After months of heavy knits and big coats, spring was a welcome change with its lighter layers and softer colour palettes. It’s the sort of seasonal shift that makes getting dressed exciting again and has rekindled my love for my wardrobe. I will admit, though, I may have jumped the gun slightly and have already stowed away my winter wardrobe, despite the unpredictability of English weather.
While it may feel premature, I am already looking forward towards summer and have been mentally planning my outfits. Summer brings with it a much more relaxed approach to dressing. Think linens, floaty dresses, poplin skirts and strappy sandals, and now that we’re in April, they all finally feel within reaching distance.
Scroll on for five early summer outfit ideas for 2026 that I’ve bookmarked already.
Early Summer Outfits to Bookmark Now:
1. Oversized Shirt + Denim Shorts + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: A white shirt is one of those core capsule pieces that everyone has in their wardrobe that is one of the ultimate transeasonal pieces. When it comes to summer, I tend to opt for a linen shirt instead of cotton. Paired with a denim short gives it that more casual fit.
Shop the Look:
For summer, opt for a linen fabric or a relaxed style instead of anything too structured.
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
Marlow Frayed Denim Shorts
Citizens of Humanity is one of my favourite brands for denim.
M&S
Leather Bow Square Toe Flat Ballet Pumps
M&S is one of my favourite high-street stores at the moment.
HUNTING SEASON
The Pendant Tagua and Leather Necklace
A cord pendant necklace is still so on trend right now.
SENSI STUDIO
Large Straw Tote
A chic bag for the beach and beyond.
2. Tank Top + Palazzo Trousers + Suede Sandals
Style Notes: Palazzo trousers are something I want to add to my wardrobe this year and Marianne has sold me on this With Nothing Underneath pair. While they are more of a casual piece with their elasticated waist, they still feel elevated. Paired with a tank top and suede sandals, it’s such an effortlessly stylish look.
Shop the Look:
MANGO
Ribbed Cotton-Blend Top
A great wardrobe essential.
With Nothing Underneath
The Palazzo: Linen, Hunter Green
Our all time favourite shirt brand has branched out into trousers and these are at the top of my wishlist.
ST. AGNI
Suede Woven Flip Flop
Suede sandals were such a big trend last year and I predict this year to follow suit.
LOEFFLER RANDALL
Laith Leather-Trimmed Ruffled Raffia Bucket Bag
A raffia bucket bag is such a cute addition to a summer outfit.
YSSO
Whisper of the Wind Gold-Plated Earrings
A chic way to do seashell jewellery.
3. Pastel Dress + Flip Flops + Bright Jewellery
Style Notes: This is one of those outfits that you can just throw on but look instantly put-together and sleek. Opting for soft pastel tones keep the look light and fresh while still feeling on trend, and adding contrasting bright jewellery and a simple flip flop brings it altogether.
Shop the Look:
ARRANGE
Pleat Waist Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
I audibly gasped when I saw this dress, it looks like a designer piece.
ZARA
Pack of 3 Marine Charm Necklaces
Layered charm necklaces bring such a fun element to your look.
Havaianas
Slim Square Toe Flip Flops in Brown
Havaianas are a household name for a reason.
Alaïa
Le Teckel Small Leather Shoulder Bag
I love how Rebecca has brought so many colours into her look, but they all work so well together.
To really top it off, go all out with a statement pair of sunglasses too.
4. Pretty White Top + Blue Jeans + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: A pretty white top paired with blue jeans is one of my favourite timeless combos for summer. There are so many styles to opt for too, from broderie to lace or strappy, it’s such a versatile combination that can be worn time and time again but look different each time.
Shop the Look:
If this isn’t the definition of a pretty white top then I don’t know what is.
LA LIGNE
Isadora High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
I love the mid blue wash of these jeans.
Dolce Vita
Reyes Woven Ballet Flats
A woven ballet flat and summer go hand-in-hand.
Mejuri
Dôme Cuff Bracelet
A simplistic bangle is so elegant.
A high-street raffia bag ready for summer.
5. Black Maxi Dress + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: While many people steer away from black in summer, for me, it’s one of my most worn colours. There’s something so inherently stylish about an all black look, and a maxi dress is one of those effortless styles that can easily take you from day-to-night. Pair with black accessories to keep it all-black, or bring pops of colour in that way.
Shop the Look:
A Dôen dress is a piece I’ll be adding to my wardrobe this year.
Monica Vinader
Aria Cord Necklace
This comes in a gold or silver pendant.
Alaïa
Mesh Embellished Ballet Flats
Alaïa’s iconic ballet flat.
DRAGON DIFFUSION
Nantucket Large Woven Leather Tote
I’ve finally done it and bought myself a Dragon Diffusion bag after swooning over one for over a year.
Le Specs
Outta Love | Black Smoke Mono
Le Specs is my go-to brand for luxe looking sunglasses at an affordable price.







