A new season is not about buying a new personality.
It is about revealing the one that was layered under puffer jackets and survival mode. The styling we mastered during winter no longer has to hide beneath oversized coats. The layers can breathe now. Spring is the season where proportion becomes playful again. However, instead of a full reset, think smart. Most of what defines the upcoming Spring is already in your wardrobe. The shift lies in styling. In color. In intention and yes maybe one or two new pieces to elevate your wardrobe, because to be honest, there is no better feeling than investing in something new which makes you create different outfits by restyling it with something in your closet you haven't touched in a while.

To lead you through the overload in the stores, here is Affect’s Spring Guide based on what we saw on the runways during Fashion Week SS26.

Turquoise Is Officially The Colour Of Summer

f there is one colour that completely owns Summer 2026, it's turquoise. Whether it's a bikini, a fresh manicure, the perfect tank top or a pair of statement sunglasses, this shade is everywhere. Right next to it, bright orange, butter yellow, fiery reds, lilac and vibrant pinks are taking over wardrobes and beach clubs alike. This summer isn't afraid of colour. The motto is simple: the brighter, the better. After seasons dominated by quiet luxury and muted neutrals, fashion is embracing bold shades that instantly make every outfit feel more playful, confident and impossible to ignore.

Swimwear Beyond The Beach

Bikinis are officially leaving the beach this summer. A colourful triangle underneath an oversized linen shirt, a bright bikini peeking out from a loose tank or even styled with low rise trousers instantly makes an outfit feel like you're on holiday, even if you're just grabbing an iced coffee in the city. The same goes for bras. Let them show. A turquoise bra under a white ribbed tank, a lace bralette underneath an off the shoulder top or a bright strap becoming part of the outfit instead of something you're trying to hide. It adds colour, breaks up a simple look and somehow makes everything feel a little hotter without trying too hard.

Beauty Is Fun

Summer beauty is all about having fun with it. One day it's a clean, glowy face with brushed up brows and a soft nude lip, the next it's pearly white nails, tiny floral details, little gems, glitter finishes or a wash of turquoise eyeshadow you randomly decided to try before going out. We're seeing makeup become playful again, with a little more shimmer, a little more blush and a little less overthinking. If your fourteen year old self would've thought your makeup looked cool, you're probably doing it right.

Capri Pants Are Here To Stay

Whether you love them or you're still trying to convince yourself, capris are officially part of the summer uniform. This season they're styled with tiny tanks, oversized button-ups, slim flip-flops or delicate heels, making them feel surprisingly modern instead of overly retro. Once considered one of fashion's most controversial pieces, they've quietly become the cool girl's go-to. Effortless, slightly nostalgic and somehow impossible to escape, capris are proving that sometimes the trends everyone questions end up sticking around the longest.

Shoes That Let Your Pedicure Shine

Summer is all about showing a little more skin and shoes are following that same mood. Slim or plateau flip flops are still everywhere and honestly, they work with almost anything. Delicate strappy sandals, wedges and barely there heels continue to dominate evening looks. Basically, if your summery pedicure gets to be part of the outfit, you're doing it right.

The Bag Is Half The Outfit

Let's be honest, no one is carrying a boring bag this summer. The bigger the city bag, the better. It needs to fit your spf, sunglasses, digital camera, a book you'll probably never open and maybe even a bikini because somehow every day could turn into a spontaneous tanning session. At the same time, tiny bags are having their moment too. Glittery shoulder bags, colourful mini purses, vintage finds, bags covered in charms, chunky chains, scarves tied around the handle, little keychains collected over the years. Your bag shouldn't just carry your essentials, it should have its own personality. Sometimes it's literally the thing that makes the whole outfit.

Sporty Never Looked This Cool

With football taking over this summer, sporty fashion is everywhere too. Football jerseys, Adidas shorts, track jackets and retro sneakers are becoming everyday staples, especially when styled with something completely unexpected. A sporty top with a silky skirt. Athletic shorts paired with gold jewellery and a going out top.

Off The Shoulder Everything

One shoulder, two shoulders. Off the shoulder silhouettes continue to dominate this season and instantly make even the simplest outfit feel elegant without looking like you tried too hard. Throw one on with denim shorts or a mini skirt and you're basically done. It looks best if you have a contrast, long sleeves then show legs. Short sleeves then pair it with your favorite wide leg jeans.

Hair Styles To Remember

The outfit doesn't stop at the clothes this summer. Hair is becoming part of the whole look. Messy clip ups, braids, beach waves that somehow get even prettier after a day in the sun, scarves tied into your hair, knitted head pieces, glitter, many clips, literally have fun with it. It's festival season, concert season and holiday season all at once. Your hair should look like you have plans, even if your only plan is getting an iced matcha.

Dresses, Make Them Hot Long and Short Version

There are honestly two kinds of dresses taking over this summer. On one side, we have those effortless, flowy maxi dresses that move with every step, whether they're colourful, printed or soft and silky. Throw on a pair of flip flops, big sunglasses and gold jewellery and you're done. Then there are the tiny bandeau dresses. Simple, body hugging, sexy and somehow the easiest thing to wear when it's 32 degrees outside. They're giving beach club, sunset dinner and "I got ready in ten minutes" in the best way possible.

The More Accessories, The Better

This is definitely not the summer of choosing between rings or bracelets. There is honestly no such thing as too many accessories. Layer your necklaces, stack your rings, wear the anklet, add the toe ring, throw a scarf around your waist, tie one onto your bag or wear it in your hair. Big gold hoops, colourful beaded bracelets, chunky bangles, little charms you've collected over the years, it's all about those tiny details that make an outfit feel like yours. Sometimes it's not even the clothes people notice first, it's everything you've added around them.

by Lareen Roth-

ALL PHOTOS : PINTEREST

AFFECT's Summer Guide: How To Dress During The Hottest Season