Spring/ Summer 2026 Fashion Trends: A Stylist’s Take

2026 is upon us. The holiday 2025 season sparked the launch of the last few vibrant collections by retail giants. The stage is set to welcome the Color of the Year 2026—Warm Eucalyptus or Transformative Teal? And Vogue validated the idea that it could be embarrassing to have a boyfriend in this era.

A lot happened this year. As we bring it to a close, along with the uncertainty that has haunted the global fashion industry over the past few months with creative director roles being in flux, it is time to round up the best of what is coming.

Curated by an enthused online personal stylist, here are some of fashion’s hottest spring summer trends of 2026.

Loud Luxury

We’ve had the minimalism vs maximalism debates running for the last 12 months. It is time to settle it.

While 2025 was all about quiet luxury, and grounded sophistication, 2026 is going to be about loud luxury; all our maximalism. Think luxe voluminous feathers, bold fringes, timeless conversation-starting craftsmanship, whimsical tassels, and tasteful statement sleeves. Interestingly enough, there is no distinct inclination towards edgy or classic; this indicates that customers are not quite down to retire from adventure.
And the latest pieces by the likes of Victoria Beckham, The Row, and Bottega Veneta are a solid nod to this trend.

Dopamine Dressing With Colours

Very likely an extension of maximalism and loud luxury, 2026 is likely going to see a lot of colours. And there is nothing basic about it. It is the season of bright and vivid colours; in stunning combinations.

Fashion experts and personal stylists online suggest a subliminal connection between the state of the economy and the not-so-sudden rise in the popularity of bright colours. Historically, maximalist tendencies were sparked by financial distress or economic turbulence. Case in point; the crisis of 2008 and the pandemic era.
The need to induce dopamine through vivid colours always seems to come at a time when the global vibe is down and out. And that is why, with a foreseeable crisis looming in the upcoming months, designers and retailers are resorting to striking colours and off beat combinations such as purple and green, and orange and pink. Statistics also suggest an 18% increase in demand for colour-blocking as well.
Suffice it to say, that 2026 is indeed going to be a colourful year.

Romantic Elements

Delicate fabrics, flowy elements, soft colours, and everything that spells romantic; this is the vibe for 2026. Think lace skirts, satin skirts, skirts and pants with lace trims, flowy bottoms, and delicate stockings. Per forecasts, the demand for lace pieces specifically, is expected to increase by 13 to 20% in the US and European regions.

Along with delicate textures and designs, delicate colours like vanilla yellow, and soft pink are also likely to grow in use. Trendy takes include pairing these romantic elements with laid back styles for a balanced and sometimes sensual look.
For example, a lace midi skirt with an oversized pullover in a contrasting colour. The trick is to combine colours, and textures, such as sensual see-through fabrics with casual fits like T shirts and sweaters.

This is perhaps every online virtual stylist’s dream; interesting texture combinations to try for the season.

Dressing for the Female Gaze

This is the year power dressing gets new meaning. With new focus on traditionally feminine codes, and trailblazing designers including the iconic Miuccia Prada, redefining feminine strength and power through unique structured silhouettes, it is officially the era of dressing for the female gaze. Whether it is Miu Miu’s cone bras or Fendi’s lace slips, sharp dressing is becoming synonymous with pieces far from what was conventionally deemed powerful. Designer Sarah Burton even renamed her first collection for Givenchy Powerful Femininity.

The bottom line is, power dressing no longer means sharp suits, blazers, pleated trousers, and ties. It is now a concept that seems to have found its roots. Because power dress is all about what is innately and inherently feminine. And 2026 is likely going to be its year.

Polka Dots

Dots of all kinds have been gaining popularity over the past few months. From big and small to stylized and symmetric, polka dots are preparing to have their hot moment. It comes as no surprise though, because it is one print that brings elegance, sophistication and playfulness at the same time. It is both refined and whimsical, and it effortlessly adds visual interest to an outfit, without weighing it down. While the European market has a distinct love for dotted skirts and dresses, other minimal styles are preferred in the US. Needless to say, designers have all been noticing and embracing the solid signs; their designs speak for themselves.

Underrated Animal Prints

Animal prints have always found a place in seasonal trends almost every time. However, this time there is a difference. Moving away from leopard prints that were all the rage throughout 2024 and 2025, this year, the spotlight is on other gorgeous prints including zebra prints, snake patterns, and crocodile prints.

As an extension of the dotted print trend, its dalmatian versions are also making way into the realm of trending animal prints for 2026.

Another interesting variation is the cow print, which is predicted to gain popularity by more than 80% in the US.

Textured Bags

Last but not least is hardly a new trend to hit runways – textured bags. They have been a significant part of changing fashion trends in some way, shape or form every year, and this year is no different. Whether it is established textures like rich suedes, contrasting wool accents, silk, and other tactile fabrics, or innovative new variations like Bottega Veneta’s ‘intrecciato’, there is no denying that textures are always in. Once again, they add a certain solid visual interest, sometimes attracting attention to the right places in an outfit look. This quality gives it a versatile and timeless appeal, making it a constant in every fashion trends list.

If you ever find yourself lost when looking for secret santa gifts, or have saved up to splurge on self love indulgences, you know where to look.

Wrapping Up: Spring/Summer 2026 Fashion Trends

From new takes on age-old fashion trends, to thoughtful new innovations that carry revolutionary potential, 2026 is set to be a powerful year for fashion. The best part is, many of these styles are beautifully easy to style and elevate. This also means that styling possibilities are limitless no matter what body type is.

As an online virtual stylist, there couldn’t be a more exciting time for creative thinking in fashion. Here’s to putting together dozens of outfits in the best of 2026 fashion trends and more.

Ready to Transform Into Your Most Confident Self?

Seasonal trends can be overwhelming and confusing. You want to carry them off, but you’re not quite sure how. You find a trend that resonates with your style, but you’re afraid you may make a fool of yourself.

We get it.
That’s why we have easy no-commitment styling packages. The Silver Package is designed for quick on-trend looks. Put together by a personal stylist online, with a Silver Package you will get a complete outfit look with accessories and styling ideas in 48 hours.

Get a full-blown on-trend style lookbook in your inbox today! Slay your favourite style in 2026 like a pro.

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