16 Key Trends to Know for Spring/Summer 2026
And just like that, the spring/summer 2026 collections have landed. And what a season it has been! With an unprecedented amount of new creative leadership (this season has colloquially been referred to as “the big reshuffle”), it has been one of, if not the, most exciting periods in fashion in the decade I have worked in the industry. A season of grandeur, glamour and some surprises, from the trends that hit, to those that missed, new accessories, aesthetics and approaches to dressing, there’s no doubt that people will speak about S/S 26 for years to come.
Let’s begin with leadership, because we can’t talk about S/S 26 without reflecting on the mass change in design heads across the industry. With 16 new creative director titles at major designer houses (and even more at those that are smaller), there were a lot of eyes on this season. From Jonathan Anderson’s debut at Dior, Louise Trotter at Bottega Veneta and, of course, Matthieu Blazy at Chanel, it would be fair to say that new leaders will have felt an increased pressure to make a mark, and certainly an impact amongst the sea of new ready-to-wear collections.
“The wave of new creative leadership is creating real excitement rather than disruption. We’re already seeing strong, confident reactions from clients, especially to Chanel and Dior. Several of the debut (and sophomore) shows have seen us reach record pre-order levels with our VICs (Very Important Clients), which gives us a clear indication of how the wider public will respond once collections launch,” says Simon Longland, Harrods’ director of buying for fashion.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics: Chanel show)
Whilst many debuts made an impact, critics across the industry have widely marked Blazy’s first runway for Chanel as the frontrunner. With an epic collection of around 80 complete looks, he was able to bridge the gap between classic Chanel and the desires of the modern woman—something that the house has struggled with since the death of its previous creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, in 2019.
“Blazy’s debut for Chanel was outstanding. He managed to strike the perfect balance between respect for the House’s storied codes and a clear forward-looking vision. It set a powerful tone for the season and signalled a very exciting new chapter for Chanel,” comments Longland. But for Blazy and Chanel, this collection was always going to be about more than the clothes and the commercial potential; it was also about the wider cultural impact. Because as much as Chanel’s archive and history will forever have a mark on fashion’s past, there were questions around where it would go in the future.
“This collection will be talked about for decades to come. It felt like something born in a perfect moment. [Blazy] managed to bring his point of view firmly, whilst maintaining and respecting everything great about Chanel. Blazy reminded us that you can make something cooler without leaning on minimalism. I can safely say we all want to be the new Chanel woman,” says stylist, podcaster and fashion commentator Chani Ra, speaking to Chanel’s wider cultural impact.
Elsewhere, Louise Trotter’s Bottega Veneta was also a huge success. A series of tactile textures, joy-inducing shades and a few accessories that we already anticipate will have It-bag status by spring, this “new new” Bottega was a favourite of fashion’s cool girls, whilst at Paris Fashion Week, Dior was a highlight. A collection that was both wearable and whimsical, Anderson’s debut delivered dramatic silhouettes, bows, bar jackets and, unexpectedly, tricorne hats.
There were further impactful first collections at Celine, Loewe, Balenciaga, Maison Margiela and Versace (though new creative director Dario Vitale has already announced his departure after just one collection). Gucci gave us a preview of what life with Demna Gvasalia will look like with La Famiglia, a preview collection presented with a lookbook and a star-studded short film.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
But outside of the debut collections, the season was all about drama. It brought vibrancy and confidence in full force. From Saint Laurent’s spectacle under the Eiffel Tower, which delivered conspicuous colours and ‘80s nostalgia, to Chloé’s striking vintage-inspired prints, Givenchy’s textures and Miu Miu’s pointed pinafores, there was a new sense of freedom.
“If there’s one unifying psychological thread across the S/S 26 runways, it’s a collective push towards expressive liberation, reclaiming boldness through searing colour or theatrical styling. Dressing with this much intensity becomes a form of aesthetic resilience, projecting vibrancy even when emotions are more complicated beneath the surface. Even when we don’t feel great, we can choose to look bold and vibrant, and that in itself becomes empowering,” says Carolyn Mair, author of The Psychology of Fashion.
This marks a stark departure from the more minimalist aesthetics and runway trends that have dominated in recent years. Quiet luxury feels like it might be waning, or at least modifying into something with a little more personality and fewer rules. “The pure ‘quiet-luxury era’ is definitely softening. Brands that adopted the look as a trend may feel the shift more than those rooted in true craft. For S/S 26, the momentum is moving towards a mix: quieter, refined pieces balanced with bolder statements. The evolution isn’t about abandoning subtlety; it’s about adding contrast and variety back into wardrobes,” says Longland.
