I have a nice new season edit for you today as the big spring 26 drops are starting to land. And I, for one, am not looking back – not a single new piece of wintery, woolly cold weather clothing will enter my wardrobe… at the moment I feel like saying EVER. You know I’m not a fan of the A/W season, my heart pounds when I see the spring press packs bounding into my inbox in early January. Now that I’ve had a taste of sunshine I’m thinking only of the fun times to come. So I’m going to bring you my edit from the new Boden collection, the brand that puts more joy than any other into spring and summer but first let’s think about the nitty gritty of planning your spring 26 wardrobe. Before starting to shop there are a few questions to self that are good to ask, so let’s go through them.
Planning Your Spring 26 Wardrobe
- Whose life am I shopping for?
I always find I have to grill myself particularly hard on this at Christmas when the full length sequin dresses with feather trims come out and then again as soon as there's a hint of sunshine. In my imagination I live in a California climate where it's always sunny, there's no mud and I never need a coat or sleeves. The hard truth is that unless we move that will never be the case - Newcastle and the North Lancashire coast are about perma-sleeves and perma-mud.
So, as soon as summer living starts to appear I force myself to answer these three queries:
Why? - as in why this piece? Is it for my 'Sandy in California' alter ego or is there a reason for it to be part of my forever wardrobe... because that's what I'm working on now - a wardrobe that will work as well for my 80 year-old style maven as my 'practically still a teenager' self at 58!
When? as in - is it a dressed up number that is making my inner Classic style persona jump up and down with excitement while my Flamboyant Natural mutters that I'll only wear it twice a year? In a season that holds an occasion such as a wedding or graduation then these beautiful pieces are allowed but if not, should a sudden invitation appear I have plenty of options in my wardrobe. Style economics dictates that other than special event outfits, every piece you buy should be worn at least 30 times.
Where? This is where mud and hills and cobbled streets come in. I have to be pragmatic and accept that most of the time these days I wear trainers or flat shoes so if it's an outfit that looks best with heels, where will I wear it? I'm lucky to have Newcastle in my life because it's never knowingly understated in terms of glamour - but I still need flat shoes because we walk everywhere there.
Why? When? and Where? are the three horsemen that can ruin the fun of a spontaneous purchase - but save you a fortune.
2. Do the colours I love love me back?
I haven't done my SS26 trend report for you yet, partly because there's a lot of disagreement about what the key colours will be. Finally the Pantone forecast has lost its credibility. I've always thought it was just one of the cleverest brand extensions ever because in my view they've always got it wrong and yet retailers have taken it seriously, staking their buys on the Pantone hunch. Over the last three years they've been miles off and both the retail industry and the fashion press are spurning them. This season their 'colour of the year' forecast was Cloud Dancer:
Yes, they told us we were all going to be spending a season in a shade of spat-out chewing gum, the hue of school shirts that have been washed with a black sock. Most of the fashion world laughed and other than banana yellow and mandarin orange, I haven't seen many of Pantone's other knocked back shades appearing on the high street yet either.
Vogue has declared that tomato red, cobalt and aqua blue, lime and emerald green, fuchsia pink and royal purple are the colours of the summer...
(images courtesy of Vogue)
... Grazia agrees...
... and that's what I'm starting to see around. I always think it's worth thinking the season's colours through before you start shopping because you know how easy it is for your head to be turned by something that you just want to buy, regardless of whether the colour works for you.
Experience has taught me that this season I'm likely to do this with fuchsia pink which, in its purest form, is a cool colour that doesn't love me at all. If I can't find it in a Hubba Bubba version, I must stay away. So think hard now about your colours - it's good that there's variation in the scale as you see with blue and green in the Vogue pictures above so you just need to set your palette. If you don't like brights then khaki will be key as well as brown. Brown for me is the other way round - colour consultants always tell me it's a key colour in my palette and I know it suits me but it doesn't make me happy.
