Spring 2026 Shopping Guide: Glamorous Dressing, Advanced Layering, and Oversized Sunglasses

0:00Tell me if I'm alone here, who-what-wear listeners, but shopping used to feel more fun. Before all the algorithm-fed law, and the endless sea of dupes, but I have a confession. I've found that fun feeling again, on eBay. Because on eBay, it's not just shopping, it's a full-on fashion pursuit. And when you find the thing, that adrenaline hit is real. When you score that rare adidas collab that's lived on your mood board, the Dior Saddlebag, you ripped out of a magazine in 2007 and never got over. Or something like the Cecilie Bonson GT2160s that sold out in five seconds. Yeah, those. It's about the thrill of finding pieces that feel like me, and I want you to find pieces that feel like you. There's always more to discover. eBay has millions of pre-loved finds from hundreds of brands back by eBay Authenticity Guarantee.

1:01eBay. Things. People. Love. Welcome to The Who-A-Ware Podcast, your direct line to the designers, editors, stylists, beauty experts, and taste makers who are shaping the ever-evolving world of fashion. I'm Who-A-Ware Shopping Director, Bobby Schessler, and today I'm joined with stylist, Bree Welch, and our associate shopping editor, Audrey Healy, to talk about our annual Spring Shopping Guide. We go over everything we saw on the spring and summer, 2026 runways, including color blocking, the 80s resurgence, and yes, whether or not we love to prepants. It's all coming up on Who-A-Ware. Bree, Audrey, thank you for joining me. It's my very first podcast.

2:02Very first. I'm so honored to have you. Thank you for having me. Thank you for having me. Yes, your sunglasses are just everything right now. Thank you. We're in New York. It's absolutely freezing. We were just saying there's about four feet of snow. It feels like I'm the sidewalk, so naturally we have to talk about spring and spring shopping. Some of the spring, 2026 runways, are there any trends, predictions that you spotted that you're already starting to see, even though I know it's cold, or you predict will be huge this coming spring? I can go. Okay. I feel like she's playing me. She's playing me. She's playing me. She has her own glasses. Obviously, oversized sunglasses. Glamour's dressing has been one of the biggest ones. I feel like Valentino is a really good reference point, and they're like spring, summer, show, and then even looking ahead to fall, caro additions just showed in Copenhagen, and they are also a really great example, but I just feel like it's this shift to fun, flirty fashion again, and a little bit more, like, maximalism reminds me kind of old Hollywood with silks and things like that.

3:02There's definitely a move towards this maximalism from the minimalist dressing we've been doing for several years now. Definitely. What about you? Anything popping? We've got all these embellishments and, like, fun things like that on the spring one ways, and I think I've seen a lot of people like adding broches and, like, scarves tied in funky places all over their bodies, and I think that's sort of maybe a subtle transition from the spring runways into the frigid temperatures. I'm very into a broach. I've always loved a broach. I love a broach. You're pro forever. We were at an event last night, and I spotted so many broches, and just also, like, in different ways, like, not just on the lapel, like, kind of, like, using as, like, a clasp instead of a button, like, I'm very into it, which I actually feel like I kind of am on theme, maximalism. I feel like there's also this push towards more color. What colors do you think will be big this season? Are you pro-color or what's your vibe, Audrey? Okay, so I am someone who usually just wears all black, like, even this is something for me.

4:02This is a lot for you. She's wearing a cream sweater. I'm wearing a cream sweater, but I feel like I'm honestly excited about the idea of bringing more color into my wardrobe in the spring. I feel like I honestly love, like, a red and purple mix. I think turquoise is going to be, like, a big color as well. What about you, color? I mean, I feel like, like, most New Yorkers, I don't wear a lot of color either, but I have been personally trying to inject more color into my wardrobe, because I feel like it affects your energy and, like, how you are in your daily life. You're, like, if you're wearing a citrus orange top, you're not going to feel sad, right? Right. I feel like these, sort of, like, opposite colors are really going to be huge for spring. It's, like, yeah, like a citrus orange, and, like, a, sort of, dark, teally, like, you're watching a gorgeous sunset, like, those colors when they're, like, needing the sun and the water. If someone is, like, a little scared of color, what's a tip? Like, because I feel like it can be a lot for someone to do, like, I'm going to wear an orange top and a blue pan. Yeah. What is your tip for, like, injecting just a touch of it?