But the question is, how will this affect our style sensibilities in 2026, and what will we want to invest in? Barbara Janeczek, curation manager at global fashion shopping platform Lyst, says, “Overall, S/S 26’s mood is maximal detail, romantic volume and accessory-led impact.” As such, “Shoppers will gravitate towards standout pieces to complement and elevate their existing wardrobe.”
Although the season may seem a little overwhelming (as Ra aptly summarises, S/S 26 is a bit of an “information overload!”, adding, “I still don’t think I’m all the way caught up!”). This feeling of change and sense of confidence is exciting and bodes well for an industry that has, at times, struggled to find its feet in recent years. It’s a season for hope, experimentation and defining identities, and what’s more thrilling than that?
Here, after much research (and a little image fatigue), I’ve compiled the 16 key trends to know and sought insights from my colleagues and other industry experts at Who What Wear UK on the important details.
16 Spring/Summer 2026 Trends to Know
1. Fringe Fancy
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: Like florals in spring, when a fringe trend emerges, it’s hardly groundbreaking. But what’s exciting is when we see iterations that veer into new territory. Whilst the spring runways offered more traditional iterations of fringe—Burberry with its festival-fused cerulean suede jacket, and tassel trims on a silky striped kaftan at Ferragamo, for example—we also noticed more fanciful fringing. Longland comments on this mix of modernity blended with old-world fringe details. “For S/S 26, we’re seeing both Art Deco–inspired fringes and a more bohemian, free-flowing interpretation. But we are seeing that designers are reclaiming it in a more directional, contemporary way. It’s decorative but also architectural.”
Frayed tweed hemlines at Chanel contrasted with the formal and refined reputation we usually attribute to a classic tweed suit, and beaded fringe at Alaïa, Loewe and Nanushka felt fresh, too. But we simply cannot discuss fringing without mentioning Bottega. “The runway moment that replays in my mind on constant repeat is the swish of that Bottega skirt. As a first introduction to Louise Trotter’s interpretation of the brand, it was certainly impactful,” says Who What Wear UK’s shopping editor, Florrie Alexander.
“Quickly, a clear consensus was formed by designers that this spring, movement and texture will come together in the form of fringe. The brilliance of this tactile revival is the variety of ways in which it has returned. Recycled fibre-glass shards were paired with sharp shirts at Bottega, whilst Chanel applied this playful trim to polished suiting. For Lanvin, the entire bodice of a dress was formed by weaving these tassels around and through, finishing with a dancing hemline of fringe. If you adore a touch of drama, this is a trend you’ll want to embrace.”
Prada
Fringed Embellished Silk Midi Skirt
This Prada skirt is top of my wish list.
Loewe
Checked Fringed Mohair and Wool Coat
A more subtle fringed option.
Maje
Fringed M Bag in Suede
If you’re into all things Western-inspired, you’ll love this.
2. Pirate Cosplay
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: There are many theories as to why pirate influences are currently coming to the fore. Mostly associated with the 17th and 18th centuries, alongside the pirate boots, bandanas and tricornes, this trend encompasses military influences and other maritime tropes. We’re all now surely aware of the impending comeback of the Napoleon jacket as part of the Indie Sleaze resurgence, which fits into this. But whilst some are drawing inspiration from The Libertines and Kate Moss’ peak Topshop era, others are considering the romance and whimsy that pirate cosplay brings. “An homage to the Golden Age of Piracy, luxury houses such as Dior, Khaite and Chloé showcased vintage lace, ruffles, tricorne hats and layered clothing that skillfully played on the buccaneer aesthetic, whilst maintaining a monochrome and pared-back colour palette. The result is a collection of romance-inspired clothes that feel a little bit more 2026, and much less like something straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean,” says Brittany Davy, Who What Wear UK’s editorial assistant.
Despite appearing on the runways only a couple of months ago, this trend is already having an impact ahead of the collections becoming available, with demand for slouchy boots up 22%, ruffled blouses up 8% and ghillie (lace-up) shoes up a huge +77%, according to Lyst. “Piratecore is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most resonant trends. From Dior’s romantic blouses and structural ‘pirate’ hats to McQueen’s tall, slouched boots and lace-up necklines, we’re seeing a return to soft drama through movement-rich pieces,” comments Janeczek.