3. Have I thought through my Third Articles?
We talked about this a couple of weeks ago here so I'm not going to go into much more detail. Third Articles are the accessories that make your outfit look polished. So, you're looking for shoes/bags/belts that will contrast with your outfits rather than tone. For spring/summer think tan suede and leather, snake or cowprint, citrus shades... or gold and silver.
4. Is this new piece going to be comfortable to wear?
I remember so well how I used to suffer for my look, especially in my Selfridges days. Do you remember the era of 'bodies' with the poppers at the gusset? I've always been long bodied so they used to split me in two but it never occurred to me not to wear them. And super high heels - 5 -7 inches worn daily for commuting and running up and down the escalators in store every day. My mum used to meet me for coffee and wince but I never batted an eyelid.
I think every one of us in midlife is aware of the comfort factor. And it isn't just about how it feels on the body, I know that if I buy something that's going to be needy on the laundry front it's going to sit in the dark in my wardrobe forever. Plus there's the creasing factor - if something creases when I put it on it'll make me unhappy all day so on the whole I hold myself back from summer's crisp cottons and linens. I've learned that I like fabrics that either drape or contour - if they stand stiff on my body they don't work for me.
I still love a heel but it can't be too high and thank heaven for the introduction of trainers in fabulous colours that work so hard to give an outfit lift. Before you start shopping it's worth standing in front of your wardrobe and having a chat with what's in there - you'll know by touch which pieces you love to wear so work out what the fabrics tell you, asses why you love them and how you can replicate that feeling.
5. How will I update my look this year?
I'm all for enduring style and knowing what suits you but it's important to keep it moving on via tiny tweaks each year. Jeans and shoes are the quickest ways of updating things - keep an eye on those. You'll see that full length, straight leg jeans are currently one of the easiest ways of being on trend if they suit you. And trainers are going more low profile than ever with lots of satin versions around (which take me back to point 1 and the mud in my life - I must stay away).
I'll be starting to update my look with things like baby tees replacing some of my racer vests, some heavier necklaces and some splashes of (warm) fuchsia pink to go with the navy base that I have. I'm setting my budget at 80% focused towards longevity with 20% for a more fashionable twist.
Planning your Spring 26 wardrobe - new Boden collection
So you're going to see me abiding by these rules when it comes to this month's Boden edit and most of the others that I do this season. I think we're all trying to shop with care and attention these days, focusing on what we'll wear repeatedly. Most new pieces have to abide by the 30 times rule. My year ahead incudes a couple of short breaks and then our exciting reader trip to Colombia in September so there will be a lot of life based at home and in Newcastle. Everyday life is where the majority of this edit lies.
Navy capsule additions
And for me everyday life revolves around the base of navy that I've been investing in over the last few years. Brown is the focus for a lot of retailers again this season but as I've already said, I'm not diversifying into it in a big way. I find I like to wear it perhaps once a fortnight. It gives me a cosy, melted, chocolatey feel whereas my style spirit animal is crisp, sharp and neat so navy answers its call.
That means that when I saw this co-ord I loved it immediately. Last week you saw me working my navy capsule hard in Mexico City and this will slot right in. It has the layering that we all need for a British summer. It's the sort of thing that works for the top-upwards Zoom call life that has become my working world. And it's versatile - the vest top will work with my jersey jackets and cream jeans - the cardigan will work over my other navy pieces, a simple off white t-shirt and red too. Never mind 30, it's a 60 wear combo.
How does it feel to wear? I downsized to a size 10 in the vest top because I didn't want it to be baggy and it was the right decision for me. Bear in mind it's cut slightly shorter (but not cropped) so it works beautifully for me with all of my higher waist pieces. If you wear mid-rise then go for your stated size.
The cut is incredibly flattering - note how the armhole isn't straight, it contours the top of your arm which has a narrowing effect visually. It's made from a soft cotton and wool blend so it feels like merino but it will be cooler for the months to come. Four colours available.
