Just ahead of Knutsford Fashion Week, we spoke to the event’s sponsor Laura Davies of Laura Davies Styling. It was great to gain insight to some key fashion trends and realise we are not the only ones to have some fashion faux pas.
What are the key trends for spring/summer 26
Key trends for Spring/Summer ’26 are – Boho vibes, lace, fringing, suede, and washed denim. Lingerie Styling – lace and satin whether it be Cami’s, co-ords, shorts, dresses, and skirts are popular. Polka Dots are the new leopard! These are a staple in most wardrobes already, but they are making a resurgence, and I’ve styled lots of ladies in this for the races (think Pretty Woman!). We are seeing a lot of colour in contrast to several seasons of neutrals, think butter and lemon yellow, pale pinks, cobalt blues, sea greens, as well as the odd primary colour for those who want to go bold.
If you only buy one item this summer to update your wardrobe, what would it be?
For me it would be a suede bomber jacket or cropped overshirt. This will keep your base layer looking current and fresh and a great layering piece is always key in this great British weather.
Packing for a week’s holiday! What are the key items to pack?
Capsule Wardrobe is key! For a week, my go to’s are 2 neutral swimsuits, linen shorts, a standout crochet cover up, glam pool sliders, a couple of knockout easy evening outfits (co-ords reduce thinking time) and most importantly, accessories – a big straw bag, statement jewellery and footwear are what’s going to elevate your outfits.
What is your go-to summer outfit?
For my body shape and style personality, my go-to is either a wide leg tailored short and a cropped top. It’s my easy, androgynous formula that I can dress up with belts and heels and blazer, or down with trainers and a bomber. A lot of clients love to chuck on a dress, but as a stylist, I’m a big believer in ‘3-piece dressing’ which is the key to looking stylish and elevated.
We don’t want to think about A/W 26 just yet but any sneak previews of the season’s key trends?
Oh this is a great question as I’m always looking forward as a stylist, the catwalks work one season ahead so it’s important to me to keep up to date with what’s on the horizon, so that I can advise from an informed perspective on what’s a worthy investment. For AW we are seeing a bit more of a ‘Quiet Luxury’ trend, toning things down a bit and moving the chunky trainer to something sleeker. Romantic vibes will continue on from the satin and lace, moving into ruffles (and keep going with that suede!) and key colours will include the burgundy and rich wine/purple tones, teal and….acid yellow, all grounded with chocolate and cream. In today’s world the catwalks set the tones, but social media creates the micro-trends (so the viral must have pieces we see today) so it’ll be interesting to see where we are taken in the next few months before AW lands in the shops.
What is the one fashion trend you would hate to come back?
Coloured skinny jeans. Not only are skinny jeans universally unflattering but put them in a bright primary colour – there’s nothing I can salvage with this.
What not currently ‘on trend’ item would you advise not to throw out?
Everyone has a leather biker jacket in their wardrobe – currently they look a bit dated as the bomber is having a moment, but the biker will come back around and as it’s an investment piece it’s something to hang onto as long as it’s in good condition and in your ideal neutral colour!
Describe your typical outfit age 15 (be honest!)
My outfit formula was crop top and Adidas trackies by day and a crop top and very low-rise flared jeans by night with a big tacky belt – all topped off with way too much fake tan!
I do love it when trends come back around that remind me of my teen years and have so much fun interpreting them in a more grown-up way e.g. pairing track pants with a silk shirt.
About Laura Davies Styling
After more than 20 years designing for high street retailers and travelling the globe to see garments being made, Laura knows something most stylists don’t – how clothes really work.
Laura has seen firsthand how premium brands and budget retailers fit their clothes. She understands fabric quality, cuts, and manufacturing methods. Laura knows which construction details matter, and which are merely marketing.
As a top Cheshire stylist (and the only one with background in design), Laura uses this in-depth knowledge to help women build wardrobes, full of pieces that fit properly, feel luxurious, and reflect their values. Because when you understand how fashion really works, you make better choices.
For more information – www.lauradaviesstyling.co.uk
About Knutsford Fashion Week
Knutsford Fashion week takes place from 11th to 16th May and is organised by Knutsford Town Council. The event is a collaboration between Knutsford’s independent fashion boutiques with styling advice, exclusive offers and launches culminating in a catwalk show at the iconic Lost and Found on 16th May. Further information can be found by visiting www.discoverknutsford.com or picking up a leaflet in the town centre.