The trend is surprisingly wearable too, says Davy. “As someone who lives in neutrals and usually refuses to inject bold colour into my wardrobe, I turn to other aspects to add interest to my outfits, and the pirate revival that we saw on the S/S 26 runways is by far the most compelling use of texture and detailing that I’ve seen so far.”
MANGO
Wool Military Jacket
The best Napoleon jacket I’ve found yet.
chloé
High-Neck Cropped Top in Cotton Tulle & Lace
I have this belt, and I wear it all the time.
3. High Society
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: Whilst the general mood has been cemented as one of drama, extravagance and not holding back, these designs sit alongside some more demure dressing codes. “The quiet-luxury trend has dominated the past few years, but personally, I found it a little boring, even for a minimalist like myself. Luckily, the S/S 26 runways have provided us with an aesthetic that’s just as elegant but slightly more elevated than the expensive-looking basics that took over throughout our quiet-luxury phase,” notes Davy.
The connotations of quiet luxury as wealth-whispering and “old money” haven’t dissipated, but Davy notes that they have shifted. “Designers such as Chanel, Tory Burch and Baum und Pferdgarten swapped out more simple neutrals for baby blues, pops of red and sage greens that look just as modern as they do timeless (and also don’t feel too out-there for a simple dresser like me). These, paired with classic prints such as checks and pinstripes and a mix of boxy and waisted silhouettes, create a fresh aesthetic that I just can’t get enough of.”
For designers like Ralph Lauren, Chanel and Mugler, this preppy, “high society” style of dressing came with tailoring: skirt suits at Sandy Liang, Mugler and Thom Browne, and trouser two-pieces (as well as tweed, obviously) at Chanel. But for others, it was more to be found in the details, as with the ties at Ralph Lauren, pussy-bow collars at Valentino and brooches at Tory Burch. Overall, the message is clear: S/S 26 is leaning opulent and refined, not grungey and defiant.
Refoermation
Chloe Check-Print Wool-Blend Co-Ord Set
A two-piece is such a great investment.
Gucci
Slingback Pump With Horsebit
The Gucci monogram will be huge come spring.
Prada
Crepe De Chine Shirt
Very ‘high society’ vibes.
4. Puff Skirts
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: In a drama-filled season, perhaps nothing made more of an impact than the exaggerated silhouettes seen on the waists and hips of models at Mithridate, Simone Rocha, Dior and Keburia. After seasons of sleek silhouettes and skirts of varying lengths, this time around, the runways signified not a change in length, colour or fabric, but in width and volume.
“Every season, there is a skirt trend that dominates. For S/S 26, it was all about the knee-length silhouette, seen everywhere from Gucci to Toga, but this season, it’s something altogether more playful: puff skirts. Spun from frothy tulle, feather-light organza and luxurious taffeta, and delivered in ice-cream shades that honestly look good enough to eat, spring/summer’s biggest skirt trend is sculptural, joyful and surprisingly wearable,” says Poppy Nash, managing editor at Who What Wear UK.
In lengths from mini to midi and drop-waists to high, these bubble hemlines and sumptuous fabrics sitting atop birdcage-style petticoats feel fun and, frankly, fabulous. But before the “ludicrously capacious” references begin questioning the wearability of said silhouettes, Nash notes that these playful and puffy pieces are surprisingly easy to style. “I’ll be pairing my pouff of choice (I’m thinking a pastel mini like those seen at Mithridate and Dior, or a sheer floral midi style inspired by Simone Rocha) with a simple jumper or a neutral blazer to balance proportions, and, most importantly, make it work hard in my wardrobe for the season ahead.”
LIBEROWE
Cotton-Velvet Peplum Jacket
A peplum is an easy way to add subtle drama.
MESHKI
Sharon Scuba Jersey Midi Dress
Drop-waist dresses will be back in a big way for S/S 26.
COS
Bubble-Hem Mini Skirt
Bubble skirts don’t have to be OTT.
5. Real Hosewives
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: Domesticity and the topic of “tradwives” have been a prevalent conversation in pop culture and style for a while, and this season, they filtered onto the runways in a series of pinafore styles, aprons and babydoll dresses with ’60s-style floral motifs. “The archetype of the wife has walked away from the aisle and straight onto the mood boards of designers. From Carmela Soprano-type “mob wives” wearing leopard-print coats to more modern examples like Nara Smith in her over-the-top ball gowns whilst she confines herself to the kitchen to make food for her family ‘from scratch’, the wife ideal has never been more pressing,” says Ava Gilchrist, Who What Wear UK’s SEO writer.
