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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:
ZARA
Embroidered Short Sleeve Blouse
You can never go wrong with a classic white blouse and jeans.
ZARA
Double-Breasted 100% Linen Blazer With Shoulder Pads
Both my mum and I are on the hunt for a spring suit, and I think we’ve found it!
ZARA
100% Linen Straight Trousers
A chocolate brown option still feels timeless, but is just a slightly fresher option compared to black.
ZARA
Crossover Strap Sandals
A pair of sandals that are comfy and chic is an essential for the season ahead.
ZARA
Zw Collection Double-Breasted Buttoned Blazer
I’ll take the entire look, please.
The Best Anti-Trend Pieces From COS:
COS
Pleated Belted Midi Dress
I have a black dress from COS from last summer and it’s just the easiest thing to wear on a hot day when you have no energy to get dressed, but still want to look put together.
What would a spring/summer shopping edit be without a basket bag?
cos
Button-Down Linen Collar Shirt
I love black in summer, but I think navy always look a touch more elegant.
The is the perfect top to wear with shorts, jeans or trousers in the evening.
cos
Facade Straight Jeans
My mum and I both love this faded blue wash.
The Best Anti-Trend Pieces From M&S:
M&S
Pure Cotton Drop Waist Midi Waisted Dress
M&S always nails it when it comes to great summer dresses.
M&S
Linen Blend Pleat Front Wide Leg Trousers
My mum lives in M&S linen from March to September.
M&S
Pure Lycocell Pleated Bomber Jacket
A slightly more trend-led piece, but the simple colour and cut of this jacket make it timeless, too.
M&S
Suede Crossover Footbed Sandals
We bought these in the olive and the black.
M&S
Pure Cotton Printed Button Through Blouse
The definition of anti-trend!