5:03I mean, I think accessories are the easiest thing to do. It's, like, I only wear black, you're, like, wear a bright red sneaker, and you, like, you've totally changed the, like, origin of your, of your whole outfit. It's, like, people are going to look at your shoes and be like, wow, where'd you get those shoes? Or a beanier? I like to wear a scarf, like, a long scarf, even. I've really been into these long, flowy, sort of cinematic pieces, that it's, like, such a simple statement, and it makes a huge impact. Do you have, like, a signature way? I mean, I'm, like, a little western gal when it comes to, I always wear, like, a hanker chief as a scarf, because you can wear it in the front. It can be, you know, like, a little triangle. You can work to the side and you have the knot in the front, sort of, more French style. Mm-hmm. You can also wear it on your head. I think that's really been trending. Yes. I've seen a lot of that. Mm-hmm. I feel like, and I want to get to this. People are doing, like, the scarf around the waist with, like, a capri-pant. What are your thoughts on a capri-pant? Very 50s. Very 50s. I am not super interested in a capri-pant. I think they're very hard to pull off. Good. Okay. In my opinion.

6:03Okay. So I think it's really about finding the right proportion. So, like, maybe it's, like, just above the ankle. And, like, that's your version of a capri-pant. Uh-huh. Totally. What about you, Audrey? Are you pro-capri-ies? No. So I was late to the whole capri-thing, but now I'm obsessed, like, last spring, I was wearing them all the time. I could not take, I had a pair of polka-doc capri-ies, which feels like- Oh, you were, like, 50s. Yeah, okay. Yeah. But I feel like they were so comfortable and I feel like styled with, like, either kitten heels or flats. That's how I wore them constantly. But I get that they're, like, like, my boyfriend was like, I don't like these and I was like, I don't care. That's fine. I mean, I still wear them. What are you wearing on top with a capri? Usually just, like, a tank top and me, or, like, if it's a little chilly, like, even a cashmere sweater. Cute. And then, like, sometimes tie that around my waist or drape over my shoulders. Uh-huh. Yeah. Even, like, a trench coat in a capri-pant, which I don't know if that feels, like, maybe they don't go together with that. No, I really like that. Do you like that? Do you like that? Do you like that? Um, like, dancer movement where you're already wearing this sort of lagging that's maybe hitting just below the knees.

7:04Yes. I think that's where that's coming from. Mm-hmm. That's maybe how I have worn it. But I was probably actually coming from a class. You probably were, like, an actual dance class. Yes, exactly. I love it. Spring, 2026, all about also advanced layering. We saw this on the runway. So layering in unique ways. And we kind of talked about this a little bit with, like, scars and that sort of thing. What is a great layering outfit or layering formula to recommend for spring? I mean, I think a super easy one that's digestible for a lot of people is just putting, like, a t-shirt under a slip dress, which is, like, classic from the 90s. It's not like a new idea, but maybe it's refreshed this season in a different way, you know? It's a mining thing, and you can kind of see it here. It's, like, a longer white tee that sticks out, like, under a sweater. Yeah, I like the contrast. Yeah. That's, like, my thing. My tiny, like, a morpheated tank over a boxy or t-shirt. Ooh, I like that. And it creates weird wrinkles under it, which maybe it's not forever, but I do like that personally. I like that. I'm interested in getting into the sort of, like, what you're saying, like, a tank top over a long sleeve or a short sleeve.

8:05I feel like the very, like, 2000s kind of look that's been trendy. What about, we're talking about layering. What about sweaters for spring? Like, obviously, a lighter weight cardigan cashmere, is there, like, a sweater? Trend or style that you're gravitating towards? I love it. It's hard to find these little cute high v-necks, which I do really love. And the same, even for, like, a t-shirt. Yes. For anti-WP, it did a really good high v-neck t-shirt. This is, like, sort of more, like, a men's sweater, though, which is where this comes from. Cool. What about you? Cardigans. I feel like they never go out of style. Of course not. For me, like, I'm always wearing one, but they kind of come in and out. Like, I feel like last spring, people were wearing them last. I feel like people were, um, again, this spring, but... Is there a style of cardigan? Very functional. I just, like, a black... Classic. Simple one from J-Crew. Like, I feel like that's the best one. Easy. To me, and it's at a good price point, so... Yeah. It's hard to find that. It is. A good, basically. Yeah. It is.