This is not the first time designers have toyed with aprons. The Row, Dior and Phoebe Philo put forward bib-like silhouettes in recent seasons, but never so overtly as Miu Miu did in its latest spring collection. Indeed, we can always rely on Miuccia Prada to hold a mirror up to the contradictions in which we currently live. Gilchrist explains that when we look deeper, this reflection is less about a “trapped” ‘60s housewife and more about working women.
“In 2025, the glitz and glamour of these married and well-heeled women has been stripped back to something more authentic. The most apparent show of this was during Miu Miu’s S/S 26 collection, where Miuccia Prada took inspiration from female factory workers as depicted in a 1984 photography book titled Women Who Work. Closer to home in London, Ashley Williams and Mithridate also toyed with these showcases of domesticity and labour by presenting modish pinafores and draped dresses that evoke the essence of a uniform. These are pieces that feel utilitarian and historically deeply undesirable, thanks to their connotations with industry and the workforce. But in this new setting, they redefine what it means to perform a role as a woman. I personally can’t think of anything more ‘real’ than that.”
Miu Miu
Checked Mini-Dress
Checked shirts have been huge this year, so perhaps checked dresses will be next?
Prada
Floral-Print Cotton Mini Dress
This will be very cute for summer.
RIXO
Elen Mini Dress in Ditsy Trail Cream
6. Sports Club
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: At a glance, you might think that this feels like nothing new. Fashion has long drawn inspiration from the sports field, especially those sports that feel rooted in the preppy culture of the upper classes. From equestrian sports like horse riding and polo in the ‘80s and ‘90s to athleisure’s heyday some five years ago and football mania falling into fashion, team sports have constantly dipped in and out of favour over the decades. This time, it feels less gimmicky and more nuanced, and as such, more wearable. As with style in general right now, there are parallels to the mid-2000s and 2010s eras—think striped rugby and polo shirts layered under V-neck jumpers. Whereas the trend originally had more of a post-Brit-pop, mod vibe, this time it’s laid-back, relaxed and colourful.
“Preppy fashion may be back in rotation, but it’s the quieter, lesser-known sub-genre of preppy sport which will be shaping the mood in 2026. Chalk it up to the Miu Miu effect from the spring runways last year, where the collection glamourised rugby tops, fitted polos and languid V-necks. Since then, it feels there has been a divisive zeitgeist shift away from sports style with a streetwear undertone, and instead a move towards a more laissez-faire, preppy sport influence,” says Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, Who What Wear UK’s junior fashion editor.
“One year on, the S/S 26 runways prove that striped polos weren’t just a passing microtrend. Reminiscent of the slouchy jumpers that did the rounds in your PE kit at secondary school, Mithridate’s moss-green-and-navy striped polos were layered over blue menswear-inspired shirts, whilst Loewe styled bright red V-necks casually shrugged over butter-yellow button-downs. From here, the mood is clear: designers are championing a new uniform in 2026, one built on slouch, ease and a hint of undone nonchalance.”
Whistles
Ivory Stripe Polo Shirt
A staple long-sleeved top.
Jigsaw
Wool Cashmere Blend V Neck Jumper in Red
KHAITE
Jasna Jersey Polo Shirt
An elevated basic, but one you’d wear a lot come spring.
7. Hand in Glove
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: Gloves are expected on the autumn/winter runways, and you’d be forgiven for not expecting to see so many in spring. But what is the S/S 26 season if not surprising?! From opera gloves (which, according to Lyst, have already seen a +11% surge in demand) to shorter styles in an array of fabrics, we could see the increase in interest in spring gloves as an attainable luxury accessory.
“Spring gloves are another early S/S 26 signal with strong commercial potential. Prada’s sleek leather gloves, sheer styles from Mugler and elongated pairs from The Row and Gucci have already prompted an uplift in searches as shoppers lean into small, expressive accessories that feel attainable,” according to Janeczek.