Cotton and wool blend vest top
Here it is with its matching cardigan. The great thing about a co-ord like this is that it adds depth to your outfits so even if you don't like the idea of wearing the vest on its own, it's still working hard for you worn like this. I'm wearing a size 12 and for me it's a bit oversized and this is where you need to know your style. If you tend to wear mid-rise jeans/trousers with a straight or slim leg then you'll want to order your usual size so that it's looser like this - that's why I've chosen to style it with straight jeans for these photos. If you generally prefer wide legs and flares with a high rise as I do then size down so that your neater top half works in harmony with the volume at the bottom. There are three colourways available in the cardigan, two in navy options giving you an opportunity for mixing and matching.
We took these photos when we were dropping the eldest off for his train back to London and I'm always a bit sad when we wave him off. As we were leaving the station though Mal commented on how good the cardigan looked underneath the coat I was wearing which cheered me up a bit. I asked him to take a photo so that I could show you what he meant.
Easy pieces to wear with jeans
Moving on - and even though the temperatures here were feeling nothing like the Mexican sunshine that's still living on in my mind, the outfit is ready for warmer days. The long sleeved version of this blouse in blue is something that I've worn so much that a summer option made absolute sense. This is where the 'feeling comfortable in your clothes' comes in. You see I love a short sleeved blouse in summer, it's so much more stylish than a t-shirt but if it's in linen or cotton, I have the creasing and washing and ironing preying on my mind. This is soft jersey and so it's as comfortable as a tee but with extra panache. I'm wearing a size 12 and it's true to size, it also comes in blue, a lovely green polka dot and a floral print.
I see that reviews this week are saying that the elastic is tight on the arms which surprised me. I was pleased that the elastic kept the sleeve on the flattering point at the elbow so that it doesn't ride up. I think they perhaps didn't pull it down to the point where it's supposed to sit - if it was across your bicep then it would feel tight so if you're trying it, remember to position it properly and it should be fine.
Striped jersey shirt with smocking; jeans and bag my own; belt and shoes Boden past season
Every year there's a shirt of the season. In 2025 it was solid sky blue and this year it's the blue and white stripe. The classic borrowed from the boyfriend is a great look if you have narrow shoulders, a long neck and long hair. If you have shotputter shoulders, a shorter neck and short hair like me it looks manly so I always go for a blouse alternative. A blue and white striped shirt/blouse is such an easy way to update your look for spring 26.
And of course I'm going to go on about the fabric which this time is cheesecloth. I wore cheesecloth such a lot in Mexico and was so glad of it. Although it feels heavier than flat cotton when you put it on, somehow it's more airy. It's great for travel because it's easy to wash and although it has texture worked in, it doesn't crease. This has Boden's subtle elastication worked into the cuffs so that you can position them higher on the arm on a hot day - as it was I needed all the warmth when we took this photo. It's been so lovely to come back to the daffodils but I'll be glad when it isn't so chilly. I'm wearing a size 12 and it's true to size, three colours available.
Spring/summer occasions 2026
Navy silk blouse; wide leg trousers; Boden gold platform sandals past season; bag my own
Currently my diary's looking thin on the ground for dressed up events this summer. We had a joyful message on Sunday morning telling us that one of my beloved nephews and his partner had given birth to a baby boy. As my brother said the Y chromosome is clearly strong in our family but it's easy for us all when another boy is added to the gang. We're very much looking forward to discovering his name... and the context is that I'm hoping that there may be a naming ceremony or something along those lines that gives us a family celebration to plan for.
Anyway for those of you who have graduations or weddings then you can't beat these trousers which have become one of Boden's cult items. I already have them in red and black but last year the ivory sold out in days and I missed them. They remind me of the days when I could play around with designer clothes - I kid you not, when you slip these on they feel just like Armani. And yet they're washable and they're in a Boden rather than a four figure price bracket.
I can imagine them being perfect for you if you go on cruises - you could pair them with so many different tops and look as though you were wearing completely different outfits each night. They do come up long, Boden trousers are usually exactly the right length for me but I'll need to have a couple of inches taken off these (I paired them with platform sandals for this photo). The good thing though is that the volume starts from the very top so even if you have to reduce them by quite a few inches, you won't lose the drama of the shape as you would with something like a flare.
