30 Must-Have New Season Buys to Kick-Start Your Spring 2026 Wardrobe

M&S never fails to deliver a good few fashion hits each season, all of which promptly sell out. This time around, my money is on this pair of barrel-leg chinos that look designer but cost just £60. Marie Claire's fashion director has already secured hers, and the rest of the office won't be far behind.

It might be freezing right now, but pretty soon we'll find ourselves in that tricky in-between season, and this excellent trench will ensure you're well-prepared.

Reimagined in a slimmer, relaxed, nostalgic silhouette, Gucci's new Jackie design has all the makings of a 2026 It-bag.

COS' latest trainer drop ticks off the three biggest trainer trends of 2026 in one go: texture (nylon and suede), sneakerina hybrids (these are ballet-inspired), and slim silhouettes. A no-brainer, really.

Jonathan Anderson officially brought back the dress shirt with his debut SS26 show for Dior, but insiders are shopping this far-more-reasonably-priced style from WNU instead.

Only Saint Laurent's Anthony Vaccarello could turn a canvas, zip-up windbreaker into the most in-demand product of the moment. In fact, it's been so popular, that it's already sold out in multiple colourways and sizes, so you'll have to be fast.

Thanks in large part to Phoebe Philo, oversize aviators are pretty much the only sunglasses anyone's wearing right now. This visor-like pair from Joseph is a current favourite.

I've just come back from Copenhagen Fashion Week, where everyone was wearing triangle scarves—whether draped around the shoulders over a coat, tied at the neck, or wrapped around the head for a fun bandana vibe.

An excellent, bang-on-trend, well-priced mid-heel slingback that will jazz up all manner of daytime and going-out looks. Plus, they look so much more expensive than they actually are.

Forget a pop of red... This season, it's all about a flash of cobalt blue, as perfectly exemplified by this chic camel knit from ME+EM.

A good denim jacket is a real between-seasons style saviour, and this peplum-hem, dark-wash AGOLDE one is the best one I've seen so far this year.

Alaïa is the brand that made mesh flats a major trend in the first place, so it makes sense that its latest iteration is destined for cult status.

Vivienne Westwood's signature corset top has been refreshed for spring 2026, now coming in a pale blue cotton that's, frankly, irresistible (especially at that price). Pair with dark-wash straight leg jeans, ballet flats and a leather jacket for an effortlessly cool look once the weather allows.

Animal print continues to be a major trend, but many insiders are moving to zebra styles in the face of leopard's current ubiquity. But for lack of a logo, this ponyhair tote could be designer—and really, that only makes it even cooler.

If you only treat yourself to one new pair of jeans this year, make it this dark-denim pair from Khaite that features a subtle barrel-leg silhouette. Trust me: they go with everything, and make even the simplest outfits look immensely chic.

Slouchy, oversized blazers are all well and good, but a sharp, fitted style like this one looks far more elevated. Pair with baggy blue jeans and a jazzy flat for the ultimate in high-low style.

I've been saying it for months: statement skirts are going to be the defining fashion item of 2026. This colour-pop layered style from Róhe provides an easy way into the trend.

Sorry, minimalists: bag charms aren't going anywhere. I especially love Roxanne First's chunky, bright resin emoji-inspired ones, that can be purchased pre-assembled or personalised in-store.

Inspired by the brand's best-selling suede trench, this shorter, chocolate-brown style is perfect for spring.

Sitting somewhere between casual jeans and smart tailoring, these ARKET trousers will add a hint of effortless polish to your everyday wardrobe.

Sarah Burton's first new handbag silhouette for Givenchy is an instant classic that beautifully blends timeless elegance and real-world practicality. It's spacious enough to make for the perfect work bag, too.

Don't sleep on Reiss' outerwear collections for well-priced, design-led pieces—such as this oversize leather bomber featuring an on-trend funnel neck.

If Michael Rider's first Celine show taught us one thing, it's that big, bold charm bracelets are officially back. Start with this chunky chain and decorate to your heart's content.

The fashion world's suede obsession is still going strong, and showing no signs of abating, so a statement skirt such as this one is sure to be a sound investment. Conveniently, it comes in the hottest shade of the season, too.

One of the easiest ways to update your wardrobe for the new season? By adding in a pair of stylish new trainers, such as these. Miu Miu's trainers are rarely in stock. Run, don't walk.

Chanel's recent Métiers d'Art show removed the humble quarter-zip jumper from the remit of City boys, and propelled it to fashion must-have. I'd style this one with a contrasting bright blue or red turtleneck beneath, or a crisp blue shirt, grey tailored trousers and pointy heels for a tongue-in-cheek take on officecore.

Call it 'The Traitors' effect, but it seems fashion folk can't get enough of kilts right now—and they'll still be big news come spring, so it's worth getting in on the trend early.

Whether you decorated your Christmas tree with a Ralph Lauren colour palette or have one of the men's printed fleece jackets on your wishlist, Ralph Lauren is fast becoming one of the hottest designers right now. If you don't already own a piece of Polo Ralph Lauren, you will in 2026.

There's a new cult Chanel flap bag on the block, and it's less than £4,000 and already been worn by Dua Lipa and Jennie to boot.

In trying times such as these, it feels more important than ever to wear our hearts on our sleeves—and our beliefs on our chests. New York-based brand Lingua Franca does, and says, it best.