But how were gloves presented for the upcoming season? Who What Wear UK’s acting fashion editor, Sophie Watson, notes the intriguing variety of styles. “We took note of full-length leather, mesh, lace, sequinned, silk-satin and even half-palm gloves in several runway looks, as part of ensembles built for daytime, driving and evening, showing just how versatile this accessory is for not only keeping your hands warm and protected from the elements, but also suitably styled for more dressier occasions.
“Black gloves were the frontrunner, but pastels, metallics and punchy bright tones weren’t far behind. We have had so many accessory trends take the fashion world by storm in recent seasons, from statement hosiery to bag charms, silk scarves and OTT eyewear, so I can see gloves becoming the new It item that people with good taste will adopt for S/S 26. Mark my words!”
Mango
Tulle Elbow Length Gloves
These being sheer make them feel a little more wearable for spring.
Magda Butrym
Sheer Floral Gloves
Valentino
Vlogo Velvet Gloves
Classic velvet never misses.
8. Rococo Revival
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: It’s no secret that fashion trends often reflect wider culture, so the rococo revival should really come as no surprise. With the Victoria and Albert Museum in London exhibiting the Academy Award-winning costumes from Sofia Coppola’s much-loved Marie Antoinette, we could have predicted that this season, designers would seek influence from late-18th-century France. What’s more, after years of pared-back quiet luxury, as well as the brashness of the Y2K movement, the runways are reflecting a thirst for refinement, grace and charm. Max Mara specifically called out Madame De Pompadour as a core influence on its collection. Although still in line with the brand’s classic and often neutral DNA, creative director Ian Griffiths created ethereal details with delicate floral prints painted onto layers of soft organza.
“Rococo’s flirtatious allure swept through the S/S 26 runways as designers scattered 17th-century silhouettes, motifs and colour palettes across their collections. At Erdem, the trend unfolded in sinuous corsetry, chin-grazing, frill-trimmed necklines and delicate lace. Elsewhere, labels such as Findikoglu and Yuhan Wang leaned into the era’s powdery pastels, weaving them through airy fabrics and languid draping. Hemlines ballooned and curved, whilst lace, florals and metallic sheens injected a sumptuous energy into these collections,” says Natalie Munro, Who What Wear UK’s news writer.
“Though fashion’s heavyweights—John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood amongst them—have long mined rococo for inspiration, the devotion we’ve seen in recent years to ’90s minimalism temporarily pushed the trend’s exuberance out of frame. Now, as designers show renewed appetite for whimsy and ornamentation, rococo is resurfacing with fresh relevance, answering our collective craving for a little more opulence, fantasy and everyday extravagance,” Munro adds.
Magda Butrym
Floral Silk Satin Minidress
This neckline is very chic.
Alessandra Rich
Bow-Detail Lace Gown
Alessandra Rich makes beautiful dresses.
Rotate
Floral Lace Guipure Pencil Skirt
Rotate’s separates never miss.
9. Underwear as Outerwear
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: Underwear as outerwear, as the name suggests, details the overt presence of lingerie, crop tops and shorter-than-short shorts for next spring. There’s no question that this is one trend that always sparks conversation and divisiveness amongst fashion critics when it returns, with many this season commenting that it could be seen as a regression to the industry’s often sizeist reputation. Some others, however, remarked that it’s rather a celebration and liberation of women’s bodies.
As Gilchrist remarks, “‘Naked’ dressing has always been one of the more polarising segments of fashion. Designers again pushed against these tropes of exhibition and conservatism by presenting bralettes and briefs as effortlessly as they would a pair of trousers or a brilliant coat. It’s no longer shocking to bare all and reveal a glint of skin, but the underwear-as-outerwear trend is more than just putting yourself on display. It’s about redefining the convention of when and where you can wear specific pieces of clothing.”
Its popularity, specifically on the S/S 26 runways, made it impossible to ignore. Bralettes were the common denominator, and Prada and Jil Sander chose to expose these as a bottom layer below pinafores and low-scoop dresses, whilst others, such as Simone Rocha and Fendi styled them below cardigans. Versace and Keburia went more embellished and had them worn solo as more of a statement piece.
“Fendi, an Italian Maison renowned for its subversive knitwear, presented micro-shorts rendered in a silky argyle weave. Simone Rocha toyed with the constructs of comfort and femininity with sumptuous ditsy floral-print cardigans offset by sequin strapless bandeaus, and Danish wunderkind Nicklas Skovgaard took it one step further by presenting looks that had models in various states of undress, as seen in the look featuring a chartreuse tulle-trim pencil skirt set against a white T-shirt bra. Was this a conscious act of stripping garments back to their most rudimentary state, or something that further challenged the notion of pieces that must be hidden and those that can be shown?” questions Gilchrist.
