All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.
SUMMER is upon us, and with a new season comes a fresh wave of fashion trends flooding the high street.
But navigating through the countless new arrivals can be overwhelming, leaving most of us scratching our heads over what’s worth spending our cash on.
Numerous new trends are emerging, with leopard print making a strong comeback, Copenhagen blouses maintaining their popularity, and ballet flats receiving a summer makeover.
Additionally, we've selected timeless summer must-haves, such as new sunglasses, gladiator sandals and stylish bags.
Fear not, our fashion team has scoured the new-in sections of your favourite high-street retailers to bring you the cream of the crop.
Even though the British weather leaves little to be desired, I’m trying to plan ahead to summer.
This time of year is often the best to buy your swimwear, as the shops are full of it ready for the warmer months ahead.
I love this zebra-print one piece from Marks & Spencer - the square neckline is right up my street, plus the ruching will be really flattering over my middle.
Keeping on the holiday theme, these sandals from H&M are a great dupe for the Hermes pair but for a fraction of the price - at under £20, you can’t go wrong.
Stepping out of my comfort zone, I’ve been seeing loads of strapless dresses around and, although I often like my arms to be covered, I want to try one to see what it looks like, and I love the crochet detailing on this one from Albaray.
Accessory-wise, I love the wavy shape of these sunglasses from Zara, and the knitted striped bag from Charles & Keith will be perfect for my summer holidays.
Finally, Farm Rio is a brand I’ve just discovered and I am obsessed with everything on the website, this T-shirt is so bright, I already know just wearing it will instantly lift my mood.
Yellow is making a fashion comeback this season, and I'm obsessed with these pyjama-style linen wide-leg trousers from H&M.
I’m a fan of the subtle stripes and drawstring waist, which makes them look much more expensive than £12.99, and for a super-chic vibe, I'll be adding the matching shirt added and a French tuck.
I like to update my accessories every season, as it can really amp up the looks I’ve worn before - this fringe bag is giving all of the summer vibes and would hold everything that I need for work, including my laptop.
And, I'm thinking of treating myself to a slightly pricier pair of sunglasses.
This collaboration between Ganni and Ace & Tate has been living rent-free in my brain for a few weeks now - the shape is super- wearable, so it looks like I’ll be giving in to this purchase.
On the topic of Ganni, the Copenhagen front-tie blouse has blown up as a fashion favourite this season and there have been some great dupes on the high-street, but this Stradivarius one is the best I've seen (yes it has thicker bows and big puff sleeves) and at just £19.99 get your hands on it before it goes!
The crochet trend is also one I'm buying into, and although I'm not usually one for bright colours, this pink and orange top really drew me in - I’ll be checking out on these and the matching shorts in time for summer.
While the shops are getting stocked up with summer trends, I’m not ready for all things holiday quite yet.
I’m in love with this new leopard-print Zara coat, though, which is a double for a Rixo style that continues to be restocked and instantly flies off the shelves.
It's lightweight, which means it's perfect for transitional temperatures, and lets face it the leopard-print trend isn’t going anywhere.
Another dupe I’ve got in my online basket is this tote from JW Pei, which is a double for a DeMellier bag - but a fraction of the cost.
The neutral shade and in suede (which I predict is going to be massive next season and the one after) is my must-have, plus it goes perfectly with these Mary Jane pumps I’ve also got my eye on.
I’m also so excited to get my hands on this dark denim dress from Marks & Spencer with clever side ruching that means I can eat a massive lunch and not worry about bloating - hurrah.
Slipped underneath this linen blazer from Mint Velvet, I’m ready to go!
In the past, I have always left my summer shopping too late and missed all the best bits, so now I constantly keep my eye on all the new-in sections to see what is hitting online and in store.
What I do now is shop for things I can wear to the office, but that will also work in the sunshine at the end of July.
This dress will work with an oversized black blazer over the top for work, but also on its own for dinner overlooking the beach with a big basket bag and thong sandals.
The floral linen shirt will be great now with a linen suit and also over a bikini with cut-offs for the beach club.
I am all about clever shopping that saves me cash in the long run!
