At this time of year, when the sun finally starts to appear, nothing beats checking out the key looks from the SS26 runway shows. While not about to invest in head-to-toe designer wear, this fashion editor seeks summer wardrobe inspiration. What are the key trends? How should they be styled? And crucially, how can a similar look be created at a significantly lower price?
From Fantasy to Reality
Traditionally, the catwalk shows of fashion week are removed from real life. This is fashion as fantasy. The clothes that the average British woman buys are not paraded down a runway; instead, they hang limply on plastic hangers or appear in campaign imagery that is often heavily altered and retouched.
But imagine if you could see the summer wardrobe you want, and can afford, in motion, styled with intent on the same models high fashion houses use. Until now, spending only £30 on a summer dress seemed a pipe dream. However, Marks & Spencer is bringing the designer experience to the everyday shopper with its first-ever live catwalk show, happening tonight in Ibiza and live-streamed via YouTube and Instagram. We got a sneak peek at those high summer catwalk looks ahead of time, and here are the highlights.
Key Looks from the Show
You would be forgiven for thinking these wide-leg jeans and tiered camisole came straight off a Chloé runway, especially styled with a suede hobo bag and platform shoes. That is the beauty of seeing these pieces on the catwalk: you are shown exactly how to wear them. The Lace Detail Cami Top and Faux Suede Hardware Shoulder Bag are available now.
Longline shorts are the style to be seen in this summer, and they do not get better than this belted pair, cut just below the knee. Styled here with a silk cami, but pair yours with an oversized linen shirt. The Forget Me Not Satin & Lace Cami Top and Mirrored Strappy Wedge Heeled Sandals complete the look.
If you are updating your holiday wardrobe, add this Zimmermann-esque shorts-and-shirt set to your basket for breezy daytime chic. The gladiator sandals are a bold fashion statement, hard to believe they are from M&S but definitely worth it. The Geometric Printed Shirt, Printed High Waisted Shorts, Leather Calf Flat Gladiator Sandals, Resin Oval Nugget Necklace, and Ceramic Beaded Necklace are all available.
Butter yellow is not going anywhere, and this tonal look makes a tricky-to-wear colour appear instantly cool. The full skirt is the standout piece here. Styled with the coordinating lightweight jacket and matching bag, it would also look great with a simple white T-shirt. Accessories include Enamel Zebra Stud Earrings, Ruched Fold Over Clutch Bag, and Leather Buckle Flat Sandals.
And that leopard-print cutaway swimsuit? A bold move for M&S, but proof that high fashion and the high street are closer than ever. The Animal Print Side Detail Bandeau Swimsuit and Suede Eyelet Detail Flat Gladiator Sandals are ready for your holiday.
See Now, Buy Now
It is all shoppable right now. No waiting six months like with high-end fashion. This is see now, buy now. Your summer wardrobe is sorted.