It might feel strange, and definitely a little ironic, for this report to detail the comeback of naked dressing and BDSM-inspired pieces alongside the preppy classicism and high-society dressing that we associate with conservatism. But hey, what is fashion if not divisive, controversial and at times, hypocritical?
cultnaked
Shuffle Sequin Woven Mini Skort
Sequinned hot pants? Sure.
Misstress Rocks
Dainty Square-Neck Knitted Bralette
10. Send in the Clowns
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: Sometimes fashion feels expected, and sometimes it throws us a curveball. From jumbo polka dots and haute harlequin checks at Khaite and Dries van Noten to thick stripes and ruffle necks from Valentino and Jacquemus, it seems that for S/S 26, we’re being dropped into the joyous, theatrical splendour of the circus.
“In 2025, we’ve seen prints of all iterations hit the mainstream. From leopard to micro polka dots, we’ve flirted with what could be considered the ‘new neutrals’ already, but perhaps nothing would have prepared us for the costume-esque styling coming for spring. With maximalist dotted, fringed waistcoats and colourful checks, it’s clear that 2026 is set to be filled with fearless textures and playful finishes, rejecting the beige normcore safety nets of seasons past,” says Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, Who What Wear UK’s junior fashion editor.
But Mair suggests this reflects a deeper meaning. “Clown-coded references signal fun, performance and humour. However, historically, clowning has been about hiding the true emotional state behind exaggerated expressions. Designers may be tapping into the modern tension between polished outward personas and internal anxieties,” she explains. “This is also reflected in the harlequin pattern, which is inherently about duality, and psychologically speaking, our ability to hold conflicting emotions simultaneously, [like] joy with melancholy, confidence with uncertainty, boldness with vulnerability. Designers leaning into this motif may be responding to people wanting a wardrobe that mirrors the complexity of their internal lives.”
Essentiel
Blue and Burgundy Harlequin-Patterned Knit Cardigan With Flower-Shaped Buttons
This is a great cardigan for the maximalists.
Nobody’s Child x Lisou
Burgundy and Pink Printed Scarf Tiered Maxi Dress
We love an oversized silhouette.
Topshop
Satin Extreme Wide Leg Trousers in Blue and Brown Polka Dot
The jumbo polka dot is so impactful.
11. Primary Tones
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: Another trend making a strong case for colour and joy in the S/S 26 collections is the use of bold, primary tones. Usually, we associate spring with pastels—delicate and soft tones that feel pretty, pale and at times, saccharine. But not this season! This idea of creative heads wanting to ‘make an impact’ occurs once again, with a more back-to-basics approach to colour. Think letterbox red, Kelly green, cobalt blue and even canary yellow at big hitters like Loewe, Lanvin and Versace.
“I spotted a whole legion of pencil-box brights at Paris Fashion Week, and seemingly this trend waved its painterly hand over Milan and Copenhagen, too. It’s all about being brave with colour, whether you wear it in head-to-toe, monochromatic fashion à la Akris, Alaïa or Lanvin, or in a mix-and-match manner, as seen at Celine, Skovgaard and Loewe. A masterclass in toying with scarlet red, Yves Klein blue, buttercup yellow and punchy green tones, this styling technique looks like it’s been lifted from modern artists’ palettes and sketchbooks. To punctuate such colourful ensembles, look to black leather accessories, such as bags, belts and shoes, as they don’t detract from the bright hues, but ground them instead,” says Watson.
As previously noted, the quiet-luxury era feels like it may be coming to a quiet end. Although, of course, neutrals will always be classic, a period that celebrates boldness and self-expression is always welcomed with open arms. “S/S 26 proved that the biggest takeaway from this trend is that colour is for storytelling. If you compare Givenchy and Versace, Tom Ford and Loewe, the colour palettes may overlap, but the looks are completely in their own lanes. It’s a perfect trend because you can partake without looking like everybody else. I wouldn’t even call it a trend; colour is a tool!”, says Ra.
Be it with sportier silhouettes and fabrics at Akris and Skovgaard or tailoring and leather at Versace and Loewe, largely, this trend focuses on unfussy pieces, letting the colour do the work.
Albaray
Cosy Wool Blend Crew Neck Ribbed Jumper
A staple in a statement colour.