9:05I did a story recently, because I was spotting some fashion girls in a maxi cardigan, which feels like kind of, like, a throwback. Ooh. I just think they're so tricky to wear, without looking like you're wearing a robe. How are you seeing people styling them? Like, with jeans or... With jeans. Okay. Mainly with jeans. Yeah. Well, as we learned last time, I was on the podcast. Yeah. You don't wear jeans, so I feel like those... She's like, never worn a pair of jeans. No, this is a cafe. I know. And I promised last time I was going to buy a pair of jeans, and then I didn't. But they're in my cart. I will buy a pair of Levi's. Here, like, what's going on? I know. She's like... Yeah, Levi's is free. I think we should also talk about jeans while we're doing it. Yes. What style is in your cart? What do you want? The 90s 501. Of course. Yeah. I don't know what you would recommend. Yeah. So, we're talking a lot about, like, cigarette jeans, stovepipe jeans, at who aware, what are our thoughts that are kind of not skinny jeans, but, like, not, like, a baggy straight leg, right? Like, more streamlined. Do you like the silhouette? I like a stovepipe. Yeah. For sure. As long as it's not hugging your calf, I think that's the sign of when it's not the right fit.

10:05Totally. I actually have admittedly a lot of jeans. Okay. But I don't... How many would you guess? 25, 30 pairs? Oh, wow. You know them are vintage and, um, look, you always come back to them, maybe if you're not hungry, but everyone else, like, always comes back to them. You come back. Now, I know you work with eBay. Yes. First, I'm going to tell me a little bit about your work with them, but do you source the Levi's on eBay or what's, like, your pro tip in general for sourcing, like, a coveted or one of those one-of-a-kind pieces? I have... One of my very first purchases on eBay, like, 15 years ago was a pair of Levi's. Yeah. It was, like, teen fit, which sounds so funny, but they were perfect. And I still have them to this day. But my tips generally for searching on eBay are, like, use... If you're searching for designer, use the authenticity guarantee tab because it just guarantees it it's a real item. Yes. You don't have to worry about that, like, using the filters and being as specific as possible. Also, if you can, like, if you're in a region, narrowing it down to that region also is kind of, like, helps narrow things down, because, you know, there's, like, endless things on eBay. Mm-hmm.

11:06When you find a seller, you, like, like, save them, because I'm, like, like, sign up for the updates. If you, like, a couple of the items are signed, they're probably going to, like, the majority of the stock that they're going to keep providing. That's smart. So I think that's always a good idea. I was looking before this, too. You created for eBay something called the watch list. Yes. We do the watch list. So tell me about that. And is there anything on your last report that you're, like, seen on the streets of New York or that your clients are gravitating towards? You know, well, trends are so cyclical. Right. They come and they go. But it's, like, the watch list is all based on shopping data and how people are actually buying things. And so we try to integrate that into the watch list itself and how we're doing these shoots and stories and how we can navigate and how to find the pieces that are currently trending, like, from the spring runways, but that already also exists on eBay. Right. There were some really incredible coat going into spring. It's like, you even want those transitional coats? Yes, for sure. Which is sometimes a tricky category because you don't get to wear them very long.

12:07But I do think that is certainly what I'm gravitating towards in, like, more special pieces that you can wear again and again, but maybe fall into the trends that are now. Totally. I feel like that was another thing we saw, even though it's spring was like all about the code or jacket, like a great trench code or, you know, whatever it is. Are you, do you have like a coat trend situation that you're liking for spring? I mean, definitely the trend. Yeah, of course. I feel like the number one, for sure. I really want one from that brand Rousseau fee. I feel like that's like my wish list. Yeah. I feel like the big sort of trapezi one. I think they have multiple ones. I sort of like a single one rather than the double breast one, so that's what I'm looking for. I think block, but maybe I'll go crazy and get beige. Beige. She's like, maybe I'll go nuts and get beige. Yeah. Wild. She's so crazy on a 10 a.m. on a Tuesday. What kind of trench are you into? I don't like anything too fitted. I have a great one from the Frankie shop, which is gigantic and oversized, and people always