I really wanted to photograph them with this blouse but it's on back order and isn't due in until the end of the month. It's very unusual for me to be drawn to something so feminine but because it has short sleeves, the ruffles aren't too overpowering, I think it's absolutely beauitful and it would make a great high/low outfit with jeans.
However the navy silk blouse that I opted for was great too and I'm giving it extra points for the fact that the cuffs are elasticated again and yet they've managed to create them with a brocade effect so they're really pretty. You'll have seen I used a Third Article with the zebra bag with gold zip and the gold shoes. The silhouette of this outfit has so much drama that it needs very little to lift it. I'm wearing a size 12 in both pieces and they fit perfectly.
The pieces that will sell out
Linen shirt; Patch pocket shorts; Boden belt and sandals last season - this year's version of the sandals here
Regardless of the funny looks I'd have got, it was just too cold to take this photo outside... but at least it's given me a chance to make the most of my tan before it all disappears down the plughole.
Every year Boden comes out with a killer print that feels like the best ever vintage find. And this year we have possibly their best yet so even though this blouse will require sessions with the ironing board, it's worth it. Thankfully it's linen so it will get softer and softer with each wash, at the moment the placket sits stiffly but that will change.
As always I'll point out that they've cleverly worked a denim blue into the print so that although it has a definite Boho vibe, it feels cohesive enough for a neat freak like me to pair with jeans. And it seems that a lot of people agree because it's already pretty much sold out in a week so keep an eye out for returns and restocks or choose one of the other colourways here. This one is particularly fabulous.
Let's talk about wearing shorts at this stage of life. As with bikinis I don't subscribe to the "I'm too old to..." mindset. There are times, particularly if you're doing something active in a hot country, when there isn't really an alternative that looks right. I find that I'm happier in shorts these days if I elevate them with a nice top - often something with longer sleeves for balance. I rarely wear a plain t-shirt with shorts these days because I use the top as the focus of the outfit. So a blouse like this does all of the hard work.
And that brings me on to the shorts. Can you believe that as a jeans lover I've never, ever had a pair of blue denim shorts? Whenever I've tried them on they've made me feel like a mom in an American movie who's standing at a sink washing dishes and feeling dejected - I know that sounds weird but I wonder if you know what I mean. It's annoying because blue jeans are such a massive part of my wardrobe and so finding some denim shorts that I liked would give me an opportunity to extend it whenever the sun shines. White denim shorts are different, I wear them a lot but blue denim... no...
Until now! Finally, at the age of 58, I've found a pair I love. I think it's down to the patch pockets which you know are one of my favourite things on jeans. The cut of the leg is also fabulous - it's slightly A line and so it helps to make your thighs look slimmer. If you're going to buy one thing in anticipation of summer coming make it these because I think they'll sell out. I'm wearing a size 12 and they fit like a glove.
I'll just say one more time that if you've always enjoyed wearing shorts don't stop because you feel you should cover your body. Our bodies age, I have knickles (knee wrinkles) but we do all of the future generations of women a disservice by hiding them. We need to be the Gen X vanguard, showing that it's ok to get older, in fact it's good fortune. Let's not allow the celebrities who are hiding their years behind scalpels and expensive treatments be the ones to win. Let's show that our faces and bodies might get older and that's ok - because our spirits never do.
I want to say thank you once again to Boden for helping me to keep this blog free of charge for you to read and for continuing to provide us with opportunities for ageless style. Please support the brands who support this blog. The mid-season sale has just started with savings of up to 50% here.
Have a great weekend - we're over in Newcastle for the first time in ages and we have a night of vintage disco ahead this evening. I don't know whether I'm coming or going at the moment - we went from Mexico to a few days of family life with both the youngest and eldest at home... then down to London and meetings... today we're dancing... and it's two weeks until the next Midlifechic Retreat. Who knew that midlife could be so splendid?
