A blazer is such a hard-working item in any wardrobe, especially if you need to look pulled-together and professional. Clothes are many things and I see them as a tool to help to feel a certain way. If I have a presentation or a big day ahead, I usually want to feel polished and pulled together but never too formal. There’s a fine line which is what makes ‘smart/casual’ the most popular choice and blazers help to achieve this. Even if you are in jeans and a white tee, the blazer brings it all together.
Of course a blazer is not the only option. Bomber jackets are a big think right now and I like the idea of pairing a smart bomber jacket with a pair of wide-leg or balloon-shape tailored trousers for the office - something a bit different but still professional.
Dress update
Personally, I’ve been wearing a lot of skirts lately but at least with a dress you don’t have the headache of what to pair with it. A dress is ‘one and done’ and I like that idea a lot.
Key trends include voluminous shapes (bubble hems, puff sleeves), vintage-inspired slip dresses are going ot be everywhere - that ‘boudoir-chic’ look is a massive trend this year, bold polka dots, and romantic details like silk fringe. Key colors include teal, bright yellow, fire engine red, and vibrant violet.
Just a quick word on shoes, instead of always reaching for trainers with a dress, switch it up for some ballet flats, mesh or crocheted flats. Slider-style shoes or mules are also very current this season.
My picks
I’ll be sharing the pieces I’ve spotted and liked from the shops here so you can have a proper look without having to trawl through everything yourself. That’s really what I want this edit to do: save you time, reduce the overwhelm and point you toward the things that genuinely stand out.
Some of these suggestions are pieces I’d recommend because they’re practical and versatile. Others are there because they add a bit of freshness without being too trend-driven. Either way, I’m only including things that feel worth your attention and that could realistically earn a place in a hardworking wardrobe.
I really love the simplicity or a khaki/beige pant, almost a chino but in a modern cut like these images with a white tee and some strappy sandals. Could also wear with flats or heels but I would avoid trainers. The trousers are already sporty/preppy so adding trainers would lean in too much to that and miss the required ‘smart’ element of smart/casual
These Maje trousers are an excellent shape. My client this week bought them and will wear them just with a simple white tee and sandals.
Another pair of trousers I have spotted that I love - these Me&Em wide leg striped trousers
I’ve noticed a lot of red trousers around in the shops. These are good from Mint Velvet
These Me&Em trousers are great for the office. This brown looks good paired with a blue shirt, or maybe a crochet knitted top like the one below
A brand I have been buying more and more of with my clients lately is Veronica Beard. If you want to look professional but still stylish, this brand really nails it. They have a 70’s vibe about them and beautiful pieces, including this amazing pistachio-colour blazer. the blazer shape is so flattering and these always sell out pretty fast.
Another great trend this year is Bermuda shorts. Seen here styled very differently - they are versatile! My favourite way to wear mind is with a bandeau/off-shoulder top and heels. Images @rachael_keegan @daniellejinadu @slipintostyle
I absolutely love this from Sezane - it’s in my basket. Would be just as good with a maxi skirt, jeans or the Bermuda shorts
Love these from Reformation - they look smart and would be great with heels.
I’ve spotted a few nice dresses - allegedly we are about to have a heatwave so get ready!
‘Byron’ dress in blue paradise by New Day Originals is a great shape. Sustainable cotton and a small independent brand.
Really love this pink and brown halter dress at Mint Velvet
Loving the shape of this - Kitri Studio, they do good dresses. This comes in lots of other prints and colours. Feminine, relaxed, kind of vintage.
OKAY, this to me the The Perfect Summer Dress from Rixo - Wear it with lots of gold jewellry or something a bit more colourful like this stunner from my fave brand Chambers and Beau, a raffia bag and flats and it is beautiful 👌🏻
Absolutely love this bag by Whistles it’s so cool for summer outfits
I love these Rixo belts. Throw one around a dress or over a white shirt to highlight the waist - it looks styled and cool and elevates an outfit instantly ✨
This is a stand out blouse from Reiss. Polka Dot’s are massive for 2026 and I love the drama of this. Great with trouers or jeans
I’ve just ordered these Gloria Sandals from Sezane. They’ll go with all my Summer dresses and cropped jeans too
The metallic adds a bit of glamour - I love these!
Sezane do a brilliant range of blouses for work and weekends. I love this ecru lace blouse
Good American do great wide leg jeans. Or try Zara for cheaper options.
So that was a bit of a mash-up covering both work and weekends but I want to highlight the best things I’ve spotted so far for Spring. More to come in the next blog or listen to my podcast The Style Stories Podcast for more styling ideas and outfit tips. If you are a professional in the UK and would love some help with your wardrobe - read more about my styling services here: https://www.lisagillbestyle.com/ book a chat with me to find out more here: https://calendly.com/transformyourwardrobe/ask-discover-call