13:10ask me where it's from. I think it's a pretty good price point also, and I have another more, a slightly more tailored one that has like a strong shoulder from this brand Salon 1884, and it's more, it's way more feminine and like a look and it sort of leans into that sort of 80s aesthetic, which I think has been trending. I was gonna say it. It's really coming. Thoughts on the 80s. I feel like that's huge for spring. I think the way we saw on the runways is a better iteration than we've seen previously, because it wasn't so literal and sort of tacky. Yeah. You know? Yeah, totally. The way why I sell it is obviously like, well, that's beautiful and it's a strong point of you without being, I don't know, like over the top. Tell me if I'm alone here who are wear listeners, but shopping used to feel more fun. For all the algorithm-fed law and the endless sea of dupes, but I have a confession. I've found that fun feeling again on eBay. It's not mindless scrolling. It's a fashion pursuit. And when you score that rare Adidas collab or the Dior saddlebag you've been manifesting,

14:14it's a rush. eBay has millions of pre-loved finds from hundreds of brands backed by eBay Authenticity Guarantee. eBay. Things. People. Love. Okay. So you're wearing sunglasses inside? Yes. Yes. So let's talk about any kind of mention that's at the front, but let's talk about accessories. Yeah. Big sunglasses. That's key for you for spring. This is my first pair, actually. They're from this brand called Chimmy. Yeah, of course. Yeah. I really love them. I feel like I know that smaller frames look better on my face. I'm well aware of that, but I kind of feel like I'm like, I don't mind looking like a bug right now. I'm kind of into the whole thing and I feel like it, I wear a lot of basics. So I feel like when I put them on, it just kind of like makes any outfit look a little bit more like interesting or fashionable. Yeah. I mean, I think if you wear like a lot of basics, elevated, basic accessories, the bag sunglasses shoe is a great way to, you know, amp it up a little bit. Small sunglasses. I feel like I've been trending for years.

15:14And so I'm kind of into this movement to the bigger frames. Yeah. I mean, I'm not like a huge statement, sunglasses person, but I'm like, like you look like I have a small face. So big glasses. It's like, it's, they look gigantic, but they're swallowing me, but this shape really works on you. And I have a pair from this brand called thistles, which is like a little bit tighter to the face, but it is, it's probably the biggest actual eye size that I have. But I think they work. And it's like, you said, it's like, you can be wearing something very classic and have like a tiny bit of funky sunglasses and it changes the whole dynamic of your outfit. Totally. What about bags? Like a specific, either a specific bag or just bag shape that you're leaning towards this season. Just like a classic shoulder back. And I think that they're weirdly tricky to find. That actually hold all the things that you want. Right. Stays on your shoulder. That's key. Because that's hard. I feel like, especially if you do have like right now when you have like a layer, like a coat, it's hard to keep it on the shoulder. It's very hard. Yeah. But sometimes a fun bag is nice. Yeah. Something with a little bit of cork. Yeah.

16:14Yeah. Yeah. I feel like that's a good way with color. I feel like I have a little red bag that I wear a lot and that's kind of fun. So I feel like Marcherwood does good, like fun bags. Who? I mean, I heard that brand. I think they're a Korean brand. Wow. But yeah. They're kind of popping up here and there and New York and stuff. Are you still doing bag terms? I'm like not doing bag terms anymore. What did you do? Do you just have them like in your closet? Yeah. I was thinking maybe in there. Is that so bad? Are they those things? The animals? I was like, other brand and things that like spoke to me in the moment. This was like last year. Yeah. Now I look at them, but like I'm kind of more into the cleanest out of my bags right now. Yeah. I also feel like I saw a lot, maybe Chanel. But I feel like some other runways had it was like a bag that's like sort of open and falling. Yeah. Which you can't really do in New York because. Yes. I don't know. I really can't do that. Doesn't work here. But that's an interesting trend. Mm-hmm. If you had to pick like your dream spring outfit formula, do you have one?