Stouls
Gabrielle Suede Jacket
There’s something about red suede that feels quite French.
& Other Stories
Cotton Shirt
12. ’80s Nostalgia
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: You don’t need to be a fashion critic to know that styles from previous decades tend to come back around. This season, it’s the ‘80s, but not as we’ve often seen it before. This time, it was more than shoulder-pad-clad power suits that allude to enviable cinematic costumes like those seen in The Firm and Working Girl. Instead, it includes vibrant colour palettes, accessories and motifs.
“We’ve lived through the resurgence of ‘90s and ’00s dressing (hello, low-rise jeans, baguette bags and windbreakers), but for S/S 26, the ‘80s return with a more relaxed focus, as designers like Saint Laurent, Versace and Chloé revisit and revamp the decade’s maximalist silhouettes, colours and prints.
On the runways, cropped floral tops with bright, slim trousers, structured printed blouses worn with jewel-toned knee-length skirts and defined—but not exaggerated—shoulders highlighted a renewed interest in ‘80s proportion and statement pieces, all approached in a much more controlled (read: elegant) way. The result is a quieter version of ‘80s power dressing: confident, streamlined and aligned with the practicality and ease expected of a 2026 wardrobe. This is not the ‘80s your parents lived through (thank god); it’s polished, modern and makes a statement without being excessive or loud,” says Nash. Pinterest has announced its trends for 2026, highlighting ’80s maximalism as one of its core fashion trends, with searches on its site for “’80s luxury” up 225% and “baggy suit” up 90%. It seems we’ll soon be switching our low-key pieces for more standout styles.
Ulla Johnson
Ornament Tie-Neck Silk Chiffon Blouse
Pussy-bow blouses are great for day-to-night dressing.
Helsa
The Tweed S Curve Blazer
Helsa is my go-to brand for sharp tailoring.
HEAVEN MAYHEM
Prize 18ct Yellow Gold-Plated Brass and Enamel Earrings
These could be straight from the ’80s.
13. Touch-Me Textures
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: Whilst moments of opulence and frivolity have had some presence over the years on the runways, there has long been a period of restraint, or at least a utilitarian approach to style, with tailoring, neutral colour palettes and functional fabrics dominating for the past decade. So the hit of sumptuous textures, colour and dimension for next season—which perhaps arrived due to a pressure felt by new creative leaders to make an impact—certainly quenched a thirst we didn’t even know we had.
“Texture took centre stage, becoming one of the most compelling ways designers added depth, drama and proportion to otherwise pared-back silhouettes. At Balenciaga, texture appeared everywhere—from mint-green cocktail dresses trimmed with feathers to sculptural skirt silhouettes. Over at Bottega Veneta, Trotter pushed the theme further, presenting elegant outerwear embellished with feathers, bouclé dresses with a uniquely tactile finish and even the house’s now-iconic fibreglass ‘fur’ coats, which reimagine traditional texture through a modern, innovative lens. The result is a season where touch is as important as sight, and where clothes feel alive with movement, tactility and unexpected detail,” notes Who What Wear UK senior shopping editor, Marina Avraam.
Feathers were also used at Chanel and Demna Gvasalia’s teaser preview of what’s in store for his debut at Gucci, lining kaftan hemlines and layered in multiple hues across dramatic separates. Mugler used feathers in a more literal sense, showcasing a top with a high neck and wing-like arms, completely covered and carefully placed in a flat formation, emulating the body of a bird. Looking at all this, I can’t help but consider what Gilchrist notes in her recent Who What Wear UK winter issue feature on the art of dressing up, in which she questions why we’ve become afraid to wear our most frothy and downright fabulous pieces every day.
In this, she notes a move towards injecting this opulence and texture into more wearable pieces in the spring collections. “Whatever happened to fun? To getting dressed up for the sake of it? To throwing caution to the wind? To capturing every second instead of waiting for the right occasion to wear what we treasure most?” she asks. Could we see the S/S 26 collections as a direct response to this? I think so!
Dries van Noten
Embellished Cropped Woven Jacket
Toteme
Shearling-Trimmed Cady Midi Dress
So tactile—I just want to touch this dress.
ASOS DESIGN
3D Fringe Pencil Midi Skirt in Blue
This shade of blue feels so elegant.
