Five key trends from Opera Lane’s spring/summer showcase — and how to wear them

From pastels and florals to elevated casual looks, here's what we'll be wearing in the months ahead

Some of the looks seen at the Opera Lane SS26 brunch event

At long last, spring is in the air — and in our wardrobes. With the move into longer, brighter days, our attention is turning to spring/summer 2026 and the new styles and trends on offer.

Opera Lane showcased some of the key looks from Next, River Island, H&M, and Tommy Hilfiger for the season ahead at a brunch event in Cork on Tuesday morning. Personal shopper and stylist Breeda O’Connell was on hand to not only share what we’ll be wearing, but also explain how to use the clothes we already have at home to reflect major trends.

Spring staples

Models displayed a range of stylish looks for the season, and unsurprisingly, pastels and florals continue to dominate these softer months.

“Pale pink is a key colour of the season, it always rears its head in spring/summer,” Breeda said as the shade featured in one look. She added that it is a versatile colour palette to see us through summer events, including Communions, weddings, and summer parties.

Miranda Priestly may roll her eyes, but florals are, again, huge for spring. If a head-to-toe floral look makes you feel more Hyacinth Bucket than boutique chic, Breeda recommended starting small.

“A floral doesn’t have to be a dress. If you’re not a dress person but you want to have a little floral in your wardrobe, try it with a waistcoat. That can go with a pair of ecru denim, a slip skirt, any other kind of trousers.” 

Tapping into trends

Balloon trousers or barrel trousers are a massive trend this year, as are apron-effect trousers and skirts, which Breeda said can be replicated with items you may already own.

“We’ve seen it done with scarves you can create it yourself with a scarf or a little skirt,” she said. Scarves, in particular, are having a moment and can be styled multiple ways.

“This season we’re seeing scarves in hair, on the neck, on the waist, wrapped around bags — it’s a lovely way to make an outfit cohesive and keep all the tones together.” 

Breeda also recommended considering the items you already own and working out what pieces you can add to elevate them this year. She used a look featuring a graphic top, a pair of jeans and a pink blazer as an example.

“If you see an outfit you love, I say to my clients, just take away the styling. Take away the bag and the shoes first of all, bring it back to its bare bones. What is it really? It’s a printed top and a pair of denim. I have that [already], what do I need? Maybe the addition of the blazer, you come shopping, and you get the blazer, think of what you can match at home. Take it apart and then build it back up in whatever outfit suits you.” 

Autumnal tones

As mentioned, pastel shades tend to dominate at this time of year, but many people feel those colours wash out their complexions and do not suit them. Breeda said she has noticed warmer, more grounded shades slipping into shops this season that can help with that.

“What’s unusual for spring/summer this year is that the colour palette has a lot of typically autumnal colours in it,” she said.

“These autumn tones, sometimes for spring, we might not have the representation of a lot of colour that would suit our palette. There is a lot of autumnal shades in the palette this year, but the pieces themselves are still quite spring/summer, they’re quite lightweight.” 

One and done

Co-ords and one-colour looks featured in the styles worn by the models, with Breeda recommending them for their versatility.

“We all know a co-ord is a fantastic addition to anyone’s wardrobe because you can make so many outfits from it. Even as the core outfit, you can style it differently: do a wedge heel for a barbecue, a stiletto heel for a night out, a slingback mid-heel court shoe would work for a work setting,” she said, referencing a “hugely versatile” H&M co-ord among the looks.

She also said one-colour looks, such as co-ords, can help trick the eye and make the wearer appear taller.

“For anyone who is petite or wants to elongate or slim, when you wear one colour head-to-toe, it’s always elongating on the body. The eye doesn’t stop up and down, there’s no breaking colour, so there’s an elongating effect.“ 

Elevated casual

Among the menswear looks showcased, there was a distinct focus on smart casual, or, as Breeda described it, elevated casual.

“A lot of clients coming to me are looking for smart casual or elevated casual,” she said.

“You take pieces that are soft and easy to wear, but the smartness comes from the structure of how you style or put them together. You can style the shirt open with a t-shirt underneath, make it your own.” 

Breeda also recommends playing with patterns so pieces can be styled smartly or casually.

“I always love a pattern with a dark, neutral, and white because it can lend itself up or down. If there’s white in a pattern, it lends itself to make it a bit more casual because you can do a trainer. If there’s black or a darker neutral, it leans a little bit formal, so you can always pick up with the shoes. It gives you great flexibility and versatility.”