17:16A dressing and a skirt. Very Audrey. Yeah. And a skirt that's maybe not super classic. Something that has either like a cutout or is like as an angle or some sort of weird ruching like something that's a bit funkier that you can just constantly pair with like a t-shirt or an trench coat and like a ballet thought you can just like switch up the basics around it by using it as the grounding point of like your spring wardrobe. I think is sort of a fun way of investing in a piece which you wouldn't maybe normally do. I love that. What about you actually? Yeah. I mean, I feel like a little bit your answer. No, I love. I love a statement skirt. I feel like that's so fun. And that's something I'm definitely going to do. I feel like the colorful skirts Olga Joan, this Australian brand has like these knee length mix and match sets. It's like a tank top and bottom of different colors. So I feel like that'll be one for me. I also just feel like the point how skirt with like matching tank top I wear a lot.

18:16So that's kind of like a few of my go-to's. I'm always in a skirt or just like address a great. I took her point. Sorry. You really took it. But also you can buy. Here's another thing I like to do like on eBay or any vintage places you can buy vintage skirt suit sets because they normally have these really beautiful shapes and then you also get a two for one. So it makes a match. You can wear the blazer, the coat, like the sort of lightweight coat with a pair of denim, maybe not Audrey, but everyone else. Yes. And then the skirt can go with something else. And I think that's just an easy way to like integrate multiple pieces in for one. I feel like we didn't like touch totally on this. But what about shoes? What are we thinking for spring? Is it like what kind of heel stand are you wearing with the skirt? I feel like honestly, I was just talking about this with Danielle on our social team. I feel like Reformation Little Pump, do you know which one I'm talking about? Yes. I feel like that's on my wish list. I really love those and I feel like that would be perfect. I also feel like I'm always in my camper ballet flats.

19:18Like they're so comfortable and I feel like I need to be able to like be comfortable in New York walking. So I feel like those are kind of like would be my go-to's into it. I'm really like a ballet flat or sneaker girl for spring. Of course. I like this brand, Jamie Haller. Yes. I'm a denim brand, but she does really comfortable flats and sneakers. I mean, I just, I love a flat sneaker. I think it comes from my dancing, the ability to move quickly. I mean, every brand right now is really doing these flats and years from trees to like small indie brands. You can get them in the Zara. Yeah. You know, it's like, I just think it's like a more elegant way of wearing sneakers for people who maybe don't want to wear like a big chunky silhouette. Totally. Totally. Like I also love like a grandpa sneaker because I'm getting old and it's nice with something like a sneaker. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, a low profile sneaker. I feel like if I was going to say like one of like the main things to buy if you're looking for something that's practical, it'd be like a low profile sneaker.

20:19Yeah. Because they always come. They're always doing with so many fun leathers and colors and prints like that. So it's an easy way to just like inject a little bit of it. Totally. I love the trees ones. They keep coming out with like great color combos. Yes. They're really good. Is there anything like that that's on either of your lists for like is there like one piece? I know. I'm thinking I was going to add to my list of things I don't wear, which is sneakers. Right. I had a feeling. I've had a feeling. Yeah. Yeah. But maybe I feel like the Mary Jane sneaker. Cute. Try and I feel like I've been into and can get behind. I always want something. I love obviously like a great bag. I really want the row peggy bag, which is kind of like the clutch, but it also comes with a straps to make it a shoulder bag very into that. It's a great shape, but just like classic. That's like definitely on my list. Well, I think that kind of wraps it up. So it's like a great shopping chat. Thank you both for joining me. Thanks. Thanks for having me. Yes.

21:19This is great. Thank you. A huge thank you to stylist Brie Welch, an associate shopping editor, Audrey Huey. Make sure to subscribe to our show wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode. And while you're there, I'd be so grateful if you'd rate and review us. You can now watch all episodes of the pod on our new who aware podcast YouTube channel. So please subscribe and check us out there. If you have guest suggestions or any other feedback, find us on social at who aware. See you next Wednesday on the who aware podcast. This episode was produced by Hillary Kerr, Summer Hammeres, and Natalie Thurman. Our production assistant is Raven Yamamoto. Our audio engineers are at Glen Canyon Audio and our music is by Jonathan Leahy.