14. Sex Appeal
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: Between the pinafores at Miu Miu and the conservative cosplay displayed in the aforementioned High Society trend, you’d think we’re in for a season of full coverage and a stiff upper lip. But think again! From leather, lace and sheer fabrics to corsetry and a sultry colour palette of black and red, sex is officially back on the menu.
“Whilst trends shift with the times, one truth has always held steady: sex sells. The S/S 26 runways indulged in this knowledge as designers looked to sensual silhouettes to form defining pillars of their collections. At Ferragamo and Hermès, skin-hugging leather sculpted the body, whilst Alexander McQueen and Mugler used corset-inspired forms to exaggerate the form. Elsewhere, sheer fabrics left little to the imagination. This season’s high-octane sensuality felt deliberately provocative—a clear nod to fashion’s long-running affair with allure, reaffirming a marketing truth the industry knows all too well,” suggests Munro.
Perhaps this display at McQueen, Mugler and Dilara Findakoglu is somewhat on-brand and to be expected, but it felt refreshing to see it also come through at Hermès and Maximilian Davis’ Ferragamo with leather bodices and vinyl two-pieces. Whilst John Paul Gaultier’s questionable (and controversial) spring collection had very literal nude motifs, others felt less smutty, more celebratory of form and freedom. I’ll cheers to that.
This would look incredible under a blazer.
Jaded London
Odile Lace-Up Faux-Leather Corset Top
15. Lovely Layers
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: One of the more accessible trends of the season, which could be seen more as a styling hack, is layering. By this, we don’t just mean base layers placed below a jumper and then a jacket, in a traditional sense, but using clashing colours or collars of different sizes to make a subtle statement. Think multiple shirts, as seen at Loewe and Thom Browne, or a red roll-neck placed as the “pop of colour” under dark and neutral knitwear.
“In 2025, layers on layers became one of fashion’s most expressive styling shifts, turning practical winter dressing into a purposeful, playful statement. On the runways, designers embraced piling up pieces in unexpected ways: at Celine, cardigans were worn over bright-red roll-necks; at Loewe, bold yellow knits were stacked over crisp red shirts and at Miu Miu, layering became almost sculptural, with shirts over jumpers, outerwear on top, and even aprons added as a final flourish. The overall message is clear: this season, layering isn’t just about warmth, it’s about personality, contrast and creative styling,” says Avraam.
M&S
Pure Merino Wool Roll Neck Jumper
Marks and Spencer does the best affordable basics.
With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend: Fine Poplin in Royal Blue Stripe
Loewe
Asymmetric Wool V-Neck Jumper
How good is this contrasting colour on the collar?
16. Chartreuse Green
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: Whilst primary tones were a major player across the Paris, Milan and Copenhagen runways, there were of course other tones that we noticed one show after another. Pink, as ever in spring, was popular, especially in London and New York, with designers who like to explore themes of hyperfemininity within their collections and core DNA. Simone Rocha, Ashley Williams, Sandy Liang and Erdem all showcased pieces in baby, blush and bubblegum pinks, which frankly came as no surprise. Whilst pink may have felt expected, the limey, citric shade reminiscent of the liqueur Chartreuse was not.
“Chartreuse is one of the most psychologically arresting colours, sitting between yellow and green. It signals alertness, acidity and vivaciousness. Green is traditionally tied to growth and renewal, but the yellow infusion turns it into something far sharper, more alive and attention-grabbing. The acidic undertone is optimistic and full of energy, signalling enthusiasm for making change happen,” explains Mair.
What we’ve already noted to be true is that this season is one of change, experimentation and expecting the unexpected. Be it with sold fabrics like satin and leather seen at Erdem, Simone Rocha, Ferragamo and Mugler, to sheerer shades at Saint Laurent, Valentino, Burberry and Issey Miyake, what’s interesting is that this zesty hue was used for mainly monochromatic looks, where designers chose to drench from head to toe, again adding big impact and drama. As Alexander suggests, “Few colours have as much impact on the fashion landscape as green. From Kelly to Bottega, this particular shade has a reinvention every few years, and when it does, it suddenly takes over everything. For 2026, it’s Chartreuse’s turn to brighten up the everyday, from rejuvenating classic outerwear at Balenciaga to igniting eveningwear at Saint Laurent.”
MANGO
Asymmetrical Satin Dress With Side Slits
Taller Marmo
Piccolo Ubud Feather-Trim Minidress
Stine Goya
Sggracie Pants
Stine Goya does colour so well.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
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