Please tell us a little about Bray & Em:
Bray & Em Boutique was built in 2016 from a deep love of women, confidence, and community. It all started in my home and has grown into a brick-and-mortar and online [business] serving thousands of women locally and across the United States. I didn’t open the store just to sell clothing; I opened it to create a space where women feel seen, styled, and supported. As a mom and entrepreneur, I understand how quickly women put themselves last. I wanted a boutique that makes getting dressed feel exciting again, not overwhelming.
What inspires me most is watching a woman walk out of the fitting room, standing taller than when she walked in. Fashion is powerful. When a woman feels good in what she’s wearing, it shifts her entire energy, and that’s what we get to be part of every single day.
What are the biggest women’s fashion trends you’re seeing for summer 2026?
Summer 2026 is all about relaxed polish. We’re seeing elevated basics, soft structure, and effortless silhouettes dominating.
Wide-leg trousers, breathable matching sets, and textured cotton pieces are trending heavily. Our customers are especially gravitating toward pieces that feel put together but not overdone. They want outfits that transition from school drop-off to lunch meetings to dinner on the patio without needing a full change.
Locally, the biggest hit has been coordinated sets and updated denim silhouettes, pieces that make styling simple.
Are there particular colors, fabrics, or silhouettes that feel especially fresh this season?
Yes, and they’re beautiful.
We’re seeing a strong shift toward soft coastal tones: muted sage, butter yellow, sky blue, warm ivory, and washed coral. These shades feel fresh without being loud.
Fabric-wise, breathable natural blends are everything right now: cotton, linen blends, eco-rayon, and lightweight textured knits. Women are prioritizing comfort, especially in Maryland summers.
Silhouettes are looser but still flattering, relaxed wide-leg pants, flowy midi dresses, oversized button-downs, and soft-shoulder tops. It’s about movement and ease.
What pieces do you consider summer wardrobe staples this year?
There are five pieces I tell every woman to own this summer:
- A structured but relaxed wide-leg pant in a neutral.
- A high-quality white or ivory elevated basic tee or tank.
- A matching set that can be worn together or styled separately.
- A lightweight denim jacket for cool evenings.
- A versatile midi dress that works with sandals or sneakers.
These pieces create at least 15–20 outfits when styled intentionally. Investment doesn’t mean trendy, it means wearable.
Accessories can completely change an outfit. What shoes, bags, or jewelry trends are you loving right now?
Accessories are where personality shines.
For summer 2026, we’re loving:
- Textured raffia and woven handbags.
- Statement earrings in organic shapes.
- Chunky gold hoops layered with delicate chains.
- Neutral platform sandals and fashion sneakers.
Crossbody bags continue to dominate because women need hands-free function, but in elevated materials that don’t feel overly casual.
Jewelry is leaning bold but minimal, impactful pieces that don’t overpower.
Anything else you’d like readers to know:
Bray & Em isn’t just a boutique, it’s a community. We believe women deserve to feel confident in every season of life, whether they’re running a business, raising babies, or doing both.
We carry sizes for real women, style for real schedules, and we genuinely care about the experience from the moment someone walks through our doors or shops online. We have monthly events to help the community to come together to make fashion fun and support other local businesses by collaborating as much as we can!
Summer is about feeling light, confident, and comfortable, and we’re here to help women step into that fully.
Three simple updates that Ashley Owings says make a huge difference
- Swap skinny jeans for a modern straight or wide-leg cut.
- Update your shoe silhouette, even changing to a fashion sneaker or platform sandal, refreshes everything.
- Add one statement accessory; a bold earring or structured bag changes an entire outfit.