Spring/Summer Trends 2026: Sheer Fabrics and Polka Dots

Once again sheer fabrics are floating around the fashion scene like some sort of ethereal ghosts. I don’t mind sheer fabrics and find that they can be very romantic and beautiful, unfortunately I think in today’s world too often sheer fabrics are wore to draw attention to body parts rather than to create a look that is feminine but still in good taste. Today I am showing you an outfit that tries to do just that.

Polka dots, in my opinion have become the warm weather version of leopard print. It seems they come around every spring/summer, but are put aside in the winter months when leopard print becomes once again predominant.

Today’s outfit takes both of these elements and combines them to create an easy, but classy look that is both feminine, modest and perfect for a summer date night, a wedding or some other event where you want to dress up a bit, but not overdo.

It seems almost every summer I bring out this thrifted, vintage, Outback Red skirt. It is typically the skirt I reach for when I want a different option to cropped pants for the summer. It is lightweight and with a banded, elastic waist it’s easy to get on an off. The waist is actually looking a bit worn with bits of the elastic showing through. I am trying to think of a way to mend it without changing the waist too much. Perhaps a seam binding or something of that nature over the top edge of the waistline. What do you think?

Thank you to those who took a moment to offer feedback last week on my baggy red jeans. I will be looking at taking the hems up a bit so the legs lay flatter.

Here are a few cute polka dot skirts: JC Penney, Kohl’s, Maurice’s, and Gap.

For my sheer piece I chose this thrifted Maurice’s jacket. I was drawn to this piece due to the embroidered design, which almost looks like snowflakes, but could also be fancy diamond shapes. Whatever they may be, I find it easily useable all year round. The sheer fabrics allows whatever piece is worn underneath to add color and interest. Please don’t show off your girls, or even your girls tucked into a bra. This might be okay for the bar, or a club, but not for work, university or church. Just my opinion. We have come a long way from the days of what was defined as indecent exposure. Sadly, it seems, now anything goes, or at least goes right out the window. Can we just leave some things to the imagination, please? Okay, I will get off my soap box. Ha. ha.

Here is a light blue button down from Loft; a black button down from Old Navy, and a fancier black topper from Chico’s.

I decided to keep it easy and chose a simple, navy tank top to wear under the jacket. I thought this provided cohesiveness to the outfit and kept the color combination of navy and white clean and crisp. Even thought the two blues are a bit different, the sheer topper hides the contrast.

I chose simple for my shoes, bag and jewelry, but also an element of elegance. Ballerina shoes are back and this silver pair I thrifted a number of years ago when I was still working. They are Life Stride brand. Here are some cute pairs from DSW, JC Penney, Macy’s, a wider width style from DSW, and these are a little more expensive, but they have arch support from the Walking Co.

I have had this sparkly, black clutch for years and I honestly can’t remember where I got it. It is Cosmopolitan brand. I like it because it is a little bigger than many clutch bags, but still quite stylish.

I didn’t notice the tarnish on this three piece layered necklace until I saw this picture. The other thing I didn’t notice was that the single stone has changed color. It used to be a more purply blue like the shorter layer beads. Oh well. It’s probably time to send this one along.

What do you think of these Spring trends. Do you have sheer pieces in your closet that you like to wear? How do you wear them? Do you like polka dots? I love to hear from you so leave me a comment or two.

I have included shopping links for you to look at. These are brought to you at no cost. I am currently not working with an affiliate program so I do not make any money from these links. I place them here for your benefit and to give you options for similar pieces and ideas.

Have a great week!

A Few Weeks of Spring/Summer Trends - 2026 - Bright Color Combos

I decided to forego the Pantone Spring/Summer 2026 London color palette so that I could spend a few weeks looking at the trends for this spring/summer season. As you know I don’t typically jump on the trend wagon, especially when so many of them border on the ridiculous. However, I still like to take a look and share what I think are the more reasonable ideas because once in a while there is something new that seems fun, or there is something coming around again, but with a new, fresh take.

I love the color combos that are trending for spring and summer, and I would love to just devote a few weeks just to those, but since we just got done with a Pantone palette, I will just show you today’s combination.

I feel like I need to apologize for my disheveled appearance. My brain and body are really struggling right now with fog, and what I hope is just stress. My hair, digestive tract and joints seem to be suffering. I did start taking collagen again, which seems to help with the joint pain. I have not seen much improvement with my hair yet. It is so dry and thin, and coming out in bunches. I have been looking at a few different products to try, but as my beautician said, often hair health is tied in to what is going on internally. I am trying to get by until my insurance changes again and hoping when things smooth out a bit with the aftermath of my spouse’s job loss before I pursue contacting my GP to see if something else is going on. Anyway, enough of that! Ha, ha.

One of the color pairings that we are seeing for spring is red and pink. You have a certain amount of flexibility with this. I combined a bright pink and a bright red, but you could certainly do a bright pink with a more muted red, or even a burgundy. On the other hand you could combine the bright red with a pale, pastel pink. Obviously, not everyone wants to wear bright colors, but I like to explore options.

Style Tip: If you want to try a trend or two, but don’t want to go all in try looking at small pops of color. For instance, combine a more neutral look with a bright red bag, red shoes and pink jewelry.

For today’s look I started with my red, thrifted, Bandolino jeans. I like this pair of pants, especially the bright red color. They are a bit baggy, and I have been thinking about whether I need to try to alter them in some way. I don’t mind baggy, but I think the combination of too long and baggy is problematic. What do you think? Come on all you fashionistas give me some advice! Ha, ha. Here are a pair of ankle pants at JC Penney, a Gloria Vanderbilt pair from Belk, and a linen blend pair from Gap Factory.

After I chose the pants, I knew I wanted to use this thrifted Chico’s jacket. It is actually a petite, thus why the sleeves are a bit short, but I don’t let that bother me. Plus they can be rolled and buttoned for an elbow length sleeve look. I love the bright pink color and the shiny, gold buttons. Here’s a lighter pink style from Kohl’s, and another possibility from Walmart.

Style Tip: Don’t let sleeve length stop you from purchasing a piece your really like. If the sleeves are too long, have them shortened. If the sleeves are too short pile on the bracelets, or wear a longer sleeve underneath that sticks out a bit. It will make the outfit even more interesting.

Next I chose the thrifted Sonoma, mini floral print tee with the side tie hem. I really like this piece for summer as it is so soft and comfortable. Plus I love the fun print with the little bits of burgundy and orange. Here is a cute floral from Chico’s, a different option from Macy’s, and another pretty option from Woman Within.

I kept my accessories simple using gold jewelry and burgundy for my bag and shoes. The bag is thrifted, and a brand called modern+chic. The guitar type strap was on the bag when I purchased it. The cute charm is from my daughter, who now makes bag charms, earrings, and cute magnets for all seasons and interests. Check out Ruby’s Charm on Facebook or Instagram.

I’ve had these thrifted Puma’s for quite a while now, but I keep pulling them out over and over. They are starting to look a bit worn, but they still have some life left in them.

What do you think of this color combination? I did something similar to this back in February. You can see that post here. I am beginning to think I could make this color combo a regular part of my fashion rotation. What is your favorite summer color combo? Leave me some love in the comments. I always like to hear form you.

Have a great day!