Summer dressing just got a whole lot more fun, thanks to the joyful combination of colourful, modern takes on perennial prints and free-flowing maxi-length skirts.
Now we know polka dots and animal patterns (yes, we're looking at you deer print!) have had their time in the spotlight, but there's one design that has had a seriously fun upgrade, and that's stripes.
Forget boring Breton, we're seeing this age-old motif being reinvented in 2026 with everything from vibrant colourways to extra fine stripes and unusual directional designs.
One piece embracing this trend is M&S's linen maxi skirt with a shirred tie-waistband, which is available for just £36.
This skirt is the ultimate comfort piece. When you're not sure how to dress for the occasion (or the weather) this maxi will take all the thinking out of outfit formulation for you. Not only is linen the most lightweight, breathable fabric for scorching summer temps, but the shirred waistband means it's stretchy yet flattering all in one.
It's a picnic wardrobe hero! Loose and light for lounging on the grass, and forgiving enough when you've over-indulged on the cocktail sausages...
The on-trend directional stripe design in the burnt orange hue will have everyone asking: "Where did you get that skirt?" The muted tones also mean it pairs effortlessly with neutral wardrobe staples.
M&S Linen Rich Shirred Tie Detail Maxi Skirt
M&S Linen Rich Shirred Tie Detail Maxi Skirt
For that picnic look we were talking about, pair this skirt with a white t-shirt, oversized denim jacket, your favourite pair of sunnies and white trainers.
Give it an evening-ready finish by differently styling it with a crisp white shirt and neutral or butter yellow ballet flats or gladiator-style sandals. Finish off the look with some delicate gold jewellery and a pastel blue or neutral bag. Voila!
Christina Geggus is Prima’s Junior Writer, covering everything from celebrity to TV and
lifestyle articles.
She’s always on the lookout for the latest crime drama set to hit our TV screens, as well
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Knowing from a young age that she wanted to be a journalist, Christina completed a
master's degree in Magazine Journalism at Nottingham Trent University.
After this, she kickstarted her career as a journalist at Good Housekeeping, where she
worked as their Junior Writer for over two years, covering editorial and news content
across a range of lifestyle topics online. She also specialised in interiors towards the
end of her stint at GH, creating interiors shopping pages each month for the magazine.
She then joined Grazia and Closer as an E-commerce Writer, where she wrote
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When she’s not writing, you’ll find Christina attending her favourite Blaze gym class or
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