Marks & Spencer spring and summer top fashion picks from M&S yellow bomber jacket to linen co-ords'

This happened earlier this month, when M&S previewed its SS26 main ranges at its showroom at Marble Arch in London. I went along to take a look, with notebook and phone in hand, to make a note of all the pieces that I want to buy right now, and also the ones I want to look out for later in the season when the high summer drop comes in.

Love That is the M&S catchphrase for spring/summer, and Gillian Anderson has been appointed Chief Compliments Officer, spearheading a campaign to encourage us all, presumably, to dish out encouraging words of sartorial appreciation to those wearing something that catches our eye in a good way.

And why not? There is, after all, much to turn heads at M&S as the brand seeks to grow its appeal for the under 35s and the 55s, while holding on to its lead with over 55s, offering designs that suit all ages and hopefully see an increasing number of mothers and daughters shopping together and stealing from each other’s wardrobe.

Sustainability issues notwithstanding, there is an appetite for newness, and M&S is introducing mid-month drops of new stuff, which it is able to design, fit and make quickly, to respond to the session and customer desires.

Value is an important consideration, with 57 per cent of the pieces in the womenswear collection costing £30 or under.

So, what are the highlights of the M&S SS26 fashion collections, what are the trends to key into and the investment pieces that we can snap up this season for the long-term?

If there is one key piece to buy right now for a fresh, cool and contemporary wardrobe injection for spring, it has to be a bomber jacket.

Trouble is, it’s hard to choose exactly which bomber jacket, because M&S has come up with a whole raft of styles - in cotton, linen, denim, silk, jersey, paisley, suede and more. Look out for funnel-neck styles, for a sporty edge (which works well to soften tailored looks), or smarten up with a collared version, to elevate a simple jeans and tee look.

These bombers - or blouson jackets - are so lightweight, they can be worn alone, as a top, or layered over other lightweight pieces.

A quintessential M&S new spring 2026 look sees a pale yellow, light cotton, blouson jacket layered over a yellow check shirt, in turn layers over a white lace-edged V-neck top, and teamed with caramel-toned barrel-leg chinos.

This is the sort of easy but polished semi-tailored look at which M&S excels - and note how the addition of a chocolate brown shoulder bag pulls the whole look together.

When it comes to jeans, the barrel leg is still much in demand as women discover how flattering the shape can be, but for those who refuse to roll out the barrel (see what I did there?), the straight leg is gaining ground, and may well prove to be the smart choice in the long run.

Athleisure is back with a super-cool and rather cute new edge, with co-ords of sporty, bright green and red jackets with white stripe bands, to wear with matching shorts, or with a tailored shirt and heels.

Look out also for blue and white striped shirt and shorts cotton co-ord sets, available now and the perfect holiday packing pieces, to wear together and separately.

Back to the office, the dress up/down look of relaxed side-striped trousers teamed with a tailored blazer, and flats for daytime or heels for evening, is set to remain popular. This really is a go-anywhere outfit ideal for smart-casual events, meetings and gatherings. Mix it up by injecting bold colour and statement jewellery, bag and shoes.

Boho is back but with a sophisticated and knowing edge, with paisley prints in chocolate, caramel and cream tones, to mix in with a suede bomber jacket.

Brown tones are still a current trend, and buying brown bags, footwear and belts this season is a sensible investment, given that - although it seems to be everywhere on the High Street - brown is not really a faddish colour, and brown leather and suede accessories, in particular, will always work to ground and sharpen a range of different looks.

There are polka dots too, with a simple yet fancy black and white tiered dress in-store now, and a white with navy top coming, plus a couple of neck scarves if you just want a chic nod to the trend. Oh, and there is a gorgeous itsy-bitsy polka dot bikini in black with white dots.

Asymmetry is very much a thing, so look out for swishy dresses and also there was a butter yellow jacket (which has matching trousers) with a flattering, waist-cinching, asymmetric structure.

Detail is everything at M&S for SS26 and a lot of care and attention has gone to its extensive accessories and jewellery collections.

Look out for sling-back pointy toe heels, highish stiletto style and kitten heels, woven look jelly flats in orange, brown, green and more shades, again, holiday-ready. The bag collection is impressive - I have my eye on several, especially a pale blue capacious style that will carry everything from a laptop to overnight stay essentials.

The Jaeger SS26 collection offers sharp yet soft silhouettes, from fluid ivory suits to warm-toned silk-blend separates, for versatile day‑to‑evening dressing with elegance.

The Autograph range oozes considered confidence with clean, architectural silhouettes in a luxurious and understated palette of soft neutrals and classic black, offering tailored trousers with sculptural volume, cropped leather jackets and fluid wide-leg co-ords.

Per Una brings the boho spirit with relaxed and romantic detailing with broderie and lace textures in soft, earthy tones and easy denim, sleeveless embroidered tops and slouchy indigo layers.

Many of us are planning our holiday wardrobe right now (I make a list) and the M&S Holiday Shop pairs its new swimwear pieces - sculptural swimsuits in checks and bold prints with breezy dresses, sheer, wide‑leg trousers, linen separates, playful printed midis and strappy sundresses, all perfectly designed for summer escapes.