Okay, so I went through all the Spring/Summer 2026 trend reports and tried on a bunch of new pieces so you don’t have to waste money on stuff that looks cute online but doesn’t work in real life.
Here’s my straight take as someone who shops for everyday wear, not just runway photos.
Trends I'm Buying
These are the ones that fit my body, my lifestyle, and my budget. I already added a few to my cart.
Bootcut Jeans
Bootcut is coming back strong this season and I’m here for it. I tried a pair from Levi’s in a medium wash. Size 28. They balance out my wider hips and make my legs look longer without being too tight on the thighs. I’m buying two pairs — one light, one dark. They work with the white tees and tanks I already own. Super practical for LA days.
Scarf Tops and Lightweight Layers
I love the scarf blouse trend. I picked up a soft beige one from Mango in XS. It ties nicely at the front and doesn’t add bulk around my middle. I can wear it over a tank or alone. Perfect for spring evenings when it gets cool. Easy to pack for travel too. This is a keeper.
Woven Bags
Small to medium woven straw or raffia bags are everywhere. I bought a structured one from Madewell that has a top handle and a shoulder strap. It holds my essentials without looking sloppy. The neutral color goes with most of my outfits. I’m buying this instead of another leather bag this season.
Creamy Yellow Pieces
Soft yellow is having a moment. I tried on a lightweight button-up in a buttery shade from Uniqlo. It looks good against my skin tone and brightens up my usual neutrals. I’m adding one or two yellow items — nothing too loud, just enough to freshen things up.
Trends I'm Skipping
Not every trend works for me, and that’s okay. Here’s what I’m passing on.
Bubble Hems and Big Ruffles
A lot of dresses and skirts have bubble hems or lots of ruffles this season. I tried one on and it added volume right where I don’t need it — around my hips. It made me look wider instead of fun and playful. Cute on some body types, but I’m skipping it. I prefer cleaner lines.
Heavy Fringe
Fringe dresses and jackets look cool on the runway, but in real life they catch on everything and need constant adjusting. I tried a fringe top and it felt messy after ten minutes. I’ll stick with simple layers instead.
Quick Tips for Spring/Summer 2026
Focus on pieces that mix with what you already have. For me that means good basics plus one or two trend items. I like trends that feel comfortable for walking around the Arts District or sitting through meetings. If something feels fussy or doesn’t fit my shape well, it goes back.
I’m keeping my shopping focused this season — quality over quantity. The bootcut jeans and scarf tops will get worn the most.
Bottom line: Buy the bootcut jeans, scarf layers, woven bags, and soft yellow accents. Skip the big bubble hems and heavy fringe if they don’t feel right on your body. These choices keep things practical, affordable, and easy to wear every day in LA. What about you — which 2026 trends are you excited about? Drop a comment and let me know!
